Trading or acquiring free agents has to be to fill a specific need - getting a player 'because we can' is dumb. We need, in no particular order - a true hybrid who can play forward and midfield (could Duursma be that player in this year's draft), a key defender who marks the ball (could McCabe, who we'll get in this year's draft develop into that player), a fast and skilled small forward to take over from Punky and Brockman, and key position support for Mitch Lewis (could Denver or Ryan become that player). Giving up first round picks, or spending big $$ on a free agent for anything other than an absolute need is silly. It was a needs-based approach to trading and free agent acquisition that was central to our threepeat. We need to be smart and there are value opportunities out there - look at Toby Bedford who GWS acquired for pick 44, he'd be a walk up start in our best 22 and has just turned 23.
Bailey Smith has some great attributes, but he is a shocking kick - one of the worst in the competition. He says he wants to play midfield, yet, despite losing Dunkley and playing Macrae as a high half forward, he played midfield for less than half the 2023 season, which is not something to be dismissed when looking at him as a midfielder. He is definitely not worth our pick 3 in this year's draft. In recent drafts, Denver aside, we have targeted midfielders with our high picks - Day, Ward, MacKenzie and McDonald - which has added to the existing group of Newcombe, Worpel and Nash - and seen Ward have to become a winger and McDonald a high half-forward, not roles for which they were drafted. In addition, we've really liked what we've seen with Hustwaite in his two games. Just how do you see our midfield looking with Smith added to it?
Not sure how many Freo games you've seen this year, but living in WA, have seen plenty, both live and on tele. Don't be fooled by his possession numbers - Liam Henry is a very poor kick and decision maker and is one of the most outside players in the competition. There's also scuttlebutt about off field issues. We have Amon and Ward as the incumbents, CJ, who despite in the eyes of many now being seen as trade bait, has the potential to play wing and Weddle who, when recruited was flagged as a potential winger. And while Bramble has struggled to be consistent in the seniors, he is typically among the best few with Box Hill and we shouldn't be too ready to discard him as a prospect.
Ratugolea is a big NO. Showed on many occasions this year that when he's the man in their defence, which with injuries was often the case, he just wasn't up to it and even got dropped this year. Persevering with James Blanck at much lower cost and with more upside is a superior option. Esava has played 59 games in 7 years, which, even allowing for Geelong's strength over that period says something.
McKay is probably worth a look as he fills a real need and his numbers this season in a poor team are impressive. Having said that, he's played ~70 games in 8 seasons, which is a concern, even allowing for injuries, and does have a buyer beware warning to it. But he's a great size, fits a genuine need and if his body was sound, is one to look at.
A player that I'd like us to really look at is Kai Lohman at Brisbane. He was a first-round pick in the 2021 draft and just cannot get an opportunity in their forward line. Whenever he gets a run, often as the sub, he looks like a quality player. And with Punky nearing the end and Brocky heading home, that position is a real weakness.
Sam Mitchell pre game on 3AW Saturday said the list we have is largely the list that will be in the team for our next bit of silverware. He went on to say the gaps are a bigger forward to support Lewis, a big back to support Sic and a midfielder with “X factor”.
So based on that I think Mackay is in the frame (hopefully Peter Burge can give him a good soundness check), pick 3 fir Zane Dursma or if he slips through Curtain, and then an X factor midfielder....is that Bailey Smith...arguably yes but at what cost and do we need him? If Conor Rozee is free that’s the X factor I’d take!
Looking at our 'notional' best 23 for 2024 (and beyond), I only see Mackay as one who may fill a need. However, would rather use those chips on McCabe as a longer-term prospect. I would think a key and small forward are the real priorities for us given the effort we have put into building a really good young midfield group. We also have a lot of half backs / wings in the squad so don't really see the need for Bailey Smith, although he can certainly play and I like the Hawks supporter angle. Think Liam Henry is more the wing type and ideally I'd like to see Josh Weddle (young Kouta) fill that space. Really hoping for a breakout from either Ramsden, Kosi or even Ryan in 2024 as the biggest problem I see remains scoring.
I want the Hawks to use Pick 3 on someone who can hit the scoreboard in every game. Hoping the AFL don't give North a pick ahead of the Hawks as we also need a bit of help too. Give them a top 10 instead of pick 3. That said, if we could get BS I wouldn’t be crying. Surely we could trade someone and I have a few in mind. LH went okay against the Hawks on the weekend, so I wouldn’t be crying either. I don't trust HM’s body but if he is for free bring him in as Sic needs help and a Sic whom can run free is a massive asset. Can’t see ES going anywhere other than Port given they wanted him last year. I would hope WCE hand over an early 2nd for TB because he is worth it.
Smith would probably cost more than one First Round - pick 3 and our second, at least. Is he worth that? Probably.
Don't think we will get anything of substance for Brockman as West Coast can pick him up in the pre-season draft for nothing and don't think Dockers need him.
McKay isn't elite but he is big and other than salary he costs nothing so thats a big bonus, but I reckon he is off to Sydney. But we should go for him.
Wouldn't bother with Ratugolea, have to trade for him and he isn't elite, far from it.
