The best outcome for every club this off-season

With clubs trying to wheel and deal their way to a premiership this trade period, we decided to take a look at the best case scenarios for your club this off-season through trading, free agency and the draft. Adelaide With the Crows out of the premiership picture, the club would be best served chasing draft picks and maximising the value of experienced campaigners. Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Alex Keath, Hugh Greenwood and Sam Jacobs have all been linked with other clubs and Adelaide should take advantage of this situation and improve their draft position and salary cap. With Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy linked with a move back home, the Crows should look at securing the 25-year-old's services, but only if it doesn't massively compromise their position in the draft. The Crows are already armed with pick four and two second-round picks and should look to lock-in South Australian talent to avoid the go-home factor which has plagued them in recent years. Norwood's Dylan Stephens and Glenelg's Will Gould have already emerged as potential first-round talents and will be on Adelaide's radar heading into the draft. [caption id="attachment_33005" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Brodie Grundy of the Magpies looks on during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane The Lions have a plethora of players out-of-contract at the end of the season, including Ryan Lester, Ryan Bastinac, Tom Cutler and former Rising Star winner Lewis Taylor. Brisbane should allow these fringe players to walk out, freeing up room and cap space to bring in starting-calibre players and young projects. The club have already secured strong-bodied midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen in free agency and after missing out Jamie Elliott, the Lions should chase another live-wire in Gold Coast's Callum Ah Chee. With Luke Hodge retiring, the Lions in need of another leader in the backline, enter former Hawk Grant Birchall who has just signed with the club. David Noble will have picks 16, 21, 34, 45, 54 and 90 at his disposal and all should be on the table in trade negotiations. Should the Lions opt to take picks 16 and/or 21 to the draft, tall defenders Will Gould and Sam De Koning are solid options. [caption id="attachment_13319" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Grant Birchall of the Hawks controls the ball during the round seven AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 6, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)[/caption] Carlton There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Carlton fans, with the club primed to compete for finals for the first time since 2013. As a result, the ideal scenario would be securing both Tom Papley and Jack Martin, even if it costs their first round pick, currently number nine. The club should also focus on bringing Eddie Betts back for a fairytale return as cheaply as possible, while offloading unwanted players such as Andrew Phillips and Levi Casboult. With only picks 43, 48, 72 and 85 to come after pick nine, drafting is no longer a big part of Carlton's list strategy and these picks should just be used on developmental players that can be brought through the VFL system. [caption id="attachment_32123" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Tom Papley of the Swans contests the ball with Kade Simpson of the Blues during the round 17 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Carlton Blues at Sydney Cricket Ground on July 13, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Collingwood The Pies aren't expected to make much noise this off-season with the contracts of Scott Pendlebury, Brodie Grundy, Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore all expiring next year, but re-signing Jamie Elliott was a massive coup. With Mason Cox drawing attention from rival clubs, Collingwood should look to take advantage and get a solid return for the American and then replace him with Sydney's Darcy Cameron. The club don't have a draft pick until the end of the second round so if they can improve upon that position without sacrificing a starting-22 player it will be a success. [caption id="attachment_31786" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Mason Cox of the Magpies mans the mark during the 2019 AFL round 14 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Collingwood Magpies at Marvel Stadium on June 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Essendon Essendon have already got a win this trade period after Orazio Fantasia reportedly turned his back on Port Adelaide and the best case scenario for the Bombers would be to stand firm and hold onto Joe Daniher as well. If Essendon are to satisfy Daniher's desires and trade him to Sydney, the Bombers should demand at least two first-round picks, allowing them to either find an elite replacement from a rival club, or look to rebuild their forward line through the draft. Essendon do not select before pick 31 in this year's draft at this stage, so the club should aim to improve their midfield depth and also target height. [caption id="attachment_11047" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Orazio Fantasia of the Bombers grabs his jumper as he celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 01 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Fremantle With Ed Langdon and Brad Hill on their way out of Fremantle, the Dockers will be looking to replace them with players of the same ilk. Langdon is reportedly keen on a move to Melbourne and an ideal trade would see Fremantle landing the Demons' Angus Brayshaw as a part of the deal, reuniting him with his brother Andrew. The Dockers already have pick seven and are expected to add another first-rounder through the Hill trade, which could be used to acquire a solid replacement or draft a talented youngster. The club have been linked with moves for Richmond duo Kamdyn McIntosh and Connor Menadue and should try to recruit both players without giving up a first round pick. If Fremantle are successful, then they can look at picking up South Australian wingman Dylan Stephens to join their strong SA contingent or explosive midfielder Sam Flanders. [caption id="attachment_28555" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 02: Connor Menadue of the Tigers runs with the ball from Zach Merrett of the Bombers during the round 11 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 2, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Geelong After losing Tim Kelly to West Coast, the Cats should shift their focus on securing want-away Saint Jack Steven this trade period. Given Steven only played seven games in 2019, ideally Geelong won't give up any more than pick 36 to get it done. However, with Charlie Constable's name floated around in discussions, if the Cats can replace 20-year-old with a four-time best-and-fairest winner, it would also be a happy outcome. After the Tim Kelly trade, Geelong have secured an extra first-round pick and two second-rounders for this year's draft. The club have not been heavily linked to any other big names and could look to flip their picks into a top 10 or top five selection. [caption id="attachment_35067" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Jack Steven of the Saints celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 21 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Fremantle Dockers at Marvel Stadium on August 11, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast The Suns are resigned to losing indigenous pair Callum Ah Chee and Jack Martin to interstate clubs, but have already brought in premiership winner Brandon Ellis with Hugh Greenwood expected to follow. Gold Coast's number one target this trade period should be Adelaide's Brad Crouch, who has been linked with a move away, but should do all they can to recruit the midfielder without losing picks one and two. This is because the Suns' main priority should be selecting Oakleigh Charger duo Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson with the opening two picks. The pair are best mates which should hopefully nullify the go-home factor involved with recruiting two Victorians. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="612"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Best on ground, Matt Rowell of the NAB AFL Academy in action during the NAB AFL Academy v Casey match at the MCG on April 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images)[/caption] Greater Western Sydney Former number one pick Jon Patton and 140-gamer Adam Tomlinson have both said their goodbyes and will be on their way to Victorian clubs this offseason. Although these players will be big losses, the draft picks they are expected to receive will help to bolster their depth. The Giants are already expected to improve upon their ruck depth, through the free agent signing of Sam Jacobs from Adelaide. GWS haven't been linked with any other players from rival clubs as they look to keep their salary cap in check. After negotiating with St Kilda, the Giants now have their hands on pick six, which could be used to select highly-rated academy prospect Tom Green. GWS also have picks 40, 59, 60, 80 and 94 and this list will be added to following the sales of Adam Tomlinson and Jon Patton. [caption id="attachment_18126" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Sam Jacobs of the Crows competes in the ruck with Shane Mumford of the Giants during the round one AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the GWS Giants at Adelaide Oval on March 26, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)[/caption] Hawthorn The Hawks are primed to bolster their big man stocks this off season, with Jon Patton and Sam Frost expected to don the brown and gold next season. But perhaps most importantly, the club are also expected to keep ahold of wingman Isaac Smith after brushing off interest from rival clubs. Hawthorn have lost veteran defender Grant Birchall in free agency, but the Hawks have sound replacements already at the club or available in the draft. With neither Patton nor Frost worth a first round pick, the Hawks should use this selection, current pick 11, on drafting a lockdown key defender. The best tall defender available in the draft is Sandringham's Fischer McAsey, but his teammate Josh Worrell has also impressed in that position, and both would be strong selections. [caption id="attachment_11456" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Jonathan Patton of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round four AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Port Adelaide Power at UNSW Canberra Oval on April 15, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Melbourne's main target this off season is Fremantle's Ed Langdon, but the 23-year-old won't come cheaply. Pick three is likely to be involved in negotiations, but the Demons should avoid including established players, such as Angus Brayshaw, in any deal for Langdon. With Adam Tomlinson arriving as a free agent from GWS Melbourne have already taken a big step in the right direction, but after losing out on Jamie Elliot's signature, should still chase a match-winning forward, with Sam Gray and Mason Wood emerging as potential options. The Demons currently boast picks 3, 22, 42, 61 and 79 for this year's draft and should use these selections on ready-made players as they already have one of the youngest lists in the competition. [caption id="attachment_31328" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Ed Langdon of the Dockers celebrates kicking a goal during the round 11 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 01, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/Getty Images)[/caption] North Melbourne North Melbourne are set for a quieter trade period after heavily recruiting last year, however, with the retirement of fullback Scott Thompson, the Kangaroos should find a replacement. Port Adelaide's Dougal Howard would be the ideal option, but the tall defender has already signalled his intent to join St Kilda and will need to be persuaded. Another player North Melbourne should consider is Sam Frost, who is out-of-contract at Melbourne. The Kangaroos will be hoping they can find some value for out-of-favour forward Mason Wood, hopefully adding to their current picks of 8, 27, 47, 73 and 84. With the club ranked dead-last in the league for tackling, they should target rapid half-back Lachie Ash and tackling machine Harry Schoenberg. [caption id="attachment_34646" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Sam Frost of the Demons in action during the 2019 AFL round 03 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 05, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)[/caption] Port Adelaide The Power are set to lose plenty of key position player depth with Paddy Ryder, Billy Frampton and Dougal Howard all demanding trades. Ideally the