Sliding doors moment during trade period.

[Mitcha]

Last trade period we had interest in a couple of mids from around the competition. We were linked with O'Halloran and Peatling from GWS and Matt Kennedy from the Baggers. From what we have seen so far we are well in front. Kennedy has some rough edges but is big bodied, tough and competitive, has the ability to push forward and clunk a few but most importantly has a defensive side to his game which we have missed since Dunkley took off. O'Halloran similar to Kennedy but not as good and an average to poor kick. Peatling a bit different with some outside speed and run and carry attributes. I'm happy with the outcome, others thoughts?

[mjp]

I mean...who knows?

If we had Peatling then right now then Kennedy could do some more forward time which would be helpful given our other injuries...I kind of think both of these guys would be important 'depth' in that 15-25 player on the list range and when you have a heap out, well, that's not nothing!!

[Happy Days]

I was into Peatling and thought he could’ve added something to our mid mix we don’t have, but think the pot got a little big on him and I’m happy enough to have missed out.

Kennedy I’ve been pretty happy with and we haven’t even really seen him play the role we got him for yet.

XOH is nothing.

I think we played it right.

[jazzadogs]

I suspect if Peatling or XOH had come, we would have let Garcia explore other options.

Kennedy was always the most accomplished of that group of targets (although I think we actively chased Peatling and XOH, whereas Kennedy fell in our lap), so we did well in bringing him in.

[Sedat]

Kennedy is basically what we got from Sam Power holding out with Geelong for extra on the Smith trade, not to mention off-loading Jack Macrae salary and saving probably 300k with Kennedy instead (who is also 3 years younger). Sad to lose a heart and soul type like Jack but our list balance and salary profile is undeniably in better shape now and into the future.

Big fan of Peatling and he has been excellent for the Crows this season - Kennedy is a similar defensive mid type who can also drift forward. I don't mind O'Halloran either, and suspect we'll get him on the cheap at the end of this year when he's out of contract. He looks a solid citizen and has a naturally defensive mindset, but will likely get squeezed out by all the young GWS high half forwards.

[mighty_west]

I think it's been a big win for both us and the Saints, I guess with Kennedy like us with Jack both players probably needed a change and with Carlton having too many similar types and MacRae no longer being able to have the midfield minutes he really needs which he get's at the Saints and has been brilliant for them so far, Kennedy was exactly the type we needed and is more valuable for us than he would have been at Carlton.

I don't mind O'Halloran but isn't he too similar to Garcia anyway? especially now with Garcia re-signing for another 3 years (shame he got injured), with a full squad i wonder if both would be fighting for the same position? Probably best we didn't acquire all 3 anyway with both Butters and Rowell joining the club this and maybe next year.

[GVGjr]

Last trade period we had interest in a couple of mids from around the competition. We were linked with O'Halloran and Peatling from GWS and Matt Kennedy from the Baggers. From what we have seen so far we are well in front. Kennedy has some rough edges but is big bodied, tough and competitive, has the ability to push forward and clunk a few but most importantly has a defensive side to his game which we have missed since Dunkley took off. O'Halloran similar to Kennedy but not as good and an average to poor kick. Peatling a bit different with some outside speed and run and carry attributes. I'm happy with the outcome, others thoughts?

I wanted to have another look at this.
Peatling was tempting because initially I though he was more of an outside, player winger or half forward.
Outside of his character and leadership skills I think XOH was a puzzling option that we were considering.
Kennedy however, has been an outstanding trade for us and offsets the loss of the well loved Jack Macrae.
His ability to kick a goal a game and to play a slightly lesser role to compliment Liberatore, Richards, Freijah and Bontempelli really suits us.
The Saints will be exceptionally happy with Macrae but he is their number 1 midfielder at the moment whereas Kennedy is filling in where needed and more adaptable.

Kennedy has been a terrific addition for us and has been a consistent contributor in every game.

[Aidan7557]

Seems like everyone is winning. Matt Kennedy has been unbelievable. Top 10 rated player in the comp! Has a bit more class then I thought and is still kicking goals despite playing most of his game time on ball.

[Go_Dogs]

Kennedy fits our need perfectly. Sum of his parts type. We did very well.

[Twodogs]

Very happy with Kennedy. He brings a skill set we've missed the middle since Dunkley left

[Mofra]

Kennedy has been far, far better than I expected.
Peatling is a different type of player and any team could comfortably fit in both.

[GVGjr]

Kennedy has been far, far better than I expected.
Peatling is a different type of player and any team could comfortably fit in both.

He's just been so consistent and I would imagine most of us have been surprised by his performances so far.
Peatling would have been a decent addition for us as well but with Bont and Treloar missing so many games, Kennedy has been huge for us.

[GVGjr]

I think it's been a big win for both us and the Saints, I guess with Kennedy like us with Jack both players probably needed a change and with Carlton having too many similar types and MacRae no longer being able to have the midfield minutes he really needs which he get's at the Saints and has been brilliant for them so far, Kennedy was exactly the type we needed and is more valuable for us than he would have been at Carlton.

I don't mind O'Halloran but isn't he too similar to Garcia anyway? especially now with Garcia re-signing for another 3 years (shame he got injured), with a full squad i wonder if both would be fighting for the same position? Probably best we didn't acquire all 3 anyway with both Butters and Rowell joining the club this and maybe next year.

Saints supporters have been glowing in their praise of Macrae and he has done well so both of our clubs would be pleased with how it's all turned out.

[Mantis]

Saints supporters have been glowing in their praise of Macrae and he has done well so both of our clubs would be pleased with how it's all turned out.

Yep.

He is back playing the role he’s most suited to, and as we all thought he is still a very good AFL player… especially when he’s allowed to roam free.

[hujsh]

Yep.

He is back playing the role he’s most suited to, and as we all thought he is still a very good AFL player… especially when he’s allowed to roam free.

And that's the thing, it's hard to let Macrae roam free when the likes of Bont, Treloar, Richards are ahead of him. He's too well paid to be a supporting mid like Kennedy, Harmes, Sanders and Freijah. Agree it was a good move for both parties.