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Do we get the feeling we aren't going to be a destination club this off season?
We're never a destination club. Every year we all hope we're secretly doing deals but often the end result is underwhelming. We only get have beens. Even the saints attract more players. Now whether that is down to us not being overly active or aggressive due to wanting to build from within or whether it's that players don't want to come here remains to be seen.
Do we get the feeling we aren't going to be a destination club this off season?
I doubt we are going for any big names so I'm not sure it will be an issue. Fringe types should choose a combination of what is best for their career and the terms offered, rather than picking the most attractive club.
I recall at the time Bruce and Keath were both pretty high-profile and talented trade targets who chose us over others. You could also mount an argument that Bruce and Keath are proof that sometimes it is better to dodge that bullet. Only need to look at 12 months ago and GWS were the competition laughing stock for losing Taranto and Hopper and 'only' picking up Bedford in return.
If we strengthen our national draft hand and also bring in moneyball types who can add value in specific areas of need, I'd be happy with that. It's a less sexy sell than the 'big names' but it is usually more impactful.
Tassie players are more likely to be overlooked 2 years before the side plays. I'd draft Tassie boys this year without hesitation.
Absolutely I'd draft any kid from Tassie - they would be keen as mustard to get off the island and experience the thrills of a big city like Melbourne. I think the tassie-go-home-factor is being a bit over hyped at the moment. Its the equivalent of drafting someone from Warrnambool and then fearing they'd return home if an AFL side started up there. Less than a 15% chance in my book.
Absolutely I'd draft any kid from Tassie - they would be keen as mustard to get off the island and experience the thrills of a big city like Melbourne. I think the tassie-go-home-factor is being a bit over hyped at the moment. Its the equivalent of drafting someone from Warrnambool and then fearing they'd return home if an AFL side started up there. Less than a 15% chance in my book.
I've got a kid who moved to Tassie (against their will) a few years ago. They can hardly wait to get back here.
They say Burt Lancaster has one, but I don't believe them.
I think someone like McKercher would be lined up for the Tom Scully godfather offer of 1mill per year or something...an offer that most other clubs wouldn't be able to match for a young guy.
1mill a year would make me reconsider how much I really disliked my home town.
I think someone like McKercher would be lined up for the Tom Scully godfather offer of 1mill per year or something...an offer that most other clubs wouldn't be able to match for a young guy.
1mill a year would make me reconsider how much I really disliked my home town.
And two first rounders!
So we win the flag in 24 and 25 with him and then cash in.
Like it.
...You could also mount an argument that Bruce and Keath are proof that sometimes it is better to dodge that bullet. Only need to look at 12 months ago and GWS were the competition laughing stock for losing Taranto and Hopper and 'only' picking up Bedford in return.
It's a great question.
I do wonder if we drew up a list of the 'top 50' players in the competition (it would be an arbitrary list of course) and then tried to identify what % of those players were drafted by the club they currently play for. Immediate ones who spring to mind:
Jack Steele I guess. Adam Saad. Tom Mitchell?? I'm sure I'm missing a few but it does seem to be much hullaballoo about not much of anything. YES - if we were to lose English or Naughton on TOP of Dunks, well...that's BAD...but not attracting free agents is maybe not as big a deal right now as we think.
The common factors in that list: They are either absolute, rolled gold top-liners or they are (I guess) very specific 'a player for a role' type selections. It's notable that Brisbane have a few of them, but of those:
- Lachie Neale approached THEM.
- Daniher and Dunkley had both previously tried to leave their clubs of origin to go elsewhere (Sydney and Essendon respectively).
its crazy the number of mids with high draft picks North have gotten.
Powell - #13,2020 NationalDraft
Phillips ( don't know why he was so highly rated) #3,2020 NationalDraft
Horne-francis -left
Shezzel - #3,2022 NationalDraft
Wardlaw - #4,2022 NationalDraft
Goater ( pick 22 - still count as 1st round!)
Jy Simpkin - #12,2016 NationalDraft
Luke Davies-Uniacke #4,2017 NationalDraft
Tarryn Thomas, #8,2018 NationalDraft
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