true, but he could play a critical role in the journey. teaching and helping scully and trengove so that when we are ready they will be key factors.

yes we are rebuilding but you cant have everyone the same age. that is pointless. you only need to look at an ageing shane crawford to see that a 30+ has a role on GF day as long as they are in the right team.

if ball comes in and has 3 fantastic years, this footy club will improve significantly.

I get what you're saying, and I totally agree when it comes to Crawford types that an ageing player is the guy the youngsters will learn from... but JMac is this to the squad right now. And to a lesser extent Davey and even Sylvia who's been through a fair bit are too.

I'm not sure we'd want a guy who doesn't really want to play for the dees. Oh wait, we'll pay him half a mil next year... oh ok then, he's a dee through and through now. It's more by accident that he's a chance of ending up on the list.

Insert Ball into the squad, stir and let marinate for a couple of seasons... I'm not sure it's that simple.

But I guess it's a factor when it comes to considering his recruitment.

From another point of view, perhaps leadership off field is something Brock lacked?

Every pick we take will force a de-listing

We need to be careful not to throw out an injury prone player who has shown something - for an injury prone player whose shown no more (and been with someone else)

I'd definitely take Ball - but I'm not that Jesse Smith is a better option than sticking with Bell or Buckley

They ca, and they should. And they WILL.

One big issue is age. Even in Ball comes in and plays 3 sensational years, and gets a couple of Blueys, by the time we look like threatening again his body could REALLY have let him down. In other words, he could get us there (to finals) but may not be able to make a difference on the day, should it be 4-6 years away as some have suggested.

That'll be a big factor I reckon.

From Ball's perspective it's not ideal, but it might be a better option for him than taking a gamble in the ND and possibly ending up interstate. Does his chance for a flag increase at Port or Sydney? Not really.

If he wants to win a flag soon, he has to go to either St Kilda (nope), Bulldogs (can't afford him), Geelong (can't afford him), Collingwood (unlikely to last till pick 30), Brisbane (does he want to move interstate?) or Adelaide (who the hell wants to live in SA?). If he ends up at Essendon it's 50-50 at best, and if he lands at Carlton (unlikely, as they won't use first round pick on him) will he be able to get regular game time in such a good midfield?

From our perspective, if we get 2/3/4 good years out of him, what have we lost? It's not as if we have to give up quality draft picks or players to get him, and we're not risking salary cap room by having him on the list either. It's a huge win for us if we convince him to come.

Jesse Smith is a huge risk to waste on PSD1,i can't believe it's being debated.

Where would he fit and who's spot would he take in our best 18?

Here is a curve ball for you all.

What IF (and it is a big IF) Ball agreed to go into the PSD and play for the dees, and Jesse Smith made the call to nominate for the National draft? Would he last to pick 34, and is so would you want him with that pick?

That was we could bring in two players with much to prove, with talent to burn.

If it is a toss up between the two, hands down Luke Ball!

Here is a curve ball for you all.

What IF (and it is a big IF) Ball agreed to go into the PSD and play for the dees, and Jesse Smith made the call to nominate for the National draft? Would he last to pick 34, and is so would you want him with that pick?

That was we could bring in two players with much to prove, with talent to burn.

If it is a toss up between the two, hands down Luke Ball!

That would be a huge win.

Four talented 18 year olds, all top 20 picks, and then two gun players who still have a heck of a lot to prove, with both talent and leadership.

Dream outcome.