Best trade targets for 2011

12th October 2011 Category: Analysis

Images: Slattery Media Group

So often the players discussed during trade week are players that have no real value to the clubs they come from. On occasion, though, there are players on offer that can make a difference to clubs they join.

Of the players thought to be available during trade week, who are the best potential pickups?

Target: Daniel Connors (Richmond)
Suitor: North Melbourne/West Coast
Trouble has followed him since he came into the league, but in 2010 he proved that he can play. This season, he was barely sighted, which has sent his stock tumbling. From all reports Connors is attainable during trade week, and a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs. Connors provides a valuable skill set, with good size and plenty of room for improvement. Connors could easily find a spot within a number of teams in the league.
What would it take? Despite the fact that he’s asked to go home to Adelaide, West Coast might be prepared to send Ebert to Richmond in return for Connors. North have a number of fringe players that they could offer up, including Matt Campbell, Ben Warren and Gavin Urquhart.
 
Target: Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
Suitor: Collingwood
Massive amount of talent, just needs to be in an environment where more is expected of him. He’s stock has slowly dropped since winning the rising star award, but every year we see glimpses of the player he could be.
What would it take? Andrew Krakouer plus a third round pick? Some would say ‘why trade Krakouer?’ But if he’s insisting on more money it might be a good time to make a deal. Pearce is an upgrade and he’s younger.
 
Target: Brad Ebert (West Coast)
Suitor: Adelaide or Port Adelaide
Both the Crows and the Power got lucky here, neither club is in a great place right now. The only reason a player would want to go to Adelaide is to return home (and even then it’s sketchy). Ebert is a quality midfielder, with a body ready-made for finals football. Had Ebert not demanded to return home, contending sides would be making enquiries.
What would it take? Despite poor results this season, both clubs have assets. West Coast would love to get someone like Pearce or Salopek.
 
Target: Josh Toy (Gold Coast)
Suitor: Geelong
Highly rated as a junior - and drafted in the first round - Toy struggled in his first year, but will benefit from first team opportunities at the Gold Coast last season. Looking back at his performances at under 18 level, he has the ability to become a top class half back. Those who monitored his progress as a junior would have been disappointed with his first year. At times he looked lazy and short of fitness. He has huge upside, though, and would benefit from joining a club with a strong culture and strong leaders. Interest from Geelong makes sense, he wouldn’t necessarily step into their best 22 next season, but could be a great acquisition for the future.
What would it take? Potentially a late first round pick (Geelong has pick 26), plus a player.
 
Target: Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide)
Suitor: Fremantle
2011 was a year to forget for Cornes, but in the past we’ve seen how effective he can be when motivated. Cornes could be this year’s Luke Ball - being that he’s fallen out with his club and still has plenty to offer. If Cornes could find his way to a club that will compete next season, he could be a valuable asset. He's as tough as they come and is an experienced finals footballer. Fremantle could do with an experienced inside midfielder.
What would it take? It depends on how damaged the relationship is between Cornes and Primus. Straight swap for Jon Griffin?

Target: Jordan Lisle (Hawthorn)
Suitor: Melbourne
Showed a bit in 2011, started up forward, but was thrown back to defence after some horrific goal kicking. He’s skills by foot are a concern, but we’ve seen players correct similar issues in the past. Lisle could easily become a dangerous key position forward. The issue for Lisle now at Hawthorn is that if he’s going to play forward, he starts behind both Franklin and Roughead. Lisle would fit within Melbourne’s timeline, he’s young and still needs time to develop.
What would it take? Lisle was a 3rd round selection in 2008 (pick 50), but he’s performances at AFL level show that he should have gone higher. A second round pick plus a player might get Hawthorn interested, though it’s hard to imagine Hawthorn being interested in any of the Melbourne players on the trade table.

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