ignition.

The MFC bending over yet again.

What is more valuable to you. A $100, $50, or $20 AUD note? Say if the club was to target an out of contract Macrae next year (or another high-valued target). What do you propose the club trades? To my understanding draft picks are the only currency of trade week. I doubt we'd be wanting to offer one of our high calibre players in return. If I'm thinking in different era, you're not thinking past the name "draft pick".

That argument has no merit whatsoever. During those years we possibly had the worst CEO in the game's history (Shwab), a recruiting manager without a clue (Prendagast), a coach without a backbone whom the players ignored (Bailey) (followed by a worse coach in Neeld), and a playing group full of influential senior players more pre-occupied with hitting up Chapel St. than playing a game of footy (Maloney, Sylvia, Jamar). On top of that we had a board in conflict with leaks coming from every corner. High draft picks are valuable, as is club culture and development. People here have every right to question why the club gave up an additional first-round draft pick (in a very strong draft). Especially if we see Mahoney and Co. spending the rest of the trade period trying to improve our draft position (it's counter-intuitive) and just acquire Balic.

Yep agreed. If Mahoney an Co. fold on this one it will be infuriating. I believe Balic has the potential to be a very good player. However, based on his track record there is no need to jump the gun. It would take away from the original concept of targeting him (maximising the success of late picks).

I agree with the overall point you are trying to make. While the club has been doing a pretty good job at attracting players, as well as drafting them, at times they are paying far too much. I don't agree with all the deals you've highlighted, but I do think our dealings need to be tightened up. For example, I rated Howe (along with many others here) far higher than the club at the time of his departure. Collingwood won that. The same may be said for Watts if we get a pick in the late 20's. The Melksham deal was also foolish. At that point in time, he was worth a third-round pick. Today the club paid overs for Lever. Yes, he's a gun and his acquisition is brilliant, but the trade feels slightly tainted by the currency exchanged. I'm sure other list managers could have struck a better deal. In line with this, let's look at the Devon Smith deal also completed today. As much as I hate Dodoro and Essendon, my hat goes off to them. They acquired Devon Smith (a gun small forward) and two second-round picks for their "prized pick 11". It's safe to say Essendon pants GWS. Now let's talk about "currency". YES, the draft and actual picks can be over-rated. Many consider the draft a lottery. I think that is partially correct. The draft is a lottery with a descending probability of selecting a star (or subsequently a top 10 player). However, draft picks alone during trade-week are gold. They along with players are our only currency (exc. salary cap). By losing next years first round pick, it will be harder to trade in new stars (for example. Ollie Wines or JackMaCrae, or another out of contract player). I don't think Mahoney needs to go, he seems to do quite a good job otherwise, but the club needs to look at hiring someone who can deal better and extract more out of its competitors during trade week.

I'm not arguing that a club can not build a team using late picks and development. But on that note look lets look at the premiers: Cotchin #2, Martin #3, Riewoldt #13, Rance #18, Ellis #15, Caddy #7, Rioli #15 (all first round picks). I'm arguing about currency. We have no Leverage, excuse the pun, to draft or trade a "star" in next years super-draft. I'll repeat that I'm thrilled we got Lever. But Mahoney & co. could and should have played it better.

Where they were selected is irrelevant. We could name just as many or more "star" players that were drafted early. One way or another, draft picks are currency. Early picks effectively offer a higher probability of selecting a star (particularly in next years darft) or used are used to directly trade a star (like Lever). I'm thrilled we acquired Lever. My qualm, however, is that Mahoney & co. rushed it and paid overs. They could have played it much better.

Paid overs. Well done MFC on bending over again. They went all in at first. Our first offer should have been the final offer. Isn't next years draft rated as another or near-superdraft? No wonder Adelaide were adamant on getting our first round pick. STUPID!

Happy for Maynard, but would have thought they would have waited until the last list lodgment for King (or closer to). Who knows what the trade period may bring.

Yes, certainly worth consideration and an interview with the recruitment team. Desperate to keep playing so should come cheap, and a good backman at that. Worst comes to worse he plays at Casey for the year. But may very well provide quality depth if one of our tall defenders goes down. Alternatively, he may compete for young O. Mc's spot forcing him to improve his game further.

"WHATTT!!!" was my response. I was expecting Hibberd and Oliver at #1 and #2 Given Oliver was given the other two awards, I'll be shocked if he misses out on the top 5.

The former.

