BW511

It’s not like 100 players are changing clubs every year, so we are starting a long way back when compared to the Hawks and Cats (Culture/Reputation etc) Then you have the deep pockets of Collingwood, Richmond and Carlton. At absolute best, we are 6th in line of the Melbourne clubs, more realistically, we are behind a few others too

Is Cerra known for running defensively? If he goes both ways, I’d take him as an upgrade on Sparrow for sure. Certainly finds the ball more than Tom

I think Trac and the review into FD will demand our system changes, makes it hard to know who will suit us in 2025. I think we need a Walsh or Andy Brayshaw type who is ultra consistent and dependable, not necessarily a game breaker but just does the hard/team orientated stuff each week.

For minimal currency, I would put some very serious consideration into it. He’s been a good player for a long time. He’s at 1.6 goals a game (293 total) versus Fritta at 1.8 goals a game (252 total), he’s also the same height and 10kg heavier. Some extra pressure on Melk/Turner/Fritta would be welcomed - I don’t see Melk as guaranteed games next year as he was patchy at best

I’d love to see Kolt permanently take ANB’s spot and transition the role into a more rounded/attacking version for 2025 and beyond. Can certainly appreciate what our Half forward rotation have done defensively in years gone by but have always felt we are spending too much energy defensively. Pick 5 needs to go to a mid with serious skill and some breakaway pace. We don’t need another Trac, we need someone who compliments Trac and Clarry

No way Houston gets them any further into September

A fit, confident and aggressive Oliver would be a welcome sight in 2025. If he can get there, we are in for a treat. It’s a big if, though.

Surely Watson and Dear convince everyone that the draft is the only way to go with pick 5. Couple of first year blokes with a very solid impact

While you are on a roll @goodwindees, any action for this thread?

Going all in on trying to keep Trac beyond 2025 then

Weren’t the media all liars, in your eyes, during the Petracca saga?

Houston has said he’s staying https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104290300

That’s not a fair comparison, even though Christian had very real issues with the club, his situation was almost entirely his own doing. Houston and Port are playing chess with each other but Houston is not burning Port to the ground in the process

He’s got good patience when he needs it too, doesn’t panic and dish off for no reason.

There has to be some smoke here, every club needs this type of player, you don’t let one walk with no proper reason.

That’s some guaranteed game time right there

I’m also a little on the fence about him, terrific stats and year, concerned how he fares at AFL level with a lot more congestion and bigger bodies. A lot of times he would be killing his teammates with handball at AFL level

Speedy mids with skill in the draft and speedy mids at trade. I’m not fussed if we recruit good VFL players because our Casey team is putrid, it’s still helping our young kids by improving that side as well

I think people overstate the whole ‘leverage’ angle with trading. The industry is quite small and everyone has a fair idea of players worth. Sure, there is a little haggling here and there but truly shafting a club is very counterproductive for future dealings

The hype around Reid will get absolutely insane in the next few years, he’s got a lot to live up to.

Few people need a very, very good preseason for that list to be competitive for the entire year

I’m not convinced Lever’s football commands the role. We are light on for leadership

I am confident this is exactly what’s happened with Houston. Port said sure, go put the feelers out but we are setting a price. When we realised our first rounder was going to be higher than anticipated, we let it fizzle out. No one else wanted to pay the price either. @mo64, I agree that the draft is risky but keeping Trac on with his high maintenance behaviour is likely far riskier for Goodwin/Pert/Roffey

I don’t mind the idea, more from a cultural perspective though. There’s some homesickness and unrest with Trac and Koz, they also happen to be our two most valuable assets. If we netted 3 picks under 20 and a decent best 22 player under 25, all of whom wanted to be here, change could come quickly and be sustainable whilst Gawn and May are still functioning. Theres a few guys in our current side who are just barely contributing and there seems to be a very even spread of draft kids out to pick 25-30

Port Adelaide came out and said he doesn’t suit their list profile, they didn’t want him. The nominating of clubs is based on conversations already had, it’s not a random choice like many believe