Trades Free Agency & Trade Period ratings

[H_T 3,049]

Now that the Free Agency and Trade period of nearly one month has come to a conclusion, I've given a personal assessment and rating of all the clubs of what transpired, where they are at in terms of picks and some comments about the performance throughout trade....month: -

Adelaide - F

Totally fluffed their trade season up by prolonging dealing with Sydney. They should have just signed up J.White and pick 23, when they had a chance, said goodbye to Tippett and his dad to the Harbour city. Instead they've put their draft picks 20,54,64,83 in jeopardy and nothing in return for Tippett. Not to mention possible draft penalties, sanctions. Nightmare trade period.

selections: 20, 54, 64, 83, 101, 119, 137

INS: Angus Graham, pick 54.

OUTS: Chris Knights, Kurt Tippett, pick 43.

COMMENTS:

Adelaide received an uppercut with no compensation for Knights. Then the knockout punch with the Tippett investigation. Will receive nothing in return except trouble and ramifications.

Brisbane - B

Didn't do a hell of a lot during the three weeks, but started with obtaining Brent Moloney by FA. Picked up Stef Martin late for picks 53,73.

Has picks 8,24,33*,91,109 in Draft.

INS: B.Moloney, S.Martin.

OUTS: picks 53,73

COMMENTS: Doesn't have to rely a lot on Hudson in the ruck. And Brown should receive a little assistance up forward. Bolstered their midfield a fraction with Moloney. Remains to be seen how much of an improvement.

Has some early picks to work with in 8,24 and 33.

Carlton - D

Vewy Vewy quiet during FA and trade period. Heard from a reliable source that because of the nature of contracts to their ruck division, their hands were tied in moving someone on. Could have been the over paid Warnock.

IN: pick 71

OUT: Jordan Russell.

Draft selections: 11, 36, 56, 71, 76, 94, 112.

COMMENTS: Didn't lose much, didn't gain either. A change in coach may have added to the lack of movement, seeing Mick is happy with the list. However, another year on for Judd....they need to strike in 2013.

Collingwood - A

One of the winners in trade week from purely a draft pick perspective. Able to obtain first round draft picks for Wellingham and Dawes and they demand the best compensation. (I think there's something in that for all of us...don't you?).

The big 'Q' comes in, ruffles Dawes feathers and role within the club and forces him to look elsewhere.

Selections: 18, 19, 21, 39, 82

IN: Q.Lynch, C.Young, J.Russell plus picks 18,21,39.

OUT: C.Dawes, S.Wellingham, T.Young, picks 42,48,58.

COMMENTS: Good net gain in picks for the Draft. F&^%'n impressive actually. They have a guy that can be competitive in the ruck (more than Dawes anyway), and haven't lost much in pace and experience. Should be able to cover Wellingham. As much as I despise them, excellent period.

Essendon - B

Snagged the biggest name in Goddard and Daniher for Father Son at pick 10. Lost Monfries to Port Adelaide (no biggy). Reasonably quiet and got their FA deals done as soon as the bell rang. Quiet in trade period.

Picks: 10 (Daniher - F/S), 35, 52, 55, 75, 93, 111, 129

IN: Goddard, Daniher F/S, pick 52.

OUT: Monfries.

COMMENTS: Didn't lose much. Two big INS. Goddard will be important, but can he deliver - or is his mind on the PGA Tour.

Fremantle - C+

Relatively quiet period. Selective pick by Ross Lyon in Danyle Pearce from Port. Bit of pace and carry addition. Lost Broughton to Gold Coast.

Non plussed for Freo.

IN: Pearce, pick 37

OUT: Broughton, pick 60

Selections: 17, 37, 40, 80, 98

Comments: I'm interested to see how Pearce goes under Ross Lyon. Picked up a second round pick for Broughton. Other than that, not much movement.

