A little something to ponder...

[The Doctor]

Going over old ground.

I go by the adage, draft the best available and trade for needs.

I believe our needs are:

* Key Position Defender - Tomlinson is not that player.

* Speedy outside mid/winger -

* Small goal sneak, ala, Betts, Cameron type.

We are covered in most other areas.

We need another specialist ruckman. Not a makeshift one.

[bornadog]

We need another specialist ruckman. Not a makeshift one.

Yes, agree we can add that in as well.

My point is Tomlinson maybe a nice to have , but not a need.

[bulldogtragic]

Going over old ground.

I go by the adage, draft the best available and trade for needs.

I believe our needs are:

* Key Position Defender - Tomlinson is not that player. Media link to Keith also. (Darcy Moore manager denies a link) .

* Speedy outside mid/winger - Media link to Martin, Hill & Langdon (Isaac Smith denies a link)

* Small goal sneak, ala, Betts, Cameron type. - Media link to Tippa. Jamie Elliott not signed yet.

We are covered in most other areas.

A genuine back up or alternate ruck would be great, but I'm reluctant to think this will happen. Although a few might be out there 'maybe' including Cegler and Paddy Ryder.

[Twodogs]

Going over old ground.

I go by the adage, draft the best available and trade for needs.

I believe our needs are:

* Key Position Defender - Tomlinson is not that player.

* Speedy outside mid/winger -

* Small goal sneak, ala, Betts, Cameron type.

We are covered in most other areas.

That should be written on a huge banner on the wall of the recruiter's office. The golden rule of recruiting.

[Bulldog4life]

Elliot is a free Agent too. Last I read he was determined to stay at Collingwood although his last contract was for only one year because of injury. Still you would think might be gettable depending on what Collingwood offers him this time.

[mjp]

Elliot is a free Agent too. Last I read he was determined to stay at Collingwood although his last contract was for only one year because of injury. Still you would think might be gettable depending on what Collingwood offers him this time.

Is Elliot a small forward? He's more like a tall forward in a small body...I would think we need a crumber more than an Elliot type.

[Mofra]

We've signalled we'll be aggressive at trade week BUT... our signings suggest we want to keep as much of the team together as possible, which is not necessarily a bad thing. We're clearly nailing our colours to the mast of the current midfield group + English so I'm not even sure we look at an experienced ruck.

We have a truckload of cap space but I can see us picking up 1-2 role players and that's it. I'd be willing to pay heavily for Keath as a 197cm intercept marking KPD who can kick as he would suit us perfectly, with maybe another role player in the Lloyd/Crozier/Duryea category.
Having extra cap will really help us keep the team together and I have no doubt when we take 3-4 kids next year from NGA/FS (all one 2 year base salary) we'll have cap space for the next couple of years too just in case another FA bobs up.
IIRC Wood signed a deal after 2016 on big coin.

[azabob]

Mofra I am really enjoying your list management analysis and perspective.

It’s well reasoned and thought out.

[Mantis]

As per others I'm all for grabbing an experienced KPD and a quick defensive minded small forward as I see those area's of greatest concern on our list. Potentially Young and maybe West/ Cavarra will develop into these roles, but some additional coverage would be welcomed.

Given the way our players have developed in the 2nd part of the season & with lost of $$ in the salary cap to spare we are in an extremely strong position heading into the next 3-5 years.. Fun times ahead!

[bulldogtragic]

We've signalled we'll be aggressive at trade week BUT... our signings suggest we want to keep as much of the team together as possible, which is not necessarily a bad thing. We're clearly nailing our colours to the mast of the current midfield group + English so I'm not even sure we look at an experienced ruck.

We have a truckload of cap space but I can see us picking up 1-2 role players and that's it. I'd be willing to pay heavily for Keath as a 197cm intercept marking KPD who can kick as he would suit us perfectly, with maybe another role player in the Lloyd/Crozier/Duryea category.
Having extra cap will really help us keep the team together and I have no doubt when we take 3-4 kids next year from NGA/FS (all one 2 year base salary) we'll have cap space for the next couple of years too just in case another FA bobs up.
IIRC Wood signed a deal after 2016 on big coin.

I can see the merit in a strategy like this, but I think with the money and picks we should aim a bit higher, but not extreme. Where I'm at is 3 picks at the draft, and 3 trades. 6 spots need to open up: Picken, Boyd, Morris (Ret), Williams (traded), Roberts & Webb make 6. Dickson stays if that's what is wanted by Power & Bevo. So the list is pretty much in tact considering those six players have only played a couple of handfuls of games.

If the three players were for example (mature & experienced role players) Keath/Tomlinson (KPD), Jack Martin (classy runner) & Tippa (small quick forward) then these three players we are not going to fully exhaust our salary cap room (close though). The savings from Morris & Williams then lock away Bailey Smith and help lock away Schache etc.

To me it's the 'middle path' approach I'd like us to see, intelligent aggression on the trade front. When we have money and picks we should use them and make hay when the sun shines. We have such an amazing opportunity with the picks and money we have to propel us further again next year. Three trades for best 22 role players with three draft picks, and some cap left to nail down Smith and co. All while keeping the vast majority of the list together. So I'm on three trades, three draft picks, and therefore six changes and more key re-signings with cap room left over.

[bornadog]

As per others I'm all for grabbing an experienced KPD and a quick defensive minded small forward as I see those area's of greatest concern on our list. Potentially Young and maybe West/ Cavarra will develop into these roles, but some additional coverage would be welcomed.

Given the way our players have developed in the 2nd part of the season & with lost of $$ in the salary cap to spare we are in an extremely strong position heading into the next 3-5 years.. Fun times ahead!

What is your opinion on Tomlinson?

[Mantis]

What is your opinion on Tomlinson?

He's a nice player who moves well and is a neat kick.. I would be interested in him at the right price, but believe his type isn't our most pressing need.

[GVGjr]

Going over old ground.

I go by the adage, draft the best available and trade for needs.

I believe our needs are:

* Key Position Defender - Tomlinson is not that player.

* Speedy outside mid/winger -

* Small goal sneak, ala, Betts, Cameron type.

We are covered in most other areas.

Why isn't Tomlinson that player? Is it still because he is too short?

[Mantis]

Why isn't Tomlinson that player? Is it still because he is too short?

I would think it's the type/style of player that Tomlinson is rather than his size, he is the perfect size for a KPD.. he just doesn't play as one.

Maybe we can mold him into this type of player, but given he's a 6-7 year player it is a stretch to think he can become a combative key defender.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Never seen it with Tomlinson - Young is a far better prospect and Tomlinson would cost a first round pick. He’s not great at any position; he’s basically a younger Trengove.