2021 trading, drafting and list management: players and personnel

[dejavoodoo44]

Knoll was recruited as a ready to play ruckman who sustained a partial PCL tear after he joined us which stuffed his immediate and long term prospects

McAndrew is a project recruit with little AFL experience and a rugby background (so he reeks of the sweet scent of Mike Pyke if anything)

He’s slower and skinnier than Pyke. But younger and taller. He has time to mature physically (it took Naismith, Doyle and Stafford a few seasons to bulk up to contest with the big boys), and as a mid-season rookie, he’s not costing us a lot.

And if he’s had mentoring from Steve Taubert & Dean Cox, there is no greater grounding for a young developing ruckman IMO

Yes, I say well done to McAndrew. Getting on our list, after only taking up the game in 2019, is obviously a big achievement. Although his height did help.

On his pace, while he's not as athletic as Pyke, he does have a bit of speed when he chooses to use it. He can also lay a tackle. Which is reminiscent of the Pyke* and Mumford partnership, where opposition midfielders would underestimate their mobility and end up being driven into the turf. On his kicking, it does look a bit ungainly, but the ball usually goes straight. Perhaps a bit like Mason Cox.

On what he has to learn. Probably a bit of ruck craft, but he'll have excellent teachers in Dean Cox and Steve Taubert. And watching him, at times he has seemed hesitant about where to run to and his positioning; and I'm yet to see him do much up forward. So those are areas where he can improve.

*That's twice I've typed Pyke** and twice my deranged auto correct has changed it to Puke.

**Three times now.

[Mr Magoo]

Good selection without using selections in the draft proper at the end of the year - I think the swans probably saw a good trajectory with him and at 207cm he's a proper ruckman. Really wasnt anyone chosen otherwise who could have "filled a need" that we couldnt already fill with some of the next tier of players like clarke etc.

[Bangalore Swans]

Buddy has been doing some media over the last two weeks (he never usually does media) to get the message out that he could play in 2023 if his body holds up.

Buddy is still clearly the Swans best player and has shown strong form this year.

If he plays well next year and plays over 15 games in 2022 should the Swans extend his contract in 2023?

What do you think he could be worth monetary wise in 2023?

[KSAS]

Buddy has been doing some media over the last two weeks (he never usually does media) to get the message out that he could play in 2023 if his body holds up.

Buddy is still clearly the Swans best player and has shown strong form this year.

If he plays well next year and plays over 15 games in 2022 should the Swans extend his contract in 2023?

What do you think he could be worth monetary wise in 2023?

I would love to see Buddy play in 2023 if he's fitness & form still holds up, assuming he'll be on greatly reduced money so to still make sufficient cap relief as club would've been planning towards. It would be nice a two fingers up to all the media doubters who predicted Buddy wouldn't see out his current contract. Gives him additional chance to play in a premiership with us, along with helping the continued development of McDonald, McLean, Amartey & co.

Edit: I think Buddy won't be too fussed about the money because he loves playing so much & any $$$$ he would consider a bonus. $400k - $500k would make him happy, particularly as he may feel he owes club being on sidelines for so long whilst earning $1m+

[sprite]

Buddy has been doing some media over the last two weeks (he never usually does media) to get the message out that he could play in 2023 if his body holds up.

Buddy is still clearly the Swans best player and has shown strong form this year.

If he plays well next year and plays over 15 games in 2022 should the Swans extend his contract in 2023?

What do you think he could be worth monetary wise in 2023?

On the assumption that:

He wants a premiership with us.

He is happy in Sydney and doesn't want to move interstate

He is financially secure.

His body is able to get through a preseason and regular training with good management.

I don't see why we shouldn't offer him $250k plus incentives. Plus offer him a development role to keep him involved post footy.

[111431]

On the assumption that:

He wants a premiership with us.

He is happy in Sydney and doesn't want to move interstate

He is financially secure.

His body is able to get through a preseason and regular training with good management.

I don't see why we shouldn't offer him $250k plus incentives. Plus offer him a development role to keep him involved post footy.

AGreed. He is not going to get a playing contract elsewhere and to have access to his experience and knowledge would be invaluable to our young forwards

[barry]

Buddy has been doing some media over the last two weeks (he never usually does media) to get the message out that he could play in 2023 if his body holds up.

I read that as just a bit of PR as there was a couple of games there where his body looked like it had come to the end.

There is no way Buddy will be playing in 2023, and even if he did, what would the swans offer: $150,000 p.a. ? to play mostly reserves ?
2020 he missed the season
2021 he's a week by week proposition, while we rebuild a side
2022 If we are going to rebuild a forward line, he cant be the main man anymore.
2023 Its the post-buddy swans. as we tilt towards deep finals apperances.

