Would We Want Whitnall?

[Schneiderman]

Whitnall Threat to Walk

It's understood Whitnall isn't satisfied with the offer on the table from the Blues and while his preference is to stay at Optus Oval, the Eagles, Melbourne and, at least one other club involved in the finals, are keen on snaring him.

So thats Saints, Adelaide or us. Unless they mean "entire finals campaign" at which point Geelong is most likely IMO.

Nevertheless, could we use him? I reckon he'd make for a good CHB or FB with the right sort of coaching. But I have never been convinced he is worth more than $300k per year, except in a few occassional fits of talent.

[NMWBloods]

I've said before, I think he'd be a very good key position defender.

[satchmopugdog]

No

[anniswan]

One word with exclamation marks

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[big bear]

Short and sweet.
NO!!!!

[swans_premiers]

no

[Schneiderman]

Come on people, I expected more than "No". Why not? NMW and I both agree he would make a good KPP defender. Opinions?

[Charlie]

No. Because:
- he's currently the only name player who's even looked like being on the market, and will thus be massively over-priced.
- he's had well documented fitness and form issues.
- there are better ways to get a key defender than trying to mold one out of a beaten-up 26 year old centre half forward (ie, we can develop our kids).
- the cheer squad wouldn't be able to sing its 'who ate all the pies(?)' song anymore.

[Schneiderman]

Originally posted by Charlie
- the cheer squad wouldn't be able to sing its 'who ate all the pies(?)' song anymore.

LOL, how very true.

But you must admit than any player called "Big Red" really deserves a spot in our colours

[SimonH]

Yeah, I suppose so (without any great enthusiasm), if he's cheap and the coaching staff had a good long chat with him and convinced themselves he was genuine about knuckling down and givin' it his all for the team.

Even if the 2nd criterion was satisfied, the 1st wouldn't be, so in practice: no.

[Mike_B]

If Schauble can't have a spot found for him in the backline, what good is Whitnall going to be as a KP defender. Schauble is quicker than Whitnall!

'Nuff said.

[BonBon]

Saints can have him.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Charlie
he's currently the only name player who's even looked like being on the market, and will thus be massively over-priced.

It's early days in the trading talk, so we'll see what else comes up. Also, we can assume that the club can organise its finances appropriately.

he's had well documented fitness and form issues.

And a stint at a new club in a new city may do him the world of good.

I think people forget just how good Whitnall was. Sure he may not recapture that form, but who knows, and for the right price why not give it some thought.

[midaro]

There seems to be quite a few KPP backmen (of varying quality) being mentioned as trade bait:
Michael, Whitnall, Hay, Polak...

I wouldn't be upset if we went after one, but we don't have much spare talent and our draft picks won't exactly be enticing.

[Big Al]

It Depends on what we had to give up (trade wise) and what his price was. He is talented and as we know Roosy seems to be able to get the best out of most players he coaches. So the Swans should seriously look at him if the option arises.