Proactive Poaching

[GVGjr]

I was thinking that too. He fits the bill. Maybe some kind of package deal involving Keath?

It would have to be something like our first and second round selections and even then I don't think that's a premium result for Adelaide which is what they will be after.

Keath is apparently a good chance to be traded, I'm not 100% convinced is a great fit for us but he would strengthen our list so he should be right in the mix.

[bulldogtragic]

It would have to be something like our first and second round selections and even then I don't think that's a premium result for Adelaide which is what they will be after.

Keath is apparently a good chance to be traded, I'm not 100% convinced is a great fit for us but he would strengthen our list so he should be right in the mix.

If Jenkins leaves, they won't have a decoy forward. I'm happy to help them get one if that gets the deal done.

[Twodogs]

I would go along with this

I'd have no problem having Betts in a forward pocket next year.

He could bring Fogarty with him. I like the cut of his gib.

[Dancin' Douggy]

He could bring Fogarty with him. I like the cut of his gib.

Yes I like Fogarty too.

[1eyedog]

If Jenkins leaves, they won't have a decoy forward. I'm happy to help them get one if that gets the deal done.

Gowers?

[Dancin' Douggy]

Gowers?

Yep.......I don't see a future for Gowers in our team structure or game style.

Isn't skilled enough and doesn't think fast enough for our style.

Pretty athletic and good attack on the ball though, so might appeal to someone out there.

Could be bundled up into some sort of deal

[bulldogtragic]

Gowers?

Yep. When we had nothing up forward last year he was better than nothing. With two big 195cm targets, Dale & Lloyd doing well in periods this year. Rotating West, McLean and resting forwards it looks to me like at best there's one spot between Dickson, Cavarra & Gowers. Cavarra is unknown at the level but has the skill sets, you what you get from Dickson if he plays on, straight goal kicking and then Gowers whose best defence from some on the forum was that he's a decoy forward. His midfield minutes were not good. His 2018 vs 2019 averages for all the main indicators are down on last year, all of them.

If we need the apparent sixth spot, Gowers might have a smidge of trade currency in addition to opening the spot up. If a club we were dealing with wanted him, I'd let him go and seek a longer contract elsewhere than just the single year he has left with us currently.

[Bulldog4life]

The small forward market: Who's available, who should be a target

ESSENDON livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's decision to re-sign for three years has taken a big name off the small forward market ahead of the player movement period.

However, there are still some good and very different options out there – some under contract and others out at season's end, including with free agency status.

AFL.com.au has spoken to an AFL assistant coach to break down the potential targets, several of whom can offer something in the midfield as well.

Eddie Betts (Adelaide)
Age: 32 (26/11/1986)
Contract status: 2020
2019 numbers: 21 games, 1.8 goals, 1.2 score assists, 1.4 marks inside 50, 1.2 tackles inside 50.

TIME IN THE SUN? Eddie confirms Gold Coast interest

The expert: "He'll be great educating younger players on how to play particularly the small forward role, but also to play a forward six. He still kicked 37 goals for the year, which puts him in a pretty high bracket for small forwards, albeit with 12 against Gold Coast. He provides a lot on-field, but at this stage of his career, he probably provides just as much off-field. All the reputation about him is how great he is culturally, with not just the indigenous players but all players."

Eddie Betts could help any club off-field as well as on it. Picture: AFL Photos



Dan Butler (Richmond)
Age: 23 (3/6/1996)
Contract status: Out of contract
2019 numbers: 7 games, 0.7 goals, 3.9 tackles, 1.1 tackles inside 50, 20.1 pressure acts.
The expert: "Butler's real strength is his ability to get up the ground as a high half-forward and then reset back with speed. He's a really strong runner, with strong endurance and strong speed. His ball use around goal isn't always great, so that's a little bit of a downfall, but he plays an important structural role in the way Richmond plays. He's perfect for a team looking for more of a defensive, pressure-type forward who will give you a little bit on the scoreboard."


Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
Age: 27 (21/8/1992)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
2019 numbers: 14 games, 1.6 goals, 1.3 score assists, 2.1 marks inside 50, 1.5 tackles inside 50.

RUNNING RIOT Elliott sends Pies into top four

The expert: "Of this group, Jamie Elliott is the one who can play deepest small forward and be a really dangerous, isolated marking target. The question on him has been his injuries over the journey, but there's a feeling at Collingwood that he can spend time on the wing. He commands a taller defender generally, which means he can get them at ground level when the ball hits the deck, if he doesn't already outmark them. He's the most genuine forward of the group, along with Betts, but therefore he's the least flexible at the moment."

