8th October, 2019 – Day 2
Before falling asleep last night, there was reports emerging through the socials that Jamie Elliott was going to re-commit to Collingwood on a two-year deal. When I woke up this morning, it was confirmed that he was staying a Pie. I’m not big on Collingwood, but I found myself pretty pleased that he was staying, considering that he has had a number of injury issues and club has stood by him through it all.
The one thing I also read about before I had to get up out of bed and start my day was the story surrounding Alex Keath, who is one of many wanting out of Adelaide. There were reports emerging that during his medicals with the Western Bulldogs and St. Kilda, it was revealed that he had been playing under a stress fracture in one of his legs. This is going to require surgery and he’ll miss a couple of months pre-season eventually kicks off again towards the end of the year.
It’s not a secret that the culture down at Adelaide is bordering on toxic, if it hasn’t already reached that status already. This is just another layer to what is a catastrophic cake over at the Crows. Keath broke out this year before the injury began to cut down his performance on the field. In yesterday’s entry, I mentioned that Keath wouldn’t come cheap, given how he has played this year. After this new development, it’s almost a certainty that the cost will be cut down.
One person on Twitter suggested that because of the contract that was offered – presumably three or four years on a deal probably worth between 500k and 650k? – the Crows would stand firm on what they want in return? Well you’d have to think maybe the Dogs would at least consider revising the offer because of the developments. But because of the Dogs’ desires to have a monster key back, they’ll still offer a good sum.
That’s taken a very fascinating turn and I wouldn’t expect a deal for Keath now to be done until towards the end of the Trade Period – meaning Doggies fans, myself included, must remain patient. Bloody hell.
It was a three-hour class at University today, and with it, another day of the trade period full of what-ifs and developments. One of my classmates branded it ‘the worst opening two days’ in trade period history. I nodded and agreed. I remember the good old days where we just had five days for list managers and recruiters to sort their shit out. I don’t even want to revert to that anymore. Make a weekend out of it and get them to force their hand. It can be a real circus this off-season, and making it drag out a week and a half has had AFL fans complain – and for good reason.
In terms of developments, the news that Orazio Fantasia has chosen a SA-based manager was interesting to hear – meaning the rumours of him wanting out of Essendon are gaining more and more traction by the day. The word during the season was that he was going to request a trade to Port Adelaide and that request could be made official sooner rather than later. What kind of offer do the Power make?
Briefly mentioned in yesterday’s entry that his best is certainly damaging, but the gap between his best and his worst is staggeringly bad. But having said that, Adrian Dodoro will want the best possible offer for him and he has proven over the years that he can irritatingly unrealistic. One example I vividly remember was when he refused to accept pick 26 from the Western Bulldogs for Stewart Crameri, believing he could get more. That’s how bad he can be when it comes to bargaining an agreement.
Whilst I’m on Essendon, there was word in the afternoon that they approached Collingwood, enquiring about the big American Mason Cox. This does make some sense as they are prepared to lose Joe Daniher to Sydney. I sense both parties are trying to downplay this, but the fact is that Collingwood will be in a tight squeeze come 2020 when they have to re-sign some of their better players as they are out-of-contract. When I say better players, think Darcy Moore, Brodie Grundy and Jordan De Goey. This will grow some legs before the end of the week.
On the train home from University, I was conversing about Tim Kelly with one of the lads I work with on the AFL podcast I do. It has been common knowledge since last year that Kelly wanted out of Geelong and back home to Western Australia. The question is how much do the Cats reckon he’s worth? And how much are the West Coast Eagles – the club that Kelly wants to go to – prepared to give up?
As it stands at the moment, West Coast have the 14th pick in this year’s AFL Draft, they’re going to have to package it with a first-rounder for next year. Do I think he’s worth two first-round picks? Absolutely! Do the Cats? Probably worth more. He’s 25 years of age, but he’s only in his second year in the AFL. He’s just come off a year that yielded an All-Australian selection and probably should’ve won Geelong’s best and fairest – how he didn’t, I have no freaking clue. But the Cats will want as much as they can get for a departing star.
Some will call it greedy, I will also call it thusly. But if they can pull it off, then they are going to get some good stock and I’d back Stephen Wells – head of Geelong’s recruiting – to at least get one gem on Draft night. They nailed the selection of Jordan Clark with the 15th pick in last year's AFL Draft - he's going to be a gun.
So it was looking like another day full of sweet fuck-all on the trade front. Until after dinner, I read from a number of sources on the socials were highlighting that the Eagles and the Cats had made an agreement that saw said first-round picks, along with their second-round pick, which currently stood at pick 24 to Geelong in exchange for Kelly. I believe that there will be later picks exchanged as well, what they are, however, remain to be seen.
Regardless of what that may be, I think we have found the deal to get the ball rolling. About bloody time. I think that this a pretty good deal for both parties. West Coast get their man and oh boy, a midfield boasting the likes of Yeo, Shuey, Gaff, Sheed, Redden and now Tim Kelly – That’s going to be a premiership-caliber midfield next year. Geelong in return, is going get compensation that will hold them in good stead beyond 2020.
I think that’ll do for now, Still waiting on Sam Jacobs to get to GWS and Jon Patton to get to Hawthorn – I think I spent a good half an hour at University whinging about why the deal to get Patton to the Hawks hasn’t happened yet – wasn’t a deal done like a month ago? Also talk about Ed Langdon getting to Melbourne from Fremantle sounds like it’s going to get done – That’s something to discuss on tomorrow’s entry, I think that’s a big win for Melbourne.
Until then, it’s good night from the little work desk.
AD