old55

So it looks like we had the 6 Langford and 11 Lindsay jumpers ready to go. That's pretty interesting, we must have had good intel on what other clubs were planning to do. Pick 6 for Langford was probably predictable since we were the ones to bid Ashcroft. We must have known the Crows would take Draper. Cal Twomey was rock solid on this before they made the pick. 11 for Lindsay is a bigger get, we must have known the Saints would bid Lombard and take Travaglia and Tauru. And that Richmond would take Smilie. All probably predictable but interesting nevertheless.

Agree, a Kako bid at 5 was probably a real consideration for us at trade time, ultimately we preferred to go with Langford. If Essendon hadn't made the trade, things could have turned out very differently.

I'll get a piece of that $31 for the flag - that's way over. I see Hawthorn is second favourite at $8.50 - madness!

Think of him as a Derksen replacement

Down from livid?

The Derksen comparison in the thread is a good one, we would have traded something like 68 or earlier for him and no-one here would have batted an eyelid.

I like the way he pushes Crossley over in that centre bounce highlght.

How's AJ's pace and agility @dazzledavey36? It would be a bonus if he has the closing speed to be a key back option in future too.

It doesn’t make much sense. BBB and Schache gone and we're back playing 6 talls in the Casey forward line. Assuming Campbell rucks: Jefferson, Fullarton, Kentfield, Verrall, Johnson and Melksham.

That's true and probably what clinched the deal for Port.

@Nascent gave a very good explanation of this strategy re Essendon trading similarly with Geelong last year to get Caddy. Some other team was probably pitching a deal to WC for the pick to take Berry and Port needed to beat them to it.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1066251

That's not correct. He only produces one actual phantom draft, with some late mail updates right before the draft. He has been incredibly accurate over the years, if anyone knows what's going on it's him.

Let's hope he can saddle up for some good performances this year.

There are good reasons not to bid. Pick 1 is a special award and also has a prize attached. Clubs may also want to signal to the player they pick that he's really wanted, not second choice. What goes around, comes around is a reason too.