Power will want to keep ahold of Howard, who is seen as a future leader of the club, but they are willing to let small forward Sam Gray move elsewhere. Port Adelaide have not been linked to any replacements for their want-away talls, and with Orazio Fantasia turning his back on a potential return to South Australia, the Power will likley shift their focus to the draft. Port Adelaide currently have the number 10 pick which they should use to select South Australian Dylan Stephens to improve their outside run and carry. Given they are also armed with picks 29, 66, 67, 68, 71 and 86, they will be hoping they can secure father/son prospect Jackson Mead without requiring pick 10. [caption id="attachment_32224" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Sam Gray of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 14 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on June 22, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Richmond The Tigers are unlikely to mess with their premiership formula, with only fringe players expected to leave the club. Sydney's Zak Jones has received interest from Richmond and if the club can bring him in, he would be an ideal replacement for the outgoing Brandon Ellis, who is now a Gold Coast Sun. The Tigers are also expected to allow Kamdyn McIntosh, Connor Menadue and Dan Butler to leave the club, freeing up space to bring in younger players through the draft. The Tigers have a strong draft position with four picks in the first three rounds and with their first pick, currently number 19, they should select key defender Sam De Koning to develop and learn off of Alex Rance and Dylan Grimes. [caption id="attachment_33850" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Zak Jones of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal during the round 15 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 29, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] St Kilda St Kilda will be one of the most active clubs this off-season with multiple players already requesting trades to the club. With picks 12, 18, 76 and 82, it will take a miracle for the Saints to land Brad Hill, Paddy Ryder, Dougal Howard and Zak Jones. However, Jack Steven and Josh Bruce have drawn the interest of rival clubs, and despite being important players, should be sacrificed to help land Hill, Ryder, Howard and Jones. It is unlikely that St Kilda will have many draft picks left once the trade period is over. Given their relatively young core, drafting more inexperienced players should not be a part of the club's strategy this offseason. [caption id="attachment_22921" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Bradley Hill of the Dockers is chased by Jordan Murdoch of the Cats during the round 14 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at Simonds Stadium on June 25, 2017 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney The Swans should allow Tom Papley to move to Carlton and aim to receive pick nine in return. Given the Bombers will not let he contracted Joe Daniher leave cheaply, it will probably take two first-round picks to bring him to the club. Young out-of-contract ruckman Darcy Cameron is expected to leave the Swans this offseason and although they will probably give up pick five, the club still have a strong position in the draft with picks 25, 44, 54, 62, 63 and 81. With pick 25, the Swans should select Oakleigh-product Dylan Williams, who would be an apt replacement for the outgoing Tom Papely as a quick match-winning forward. [caption id="attachment_34872" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Joe Daniher of the Bombers celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 05 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on April 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)[/caption] West Coast After securing the prized signature of Geelong's Tim Kelly, the Eagles are not expected to be prevalent for the remainder of the trade period. The ideal scenario for West Coast would be to avoid losing any of their key players, including Andrew Gaff who has been linked with a move back to Victoria. However, in the aftermath of the Kelly trade, the Eagles now only have picks 52 and 64 in the draft and so they could look to offload fringe members of their squad to move up. With the contracts of Josh Kennedy and Nathan Vardy both set to expire at the end of 2020, the Eagles should look to bolster their key forward depth in case both men opt to leave. [caption id="attachment_27520" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Tim Kelly of the Cats in action during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Western Bulldogs The Dogs are expected to be busy this off season as they look to improve upon an impressive 2019. Key defender Alex Keath and key forward Josh Bruce are the club's two main targets and with decent picks in the early rounds they should hopefully land both players if the Crows and saints are willing to negotiate. Luke Beveridge currently has no problems with any players wanting out, with the club allowing Tory Dickson and Fletcher Roberts to seek new pastures in free agency. The Bulldogs currently have picks 13, 32 45, 51, 53 and 89 so they will have plenty of options in the draft. If they chose not to use their first round pick on either Bruce or Keath, key position players Fischer McAsey and Josh Worrell are potential recruits for the 13th pick. [caption id="attachment_32593" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Alex Keath of the Crows walks from the field after the round 18 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on July 21, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)[/caption]

The best outcome for every club this off-season

What would be the best end result for your club this off-season?

Hawthorn

1 COMMENT

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

“Brutal industry”: VFL star opens up on AFL dream after another...

Guess the AFL player before your mates do

Fremantle’s Luke Jackson on Brodie Grundy battle after AFL preliminary final

AFL Finals player rankings: Every Sydney and Fremantle player rated 1-46

FULL TIME: Sydney vs Fremantle – Preliminary Finals, 2026

FOLLOW US

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	FRE	23	19	4	76	137.2
2	SYD	23	18	5	72	136.1
3	BL	23	16	7	64	121.7
4	HAW	23	15	6	64	120.1
5	GEEL	23	15	8	60	122.3
6	ADEL	23	15	8	60	117.3
7	MELB	23	15	8	60	109.6
8	WB	23	13	9	54	95.4
9	COLL	23	12	9	52	102.4
10	CARL	23	12	10	50	101.5