[Matty10]

I would love to see Buddy play in 2023 if he's fitness & form still holds up, assuming he'll be on greatly reduced money so to still make sufficient cap relief as club would've been planning towards. It would be nice a two fingers up to all the media doubters who predicted Buddy wouldn't see out his current contract.

I love the idea, and it’s great to dream, but it really doesn’t matter at this stage. It is all moot until the time comes to make a decision, and that wouldn’t be until the end of next year. There is little point writing him off or calculating his inclusion until more of the unknowns are known.

But it is nice to dream. So, in the meantime, I’ll imagine out a scenario in my head that allows this to become a worthwhile reality.

[Markwebbos]

I read that as just a bit of PR as there was a couple of games there where his body looked like it had come to the end.

There is no way Buddy will be playing in 2023, and even if he did, what would the swans offer: $150,000 p.a. ? to play mostly reserves ?
2020 he missed the season
2021 he's a week by week proposition, while we rebuild a side
2022 If we are going to rebuild a forward line, he cant be the main man anymore.
2023 Its the post-buddy swans. as we tilt towards deep finals apperances.

I love the plan Barry, the only missing detail is who is going to take over from Buddy? Even now he isn't always getting the best defender playing on him.
Next year is too soon for Logan's Run to be in full swing...
Heeney?
Reid?
TBT?

[Roadrunner]

I read that as just a bit of PR as there was a couple of games there where his body looked like it had come to the end.

There is no way Buddy will be playing in 2023, and even if he did, what would the swans offer: $150,000 p.a. ? to play mostly reserves ?
2020 he missed the season
2021 he's a week by week proposition, while we rebuild a side
2022 If we are going to rebuild a forward line, he cant be the main man anymore.
2023 Its the post-buddy swans. as we tilt towards deep finals apperances.

Sorry Barry- I disagree. When fit, he plays very well. There’s no reason to think that just because his contract expires in 2022, he can’t play for another year in 23. It will be up to his body and his desire to play. If he can stay fit, I see no reason why he can’t play around 15 games and help our young forwards, especially Logan. Our forward line needs another talented tall and who is there in our squad to fill this role? We will need to recruit as there is no-one currently- maybe Amartey, who is yet to be tried, for reasons only known to our coaches.

I am sure he will stay in Sydney, as he is happy and settled, and will want to play a role. Also, he will accept any fair and reasonable remuneration package as he’s not short of a dollar!

[707]

707 are you going to the get together for the Swans/Hawks game on Friday week?

No, hope to be sunning myself in Queensland by then, Covid permitting. I do want us to give the Hawks a decent thrashing!

[barry]

Sorry Barry- I disagree. When fit, he plays very well. There’s no reason to think that just because his contract expires in 2022, he can’t play for another year in 23.

There is a big reason: His age. The end comes quickly for players, and we are already seeing signs of the end this year. Just getting a few games in in 2022 will be an acomplishment.
Why is he even thinking about 2023. To be honest, I dont see what benefit it is to the swans to have him on the list in 2023. He wont be part of the next premiership.

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I love the plan Barry, the only missing detail is who is going to take over from Buddy? Even now he isn't always getting the best defender playing on him.
Next year is too soon for Logan's Run to be in full swing...
Heeney?
Reid?
TBT?

Obviously its whoever our full forward feeder club (saint kilda) has ready for us. Max King?

[Markwebbos]

Obviously its whoever our full forward feeder club (saint kilda) has ready for us. Max King?

I think Meg has already burst the Max King bubble.

But you are right, Swans have a long history of acquiring a marquee forward from another club (and it frequently has been the Saints).

Who is our next Bazza / Plugger / Buddy? Or do we have that much faith in Logan?

[Auntie.Gerald]

Mike Pyke takes some big pack grabs against Geelong R22 2013 - YouTube

the next mike pyke..........go Lachlan !!!!

[MattW]

I would love to see Buddy play in 2023 if he's fitness & form still holds up, assuming he'll be on greatly reduced money so to still make sufficient cap relief as club would've been planning towards. It would be nice a two fingers up to all the media doubters who predicted Buddy wouldn't see out his current contract. Gives him additional chance to play in a premiership with us, along with helping the continued development of McDonald, McLean, Amartey & co.

Edit: I think Buddy won't be too fussed about the money because he loves playing so much & any $$$$ he would consider a bonus. $400k - $500k would make him happy, particularly as he may feel he owes club being on sidelines for so long whilst earning $1m+

Absolutely. Cheering for Buddy has been a @@@@ing joy and I'm savouring every minute if it.