I think with the trade/FA departures and arrivals our biggest needs are:

• Versatile lockdown defender to replace Hibberd.  Someone who can play on C.Cameron, Papley, Stengle, Elliott, even Dusty when he's forward etc. All the best teams have a dangerous small-medium forward that needs to be quelled.  This is pretty urgent I think, we're probably relying on J.Smith and maybe Rivers to develop into this player.  It's not an easy role to fill and takes a mature body and football brain.  We could draft someone into the role but they're not going to be ready for 3 or 4 years which is too long away IMO.  We need to look for someone DFA, SSP or MSD for this.  Or go into next year's trade with this as a focus.
• Key forward.  I think we should be able to cover this for the next two years with some combination of B.Brown, TMac, JVR and Max but we'll need someone ready to go in 2025 because at least 2 of those 4 will be done.  That means either drafting someone this year or making a trade or FA play over the next two years for an established player.  The other alternative is grooming Petty for a KPF role in that timeframe, but we will also have to replace May around then too, so that will leave a big hole to fill in the backline.  We could chase a KPD in the draft or trade/FA instead of a KPF if this plan floats.  They may be easier to find.
• Ruck or ruck-forward.  Again, I think we should be fine with Grundy, Max and Schache for depth over the next two or three years.  We could look for more depth with a mature SSP or MSD selection. Like with the KPF/KPD above, we'll either need to draft someone pronto or trade/FA for someone over the next 2 or 3 years.  It would be ideal if we could draft someone who is capable as a ruck-forward and maybe solve two problems in one hit, but they're rare birds.
• Small goal kicking forward. Kossie is the answer here - he's going to be right up there with the greatest ever to play the role.  But what's the certainty that we can retain him?  Like I said above, all the best teams have someone dangerous in this role.  I think AMW has shown some good signs at Casey and could develop into a good player here.  If someone was available with these attributes at one of our picks this year I'd be happy if we took them.

I think Grundy and Hunter are very good pick-ups and clearly address immediate ruck and wing needs and improve us in both areas.  I'm not sure where Hunter's arrival leaves JJ and, because we delisted and re-rookied him, he's FA for life. Unless there's a spate of injuries, it's hard to see where he slots in.  I'd be very sorry to lose him at the end of next year because he can play and he seems like a very good character.

Edited October 15, 20222 yr by old55

I am not concerned with JJ old55 he has developed many strings to his bow just think of JJ as Mr versatile, like Gus this year he will plug holes wherever needed. He is a good height, has good skill set and great attitude.!!

We don’t really need anything from the draft even if there’s some positions that would be nice to fill.

Key forward, a lockdown back pocket and some mid/forward class are the 3 positions that might be the shakiest in the best 22, but there are some potential answers on the list as well as future trade options.

But on the other hand ideally Gawn and May could do with young replacements developing even if that’s our strongest positions. The most inside of inside mids in Viney would be our last need but if we drafted a kid now in 3 years time that spot probably opens up.

Bowey/Laurie were reported as needs and the list did need that balance (even if results are 50/50). Same with JVR and the importance of a key forward. Good choices to fill gaps at the time.

But the absolute last thing the Tigers needed when they drafted Shai Bolton was a small forward. Now he’s a major reason why they’re topping up rather than rebuilding.

The best possible player should be the focus of the first 2 rounds of the draft, use late picks to look for needs.

 

On 10/15/2022 at 12:05 PM, old55 said:

 I'm not sure where Hunter's arrival leaves JJ and, because we delisted and re-rookied him, he's FA for life. Unless there's a spate of injuries, it's hard to see where he slots in.  I'd be very sorry to lose him at the end of next year because he can play and he seems like a very good character.

i fear he may be a predominantly 23rd man again next year, we also have been quite fit in the midfield for since 2020 when viney was struck down, this can't continue forever so he should still get 15-20 games in next year, but ur right i wonder if he'll have a look around, maybe an essendon would come in for him otherwise he might not have many suitors he's too generic a type that clubs would probably see more upside in an 18yo or back in their own list than target him per se, but who knows, a year is a long time in football

1 minute ago, Turner said:

i fear he may be a predominantly 23rd man again next year, we also have been quite fit in the midfield for since 2020 when viney was struck down, this can't continue forever so he should still get 15-20 games in next year, but ur right i wonder if he'll have a look around, maybe an essendon would come in for him otherwise he might not have many suitors he's too generic a type that clubs would probably see more upside in an 18yo or back in their own list than target him per se, but who knows, a year is a long time in football

Jordon is a much better inside midfielder then Sparrow. 

That's where he'll go imo.

Given Viney's foot is probably another injury or two away from amputation, and given Harmes reportedly requests a trade about 5 times a year, the best available (skilful/quick) midfielder would be ideal

However I think given their interest in a Hibbo successor last year (Willmot) they'll probably take a halfback flanker which won't be as exciting 

Will be interesting to see if they rate Jefferson if he's there at our pick

Edited October 18, 20222 yr by adonski

Alec Waterman can kick goals.