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Jon RalphSports Reporter

Jon Ralph has covered sport with the Herald Sun, and now CODE Sports as well, for over two decades working primarily as a football journalist… (other fields)

@RalphyHeraldSun

Jon Ralph

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AFL News

Noah Anderson (white top) and Matt Rowell (red) potential No.1&2 draft picks for the AFL. Picture: Tony Gough

2019 draft stacks up with ‘superdraft’

AFL draft guru Kevin Sheehan says forget any of the criticism. This year’s draft stacks up as well as 2018’s so-called ‘superdraft’, which contained Sam Walsh, Ben King, Nick Blakey and Connor Rozee.

AnalysisTrade HQ

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 09: Tim Kelly of the Eagles poses for a photo session for his new club after the West Coast Media Opportunity at Mineral Resources Park on October 09, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade report card: Every club graded

Who were the big winners and losers of the AFL trade period? Our experts pull apart all your club’s moves including a trade that means Simon Goodwin can’t afford another failed season.

Trade HQ

AFL Round 4. 14/04/2018. Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium. Sydney's Zak Jones . Pic: Michael Klein

The best of St Kilda’s five trades

A new-look St Kilda has boldly declared its intention to play finals for the first time since 2011 after landing its five trade targets — and a bargain Swan might be the smartest move of all.

Trade HQ

Jack Martin of the Suns in action during the Round 16 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Richmond Tigers at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, Saturday, July 6, 2019. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Blues, Suns ‘a fair way’ from Martin deal

Gold Coast and Carlton are “a fair way apart” in their valuation of Jack Martin with the trade period deadline fast approaching.

Trade HQ

Giants Jonathon Patton takes mark during AFL Semi Final match between the GWS Giants and West Coast Eagles at Spotless Stadium. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Knee issues in Patton’s past as Hawks clean up — again

Jonathon Patton’s manager Robbie D’Orazio has assured Hawthorn fans the new Hawk is over the knee issues that have plagued his career, the towering former Giant keen to fulfil the promise that made him the 2011 No.1 pick.

Trade HQ

Joe Daniher of the Bombers warms up ahead of the Round 9 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Fremantle Dockers at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, May 18, 2019. (AAP Image/Mark Dadswell) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Dons’ Daniher stance could give Carlton the Blues

Essendon genuinely wants to retain Joe Daniher, adamant its current position with Sydney isn’t posturing or a negotiating tactic. Jon Ralph and Jay Clark on why that’s bad news for Carlton.

Trade HQ

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Ben McEvoy of the Hawks runs with the ball during the round 22 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Hawks to continue McEvoy back experiment

New Hawk Sam Frost is expected to play alongside Ben McEvoy in Hawthorn’s defence next season as coach Alastair Clarkson continues to experiment with the ruckman after late-season success.

Trade HQ

AFL Round 19. 28/07/2019. Western Bulldogs v Fremantle at Marvel Stadium . Ed Langdon of the Dockers . Pic: Michael Klein

All eyes on pick 3 after Dees’ double trade

Melbourne believes it has slotted in its two wingmen for the next five years after trialling 15 players in that slot in 2019. Now all eyes are on what the club will do with its pick 3 in the draft.

Trade HQ

AFL : Richmond vs. Fremantle Brad Hill kicks a goal 1st term Picture:Wayne Ludbey

Inside dramatic Saints, Dockers negotiations

St Kilda is trying to secure Brad Hill, Zak Jones, Paddy Ryder and Dougal Howard this trade period. Where are the Saints at with the swag of deals? Get the latest on all the big moves.

AFL News

Orazio Fantasia poses for a photograph during an Essendon Bombers media session at the Hangar in Tullamarine, Melbourne, Thursday, August 29, 2019. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour) NO ARCHIVING

Power fumes at Fantasia backflip

Port Adelaide thought they had Orazio Fantasia and was even prepared to deal on a young gun to get a trade done. But the Bomber is staying put, a decision that has left the Power bemused.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jon-ralph/page/186