2018 trading, drafting and list management: players and personnel

[Markwebbos]

The Hanners mystery may not resolve itself until October. Or will he come clean either way as soon as our season is done? He may have to keep playing along until we declare our free agency hand - assuming we have one!

[Hotpotato]

There must be something in the works on the part of the Swans, else there would have been an 'off limits, he's a contracted player' statement. The fact that there hasn't been that 'required player' statement has to make you think that this has been in the works for a bit of time already. The Swans have been out of the major player market since the Buddy deal. It feels like time we got back in.

It's also interesting that Gaff and Hanners are such similar players and that Gaff is an unsigned FA. The big difference is that Gaff comes without a trade and Hanners gets exchanged for a 1st round pick.

That’s settled then , Hanners is going home, then to the Saints and Gaff is coming to SYDNEY for his general well-being and a safe haven .

[Steve]

The only reason St Kilda are happy to talk about their interest now is as a PR exercise/ to distract their fans from their on field performance and to try and send a message around ‘being aggressive in the trade market’.

It is a real conspiracy theory to say Gaff had made his mind up to come to Sydney, so hit Brayshaw to setup a justification to leave Perth but bypass the glare of Victoria to go to the Swans.

[Markwebbos]

It is a real conspiracy theory to say Gaff had made his mind up to come to Sydney, so hit Brayshaw to setup a justification to leave Perth but bypass the glare of Victoria to go to the Swans.

It's the only explanation that fits

[Kirk31]

It is always an interesting time of the year when players are not signed, always more interesting when there is more talk about a player with 3 years left on his contract that is getting a lot of attention. Dan is a brilliant player and if he is fully fit can be a match winner. To trade Dan now, you would only do it if was a win-win-win for all 3 parties. I personally hope he stays, has a full pre-season, and shows everybody next year why he is a champion.

The other 4 non signings are interesting - McVeigh, Grundy, Lloyd and Nick Smith - all backmen.

McVeigh deserves another year based on this year's form. If we lose Lloyd we really need to re-sign McVeigh.

Grundy - first and foremost I hope he is OK. Whether he plays on next year is another question. My gut feel about Grundy is I don't think he will be with us in 2019.

LLoyd - former rookie listed player who has turned into a star for us. I really hope he stays. However money can talk - just look at Polec with North Melbourne offer.

Nick Smith - I find this the most interesting one and he is a free agent. I want Nick Smith to stay, however why hasn't he - Is he and the club waiting to see what happens with Lloyd. If we resign Lloyd, to be honest, I think Nick Smith may possibly leave.

So many cards too fall and my other question is who knows what players we are looking at.

[Markwebbos]

I don’t think Nick Smith is going anywhere.

[CureTheSane]

You'd think that at the time Grundy is at in his career, most players would be having a think about going again.
With added issues to deal with, there may be a few more ticks in the retire column.

I'm happy either way. What a great servant to the club. Consistent is a word that is a great one to use for backmen.
He had a role and always did it well.
Not snaps at goal, no marks of the year, no real flash and dazzle. Just a solid rock.

[ugg]

Can’t remember where I read it but Smith triggered a clause in his contract that extended the length by a year.

[Ludwig]

The only reason St Kilda are happy to talk about their interest now is as a PR exercise/ to distract their fans from their on field performance and to try and send a message around ‘being aggressive in the trade market’.

I think what happened is that the story got leaked and St Hanna went into damage control. They couldn't lie, because they were already caught out. They probably worked out the PR side with the Swans where the St Hanna would say they're interested in quality players and the Swans would leave the door open and let the story peter out until after the season ends.

[Blood Fever]

You'd think that at the time Grundy is at in his career, most players would be having a think about going again.
With added issues to deal with, there may be a few more ticks in the retire column.

I'm happy either way. What a great servant to the club. Consistent is a word that is a great one to use for backmen.
He had a role and always did it well.
Not snaps at goal, no marks of the year, no real flash and dazzle. Just a solid rock.

Absolute gun defender over the years. One of only a few to shine in 2016 GF.

[707]

There's up to 14 players likely to be drafted who could be taken as F/S. One won't be because he's Nick Blakey but still leaves 13 plus a significant number tied to academies.

The other F/S of interest to us is Kyle Dunkley, an inside mid who could nominate us.

[chammond]

I’m pretty sure the Dunkleys and the Swans don’t get along

[chammond]

There’s no point signing Smith, Grundy and McVeigh. They aren’t going anywhere. Just sit down with them at the end of the season and see how they feel.
MUST sign Lloyd asap

[aardvark]

There’s no point signing Smith, Grundy and McVeigh. They aren’t going anywhere. Just sit down with them at the end of the season and see how they feel.
MUST sign Lloyd asap

Add Jack to that list and possibly Rohan and Reid.

[aardvark]

The other F/S of interest to us is Kyle Dunkley, an inside mid who could nominate us.

Nowhere near as good as his brother. Maybe rookie list at best.