2018 trading, drafting and list management: players and personnel

[The Runner]

It is madness to think we are outside premiership contention at the moment. It is such an incredibly even competition, that can be won from anyone currently in the top 6-8 teams.
We generally don't let good players leave unless we are under cap pressure, which we are not. Trading out a known quantity that still delivers in Hanners, for a speculative high draft pick (which we have a poor record with), seems strange.

We have a good blend of youth and experience, and probably over index on the youth at the moment. But if they can step up and deliver, why not fancy ourselves?

[Blood Fever]

The talk about trading Hannebery and Parker is interesting.

When we re-signed them long term, it seemed we were happy that they were the players we could build our midfield around long term. Now things seemed to have changed if we are contemplating trading them for draft picks or to strengthen other areas.

In recent years I think we have been trying to balance out our midfield to compensate for weaknesses of Hannebery, Kennedy and Parker. We have got role players who can run and tackle against midfields like GWS. And it seems like we are trying to introduce some younger players who have ok kicking, creativity and offensive running. We have had poor form this year. But I think we are constantly trying to improve our midfield. I would prefer to continue to gradually evolve rather than make drastic changes.

Re Flag talk

I don't think any side can build a list that dominates the competition and comfortably wins a flag. Obviously you need to be a decent side that plays well. But it is important to have lack of injuries, good form and luck at the right time.

Good post. Be nice to play an interstate team in GF instead of home Vic team if we got there again.

[dimelb]

... We also lack an explosive midfielder in the Shiel / Martin / Danger mould.

I think Zak is getting there.

[liz]

I think Zak is getting there.

He is, though I think he does his best work in a bit of space, rather than being someone who wins the ball in the centre and then accelerates away.

Jack was the one who provided some real pace from stoppages in years gone by, but whether it's Father Time or injury that has curtailed him, his impact in this facet of the game has diminished over the last few seasons.

I know it's very early days, but I can't remember being as wowed by new player coming into the side as I have been by Ronke. Even if you put aside his Hawthorn game, the combination of pace, pressure, the ability to keep his feet and work through traffic, and his seemingly very level head, are an exciting combination. The club likened him to "a young Kieren Jack" when they drafted him and I can see him growing into the role that Kieren played so well during the early part of this decade. He's an inch or two taller than Kieren and has a slightly bigger frame. He's probably a little quicker, though Kieren's pace at his peak was very good, and he looks to share Kieren's lower body strength that enables him to evade tackles. His kicking was meant to be a weakness but it's definitely better than Jack's was at the same age (though Jack markedly improved his kicking from his first couple of years at the club). The big unknown with him, of course, is how he'll go once opposition players start recognising him and paying him some attention.

[liz]

This week's AFL draft podcast features a discussion around the best key forward prospects in the draft, reporting on responses given to questions by five (unnamed) recruiters. It's at the start of the podcast, so you don't need to wade through the chat with Tarryn Thomas if you don't wish to.

PODCAST: Gun Kanga-in-waiting on his super form - AFL.com.au

Not surprisingly, the names of Lukosius and the King twins pop up when the recruiters were asked about the best key forward prospects this year, but one recruiter named Blakey up there with Lukosius and another said he is going to be an (delete word) superstar. Tom McCartin also gets a bit of a mention in the discussion on recent key forwards drafted, with one recruiter quoted as saying he was the best key forward in last year's draft.

[KSAS]

Tom Brown on Triple M (Melb) reported there was strong word at the AFL Hall of Fame last night, that Daniel Hannebery wants to return to Melbourne next year even though he's contracted till 2021.

[barry]

The Melbourne media are always talking about non-vic based players moving to Melbourne and never the opposite. Then they get a "didn't see that coming" moment like buddy's move to Sydney.

[0918330512]

Tom Brown on Triple M (Melb) reported there was strong word at the AFL Hall of Fame last night, that Daniel Hannebery wants to return to Melbourne next year even though he's contracted till 2021.

Like Reid. Like Jones. It's not often that a Swan who is an established senior player walks of their own accord (Jolly. RO'K tried). Nank & Tom went for opportunities. I'd be more worried about Jake Lloyd

[707]

Tom Brown on Triple M (Melb) reported there was strong word at the AFL Hall of Fame last night, that Daniel Hannebery wants to return to Melbourne next year even though he's contracted till 2021.

Probably because Tom Lynch is firming to stay with GC, they gotta have a star returning home rumour to provide weekly updates on. Next they'll be suggesting likely new teams for Dan based on who he barracked for as a kid, where his parents live, where he was seen looking at houses, etc. Rory Sloane is in the same vortex right now.

If you went back and looked at the media in previous seasons about who is likely to move versus who actually did move then you'd see that the media mention everyone just to get a few correct, but gee it fills the TV shows and column inches in the printed press.

So will a former AA who's been battling various mystery ailments for a couple of years net us much? Reckon it would be buyer beware even for desperate clubs like Blues and Saints. Watch this space I suppose .....

[KSAS]

Dan is playing his 200th game this Friday (youngest & quickest Swan to do so) and i wouldn't be happy to see him play his 300th elsewhere. Reckon he'll do so, despite his recent injury run.

[liz]

Tom Brown on Triple M (Melb) reported there was strong word at the AFL Hall of Fame last night, that Daniel Hannebery wants to return to Melbourne next year even though he's contracted till 2021.

I find it hard to believe there would be "strong word" at the AFL Hall of Fame dinner about any player movements. It's an evening for past greats of the game to reminisce and I'd be surprised if there were many current club people there at all or any player managers, list managers etc.

[ernie koala]

Tom Brown on Triple M (Melb) reported there was strong word at the AFL Hall of Fame last night, that Daniel Hannebery wants to return to Melbourne next year even though he's contracted till 2021.

I can't take this sort of Melbourne talk, about a contracted player about to play his 200th, too seriously...But if so, let's hope his body comes good and he puts together a strong 2nd half of the year,

because on recent form and injuries, he wouldn't be worth much...

It would certainly make the decision (in hindsight) to let Mitchell go, look very ordinary. Especially given the fact that at the time, Hannebery would of been worth a much better trade than pick 14.

[dimelb]

"Enter rumour, painted full of tongues."

And pigs might fly.

[KSAS]

Caught Tom Brown doing his footy news segment on Ch 7 news (Melb) this evening & NO mention of Daniel Hannebery at all. He probably followed this up further & found it to be a total furphy as most had suggested. Hopefully this is the case.

[707]

Caught Tom Brown doing his footy news segment on Ch 7 news (Melb) this evening & NO mention of Daniel Hannebery at all. He probably followed this up further & found it to be a total furphy as most had suggested. Hopefully this is the case.

What about the mercurial Darcy Moore rumour, oh wait, that's Buddy that's mercurial, Darcy Moore has lower averages than a redhead we dropped last week.