RalphiusMaximus

I think Morton and Martin should be moved on. It's not that I don't like them (even Morton), but that I think they would both benefit from a new club and a new environment. In Martins case I just have a feeling that he's gone as far as he can with this group, while obviously Morton has had a disastrous few years and is in desperate need of a fresh start. Gys had a shocking year and there have been persistent rumours (often on these forums) that he is not taking well to the new style of coaching, but I think he is a massive talent and probably worth persisting with to see if he can get his issues sorted out and cement a spot in the side.

Best of luck to him. He's done all he could have done at our club and I don't think we have any right to begrudge him the chance to go and play in some finals after ten years with us. As good as he is, it's a loss we can cover with the huge number of tall defenders at our disposal. I don't think anyone has the right to take shots at him for this.

I think this change could be the end of the undersized second ruck. If you take away their body contest then they will have to out-jump their opponents.

Actually, I was quite happy with the Clark deal last year. I'd seen some of his good games and thought if he could produce that sort of form for us he'd be massive value. Dawes on teh other hand I consider to be a capable middle of the road forward, and not worthy of a first round pick.

So many things I'm tempted to say here, but they've all been said before and it's really not productive. To me this deal would lower the overall mark I give the club for their trading efforts. I guess next year will tell me whether I'm right to think this way or not. Humbug.

GWS have signaled a willingness to trade 1st round picks. Why not try to get pick 12 out of their hands? That would be about right for Stringer with luck. I'm sure we could find something to trade them.

Stuff that. We don't need Dawes. There are other options available, possibly not as well credentialed in terms of having won a premiership, but I would suggest equally talented. We need to stand our ground and tell them if they aren't willing to be reasonable then we are happy to move on to other options.

I have a feeling that in years to come when people are feeling negative, they are going to start threads about how we missed this guy. It's going to be Darling all over again, how did we pick up (insert player name here) and not take Stringer? Look at what he's doing for (insert club [not us] here). Sack the recruiters!!!! Even though I am happy with the trade we made to secure Hogan and Barry (and Viney) I really wish we could have held on to 13, because that is where I expect him to go and I would really love it if it were Melbourne calling his name.

He needs to improve his contested ball, which is an area you can be certain Neeld and co. will push him on, and he needs to regain confidence in his kicking. He was drafted on the strength of his kicking, and somewhere along the way seems to have lost a bit of confidence in this attribute, despite (or because of?) being used as a designated kicker out of defence in a lot of games. His challenge this year is to get games ahead of guys like Watts, Nicho and Dunn.

HE actually said in an interview earlier this year that the twitch is a result of nerve damage after he broke his jaw back when he played. I believe he is planning on having it fixed at some point.

Re. the Watts thing, I think it was telling that at the end of the Adelaide game (I think it was Adelaide) he was shifted forward. I suspect that he will be used as a bit of a utility, mainly on halfback, but being shifted to have short impact bursts from time to time, whether in the forward 50 or on the wing (or even in the middle). Very much along the lines of the way the Saints have used Goddard.

The Master.

The games Gawn has played he's looked strong and capable. It's very early in his career, but I think he has the makings of a pretty special player.

I've made no secret of the fact that I think Dawes is a waste of money and tradeable commodities. I don't rate him at all. As I said, I know a number of Bulldogs fans (some of whom are quite knowledgeable) who were horrified when their club was linked to him as well and are now very happy that he appears Melbourne-bound. I also know quite a few Melbourne fans who agree with me that he isn't worth what we are going to pay for him. I've been a massive fan of the moves made so far but this one is in my opinion a flop.

Looks a bit better my way.

So we have lost the race for Dawes huh? I know a number of Bulldogs fans who are greatly relieved today.

Exactly. I loved watching him play, but I can not find it in myself to hope he plays for another club after the way he treated the MFC. A person of integrity simply does not act like that, no matter the motivation. If he wanted to go live with his family he should have had a quiet word to the club and asked them to find him a trade like so many others have this year.

Could get a better contract and a chance to stay in Melbourne with all his friends. Could even play for a team that doesn't get beaten by Melbourne.

Apparently he wants to go to a club where he'll get more game time. Anyone know much about him? Article

Worth putting up a fight for though. We have the advantage on picks to trade unless they want to throw their first round away on him.

I believe Martin is rated very highly also. He could well have gone no.1 next year, which would make it a bargain for GC to get him at 2 this year instead.

Gumby. Much more upside to him, even if there s more risk as well.

Funny, looking at the footage Melbourne linked to, all the players loot like they're running on the spot. He does look to be running on the spot faster then the others though :D I'm very happy with this pickup. He's going to be very handy.

I am very happy with the talent we've picked up so far. Barry looks like he could be real value for us and of course Viney is going to be awesome. Pick up another top midfield prospect with pick 4 and I'd say we've come out of the draft/trade period well and truly ahead. Can't wait to see what happens for the next 19 days.

I suspect both Davis and Cook might be in trouble.