Trade Rumours 2025

[doggies ftw]

I've only seen him play in a couple of state league games and after a few years at GWS he hasn't played a senior game yet.
He's also been used mainly as a tall forward. Is that where we would seeing him play for us? If so he kicked just 1 goal for the season
He does take a lot of marks though.

He played key defence in the VFL this year, I think I read he was one of the top intercept markers in the league - puts up big numbers.

I haven’t seen much of him, does anyone know how he is 1-on-1? Hes a nice size and very good athletic profile, but I don’t think we really need another 2nd/3rd tall type if that’s what he is.

Im interested as a free hit if we don’t get anyone better

[Pleather Sole]

I've only seen him play in a couple of state league games and after a few years at GWS he hasn't played a senior game yet.
He's also been used mainly as a tall forward. Is that where we would seeing him play for us?
If so, he kicked just 1 goal for his VFL season.
He does take a lot of marks though.

I imagine he'd be our bigger, taller bodied versatile defender who might swing forward every now and then. He's a proven goalkicker but thats just a bonus for us. He's been stalled and stuffed around but is gung ho. I reckon the Dogs could nurture him in to a solid workhorse defender. He intercepts well, reads the ball in the air, reliable straight kick. Does the basics well. I'm sure Pratt could lift his defensive craft.
He's not the big anchor we need but he's worth a go at cut price.
Could be a bargain after a dedicated pre-season in defence. The guy is hungry and applies himself. Wouldn't be surprised if he flourished with us. Has a good tank too.

[1eyedog]

I wonder why Melbourne backflipped on him this year after going after him quite hard last year. Perhaps King doesn't rate him.

[GVGjr]

I imagine he'd be our bigger, taller bodied versatile defender who might swing forward every now and then. He's a proven goalkicker but thats just a bonus for us. He's been stalled and stuffed around but is gung ho. I reckon the Dogs could nurture him in to a solid workhorse defender. He intercepts well, reads the ball in the air, reliable straight kick. Does the basics well. I'm sure Pratt could lift his defensive craft.
He's not the big anchor we need but he's worth a go at cut price.
Could be a bargain after a dedicated pre-season in defence. The guy is hungry and applies himself. Wouldn't be surprised if he flourished with us. Has a good tank too.

Thanks, going off a website it appears he's mainly played forward for GWS which given Melbourne have been interested in him made a bit of sense.
Perhaps playing as a defender would better suit him

[Pleather Sole]

I wonder why Melbourne backflipped on him this year after going after him quite hard last year. Perhaps King doesn't rate him.

Would imagine the new broom has other plans. They almost got him last year too.

[Pleather Sole]

Thanks, going off a website it appears he's mainly played forward for GWS which given Melbourne have been interested in him made a bit of sense.
Perhaps playing as a defender would better suit him

Played at GWS VFL as a defender, was solid. He might be seen as a Buku type replacement with better defensive potential and more pace. Might even be a direct Coffield replacement? Are we expecting more news on delistings now the B&F is done?

[Pleather Sole]

Thanks, going off a website it appears he's mainly played forward for GWS which given Melbourne have been interested in him made a bit of sense.
Perhaps playing as a defender would better suit him

Ps
He played Rugby earlier so I doubt he's shy of physical contests. Bit of that grunt would be useful in our backlines.

[jeemak]

Why’s it matter how he compares with West? Hes not taking his spot. I like Ainsworth hes a huge upgrade on McNeil & VDM. More of a half forward than deep fwd like West.

We have to ensure neither of those guys play a game next year because let’s be honest here they ****ing suck. Guys like Ainsworth improve the bottom of the 22 which is absolutely necessary

The modern game is built on half forwards, who get up and down the ground. Ours are terrible. Would definitely have a crack at Ainsworth but depends on the price, he’s no world beater. Sounds like GC are pushing him out to make cap space as he’s on a decent contract, so we’ll take him for a late pick

This is going to read weirdly, but I agree with you!

[GVGjr]

Mihochek nominates Melbourne.

[GVGjr]

Why’s it matter how he compares with West? Hes not taking his spot. I like Ainsworth hes a huge upgrade on McNeil & VDM. More of a half forward than deep fwd like West.

We have to ensure neither of those guys play a game next year because let’s be honest here they ****ing suck. Guys like Ainsworth improve the bottom of the 22 which is absolutely necessary

The modern game is built on half forwards, who get up and down the ground. Ours are terrible. Would definitely have a crack at Ainsworth but depends on the price, he’s no world beater. Sounds like GC are pushing him out to make cap space as he’s on a decent contract, so we’ll take him for a late pick

Why is measuring him against a similar player coming off a very good season a problem for you?
Are you looking for a slight upgrade on the likes of McNeil and Vandermeer or a substantial one that benefits the team?
I don't see a lot of sense in measuring him against low possession players when that isn't his game.
As it is, he stacks up well against a player we know makes an excellent contribution in our forward set-up.

[soupman]

Mihochek nominates Melbourne.

I don't really understand what Melbourne are doing.

They are losing their best two players, their defence has aged out of being elite, they have no forwardline, and while they've done a sneaky refresh on the run getting guys like Lindsay, Langford, Windsor in they by haven't finished that job at all.

I guess Mihocek can give them some stability to develop with a spine, but I'm confused where they see themselves?

[jeemak]

Why is measuring him against a similar player coming off a very good season a problem for you?
Are you looking for a slight upgrade on the likes of McNeil and Vandermeer or a substantial one that benefits the team?
I don't see a lot of sense in measuring him against low possession players when that isn't his game.
As it is, he stacks up well against a player we know makes an excellent contribution in our forward set-up.

If he's played more of a high forward rather than closer to goal then is comparing him to West the right comparison? My understanding is he played a bit higher, maybe I'm off the mark with that..............

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I don't really understand what Melbourne are doing.

They are losing their best two players, their defence has aged out of being elite, they have no forwardline, and while they've done a sneaky refresh on the run getting guys like Lindsay, Langford, Windsor in they by haven't finished that job at all.

I guess Mihocek can give them some stability to develop with a spine, but I'm confused where they see themselves?

Yeah I don't get this move.

I don't get it from Mihoceks perspective either, unless it's a final pay day.

[Sedat]

I don't get it from Mihoceks perspective either, unless it's a final pay day.

He deserves it. Collingwood have grossly underpaid him for a while now.

I'm spewing Elliott also didn't leave, they would have beeen screwed if he did.

[doggies ftw]

Why is measuring him against a similar player coming off a very good season a problem for you?
Are you looking for a slight upgrade on the likes of McNeil and Vandermeer or a substantial one that benefits the team?
I don't see a lot of sense in measuring him against low possession players when that isn't his game.
As it is, he stacks up well against a player we know makes an excellent contribution in our forward set-up.

No harm in comparing them, it just read like people were suggesting we didn’t need Ainsworth because West was better so I was pointing out he’s not competing with West. West does his best work closer to goal and Ainsworth would be coming in to play higher & between the arcs - room for both.

He is a substantial upgrade on both VDM & McNeil IMO, I’d definitely make him a priority right now.

Cody & West (these two closer to goal, can’t wait to get both fit and firing together for the first time) and Ainsworth & Dolan/AJ (high half forwards) would be a pretty strong small/half forward group