Geelong & Hawthorn Have A Weakness Can We Exploit Come Trade Time

[Guest Dr Who]

Have just finished watching both the Geelong & Hawthorn(again) games from the weekend.

Although Cats won I cant help but feel both have an obvious weakness that may become very telling come September - both have a problem in their Ruck division.

Maric (ordinary at best) made Geelong rucks look like sub-standard VFL players. Hawks got smashed and had to employ a full field press & not open the game up at any stage.

Do we need to consider that we might have exactly what either need - a Ruckman ie do we have 1 ruckman too many. But the "trade" must suit us without being ridiculous.

Just a thought this early in the season.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,460]

I thought last year we should get rid of one of Jamar or Martin while they have currency. We would then still have on of them, Gawn (wasn't injured at that stage), Spencer, Fitzpatrick and Clark/Sellar as back-up. We can afford to get rid of one.

[Guest José Mourinho]

I think Hawthorn would pounce on Jamar.

Not sure about Geelong.

Not sure we'd get an equitable deal though.

I don't think there's really much to exploit.

[Bonkers 994]

I think Hawthorn would pounce on Jamar.

Not sure about Geelong.

Not sure we'd get an equitable deal though.

I don't think there's really much to exploit.

Jamar is a free agent at the end of the year so he will have no trade value to us unless he signs a contract.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Have just finished watching both the Geelong & Hawthorn(again) games from the weekend.

Although Cats won I cant help but feel both have an obvious weakness that may become very telling come September - both have a problem in their Ruck division.

Maric (ordinary at best) made Geelong rucks look like sub-standard VFL players. Hawks got smashed and had to employ a full field press & not open the game up at any stage.

Do we need to consider that we might have exactly what either need - a Ruckman ie do we have 1 ruckman too many. But the "trade" must suit us without being ridiculous.

Just a thought this early in the season.

These were my thoughts, 6 months back & 12 months before that. People said 'I thought you were a Jamar fan",,, I am but I'm also a MFC supporter as well... It could have been a Mutual benenfit.

Now while I'd like to see Our true players become one club players, we are also in a dilemma, to boost our experienced stocks with class.... IF, I thought we could get Joel Corey for a Swap this year, well, hmmn???

The Cats have other rucks coming up... & I'm sure they'd like to Joel a one club player.

Travis Boak, I would consider... IF ??? we could come to some arrangement?

[pitchfork 181]

In the end it's all about maximising value. Jamar is untradeable due to his free agent status (I assume the AFL has outlawed 'sign-and-trades), his value to us is therefore dictated by the terms of his contract. No idea what Martin is on, but I'd suggest he's probably on fairly favourable money and wouldn't gather that much interest as he's not really a no.1 ruckman or has number 1 potential.

I'd trade Gawn, no-doubt. He's good, has a high ceiling, but can't get on the park. There's no reason to think that injury will not follow him throughout his career - if they can't get on the paddock than they are just taking up space. If there's interest and an equitable deal, move him. Has top 5 ruckman potential but the injuries are just too much - if the deal is good enough, do it

[dee-luded 2,959]

Luke Ball I think is out of contract at the end of 2012 as well,,, I wouldn't mind his Footy IQ @ MFC for a season or so...

[Guest José Mourinho]

Jamar is a free agent at the end of the year so he will have no trade value to us unless he signs a contract.

I completely forgot about that...

We'd only get a 2nd round pick for him, tops.

Although, I reckon judging by what collingwood paid for Jolly, a 1st round pick wouldn't be too unreasonable.

Compensation, I mean - not in trade.

Webjet.

Opel.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Jamar is a free agent at the end of the year so he will have no trade value to us unless he signs a contract.

As a true clubman, would he sign a new contract (always knowing he was going) so that the club would benefit from a trade?

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Luke Ball I think is out of contract at the end of 2012 as well,,, I wouldn't mind his Footy IQ @ MFC for a season or so...

If we trade we need to trade for an investment that will be with us for many years, like Clark for example. He is 24 years old, relatively experienced and can possibly be with us for 6-8 years if he doesn't get sick of the terrible delivery he receives in the forward line.

Balls football brain, experience, and leadership would be invaluable to us but only for a year or two as he is nearing the end of his career. So if we were to trade, ideally we would need to get someone around the 24-26 year old mark that can bring us experience and leadership for a long term that goes well into when our "premiership Window" opens. (whenever that may be.)

[dee-luded 2,959]

Thats exactly what I mean. Ball may, or may not be able to be persuaded, but not for any high picks or the like.

If they finish him off, we could do worse than have some of his attitude, to rub off on some of ours.

[Guest Dr Who]

Forget Ball he would never come to us given a choice. Sorry.

[McQueen 17,867]

Have just finished watching both the Geelong & Hawthorn(again) games from the weekend.

Although Cats won I cant help but feel both have an obvious weakness that may become very telling come September - both have a problem in their Ruck division.

Maric (ordinary at best) made Geelong rucks look like sub-standard VFL players. Hawks got smashed and had to employ a full field press & not open the game up at any stage.

Do we need to consider that we might have exactly what either need - a Ruckman ie do we have 1 ruckman too many. But the "trade" must suit us without being ridiculous.

Just a thought this early in the season.

Jarred Roughhead

Max Bailey

David Hale

Broc McCauley

Mark Jamar

Stef Martin

Max Gawn

Jake Spencer

What have we got to offer Hawthorn?

[Guest Dr Who]

Jarred Roughhead

Max Bailey

David Hale

Broc McCauley

Mark Jamar

Stef Martin

Max Gawn

Jake Spencer

What have we got offer Hawthorn?