Geelong - A-/B+

At a time when their list is turning over through retirees, they've breathed new life into the list whilst the iron is still hot. Wells is managing the turnover quite well, there's no chance of bottoming out anytime short term as many on these boards would have you believe. (I've been saying this for a couple of years). Their development is a good indicator and they need to manage it delicately which I think they're doing very well to date.

IN: Caddy, Rivers, McIntosh

OUT: Byrnes, picks 36, 59, G Ablett compo pick.

Picks: 16,79,97

COMMENTS:

Cats won't be drafting much this Draft, and it may be just 2 selections after promoting Stringer. Won out on Caddy among big competition. And managed to get two experienced players including McIntosh for ruck duties to help West. The big 'O' delisted, so their rucks are a little concerning.

Gold Coast - B

Big plus is obtaining Jack Martin in the mini-draft, also got some needed experience into the list with Tom Murphy and Greg Broughton. I thought obtaining pick 13 for Tom Hickey was another big plus (big call by Saints).

IN: Murphy, Broughton, Martin, picks 13,57,59,60. Plus G Ablett 2010 compo pick.

OUT: Caddy, Hickey, picks 2,26,47,69.

Selections: 13, 57, 59, 60, 87, 105, 123

COMMENTS:

Caddy could be a big loss for them, time will tell. Experience down back helps and Martin in 2014 will be one to watch. They look forward to O'Meara showing his wares in 6 months time.

GWS - A-

Had to give them an A considering their position. Any club would love to have what they have. (smorgasboard of picks and advantages delivered on a silver platter by their parent the AFL).

You just look at the picks they have and you know they'll clean up with the best talent. The Mini-draft was designed for them to trade for experience, but they milk it for the best young talent by trading for early picks. ie. pick 2, 3, 13 in this case.

IN: Gilham, picks 2,3,12,14,28,65.

OUT: Anderson, Hombsch, Martin*, Hogan*, Barry, Lee, picks 20,24,29,43,68.

picks: 1,2,3,12,14,28, 65, 69, 86, 104, 122

*Mini Draft

Barry & Lee GWS pre-selected

COMMENTS:

Still craving for experience, just building their squad with superior talent that will one day blossom. Leon Cameron will think it's Christmas....but they'll have a job keeping their talent from the "go-home" factor.

Hawthorn - C+

Brian Lake was a big get for the Hawks whose window is open still. However they lost Clinton Young which was a bit of a surprise for some, as well as Murphy and Gilham.

IN: Anderson, Lake, Spangher, picks 29,68,72.

OUT: Young, Gilham, Murphy, picks 22, 44,65

Draft selections: 28, 65, 66, 84, 102.

COMMENTS:

Anderson (NT zone selection-GWS) will be one to watch, some talent apparently and Lake shores up defence. Is his best still there though?

Melbourne - C+/B-

Attacked FA and trade period as they stipulated late season/post season prior to starting. Had a mandate to proceed and warned the list to buy in or changes would be made accordingly. Targeted Byrnes as a FA which cost nothing. The FD rated mini-draft prospect Jesse Hogan "extremely highly" and with GC and GWS worked out the best solution by trading picks 3,13 for MD#2 to secure Hogan and Barry, plus pick 20 which was used in a trade for KPF Dawes.

Pro-active throught the period and managed to secure Rodan with a late pick, Pederson from Nth with a trade for Gysberts.

IN: Byrnes, Hogan, Barry, Dawes, Pederson, Rodan, Viney (F/S), pick 49.

OUT: Moloney, Rivers, Martin, Morton, Gysberts, picks 3,14,48,88.

Picks: 4,27(F/S),49, 53, 70, 73, 77, 88, 106, 124.

COMMENTS:

Damien Barrett says, "I don't get it". Well, I suppose not knowing the nature of the list, what is required, what changes have to occur and purely failing to have an understanding football in general - I can see how he doesn't get it.

Clearly, the moves are about filling roles, moving on players not required or are not up to it. But addressing needs and improving the list short term whilst keeping a core player unit together and assisting them in areas of the game.

