KingDingAling

http://www.sanfl.com.au/maccas_cup/draft_hub/aaron_francis/

In and under, contested ball getter. Not as clean as Wines/Selwood. But one thing that interested me about Mathieson was that he tested very well in the vertical leap - which suggests he is probably a better athlete than he is given credit for. The knock on Mathieson (from Knightmare -big footy) is that his kicks lack penetration, and he is one paced. Suggested there are better on-ballers in the draft.

I will let you know in a couple of years.

That's what I reckon. Dangerfield clone for mine. Powerful athlete, reads the play well, balanced on both sides of the body, makes good decisions, versatile, exception tackler, good in and under, great hands. I think Francis is our man at 3.

Like coach (former) like player.

Now in comparison to pick 6 (since 2000). 2014 - Caleb Marchbank (GWS) 2013 - Matt Scharenberg (Coll) 2012 - Jackson Macrae (WBD) 2011 - Chad Wingard (Port) 2010 - Reece Conca (Rich) 2009 - Gary Rohan (Syd) 2008 - Chris Yarran (Carl) 2007 - David Myers (Ess) 2006 - Mitchell Thorp (Haw) 2005 - Beau Dowler (Haw) 2004 - Tom Williams (WBD) 2003 - Kepler Bradley (Ess) 2002 - Stephen Salopek (Port) 2001 - Ashley Sampi (WC) 2000 - Dylan Smith (KANG)

That is an exceptional strike rate. Nick Haynes stands out as the unknown name in that list, but for anyone who watched GWS this year, he is going to be one hell of a player. There is a few NAB rising stars in that list.

Aaron Francis could be the big fish.

Perhaps they have a highly rated academy kid next year? Either that or they don't want MFC having a first rounder next year - for obvious reasons (Prestia).

I think we'll take Francis, he is an athletic beast. My cousin - who lives in SA - reckons Francis is the best kid in the draft. He is usually thereabouts with SA kids, he never rated Toumpas as a player, and was proven somewhat correct. I reckon we will take Francis.

A) Essendon. B) Melbourne. Probably put St Kilda in the former as well. I don't think there is a right answer to it. Playing hardball could also deter players to consider other options in the future. Essendon appear to take this approach. IMO there are advantage/disadvantages to both strategies. In Essendons case - and Collingwood last year - if they rushed through their trades, they would've short changed themselves. Collingwood held firm last year and gained Crisp in doing so - he ended up 3rd in their Copeland medal. Essendon held firm and got a better deal off of St Kilda this year.

Darling was made out to be some sort of animal. It was all overblown, he was made out to be an undisciplined thug. Then we later find out that Darling is a black belt in Taekwondo and quite a reserved character. I only mention the black belt because that alone takes some form of discipline.

http://www.aflplayerratings.com.au/Ratings/Player/117240/Ben-KENNEDY

I was thinking the same thing when I read that last night. He does have a good pedigree, but he doesn't sound like a very safe pick. Inconsistent with no tank is what I gleaned from that article. I couldn't have Weideman ahead of Francis on that write up. I couldn't find any footage of Weideman, but his TAC cup stats weren't all that inspiring either.

I think they were just helping old mate SOS out. To add pick 8 to that deal is like a gift for Carlton. I think it will end up being a defining trade for Carlton. A lot of those players haven't really had a chance to show their worth. GWS have such an elite midfield, its hard for any of these kids to get a run.

They sold Menzel off for unders, but they got massive overs off the GWS getting back pick 8 - in addition to the bundle of 4 players. When you look at the players that have left GWS over the years - Miles, Adams, Bruce, Tyson. They have all performed. This could end up being a massive win for Carlton.

Essendon go about their business in a 'screw' anyone else kind of way. Yet they managed to get a more than fair deal done with St Kilda/Sydney.

With what? This could be forward thinking play by GC. They've taken away our ability to lure Prestia. They could be thinking that if Prestia can't get to MFC, then he will stay at their club.

I hope so. Francis.

Exactly, he doesn't have a crystal ball, so then how can it be a good trade? He is the one going early on this, and slandering Demonlanders for doing exactly the same. Let's just wait 12 months, better let just wait a few years before calling this deal a good trade/bad trade etc. I know patience isn't at a premium around here, but this deal is neither a good/bad deal as of yet. It is far too early.

Which is exactly what you are doing. Calling the early crow on this trade, then calling out Demonlanders for going early, bit hypocritical.

Our plan could be to chase a FA next year.

Parish or Francis at 3.

Yeah, you weren't far off. Good effort mate.

Lose 6, 29 and a 2016 round 1 pick... Gain 3, 10 and 44