Taz

I think it's much more likely there is a middle ground where May, Lever, Trac, Clarry still play good footy in 2026 and beyond. The continued development of Windsor, Langford, Lindsay, McVee (hopefully), Bowey, Tholstrup, Turner, Rivers, Sparrow and possibly Kentfield, Culley, Moniz-Wakefield and Howes should keep us around the mark. Unfortunately, we still need improvement forward of centre and line-breaking/good ball users - which I struggle to see us doing in this trade/draft period.

If that is the case and they aren't keen, then I'd be more than happy to keep both. The Hawks are a midfielder short (Lewis not in their first choice team) and Dogs backline cost them a finals spot. I was thinking it may not be outrageous given it is a shallow draft that is heavily compromised, but you may be right. It is unfortunate that I am not seeing the Dees be involved in any meaningful trade news/rumours to improve the list. By the way, I can't see North being able to offer anything I'd be willing to accept for Lever given they traded away their first round pick and so will be coming in at the earliest (pick 21) - which will get pushed back even further.

Agree any Trac trade unlikely if Merrett departs Essendon which I wouldn't mind as I love the bloke. I would like the Dees to go hard to get Mitch Lewis out of Hawthorn given he wasn't in their starting line-up for the first final against GWS. Can't see anyone picking up Oliver's salary so the new coach will have work to do to try and find meaningful roles for Oliver, Viney and Petracca who can all butcher the ball going inside forward 50.

Would anyone be open to the following scenario/s? Trade Trac for Hawthorn's first 2025 pick (8) and Mitch Lewis Trade Lever for Western Bulldogs first 2025 pick (10)

Best case scenario is we can grab one of Langford, Lalor, Smith or O'Sullivan (unlikely) with pick 5. Then hope that Tauru is still there at pick 9. I am a little reluctant to be picking Armstong. If we are able to land any of Langford, Lalor, Smith or O'Sullivan with pick 5 and Tauru is gone at our next (9), I don't mind sliding for some decent picks between 10 and 25 from either Richmond or GWS who could come hard for it. I would be targeting a couple of players such as Travaglia, Hotton, Lindsay and Allan with key position prospects Trainor, Shanahan, Whitlock(s) or Faull. Potential pick 9 swaps: Richmond 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, 24 GWS 15, 16, 21