Potential ruck depth once Preussy leaves, not sure why the dons would let him leave they have no depth of their own

https://www.afl.com.au/news/523729/unsigned-bomber-could-become-afl-s-latest-four-club-player

Have seen him a few times, and while he's no star, he ticks the boxes of what we need.

 

As @Turnersays though, I don't know why the Bombers would let him walk? But if we can get him as a DFA or for something like a 5th round pick or in exchange for Neal-Bullen or something like that, I wouldn't say no.

Andrew Phillips is a solid citizen. You know what you are going to get - he would not be up to playing 22 games but when required does a reasonable job.

Yes I would take him.  Astute pickup. Fills our need much better than McKernan did in my opinion. Would be low pay and at 29 could fill the insurance role for a few years if required. 

Much better option than McKernan. A dedicated ruck who is there for the chance that Gawn goes down and will hopefully play ressies all year. 

Okay as long as he comes cheap in terms of pick / DFA / Rookie list, and contract value. Buys us some time to develop Bradtke and determine his long-term prospects.

This guy has been in the AFL system for 10 years for 46 games. That is Jake Spencer-like longevity. I’m pretty sure I’ve literally never seen him play.

Statistically not much difference between him and big Brayden - puts us back into having a bona fide back up to Max as a big bodied ruck

I too would prefer him over McKernan who is a plodder  

This guy is an honest toiler from the little sample I've seen 

Phillips is absolute rubbish. Why aren't we focussing on what we actually need instead of 'Break glass in case of Emergency' players. The only Phillips we should be targeting atm is Tom... FMD

3 minutes ago, Die Hard Demon said:

Phillips is absolute rubbish. Why aren't we focussing on what we actually need instead of 'Break glass in case of Emergency' players. The only Phillips we should be targeting atm is Tom... FMD

This is not a sound strategy

If Max goes down we start to lose all structure and rob players from their best positions IMO - Jackson and Bradke not ready to take first ruck yet and Weed / TMac / Brown not good options 

6 minutes ago, Die Hard Demon said:

Phillips is absolute rubbish. Why aren't we focussing on what we actually need instead of 'Break glass in case of Emergency' players. The only Phillips we should be targeting atm is Tom... FMD

Walking and chewing gum at the same time. With Preuss gone, a capable ruck *is* a player we actually need.

Why would we trade out a 25/6 year old in Preuss who has performed well for us only to recruit a 29 year old plodder. Preuss is under contract as well for next two years. Here's an idea - send Phillips to GWS.

Just now, WesternDee said:

Why would we trade out a 25/6 year old in Preuss who has performed well for us only to recruit a 29 year old plodder. Preuss is under contract as well for next two years. Here's an idea - send Phillips to GWS.

Cost, Preuss is on a reported contract of $400kpa, while we might get Phillips on a considerably lower contract and only for 1 year. Cheap back up is much better than expensive back up. 

OK R & B, I see your point in that respect. Has Phillips been delisted? I suppose we could rookie him then. Have GWS indicated what they are prepared to trade for Preuss? If he's on $400K then he might earn us a nice draft pick from them.

21 minutes ago, WesternDee said:

Why would we trade out a 25/6 year old in Preuss who has performed well for us only to recruit a 29 year old plodder. Preuss is under contract as well for next two years. Here's an idea - send Phillips to GWS.

Preuss wants out. While it’s not unheard of for clubs to hold players to contracts, usually if they want out, they get their wish. I suppose it’s a) because they don’t want players who don’t want to be there spreading negativity amongst the group and b) because they want to be seen in the industry as a club that looks after its players.

8 minutes ago, Nasher said:

Preuss wants out. While it’s not unheard of for clubs to hold players to contracts, usually if they want out, they get their wish. I suppose it’s a) because they don’t want players who don’t want to be there spreading negativity amongst the group and b) because they want to be seen in the industry as a club that looks after its players.

I give up.

17 minutes ago, WesternDee said:

OK R & B, I see your point in that respect. Has Phillips been delisted? I suppose we could rookie him then. Have GWS indicated what they are prepared to trade for Preuss? If he's on $400K then he might earn us a nice draft pick from them.

Hasn't been offered a contract yet, normally by now (Oct 31) if you haven't been offered a contract then you can make yourself a delisted free agent, but I don't know what the rules are this year?? But I would imagine it'll be a minimal type pick if anything, he went to the Bombers for something like pick 60 & 75 with pick 65 & 78 in return (not sure on exact details), so we'll get him for nothing, save $200k or so, and should get at least a 3rd for Preuss. 

Was against trading in McKernan as a "break glass in case of emergency" option because I don't see him as being a significantly material upgrade on making do with Tomlinson or Weideman. Whilst not wildly excited by Phillips, I do see him as a more suitable short-term insurance option for the genuine ruck position.

Break glass in terms of emergency. 

It seems we are destined to lose Preuss which I understand because he is AFL standard and deserves a go to be number 1 ruckman. 
 

I agree we have Gawn and then only a raw Jackson and a very raw Bradtke.  If Gawn needs a break or cops an injury, we need a backup mature ruck type. If Andrew Phillips is available, then ok on a 1-year deal.
 

Another strong option is Lewis Pierce 25yo (DFA delisted by Saints end 2019). 

Just mentioned on AFL trade radio that he looks likely to walk to Melb.

I think i heard it correctly that they said he turned down an offer from Essendon.

Didnt say when it would happen.

Edited November 6, 20204 yr by DemonOX

Just a sensible acquisition if it eventuates.

Played a ripping game against Grundy earlier in the year, then faded. Struggles for consistency and staying healthy but otherwise is solid enough as a back up. 
 

We could take more of a chance on someone with more versatility but if we want a cheap back up ruck he fits the bill 

free acquisition, break-glass-in-case-of-emergency type

his game against grundy was awesome

competes but is obviously limited

Must admit I had no idea who Phillips was until I googled him. A 201cm Tasmanian who has played 46 games across 9 seasons, 2 states and 3 clubs (GWS, Carlton and Essendon). He is apparently happy to play a distant second fiddle to Gawn at his 4th club and good on him for it. Works for both parties. A journeyman’s journeyman

Really should be nothing more than a pick in the 70s.. its security, cheap security so that we dont throw Jackson to the wolves for another year. Smart and nothing to get stressed about IMO.

Edited November 6, 20204 yr by Demon3