Well you do raise an interesting aspect to al this that i was indeed wanting to put out there. Many have thought this too no doubt.
This is a game being played on a number of levels in a number of different ways. Bit like 3 dimensional chess, except not everyone is even playing chess !! lol. Some are playing a look alike game, but with differing rules.
The main game.... get Judd !!
sub plots..... all parties jockying to make best position to either snare Judd or reap the ripe crumbs.
associated sub plots. No involved ( directly ) parties circling and posturing to provide fodder/ amunition to main parties whilst accentuating their own lists.
Bluff and gambits. Now probably only those directly involved.. Melbourne, Carlton , Essendon and Them (lol ) will have any real idea of how they are placed at the moment. But if a team felt it may in all reality dip out it may continue to preen etc in a bid to pickup a clever swap or trade pickup.
but too your idea of trading #4..well.. if we miss the main prize...then decent consolations are acceptable.
But for me the real question here ...is.. For some clubs what is the MAIN prize ?? This is all not as it seems !!