John Butcher was rated in the top-two draft picks in early 2009.

An agile forward but notably an attacking forward.

He never wanted to leave Victoria and, given his lack of game-time due to injury, I reckon it's affecting him right now.

With Mitch Clark and (potentially) Jesse Hogan in 2014, he won't need to be a star and nobody will expect that from him.

He fills an important role in a forward line that has been devoid of structure this year. He fills one of our most important needs, if not the most important.

As long as his body holds up. Touch wood.

What would we trade for him.

Anything more then our 2nd rounder (If avail) would be overs I think

I think he would be great acquisition but the cost would be steep. Port used a high pick on him only a few years ago and considering their list isn't overflowing with tall forward options they'd be reluctant to let him go.

What would we trade for him.

Anything more then our 2nd rounder (If avail) would be overs I think

Port will ask for pick 13, I think. I'd hesitate at that but not flat-out reject it.

Pick 26 is out if Viney goes there.

Smart money is on talks breaking down and Butcher staying put. But a man's gotta dream this season.

What would we trade for him.

Anything more then our 2nd rounder (If avail) would be overs I think

You'd have to be joking. Would you accept a 2nd rounder for Watts? Because he has shown more than Watts as a key forward to this stage of his career. While we're at it why don't we offer GWS pick 38 for Cameron.

Isn't Butcher contracted though? Was drafted 2009 so I assume with a regular 2 year rookie contract he re-signed at the end of last year for more than one season??

Butcher is turning 22 and has played only 12 games. Clealry has injury problems. His price cannot be too high. We have players to trade. A good pick if Martin was traded could be enough. Petterd also wants out. We have other picks and will get FA compo picks as well. If Butcher wants to come and Port are prepared to deal it can be done.

I think his brother is there as well. If Port don't want him maybe a rookie spot could asist.

Edited October 1, 201213 yr by Redleg

Butcher is turning 22 and has played only 12 games. Clealry has injury problems. His price cannot be too high. We have players to trade. A good pick if Martin was traded could be enough. Petterd also wants out. We have other picks and will get FA compo picks as well. If Butcher wants to come and Port are prepared to deal it can be done.

I think his brother is there as well. If Port don't want him maybe a rookie spot could asist.

Is he contracted?

Also word was he didn't want to come to us pre-draft (didn't like our tanking) so what has changed now? Surely there would be other clubs here that would be keen (like Carlton or Saints) who would be more attractive prospects.

Is he contracted?

Also word was he didn't want to come to us pre-draft (didn't like our tanking) so what has changed now? Surely there would be other clubs here that would be keen (like Carlton or Saints) who would be more attractive prospects.

He has shown more than Watts as a forward but far less as a player in general. Injured to the max.

Pretty sure he signed for 4 years last trade period i think mate also, so is well and truly contracted

If he could play a full season I would be keen but the whole injury cloud that's over him makes Me think other wise.

Want. Can play. Kicks it like Sticks Kernahan, marks it like Loewe, injured like Gumbleton.

If he can get over the latter, he'll be a gun. Possible scenarios would be:

- Swap #4 and a player who'd be fringe best 22 for him and Jacobs

- #4 and #13 for butcher, Jacobs, port's #7 pick

I'd be loathe to do either of these sorts of deals, but the power will want something good for him - he's rated very highly and is under contract.

Saying all this, don't expect him to leave.

Has he actually flagged that he wants to leave? Because all I can see so far is a fantasy post on a supporter website wanting a young key forward who is contracted elsewhere.

Melbourne will be lucky to attract any players this trading period....they are a basket case.

BUT,

2014 will see a new respect for the club after a solid 2013.

So many players will stand up and the professionalism of the coaching staff will make the club viable. I suggest we hold onto the chest and look at homesick GWS players down the path.

There are too many NQRs at the moment and they're getting good coin for being very, very, ordinary for a long time.

Yeah Butcher was rated really highly before he got drafted. I remember in one of his first games he took like 5 marks in the forward line and kicked 5 goals. Exactly the kind of player Melbourne should be chasing. Tall forwards who can take contested marks and convert. Appears to be injury prone but i rekon we should take a punt on either Butcher or Gumbleton. Gumbleton has been injury prone and with the number of tall options at Essendon now I think it would be smart of Melbourne to chase him. Offer him a 2-3 year deal and average money but with the promise of giving him games.

John and Danny are my cousins. Would love to see either in red and blue but can't see it happening myself.