I use to find him quite intriguing, but in recent times I had forgotten about him. On the plus side he'd be coming from a system with training standards pushed by Hodge, Roughead, Mitchell (previous), and Lewis (previous). Be memory he has excellent foot skills as well as endurance and pace. So on face value, he seems to fit the bill. However, looking up his deficiencies he seems to lack the ability to win contested ball and tackle, which just won't fly. Is he currently in contract or about to be delisted? At most, he is worth a conversation between Taylor, Viney, and co. as a rookie selection.

Every off-season we need to trade in depth. Better talent across the list, whether that be at the top or bottom, will improve training standards and competition for spots. Is Hartung the right fit? Probably not based on his size, tackling pressure, and low levels of contested possession.

Here's the story. Looks like he's a peeping Col. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/former-afl-player-colin-sylvia-faces-court-after-secretly-filming-his-exgirlfriend-while-she-slept-20171009-gyxfoi.html

I disagree. We need to generate depth for years to come, not just focus on the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Keep in mind, Vince, Lewis, and Jones may only have a year or two left. We also need to improve the list at every turn, whether that's at the bottom end or top end. If Balic replaces and improves the position (increasing spot competition) of say Trengove or Kennedy from this year, JKH or Johnstone next year, so be it, it's a win. What do you think the probability is to draft "a star" with or between our picks of 45 and 63?

The club can now argue that he didn't even poll in Adelaide's B&F top 10, so why would they offer more? Obviously, a few of his votes were taken out. What a poor and unprofessional way to handle his departure. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/adelaide/jake-lever-told-not-to-attend-adelaides-bestandfairest-after-trade-request/news-story/b5a13c82a91449ab806c3017a431ed34

It's obvious I'm a fan of Balic. Now I hope the club can stick to their guns and get him with a 4th round pick. Even though I think he's worth pick 45 (3rd round), the club is in the right position to get him for less.

We'll also need to see what trade value we have at the end of this period. If the GC Suns remain near the bottom of the ladder again and his development is perturbed, however, he should come much cheaper (late teens to the early twenties, guessing).

Will Brodie was drafted by the Gold Coast Suns last year with Pick #9 in the National Draft (2016). He is a big bodied inside midfielder with a height of 189 cm and weight of 82 kg (as of the start of 2017). He is also in contract, which expires at the end of 2018. Growing up he was a Melbourne supporter. Generally, this means nothing once a player is drafted and thus bears little influence when trying to acquire them via trade. However, considering he joined that farce of a club, a desire to come home and join the one he once loved may have some merit (being only one year into the system). Considering Vince, Lewis, and Jones are ageing we will need on-field (and ready) replacements in the not too distant future. This will occur via development, of the likes of Brayshaw, and trade. Thus, I would like to see MFC table him and the GC Suns a theoretical offer this trade period, even if it is a low-ball offer that is refused, to at least get his attention and interest for next year. What are your thoughts on him?

No thanks. Off-field reports indicate that he's a loose cannon. As for the "mosquito fleet" being the flavour of the month. Remember Carlton had one not too long ago that comprised Betts, Garlett, and Yarran. It didn't help them off the bottom of the ladder. My point is there is far more to the Richmond premiership than their "Mosquito fleet".

Yes, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

For me, his reading and awareness need to improve first and foremost. I spent a little time watching him when he did play in the AFL side and the game just seemed to move around him. Second to that, a little more time in the gym should be beneficial. From VFL reports he did show some glimpses of brilliance, which at his age and height, is the least we can ask for. Hopefully, he takes a few steps ahead over the off-season and in the new year.

So if Watts leaves, we're looking at five vacancies on the main list. Presumably if/when we acquire Lever our draft position will be weakened. Based on this, I believe we will draft two players plus J. Smith to meet the mandatory requirement of drafting three. Thus, we should have two more positions remaining on the main list (for trade-ins). One name raised via media reports is Balic (hopefully for a 4th round pick), Who is the other? let's wait and see. Finally, as indicated above by LH, King remains unsigned. This may be a contingency that depends on the outcome of Watts (if we are targeting three to trade-in). Alternatively, if both Watts and King departs it will appear we're either targeting four for trade-in (unlikely) or going to draft three plus J. Smith.

I don't think the Richmond clash jumper is that bad as it's their colours but inverted. If it were us, behind all the happiness and joy, I'd be holding back the dry-reach and subsequent vomit.