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2019 AFL Free Agents

Whispering_Jack
in Melbourne Demons

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14 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

The standout player in the list for me is Ben Keays but there’s little being spoken about him. Is there something we don’t know?

Agreed. I raised him a month or two back in another thread, as he kicked something like 43 goals from 16 matches in the NEAFL this season. He looked good his first few years at Brisbane, but was one who to demoted this year due to new inclusions like Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale. He’s still young and I reckon would be better depth than what we’ve currently got.

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    13 minutes ago, Lord Travis said:

    Agreed. I raised him a month or two back in another thread, as he kicked something like 43 goals from 16 matches in the NEAFL this season. He looked good his first few years at Brisbane, but was one who to demoted this year due to new inclusions like Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale. He’s still young and I reckon would be better depth than what we’ve currently got.

    The take on him is that he's too slow/not agile enough to be a true small/pressure forward at AFL level, but uses his strength to dominate the position at NEAFL level. 

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    1 hour ago, Elwood 3184 said:

    Story on DFA’s on the first day of the delisted free agency period.

    Delisted free agents: Who's on the shelf? Who gets a lifeline?

    Interesting that Stretch is mooted to play in the SANFL if not picked up.

    Not sure if that is a complete list of FA's available but Jay K-H not mentioned so maybe he won't continue his football career.  iirc he did some acting before being drafted.

    Wish them both well in whatever they decide to do with their lives.

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    Yes I think there is some bargains here albeit you know the delisted free agents do have limitations. Not getting a Dangerfield/Martin/Pendlebury type here.  But good opportunity as showed with Ricky Henderson last year to get a ready to go player and cover some needs. With draft picks likely 3,8,”97”, in my opinion, Mfc could look at a few DFAs, perhaps 2-3:

    Forward line 

    Harley Bennell - plenty written already. I’m still in the No camp but it’s a huge opportunity and a massive test for Goody, Burgess and Brukner.  If anything, it would be a huge summer talking point and he has a point to prove.  Mental and physical challenges but talent unquestioned

    Ben Keays - he has been frozen out by the Lions small forward group.  Has good skills and goal sense. At 22, he is physically ready and should remember that he was an excellent midfielder as a junior. 

    Assume Buzza and Sam Gray are already to be snapped up. I only saw Callum Moore twice this year and whilst he has good potential, I’m not sold in him. 


    Midfield

    Chris Masten - If we didn’t take the punt on Bennell, then Masten is the next best surely. At 30, his best may be behind him, however is AFL ready and talented.  Excellent and fit midfield runner. Fits our need in 2020.  Knows how to win and has good skills.  Squeezed out by Yeo,Kelly,Gaff,ShueyEtc. but definitely AFL ready. Would help us win games in 2020* !

    Luke Partington - another ex Eagle, he showed in SANFL that his junior midfield class and run were still impressive.  Averaged 30 possessions in SANFL - dominated.  Best midfielder outside AFL system. Skilled and physically ready.  I’d definitely get him in. 

    Connor Menadue - again not given opportunity due to Tigers amazing midfield.  A runner with class who delivers the ball inside 50.  Has the pace and skill we need. At 23, in the right age range for 2nd chance. 

    Nick Robertson also an option if we want to play a lock down role on the opponent key midfielder.  Never takes a step backwards which I like  


    Defence 
    Brandon White - a Saints supporter was bemoaning him not being given a go.  I’ve only seen him a few times and seems up to it. A competitor and solid half back. Better than a Josh-Wagner type if we need cover for the Hibberd/Lever mid-tall Defender  

    I would try to get Menadue, Partington and maybe Bennell if the gods favour us with his renaissance. I still think midfield is the key to us rising with the forward line goalkicking always needing another option. 

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    Currently we have 5 senior list spots and no 'A' Rookie spots.  Taylor has said we will take 3-4 picks at the draft leaving a 1 or 2 senior spots.  There are lots of ways picks 3, 8, and 97 (which will come into the mid 70's on draft night) can result in 3 to 4 draftees. 

    The last 1 or 2 spots can be left vacant, filled via DFA's or via SSP (ie how we recruited Lockhart). 

    atm we don't have a Rookie spot for Bennell, if he joins, so he would come straight onto the list or make a current Rookie upgraded to create a Rookie spot for him.  Either way he joining means we would have a max of 1 senior spot.

    On that basis I'm not sure we will take a DFA at this stage and wait for Bennell to decide and perhaps keep a spot for the SSP.

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    19 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

    Interesting that Stretch is mooted to play in the SANFL if not picked up.

     

     

    Not sure if that is a complete list of FA's available but Jay K-H not mentioned so maybe he won't continue his football career.  iirc he did some acting before being drafted.

    Wish them both well in whatever they decide to do with their lives.

    On the subject of acting, what’s Clint Bizzle doing these days?

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    use the minimum number of picks we need to satisfy draft requirements.  3, 8 and 97, or if we split 3 and get 8, ?, ? and forget 97. get the best DFA's around some of these are reasonably good mature quality players who just need another chance. I think this is a better approach than taking some kid at 97 and beyond.

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    9 hours ago, Engorged Onion said:

    On the subject of acting, what’s Clint Bizzle doing these days?

    Just ask him here.. @Clint Bizkit

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    • Haha 1
    • 2 weeks later...

    The delisted free agent trading period part 1 ends tomorrow and so far about four players found new homes in basically one day and then - nothing apart from one or two suggestions that have yet to materialize. 

    So what next?

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