Rating the 2024 Trade Period (after 7.30 Wednesday)

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If Smith played to previous form (or even improved), he probably would've have been the difference between finishing 6th and top 4 and then given us a much better chance to fight out for the flag... and he would've had much more currency if he wanted to still leave.

But he did his ACL in the pre-season and the rest is history.

Can't help dumb luck.

Even if he played and had an awesome year I still think the cats would have played the same hand.

[angelopetraglia]

Even if he played and had an awesome year I still think the cats would have played the same hand.

Agree. The deal was struck a long time ago.

[angelopetraglia]

Why didn?t the Cats strike last preseason? Because we had leverage and the price would have been much higher if he was contracted. Wait until his contract is finished and then get him to nominate. Get a quality player for cheap as chips.

The system is wrong. You should only be able to nominate a club when you are a free agent.

[jeemak]

If Smith played to previous form (or even improved), he probably would've have been the difference between finishing 6th and top 4 and then given us a much better chance to fight out for the flag... and he would've had much more currency if he wanted to still leave.

But he did his ACL in the pre-season and the rest is history.

Can't help dumb luck.

People forget how good Smith could be. Can't say for sure he'd not have been all over the shop this year, can't say for sure he won't be for the rest of his career. But his 2021 (especially finals) and early to mid 2022 were rolled gold elite. All in his apparently non-preferred role.

Anything close to that this year would have put so much more quality in the places we lack versus a Brisbane. But as you say, can't help dumb luck.

He'll enjoy his time inside until he gets found out and put back into his allegedly non-preferred role.