A little something to ponder...

[GVGjr]

So this is a sweeping statement:

I have already said this in another thread, we don't need a Tomlinson, we need a KPP. Just because I don't agree with you, you just want to keep at me. Not sure why

I couldn't care less if you agree with me, it's a discussion forum not a cheer squad but you bumped Dry Rots comments without putting reasons forward and your original ones about his lack of height were incorrect

When pressed you eventually did provide some reasons

[bornadog]

I couldn't care less if you agree with me, it's a discussion forum not a cheer squad but you bumped Dry Rots comments without putting reasons forward and your original ones about his lack of height were incorrect

When pressed you eventually did provide some reasons

You didn't challenge DR?

My reasons were given in another thread.

[GVGjr]

You didn't challenge DR?

My reasons were given in another thread.

I was going to let sleeping dogs lie and your reasons for quoting it was?

[westbulldog]

I think we will draft well if recent history is any guide. Currently, I would only go after Keath and Jack Martin. Some good discussion on here.

[dog town]

A 194cm, 96kg, 26yo, played 136 games in a good side, played all 21 games this year averging 17.3 disposals and 6.2 marks at CHB with multiple career best numbers, and who has good disposal and skill.

I'm interested. I think he'd get a game on need with us. Free makes it better.

He isn’t free though really because he is taking a spot on our list and good money. No price to the other club but by reaching to get someone across we could compromise our great cap position. We need to use this to land players we really need and players who are going to win games for us.

[Topdog]

I'd be surprised if we were not interested in a tall player that can run and is a very good user of the ball.

[Grantysghost]

I'd be surprised if we were not interested in a tall player that can run and is a very good user of the ball.

Tomlinson would be a great get I think. There aren't many KP defenders out there really? Look at how the Tigers set up with Grimes, Astbury, Broad, Rance when fit. It's all about a team of good defenders and he meets that criteria. Guess for me the caveat with all these things is the price. But I feel he is exactly what we need. At 193cm he is listed as the same height as Grimes.

[bulldogtragic]

He isn’t free though really because he is taking a spot on our list and good money. No price to the other club but by reaching to get someone across we could compromise our great cap position. We need to use this to land players we really need and players who are going to win games for us.

Free in the context of not having to give picks and/or players. And I personally would take him for all the reasons I've outlined (and others too) across many posts.

[Mofra]

True. Perhaps just 'defender' (inc. high half back) would've been more accurate. That clarification aside, for the right wage as a free agent he'd be a handy addition for a mature player with his height, agility and skill.

The media reports months ago said we were interested, but as a forward. IIRC he hasn't played much forward at GWS.

I think he'd make a great link player though, off the flanks or even rotating on a wing. Good tank, decent overhead, good kick. The Saints seem in the box seat though, they have a big offer in front of him.

[Mofra]

Based on the team that played on Sunday, who comes out for Tomlinson? I don't believe he makes us a better team.

Hayes or Dale.

Suckling has one year left too, although I really think Lachie Young will in a couple of years take that spot. I love his overhead ability and think he'll develop composure to really ail those lower percentage kicks he tries.

[Bullies]

I pity Sam Power he will have some hard decisions to make trading or delisting very good players in the near future.

And you can see a lot of our players are playing well at other clubs as well - Adams/Stringer/Hamling/Dahl which says a lot about the system we have in place. We have been able to cover them and the injuries as well.

[Rocket Science]

This team smashed two Top 8 teams in two weeks, with goal runs of 21 & 12.

Due to injury, Liberatore, Wallis, Daniel and English (today) missed. Take some time to ponder how to get them into the 22.

Now ponder the clubs aggressive player acquisition strategy, that has as much as $2M to back up trading picks. Ponder landing Tomlinson/Keith, Tippa & Jack Martin (experienced, mature role players of much talent). Ponder how you fit them in with Liberatore, Wallis, Daniel & English.

Ponder that we have a heap of kids still nowhere near their talent ceiling: Naughton, Le Young, Schache, English, Dunkley, Lippa, Richards, West, Smith etc. (all signed next year and far beyond). Then a solid group of kids and role players at the VFL level looking to make it themselves.

After you've pondered the above, ponder what happens now and for some years if the 22 selected each week players with the consistently displayed effort, application and skill.

Ponder.

A little bit more to ponder ...





I'm aroused.

[bornadog]

Hawks in trouble. Can't be bothered to rebuild or draft young players, they prefer to get ready made. It will bite them in the bum soon.

[hujsh]

Hawks in trouble. Can't be bothered to rebuild or draft young players, they prefer to get ready made. It will bite them in the bum soon.

You could argue they're a Tom Mitchell injury away from playing finals this year. How sustainable that is long term is another question but they seem to generally manage to be around the mark and seem keen to recruit more again this year (one reason I'd rather not help them out with cap relief unless we're sure it's beneficial to us).

[The Doctor]

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.

So what happens if English sustains a long term injury? All we have is Sweet as a specialist ruck. I don't want Trengove to be the replacement. We need him at FB as our defence has been much more settled with him anchoring the backline. An experienced ruck will add competition for a spot and cover for injuries. There are a few out there in the market around the 30yo and that is who I would be targeting.