Trading or acquiring free agents has to be to fill a specific need - getting a player 'because we can' is dumb. We need, in no particular order - a true hybrid who can play forward and midfield (could Duursma be that player in this year's draft), a key defender who marks the ball (could McCabe, who we'll get in this year's draft develop into that player), a fast and skilled small forward to take over from Punky and Brockman, and key position support for Mitch Lewis (could Denver or Ryan become that player). Giving up first round picks, or spending big $$ on a free agent for anything other than an absolute need is silly. It was a needs-based approach to trading and free agent acquisition that was central to our threepeat. We need to be smart and there are value opportunities out there - look at Toby Bedford who GWS acquired for pick 44, he'd be a walk up start in our best 22 and has just turned 23.
Bailey Smith has some great attributes, but he is a shocking kick - one of the worst in the competition. He says he wants to play midfield, yet, despite losing Dunkley and playing Macrae as a high half forward, he played midfield for less than half the 2023 season, which is not something to be dismissed when looking at him as a midfielder. He is definitely not worth our pick 3 in this year's draft. In recent drafts, Denver aside, we have targeted midfielders with our high picks - Day, Ward, MacKenzie and McDonald - which has added to the existing group of Newcombe, Worpel and Nash - and seen Ward have to become a winger and McDonald a high half-forward, not roles for which they were drafted. In addition, we've really liked what we've seen with Hustwaite in his two games. Just how do you see our midfield looking with Smith added to it?
Not sure how many Freo games you've seen this year, but living in WA, have seen plenty, both live and on tele. Don't be fooled by his possession numbers - Liam Henry is a very poor kick and decision maker and is one of the most outside players in the competition. There's also scuttlebutt about off field issues. We have Amon and Ward as the incumbents, CJ, who despite in the eyes of many now being seen as trade bait, has the potential to play wing and Weddle who, when recruited was flagged as a potential winger. And while Bramble has struggled to be consistent in the seniors, he is typically among the best few with Box Hill and we shouldn't be too ready to discard him as a prospect.
Ratugolea is a big NO. Showed on many occasions this year that when he's the man in their defence, which with injuries was often the case, he just wasn't up to it and even got dropped this year. Persevering with James Blanck at much lower cost and with more upside is a superior option. Esava has played 59 games in 7 years, which, even allowing for Geelong's strength over that period says something.
McKay is probably worth a look as he fills a real need and his numbers this season in a poor team are impressive. Having said that, he's played ~70 games in 8 seasons, which is a concern, even allowing for injuries, and does have a buyer beware warning to it. But he's a great size, fits a genuine need and if his body was sound, is one to look at.
A player that I'd like us to really look at is Kai Lohman at Brisbane. He was a first-round pick in the 2021 draft and just cannot get an opportunity in their forward line. Whenever he gets a run, often as the sub, he looks like a quality player. And with Punky nearing the end and Brocky heading home, that position is a real weakness.
Sam Mitchell pre game on 3AW Saturday said the list we have is largely the list that will be in the team for our next bit of silverware. He went on to say the gaps are a bigger forward to support Lewis, a big back to support Sic and a midfielder with “X factor”.
So based on that I think Mackay is in the frame (hopefully Peter Burge can give him a good soundness check), pick 3 fir Zane Dursma or if he slips through Curtain, and then an X factor midfielder....is that Bailey Smith...arguably yes but at what cost and do we need him? If Conor Rozee is free that’s the X factor I’d take!
Looking at our 'notional' best 23 for 2024 (and beyond), I only see Mackay as one who may fill a need. However, would rather use those chips on McCabe as a longer-term prospect. I would think a key and small forward are the real priorities for us given the effort we have put into building a really good young midfield group. We also have a lot of half backs / wings in the squad so don't really see the need for Bailey Smith, although he can certainly play and I like the Hawks supporter angle. Think Liam Henry is more the wing type and ideally I'd like to see Josh Weddle (young Kouta) fill that space. Really hoping for a breakout from either Ramsden, Kosi or even Ryan in 2024 as the biggest problem I see remains scoring.
Would rather use 3 on the draft.
B Smith may be quick but his disposal sits in the bottom 10% and who is he going to push out.
Our needs are elsewhere
I want the Hawks to use Pick 3 on someone who can hit the scoreboard in every game. Hoping the AFL don't give North a pick ahead of the Hawks as we also need a bit of help too. Give them a top 10 instead of pick 3. That said, if we could get BS I wouldn’t be crying. Surely we could trade someone and I have a few in mind. LH went okay against the Hawks on the weekend, so I wouldn’t be crying either. I don't trust HM’s body but if he is for free bring him in as Sic needs help and a Sic whom can run free is a massive asset. Can’t see ES going anywhere other than Port given they wanted him last year. I would hope WCE hand over an early 2nd for TB because he is worth it.
Smith would probably cost more than one First Round - pick 3 and our second, at least. Is he worth that? Probably.
Don't think we will get anything of substance for Brockman as West Coast can pick him up in the pre-season draft for nothing and don't think Dockers need him.
McKay isn't elite but he is big and other than salary he costs nothing so thats a big bonus, but I reckon he is off to Sydney. But we should go for him.
Wouldn't bother with Ratugolea, have to trade for him and he isn't elite, far from it.