ChaserJ

Yeah, I was a little flat when I had a look ahead yesterday. Still, never know, just look at Bombers Eagles.

I think it’s Crows v Roos this week. Is it the Saints we’re barracking for against the Lions? If trophy is decided on percentage (rather than split amongst teams tied), a win for us & Lions loss virtually wraps it up. I suspect it’ll come down to that last game though.

Good yarn on Dan Curtin in today's Age: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/why-top-afl-draft-prospect-put-a-media-ban-on-himself-20231019-p5edl2.html

Was recently chatting to a former Tassie premier about the team and its prospects. They said that the team was effectively no chance to be in place on current timelines. Horrible contracts for Tas government re: stadium build (unviable based on current contract) and ongoing fees to AFL, not enough fed money, variable support from sections of the public who believe the money could be spent elsewhere and only vague backing from the AFL (unlike the northern franchises) who want to look like they are supporting a Tassie team. The opposition (who are the same colour as the fed government that provided funding) have said they will scrap plans and will only go ahead with establishment if contracts are renegotiated. The path ahead is littered with significant obstacles. I don't think we should be tailoring our recruiting based on the framework of the plan for commencing establishment of a Tassie team sometime in the future.

From the linked article, the below immediately precedes the statement about Caddy not getting to Geelong: 'Hawthorn likes small forward Nick Watson and Western Bulldogs are eyeing gun midfielder Ryley Sanders at pick five, leaving star goal kicker Nate Caddy for Melbourne at pick six.'

We’d probably need something else back as well if we’re playing a decisive role in helping those clubs achieve their goals. Would think one of those later 1st round picks North have stashed or WC’s 2nd rounder.

Twomey’s Phantom Form guide has dropped. Last one before the phantom draft: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1054452/cal-twomeys-phantom-form-guide-top-draft-prospects-october-ranking (just pipped me @Nascent!)

Turns out we were in talks with Roos & GC (early in FA period) which would have seen us give up 6, 14 & F1 for pick 3 and a '24 end of 1st rd pick (Nth compo).

Anyone catch Gettable today? Cal was saying Dees, GC & Roos were in talks early in the FA period to swap picks. GC’s pick 5 would have gone out, Dees would have given up 6, 14 & F1, Roos throw in pick 3 & a ‘24 end of 1st rd pick (compo). Dees would have taken pick 3 & Roos future end of 1st rd, Roos would take picks 5 & 6 & GC take home the rest for further pick swaps and bid matching. Obviously the deal didn’t get done, but interesting that we explored trading our hand to get to pick 3 (not 1). This is all prior to Dogs locking in pick 4, so were we expressly trying land in front of Hawks (at that point heavily linked to Duursma, also like Watson)? If the Roos remain keen, a variation of that deal could be possible if the Eagles decide to draft Reid.

Done for a future 3rd

Gee, that really was a mixed bag of a top 10.

You'd spend the year talking to Cadman, Ugle-Hagan, B King and/or Logan McDonald. All coming out of contract at around the time Petty would be assessing whether he wants to formally request a trade.

If North take Duursma (strong chance if they don’t get pick 1) Hawks are tipped to pivot to Watson. Dogs probably then select Sanders. Given they had Watson in mind when they traded up, would be slightly disappointing for them (but think Sanders would be a good fit with Dogs mids - Smith aside- getting on slightly).

Hawks in talks & favourites at this stage.

Was down to the wire on whether I used the laughing emoji or the applause.

Not for us thanks, but Bombers or even Hawks would make a lot of sense.

Cal will be developing a pretty good idea of where that top 5 sits at this stage. And he’s saying we’re a chance: https://articles.listnr.com/triple-m/rush-hour-with-jb-and-billy/cal-twomeys-2024-predicted-top-5-draft-picks/

Will be more midfield talent next year, but again some of the best are tied to clubs as f/s. There isn’t the clear no.1 prospect that we have with Reid, maybe not as good at the top end, but more even. Historically we prefer to get the talent in, so would think we’d take Sanders/Curtin now. Only thought would be whether we have a trade target on the hook and we’d like the asset, but would go against our previous behaviour (e.g. get the asset in, deal with next year when it comes as too much can change).

Reported in the Age over the weekend @old55: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hawk-brockman-flying-west-to-the-eagles-20231014-p5ec87.html

It’s be worth seeing if there’s a way to bring GWS into the deal. Getting their pick from Richmond into the deal probably puts us over the top. Agree that Geelong probably wouldn’t have an interest in getting involved.

Interesting take from Craig O' Donoghue in the West today following the Brockman trade: https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/craig-odonoghue-west-coast-eagles-will-be-chasing-more-picks-after-giving-two-away-for-tyler-brockman-c-12203711 "As it stands, they have selections 1, 23, 37 and 58 in a draft where just over 50 players are tipped to be chosen. When you add Academy and father-son selections to the draft, picks 23 and beyond will fall down the table. Which means splitting picks must be high on West Coast’s agenda." The Eagles are projecting to take 4 picks in the draft this year. In a shallow pool, they'd probably be hoping that they don't need to use 58. Their 2nd pick at 23 will likely be in the vicinity of pick 28 by the time academy & FS bidding is done.

There is a developing theory amongst recruiters that North, Hawks & Dogs all have put more time into other players, hence a strong chance that Curtin gets through. North now strongly linked to Duursma & McKercher. One reason that we are still well in the game.

Was very impressed with Curtin's performance on Walter. The other one that stuck in my mind was how he played against Vic Country. Outstanding game. Curtin and Reid going blow for blow to try and get their teams over the line. That high in the draft you look for players that can influence the game and help turn momentum in your favour. Curtin and Reid showed this in spades that night. Would happily have Curtin if he's there at pick 6/7.