On the front foot this trade period led by Neeld - not only walked the walk, but talked the talk. A busy summer for him awaits.

North Melbourne – E+

I honestly don’t know the basis of their decision making, particularly Brad Scott’s. They must have good faith in the forwards they have, because they’ve gotten rid of what they would like to refer to as their depth. Losing McIntosh to Geelong, Edwards to Richmond, Pederson to Melbourne and Matt Campbell’s exit, leaves me a little bewildered. What hurt to an extent was not getting Jacobs across the line, when he wanted to come.

IN: Gysberts, picks 42,48,63

OUT: McIntosh, Edwards, Pederson.

Picks: 15, 38, 42, 48, 58, 63, 78, 96, 114, 132.

COMMENT: I think they need to give support to Goldstein. Losing both Pederson and McIntosh, leaves them vulnerable. Perhaps the big ‘O’ ??

4 picks inside the top 50, but one in the top 35. They need to choose wisely in the Draft, because I don’t think it’s been an overall positive outcome for them trade/FA wise. Considering where they are at, they need to strike.

Port Adelaide – D+

Why hasn’t Barrett unleashed on this mob? Like the Dees many wholesale changes and delistings. Monfries was probably their biggest name “get”, yet Bombers fans and footy nuts would know, he’s not that great.

Port Adelaide was gifted two second round compo picks thanks to the contracts of Chaplin and Pearce. Farcical in comparison to what the Hawks and Dees received.

IN: Monfries, Hombsch, Neade, Stevenson, Heath, picks 30,31,85

OUT: Pearce, Chaplin, Rodan. Picks 29, 52, 72,88.

Picks: 7,30,31,85,90,108,126.

Comments: Inability to hold onto players exploring FA and trading in little quality speaks volumes. However the retrieval of compo picks for their FA losses was a plus for me in giving them a pass.

Richmond – B+

Active from the outset and is becoming an attractive proposition or destination for those on contemplating a move….if they are good enough. Targeted Knights and Chaplin early and had them wrapped up a couple of days into FA. Snagging Aaron Edwards late topped off a good period for Tigerland.

IN: Knights, Chaplin, Edwards, pick 43.

OUT: Angus Graham, pick 50

Picks: 9, 32, 34, 43, 92, 110, 128

Comments: Traded smart and still and 3 picks inside first 35 will be handy. Traded for needs including another forward (3rd marking option) in Edwards. Knights if fit should be a good pick up and Chaplin handy for down back along with Grimes, Rance Newman & co.

St.Kilda – E

Disappointing for the Saints IMO. Disappointing that they couldn’t hold onto a star in the game in Goddard and disappointing that they spent most of their time through trade period negotiating with West Coast for Mitch Brown and couldn’t get him across with the Cripps deal. They used their FA compo for Goddard (pick 12) on a ruck in Tom Hickey of Gold Coast in his 20’s.

My rule of thumb is if they are not an out and out star ruck, rookie a ruck or draft late. Pick 12 would have been a pretty handy pick up in the Draft.

IN: Hickey, Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee, picks 25,26,41,44

OUT: Goddard, Cripps, picks 12, 37, 57.

Draft Picks: 25, 26, 41, 44, 77, 95, 113, 131.

Comments: Underwhelmed in the pick-ups of Dennis –Lane and Hickey for a high pick. Like the look of Tom Lee. Losing Goddard, Cripps and not being able to get Mitch Brown having him want to come back to Victoria, hurt.

Sydney Swans – D

The reigning premiers had a disappointing period overall. In the end they were only able to obtain higher picks around the third round by trading out Heath, Spangher, Dennis-Lane. Not being able to get hold of Tippett hurt them more, not that they’d be overly fussed having won this years Premiership. Overall nothing in, for very little out.

IN: Picks 47, 66, 72

OUT: picks 72, 85

Picks: 23, 45, 47, 66, 67, 103, 121, 139

Comments: Marginally improved their draft order standing, but that’s about it. Nothing coming in for a mature list may or may not hurt, however they’ve got a good record of list management and Delisted FA to come may see some handy input into a very good culture.

