Fat Tony

Any detail on the contract?

And Merrett is a free agent.

Doesn’t Ben Brown solve this as a third option? McKernan makes sense also.

Treloar is a very good player and would add to our side because of his breakaway speed. Even though he will be relatively inexpensive in terms of a trade, it’s probably not a risk I would want us to take. The salary (even after the Pies pay a chunk) and length of his contract are the big worry. He also plays an area where we are already well stocked. Plus he has soft tissue injury history and mental health problems. I get the temptation, but it is a big risk unless the Pies pay a third of the deal.

This deal makes no sense to me unless we get a first round pick because the pies are not in a position to pay TMac.

It has been reported that Buckley told Treloar that senior Filth players wanted him gone, so it seems like he will go somewhere. Hard to see how the Pies get someone to pay his contract and get good picks given they have severed the relationship.

2 years. I like Hunt, so I'm happy with this.

I hope the chatter about a 5 year deal is wrong.

Given we have Gawn, it makes sense to have back up rucks that are on low wages and can play in other positions. McKernan has been inconsistent, but has played some great games and was a bit stiff to be delisted IMO, particularly with Daniher departing. I also like the idea of one year deals, because drafting is going to be especially challenging this year and draftees get two year deals.

The Frawley compensation was our ‘priority pick’.

There’s always 2022 Dazzle!

Potentially could be 2021 1st and TMac for Brown and Polec, with a chunk of TMac’s and Polec’s wages paid by North. As much as first round picks are important, cap space is the most important asset in a world with free agency.

Is Phillips a better recruit than Polec? My read is Phillips is a marginally better athlete and better tackler, but Polec is a better kick. But I admit I haven’t watched either of them closely enough to give a proper view.

Not seen anything in the press, but a player I would target is Bailey Dale from the Dogs. Very quick and good overhead and on the ground. He’s not as skilled or slippery as Bailey Fritsch, but he offers good defensive pressure and would fit in any forward mix.

GWS have made noise that the will match bids for Cameron and Higgins will need a trade. (Your point stands about free agency though.)

I am not against this decision given the compromised draft this year. Hopefully Jones rewinds the clock and gets to 300, but at least we know he will provide depth and leadership. Surely he is on base wages.

I know that future picks are worth less in general, but does that hold this year? We have a compromised draft, no junior footy and list sizes reducing. I think it might be wise if we just take two very late picks this year and save our 2021 assets, filling the rest of the list with base wage free agents on 1 year deals. If we really like a player still on the board, we could potentially push up the draft order on the day. The point about playing hard ball with Brown makes sense, but it hasn't really been our style. We have taken the view that we can be a 'fair' trader to enhance our standing with player agents. It will certainly be an interesting negotiation because North have no leverage and #23 is really unders for one of the best goal scorers in the AFL.

Brown will nominate his club and a deal will be done. Other clubs sniffing around won't really change the negotiation, as no club will want to pay much more than #23 anyway. Next years first round pick should be on the table, but we would want to get something back in a deal for Brown.

I think the view is that players who win the ball in the air, but aren't that good on the ground and/or apply great tackling pressure, can be a liability. Cameron's athleticism and ability on the ground means he can fit in a forward line alongside almost any player. Brown is more of a focal point and needs players around him to win ground balls and apply pressure. Also Brown's injury and form are a concern. In saying all this, #23 for Brown would be a great value trade given he is one of the best goal scorers in the AFL.

Brodie Smith is a good player, who was on my list of players we should target. I would not offer a long contract though. 2 years max.

The Pies have doubled down with another shocking contract for Grundy (which is even worse). They have been lucky that they have had great academy and father son picks, plus ex Collingwood supporters who want to play for them for under market rates.

Thanks Doc. I think it would be a mistake to let Hunt go, particularly given Hannan will depart. I often wonder if he scratched Goody's car or something, because he averages more goals than just about anyone in the side.

What about Jayden Hunt?

Smith passes to Smith, who goes long to Smith. I hope I pronounced that correctly.

It smells a bit like a Shane Woewodin scenario. Good player but a bad contract and a salary cap squeeze.