Lord Neville X Flash

I would say somewhere between pick 15 and 20, or equivalent would be Lobb's value

If you are replying to me, you may want to read my comment again.

Lever is a key part of my optimism... thought that would have been blatantly obvious. KK is a great addition, also not a key position player. He will be replacing lewis, or potentially going onto a wing/defence rotation with salam. May is also a great addition, but just because we are trying to get a player in doesn't mean we cannot succeed without said player. I personally think making a prelim with a super young list, without our best defender, is cause for optimism.

Agreed that our defence hasn't been our strong suit. But our game style does contribute to conceding more goals, we are a team that backs ourselves in a shootout. But i guess i am very optimistic that we can sure up our defence through the growth of our current list. Collingwood, West Coast did nothing last trade period, and got exceptional growth from the players they had on their list. Similarly Richmond saw huge improvements from the likes of Grimes, Astbury, Vlastain etc 2 years ago

Most of our woes in terms of conceding goals came from lack of two way running, which was heavily highlighted throughout the year. We eventually tightened up just prior to finals. And yes i think with Lever coming back in, and another year in the gym for Omac, and another preseason of skills training for frost leaves us in a reasonable position re: key backs.

I think it's a myth we struggle down back, we were fine against Geelong and Hawthorn in the finals, and suffered when we turned the ball over in the middle of the ground v west coast. PLUS, Our best and most important defender in Lever was out. I think the combo of Lever/Omac, or Lever/Frost, or even Lever/Frost/Omac is good enough to win a flag. If anyone of Tmac, Hogan or Weed was going back, it would surely be Weed as he is the least valuable forward

Hogan a likely multiple coleman medallist, no chance he goes back

6 - 6 - 6 coming in next year = tall forward lines super valuable, as there will be no spare defender to counter quick centre clearances (our midfield will get plenty). Plus Hogan, and TMac are aerobic beasts, we would defs make it work. Preuss is the one who would miss out on games. I say if we have a sniff at keeping him we wrap our arms around him, even if its just for another year, he can get us a flag.

I would be concerned taking Freo's 2019 first rounder. With Hogan and Lobb, they have some real talent on their list and could make a huge jump up the ladder. Fyfe, Hogan, Lobb, Brayshaw, Cerra, both Hills, Walters, Sheridan, Wilson, Blakley, Langdon are all good/great players, plus some i don't know or may come out of no where to have a big 2019.

Of course they would. If he was even a 5% chance of going to freo they would happily try and give him a tour to get him over the line. Same as GWS giving Dusty a tour when he was on the fence. I actually think Jesse may be genuinely on the fence.. or maybe he's just waiting to get out of the country before the announcement is made

Good trades increases the likelihood of good outcomes, however.

Got the tin-foil hat on i see

I pray we don't take it, but its a possible outcome

If TradeRadio was saying 3 first rounders for Hogan everyone would be singing its praises... lol

equal 2) we get a poor deal but take it so as we get May

If he stays for 2019, due to Freo and Melbourne not agreeing to a trade, then what happens? How does trading an un-contracted non-free agent work?

I am not arguing that he is a free agent... just saying why people may assume he is. People on demonland get so salty over the littlest things.

Probably because the way the story is being reported, i've heard trade radio say freo may hold off a year and then Hogan can walk from melbourne.

Is he not a restricted free agent at then end of 2019?

Freo offer pick 5. Melbourne apologise to Hogan and say we are happy to let you go but freo are low balling us. We have a crack at the flag with Hogan in 2019, telling him it's only one more year until he's a free agent. In the meantime, collingwood has no bargining chips for May, nor does Hawthorn, so May probably stays at GC for another year. At the end of 2019, Hogan might leave, or maybe we convinced him to stay. Further May becomes a free agent and there is 0 chance he stays at GC. So we can pick up May for free and have a chance at retaining Hogan. We also come out looking like the good guys, as freo are the ones not willing to pay his worth. Furthermore, Kennedy may retire so WC become a big player. We hold the chips here, for once. Hogan is not at odds with the club at all, and if he had to play one more year here, he would suck it up and even possibly enjoy it.

We need to keep AVB desperately

Pick 5, 6 and Hunt for pick 1?

I personally disagree, in the prelim we gave our defenders 0 chance by turning it over in literally the worst spots on the ground. We made it through to the prelim without our number 1 defender in lever. Plus Omac and Frost will continue to improve, i'm particularly optimistic that lever and the best of Omac/Frost can hold down the key positions. We got destroyed by hawkins that one game, but he was getting perfect delivery, kicking it over his head and from the boundary. I think our team structure/game plan and mental maturity is our area of most improvement. We still need to develop the true ruthless winning habits that the great sides have. I don't think May is the key to our success, i'd rather continue to secure this dynasty by going to the draft, we are in a position to compete for the next 5-8 years IMO.

KK more important than may for mine. Jetta Frost Hibbo Salem Lever KK Omac, Hunt, Smith, Wagner, Petty all improving in the VFL, vying for an opportunity. I'd be super happy with this backline, plus get in pick 5&6 in the "best draft in two decades". Plus with no Hogan and May we will have enough cap space to have a real crack at Gaff or Kelly.

Melbourne may be making freo sweat to ensure we get pick 5 & 6