I think we can do better.

I agree, but Dawes and Howe probably won't generate much 'trade income' at all.

An update on other club interest is some players mentioned by posters: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/fremantle-in-talks-for-gold-coast-forward-charlie-dixon-20150715-gid747.html

Summary:

Charlie Dixon suitors: Freo, Crows, Lions

Leunberger suitors: Cats

Suckling suitors: Lions (Suckling a FA and still uncontracted)

Treloar suitors: Pies, Tigers, North (Pies tipped to get him)

Also, earlier this week I heard that Carlisle is a lock to go from Bombers to Blues.

So that is a few players off some 'wish lists'.

As it looks likely that we get Dion, the midfield is still our priority.

This will cost our first pick (at least) so it limits our ability to trade in, another high quality player eg a forward, forward/ruck..

Hopefully, our recruiters can pull off a Vandenberg type find, or do a 2 for 1 trade (eg Toumpas and Howe for player X), or they have confidence in one of our developing players, to fill the positions we are poor in.

Anyone else hoping Freo finally land that key fwd that has eluded them for so long.

Lol, Dion is the clearance gun. Better than any of those blokes you mention. And I thought he was a B grader, HH?

he is a B+, and thats nothing to sneeze at

Hopefully 6.

still sleepy; when I read this post, I went to Dions profile to check his current number ??? & then stopped.

With the top end of the draft being loaded with talls and their need to replace Dixon, I'll take a wild stab in the dark and say our first pick. - although they would also need to replace Dion and Bennell who will be moved on as well. We'd need to throw in some loose change as well. I wonder what Rocket's opinion of Dawes was when he was at the pies?

What will the contracted Dawes wear?

Surely, no-one else will trade for him?

seems there is a vacuum of maturity & leadership, up on the northern sands.

Anyone else hoping Freo finally land that key fwd that has eluded them for so long.

I can see them doing a Sydney to be honest...

Anyone else hoping Freo finally land that key fwd that has eluded them for so long.

I hope they get all the key forwards, all except Jesse.

he is a B+, and thats nothing to sneeze at

Would love to know what he has to do to become an A grader, mate.

I dont think aish is the type we want, ideally id love dion and leuenberger and then just look to add run and carry players or skillful half backs

I'd love another KPF too. But we might have to wait a year or two on that one. Peders can play the second KPF position and Dawes can be used as trade currency.

I agree, but Dawes and Howe probably won't generate much 'trade income' at all.

I'll trust the FD on this one, mate. Reckon they're lining up one or two good prospects.

Edited July 16, 201510 yr by AdamFarr

Would love to know what he has to do to become an A grader, mate.

I'd love another KPF too. But we might have to wait a year or two on that one. Peders can play the second KPF position and Dawes can be used as trade currency.

I'll trust the FD on this one, mate. Reckon they're lining up one or two good prospects.

I was about to ask h_h the same thing!

Anyone else hoping Freo finally land that key fwd that has eluded them for so long.

so long as it's not our Jesse

Garland will stay. Howe has already packed his bags. Dion is a pipe dream.

From what i hear the question is not whether Dion will request a trade to Melbourne but what they will want for him. I velieve he has at least one family member who lurks here on occasion.

Whatever has changed in the last 4 days has me excited

I was about to ask h_h the same thing!

As a 20 year old against adelaide in 2013 he had 42 disposals and kicked 2 goals.

He is elite in my eyes.

As a 20 year old against adelaide in 2013 he had 42 disposals and kicked 2 goals.

He is elite in my eyes.

Alot depends on the position players are played. Most players on-ball a majority of the game should get 25+ touches. We see it in the VFL every week with players like Michie, Bail, Riley, M Jones ect getting huge numbers.

Issue is when they come into the 1sts they are played in a pocket on the flank and suddenly their status/output dont look as impressive, especially with the [censored] disposal

I think what we should really be targetting are players who can use those 25 posessions as damaging as possible as that is our biggest let down now. Players like Toumpas come in get big numbers but at the same time cause alot of turn-overs/clangers/bombs. I havn't seen Prestia play much to be honest but i am hoping he is the compose smart type of player which we desperately need.

Richmond do well because they move their A graders between the Flanks and pockets more which gives them extra class all over the ground while ours seem to spend majority of the game in the center.

Being a clearance king alone relies alot on the ruckman so i wouldn't want to recruit players based just on that.