West Coast Eagles – C-

Mixed bag, just not sure if there is a net gain. Used their first round pick on Sharrod Wellingham early. Lost the big ‘Q’ to Collingw&%$. Picked up Cripps. Hanging onto Mitch Brown was a plus for West Coast.

IN: Wellingham, Cripps, Morton, picks 46, 62.

OUT: Lynch, Stevens, Stephenson, picks 18,41.

Picks: 46, 61, 62, 81, 99.

Comments: Despite an indifferent trade period, Wellingham should be handy having lost Stevens and Swift. Late picks in a quality Draft is a negative, so they will have to find some diamonds in the rough. Morton a very late pick not costly, could prove beneficial with the list they have where he won’t have to be relied upon, but could prove an annoying handful popping up from time to time.

Western Bulldogs – C

Considering their attractive picks, they have elected to draft in the main by holding onto good picks. Losing Lake will hurt short term but in the greater scheme of things, better to get something for him now, than not much or nothing in a year or two. However, they weren’t able to attract a KPF such as Dawes and lost out to the Dees.

IN: Hunter (F/S), Stevens, pick 22

OUT: Lake, picks 27, 44, 71

Picks: 5, 6, 22, 50, 51, 89, 107, 125.

Comments: Best picks next to GWS this coming draft and should make amends with what they have in selection. Rebuilding under McCartney and it will be a while before the Bulldogs feature again in September. Whilst the Lake loss is understandable, it will hurt. Picking up F/S Hunter and Stevens is a handy start and they should compliment them with early draft picks.

If you disagree with anything in my assessments, feel free to discuss.

[rjay 25,197]

I think Collingwood have been way overrated here and by the so called experts. They are a team in the so called premiership window yet they have done next to nothing about fixing their deficiencies. The late first round picks are what they are, late first round picks and a bit of a raffle. The biggest problems they face are no back up ruck for Jolly, one less key forward in Dawes replaced by Lynch who is not past it because he was never really there. Wellingham is another loss for them. Lynch was not in the top 3 big forwards with the Eagles and didn't have to do the ruckwork (Cox & NikNat) that the pies will require.

I think time will tell that there were some bad decisions made by them including the previous Malthouse handover and that they were spooked by the thought of losing Cloke after an average year where his finals performances suddenly pushed his value back up. They couldn't go to the supporters with Cloke at Carlton and this has meant losing Dawes and Wellingham.

These poor decisions have carried through to the free agency/trade period where Collingwoods performance in my view has been greatly overrated.

[H_T 3,049]

I think Collingwood have been way overrated here and by the so called experts. They are a team in the so called premiership window yet they have done next to nothing about fixing their deficiencies. The late first round picks are what they are, late first round picks and a bit of a raffle. The biggest problems they face are no back up ruck for Jolly, one less key forward in Dawes replaced by Lynch who is not past it because he was never really there. Wellingham is another loss for them. Lynch was not in the top 3 big forwards with the Eagles and didn't have to do the ruckwork (Cox & NikNat) that the pies will require.

I think time will tell that there were some bad decisions made by them including the previous Malthouse handover and that they were spooked by the thought of losing Cloke after an average year where his finals performances suddenly pushed his value back up. They couldn't go to the supporters with Cloke at Carlton and this has meant losing Dawes and Wellingham.

These poor decisions have carried through to the free agency/trade period where Collingwoods performance in my view has been greatly overrated.

I beg to differ for the following reasons: -

1/ Lynch offers back-up to Jolly in the ruck as well as a forward option in tandem with Cloke.

2/ Young is a handy pick up for pace and has experience.

3/ The Pies can cover Wellingham with the strength of their midfield.

4/ You look at the outgoing picks vs incoming picks and the negotiators have delivered in spades.