When he's healthy, Jamie Elliott can be lethal. Picture: AFL Photos



Sam Gray (Port Adelaide)
Age: 27 (1/2/1992)
Contract status: Out of contract
2019 numbers: 20 games, 1.0 goal, 17.4 disposals, 5.1 score involvements, 3.5 tackles, 1.2 marks inside 50.
The expert: "I really like Sam Gray and I can't believe they're letting him go. I'd be fighting tooth and nail to keep him. He gives you the flexibility of a midfield rotation. As a half-forward, he's dangerous around goals and dangerous around forward-50 stoppages. He works in pretty well with Robbie Gray in those situations. And he's a consistent performer at AFL level. He's more offensive than Butler, although not as good a runner as Butler. I think he would be an excellent fit for any club looking for a goalkicking forward who can pinch-hit through the midfield."


Tom Papley (Sydney)
Age: 23 (13/7/1996)
Contract status: 2023
2019 numbers: 22 games, 1.7 goals, 1.4 score assists, 15.5 disposals, 282.9 metres gained.
The expert: "He's a star, and the pick of the bunch. I know he's contracted for about 800 more years, so it's going to be hard to get him out of there. He can impact the game as a midfielder and as a small forward. Michael Walters is the comparison. You want him up the ground, because he's dangerous, he wins the ball and he uses it well, but you want him around the goals, because he kicks goals. Finding that balance between the two is almost a week-by-week proposition. He's an ideal pick-up for any club. That sort of player is worth his weight in gold."


Lewis Taylor (Brisbane)
Age: 24 (17/2/1995)
Contract status: Out of contract
2019 numbers: 5 games, 0.6 goals, 16.4 disposals, 1.8 rebound 50s, 0.6 marks inside 50
The expert: "They used him more through the wing for the last couple of years, and away more from the half-forward role, which he's really lost, with (Charlie) Cameron coming in, (Dayne) Zorko playing that mix of half-forward and mid, and (Allen) Christensen. His best footy was really good in the contest, being a pressure player and dangerous around goals, getting busy in transition, getting multiple possessions in a chain, getting up the ground pretty high, then being a bit more creative on the way through. He would offer value for money."

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-...ld-be-a-target

[Bulldog4life]

SAINTS FORWARD COULD BE PUSHED OUT

St Kilda’s Josh Bruce could become surplus to needs as the club embarks on an aggressive trade period, reports The Herald Sun.

The forward had a solid if slightly below-par season, kicking 36 goals in 22 matches, his worst total for a full AFL season. His high was 50 majors back in 2015.

But he could be pushed out of the Saints’ best 22 by draftee Max King next season, while the club could also look at other forwards during the exchange period.

Another factor will be the Saints’ quest for a ruckman to help out Rowan Marshall. The club has been linked to Paddy Ryder, and if he or someone of his ilk is required, one of he or Marshall would likely need to spend time forward.

The Western Bulldogs have a link to Bruce via chief executive Ameet Bains, as he brought the former Giant across to St Kilda while he was at the latter club.

VETERAN HAWK SET TO LEARN HIS FATE

Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith may know if a move to another club is on the cards next week as the club develops its list strategy for the 2019 off-season.

The Herald Sun reports Smith could be moved on for a top 25 draft pick if there is a good enough offer for him from a rival club.

The Hawks are reportedly keen to go to the draft this year, currently holding Pick 10.

The 30-year-old is contracted for another season at the Hawks and played his 200th game in the final round of this season.

Smith has been linked to the Western Bulldogs throughout 2019 while Gold Coast is also interested in the veteran and fan favourite.

But Hawthorn has been brutal in the trade period in years gone by with players like Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge going on to play at other clubs when few expected them to do so.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl...e8333f55f2d974

[bornadog]

I don't think Papley is going any where

[1eyedog]

I don't think Papley is going any where

And I don't think I'll keep down the contents of my stomach if we give up anything under a 3rd rounder for Smith.

[bornadog]

And I don't think I'll keep down the contents of my stomach if we give up anything under a 3rd rounder for Smith.

Me too.

[1eyedog]

I'd actually like Papley he'd be a good fit but agree, he's too hard to prise out.

[Bulldog4life]

I have seen Butler play some good games for Richmond.

[bornadog]

I'd actually like Papley he'd be a good fit but agree, he's too hard to prise out.

I think he has a 4 year deal still.