Edited July 16, 201510 yr by olisik

As a 20 year old against adelaide in 2013 he had 42 disposals and kicked 2 goals.

He is elite in my eyes.

Absolute gun. He's underrated because he plays up in Queensland. If he was at a Melbourne-based team, he'd be being talked about as one of the next generation of superstars. Let's hope his knee doesn't impact his game and let's also hope he comes home.

Prestia is a bit of a dilemma as I think our biggest needs are classy outside mids and a key forward/second ruck.

I like Prestia as a footballer and think he could add some explosiveness to our midfield. But, on the flip side, our current midfield lacks height and outside run/skill. I am a bit worried that an inside midfield including N Jones, Prestia and Viney would not be able to cope with the oppositions' big bodied mids.

For this reason Prestia isn't the ideal target IMO. But I would still rather trade our pick than chance the draft lottery and Prestia is well worth our first rounder as it stands.

Posters wanting Howe to be traded don't understand the present AFL landscape. He is out of contract and will nominate a club and get there. We will then get unders in terms of any trade or he will manipulate the draft to get to his destination. Howe leaving is unlikely to be a win for us.

Ordinarily I would agree with you, but the current recruiting team's ability to execute favourable trading manoeuvres recently gives me hope.

Alot depends on the position players are played. Most players on-ball a majority of the game should get 25+ touches. We see it in the VFL every week with players like Michie, Bail, Riley, M Jones ect getting huge numbers.

Issue is when they come into the 1sts they are played in a pocket on the flank and suddenly their status/output dont look as impressive, especially with the [censored] disposal

I think what we should really be targetting are players who can use those 25 posessions as damaging as possible as that is our biggest let down now. Players like Toumpas come in get big numbers but at the same time cause alot of turn-overs/clangers/bombs. I havn't seen Prestia play much to be honest but i am hoping he is the compose smart type of player which we desperately need.

Richmond do well because they move their A graders between the Flanks and pockets more which gives them extra class all over the ground while ours seem to spend majority of the game in the center.

Being a clearance king alone relies alot on the ruckman so i wouldn't want to recruit players based just on that.

I was thinking about this yesterday. We have to get our stoppage set ups working properly to take advantage of Dion's talents, but I'd be confident that he'd be our leading clearance player anyway.

http://www.afl.com.au/draft/blog

Comment in this that suggests Brisbane expect a top 12 pick back for Aish. Our 2nd rounder + Howe would definitely get it over the line.

I can see them doing a Sydney to be honest...

I hope they get all the key forwards, all except Jesse.

Well as we know contracts dong mean anything anymore. Anyone know anyone in the AFP? Would love to get a phone tap happening, just curious to if he's been contacted that is all.

If prestia wants to come to the dees then it's a no brainer. Outside run is based on mindset, with one's willingness to attack and defend from a stoppage determining ability. For example, sydney (especially jack, hannebery, kennedy and parker) are regarded for their clearance work but embrace the team mantra of working hard and spreading around the ground to get in positions to help the team. I'd rather teach a group of inside mids (jones, vince, viney, brayshaw, vandenberg etc) to spread than get outside types to learn about positioning and body work at stoppages.

Our game style revolves around contested work, so to say prestia wouldn't fit makes no sense. If we went to the draft there's no guarantee the player will turn out to be worth that pick. Always take the proven player than opt for "needs." The reality is that we still need a lot

Whatever has changed in the last 4 days has me excited

That made my day, hahaha!

Hawthorn supporter on bigfooty:

Have heard from a reliable source its pretty much a done deal that Prestia will be a Demon this trade period. Will be interesting to see how he fits into your midfield, seems your well stocked for in and under players. But you cant say no to a legit gun who wants to play for your club.

Hawthorn supporter on bigfooty:

Have heard from a reliable source its pretty much a done deal that Prestia will be a Demon this trade period. Will be interesting to see how he fits into your midfield, seems your well stocked for in and under players. But you cant say no to a legit gun who wants to play for your club.

Takes it up another level, hearing it from supporters of other clubs. This piques my interest.

Whilst that might be true even the greatest environment can't get you kicking straight......Cloke....

So playing on the same ground as Melbourne must be a great environment for kicking straight .....Cloke....Daniher.....sadly.

I agree, but Dawes and Howe probably won't generate much 'trade income' at all.

Dawes would not but I am not so sure about Howe

Whatever has changed in the last 4 days has me excited

FMD!!! I think that's my Aunty!