5/ Pies played hard ball in the Wellingham deal and the Dawes deal and didn't just squeeze out first round draft picks either. They squeezed more out.

[rjay 25,197]

I beg to differ for the following reasons: -

1/ Lynch offers back-up to Jolly in the ruck as well as a forward option in tandem with Cloke.

2/ Young is a handy pick up for pace and has experience.

3/ The Pies can cover Wellingham with the strength of their midfield.

4/ You look at the outgoing picks vs incoming picks and the negotiators have delivered in spades.

5/ Pies played hard ball in the Wellingham deal and the Dawes deal and didn't just squeeze out first round draft picks either. They squeezed more out.

Time will tell 'H_T' , but on one point at 193cm Lynch offers little to no backup in the ruck and he hasn't had to play that specialist position with the Eagles. I think they don't know if they are a premiership threat or rebuilding.

They are already at least one premiership shy on where they were expected to be with this group and I can't see them winning another which is good. That to me would be an epic fail.

[H_T 3,049]

Time will tell 'H_T' , but on one point at 193cm Lynch offers little to no backup in the ruck and he hasn't had to play that specialist position with the Eagles. I think they don't know if they are a premiership threat or rebuilding.

They are already at least one premiership shy on where they were expected to be with this group and I can't see them winning another which is good. That to me would be an epic fail.

You wouldn't rate Lynch a better back-up ruck than Dawes? Buckley does and I believe so too. So it is an improvement for the now. Hence a Premiership threat now. But, as you say, time wil tell if they've pulled the right rein - I believe they think they have.What is interesting now, and it's only just come to light is the delisting of Cameron Wood. I would say they'd be looking at a mature age ruck to fill the void now. Or draft in one with one of their 3 first round draft picks. I would lean to the former.

[rjay 25,197]

You wouldn't rate Lynch a better back-up ruck than Dawes? Buckley does and I believe so too. So it is an improvement for the now. Hence a Premiership threat now. But, as you say, time wil tell if they've pulled the right rein - I believe they think they have.What is interesting now, and it's only just come to light is the delisting of Cameron Wood. I would say they'd be looking at a mature age ruck to fill the void now. Or draft in one with one of their 3 first round draft picks. I would lean to the former.

Almost anyone would be a better back up ruck than Dawes, someone to pinch hit for a bit of relief, but that model was based around the 3rd tall. I would certainly rate Dawes a much better forward than Lynch. If they had kept Dawes then the strategy would be in tact but it's not.

Agree and have posted elsewhere that I think they will look at Stephenson to fill the ruck void, they would be mad not to.

Overall, I think their trading period has been overrated and the club has be derailed by the whole Cloke thing this year.

[beelzebub 23,384]

Trying not to be biased but I thought we did at least a B if not B+ given what we had, and what we were actually trying to accomplish. About the only thing we didnt do was get Ray.

we pruned heavily and added some experience and integrity to our on field ability. Some may view it as all rather workmanlike in appearance but workers get jobs done.

Really cant see how Richmonds period was better than ours.

All somewhat subjective.

proof will come with results

[H_T 3,049]

Trying not to be biased but I thought we did at least a B if not B+ given what we had, and what we were actually trying to accomplish. About the only thing we didnt do was get Ray.

we pruned heavily and added some experience and integrity to our on field ability. Some may view it as all rather workmanlike in appearance but workers get jobs done.

Really cant see how Richmonds period was better than ours.

All somewhat subjective.

proof will come with results

Good point and yes it is subjective. My rating of our club, I tried not to be biased. Some may view it as marking too hard and as you say it will come down to results.

However, I feel strongly apt in my measurement of Richmond. They came prepared and achieved two FA's - decent FA's to fill roles for Hardwick. Well targeted and it cost them nothing.

A third forward in Edwards was a good get (with the exception of his drunken behaviour and lock up time in the clink recently) for their forward line. Without affecting their early picks in the draft. Smart recruiting of plug'n play types (fitness permitting for Knights).