A genuine number 1 first ruck 200cm/ish tall

Jarred Roughhead - Needs to play forward - chop out ruckman

David Hale - Needs to play forward - chop out ruckman

Max Bailey - toooooo unreliable - Max Bailey (wrist) - TBC - his whole career

Broc McCauley - No

Hawthorn just cant open up the game because they get smashed in the air/contested marks. But if you go from stop-age to stop-age you are trying to find the ball off the opposition ruckman or you are chasing bums.

[McQueen 17,867]

A genuine number 1 first ruck 200cm/ish tall

Jarred Roughhead - Needs to play forward - chop out ruckman

David Hale - Needs to play forward - chop out ruckman

Max Bailey - toooooo unreliable - Max Bailey (wrist) - TBC - his whole career

Broc McCauley - No

Hawthorn just cant open up the game because they get smashed in the air/contested marks. But if you go from stop-age to stop-age you are trying to find the ball off the opposition ruckman or you are chasing bums.

Bailey showed a lot of promise last year and is probably more reliable than Gawn and Spencer at this stage.

Haven't seen enough of McCauley but he was stiff at Brisbane with Big Leuy having a cracker season. He might come of age this year surrounded by a great midfield teaching him.

As for Roughy and Hale, for the Hawks to have this versatility in two ruck/forwards is pretty special and it depends on who you talk to but some would say it's more value than a dedicated ruckman.

I just can't see them needing anyone, especially from our stables.

[Guest Dr Who]

Bailey showed a lot of promise last year and is probably more reliable than Gawn and Spencer at this stage.

Haven't seen enough of McCauley but he was stiff at Brisbane with Big Leuy having a cracker season. He might come of age this year surrounded by a great midfield teaching him.

As for Roughy and Hale, for the Hawks to have this versatility in two ruck/forwards is pretty special and it depends on who you talk to but some would say it's more value than a dedicated ruckman.

I just can't see them needing anyone, especially from our stables.

No problems - Hawthorn are smack in that premiership window. What do you think they are missing?

I just dont think their structure is quite right as of now. They get past against the weak - but against the "premiership threats" its a damn risky strategy.

If I was a Hawk I would be thinking so close but so far. Is it just a matter of Hodge will make the diff?

[rjay 25,360]

No problems - Hawthorn are smack in that premiership window. What do you think they are missing?

I just dont think their structure is quite right as of now. They get past against the weak - but against "big boys" its a damn risky strategy.

If I was a Hawk I would be thinking so close but so far. Is it just a matter of Hodge will make the diff?

Hodge will make a difference and they really need a key defender, they are putting a lot on getting Gilham back into the side. I'm not convinced about their precision kicking game plan either, not making a call just yet but want to see how it stacks up in a real pressure situation. The ultimate cop out from me is a premiership this year and it's a winner, no premiership and it's a fail.

[Triple Jack 13]

Not Sure which ruckmen they would want.

Jamar maybe passed best, plus we would only get a compo pick

Martin is a Roughead/Hale style 2nd ruck/forward etc

Gawn TALL but cant get on the park at this stage and may not help them in their premiership window

Spencer well Injured and probably not good enough. Bailey a much better option

Plus a Key defender is the player they will be looking for if the right deal comes up

[McQueen 17,867]

No problems - Hawthorn are smack in that premiership window. What do you think they are missing?

I just dont think their structure is quite right as of now. They get past against the weak - but against the "premiership threats" its a damn risky strategy.

If I was a Hawk I would be thinking so close but so far. Is it just a matter of Hodge will make the diff?

Luke Hodge. Out of Judd, Ball and Hodge from the '01 draft, I would have Hodgey in a Demons jumper any day.

I reckon he will make the difference. Apart from his obvious footy smarts and sublime skills, his true grit and determination are what makes him such a terrific skipper. Watching him in that 2008 prelim is some of the best footage going around.

Put him back in to the Hawks line up, fit and firing, and watch the improvement.

Ed: iPad fingers

[Guest Dr Who]

Luke Hodge. Out of Judd, Ball and Hodge from the '01 draft, I would have Hodgey in a Demons jumper any day.

I reckon he will make the difference. Apart from his obvious footy smarts and sublime skills, his true grit and determination are what makes him such a terrific skipper. Watching him in that 2008 prelim is some of the best footage going around.

Put him back in to the Hawks line up, fit and firing, and watch the improvement.

Ed: iPad fingers

Luke Hodge. Out of Judd, Ball and Hodge from the '01 draft, I would have Hodgey in a Demons jumper any day.

I reckon he will make the difference. Apart from his obvious footy smarts and sublime skills, his true grit and determination are what makes him such a terrific skipper. Watching him in that 2008 prelim is some of the best footage going around.

Put him back in to the Hawks line up, fit and firing, and watch the improvement.

Ed: iPad fingers

Yip. Might scratch Hawks off the list - think you, rjay & Tripe Jay have convinced me.

Cheers

[dee-luded 2,959]

No problems - Hawthorn are smack in that premiership window. What do you think they are missing?

I just dont think their structure is quite right as of now. They get past against the weak - but against the "premiership threats" its a damn risky strategy.

If I was a Hawk I would be thinking so close but so far. Is it just a matter of Hodge will make the diff?

Hodge, Gilham & Breust will return to that last weekends lineup. that will add some bite.

[Guest Dr Who]

Hodge, Gilham & Breust will return to that last weekends lineup. that will add some bite.

Cheers - I'm going to be watching these three like a "hawk" over the next few weeks/months.

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

Luke Ball I think is out of contract at the end of 2012 as well,,, I wouldn't mind his Footy IQ @ MFC for a season or so...

the player who said he'd sooner quit a year of football than play for the dees...

[Guest Dr Who]

Well looks like i got one right Just read todays paper and they are saying collingwood & Geelong should be/ are interested

[ox_5 163]

It's a Mark Stevens article. He probably got the idea by reading this forum.