AFL draft 2019: Carlton reaps another windfall from Liam Stocker trade
Carlton was ridiculed over last year’s Liam Stocker trade but the cunning of Stephen Silvagni has turned one first-round pick into three top-20 players after another night of draft drama.
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Carlton placed an exclamation mark on the bombshell Liam Stocker trade by bringing in another two first-round midfielders that will further revitalise the club’s rebuild.
Departing list boss Stephen Silvagni – who would not discuss his future – unleashed another live trade by turning his No.9 pick into No.17 (Brodie Kemp) and No.20 (Sam Philp).
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That No.9 pick was earmarked for Sydney’s Tom Papley although that deal fell over during the trade period.
The Blues would’ve held the No.4 pick, but they instead split that into Stocker and pick No.9 during the 2018 draft.
The wash-up means that Silvagni has effectively converted a No.4 selection into Stocker, Kemp and Philp by hitting the phones and taking advantage of the AFL’s new live trading rules.
“What I’ve learned is if you don’t take a risk in this game it doesn’t get you too far,” Silvagni said.
“(We) got the boy that we had ranked around that pick 9-11 in Brodie Kemp, knowing he could slide a little bit.
“The pick we got in at No.20 was a free shot for us. (Bidding) did buy us some time to do what we needed to do.”
Silvagni entered the night with the No.9 pick but launched aggressive bids on academy stars Liam Henry (Fremantle) and Tom Green (GWS), pushing his selection to No.11.
The cunning list boss used that bonus 10 minutes to strike a trade with Gold Coast.
Carlton and Adelaide were locked in pre-draft talks over a deal that would’ve seen the Blues rise up to No.6, most likely to take halfback Hayden Young.
Did SOS buy himself some precious time with that double-bid to strike a trade? Reckon the Blues wanted Stephens, Young or Serong and they were all gone. Trade with Adelaide (6 for 9) fell over because Crows wanted a future first thrown in. Didn’t want Sam Flanders.
— Sam Landsberger 🗯 (@SamLandsberger) November 27, 2019
But when that fell over – because the Crows wanted a future first-round pick as well as No.9 – the Blues slid back in the order.
Echuca boy Kemp – who visited Carlton’s Ikon Park base yesterday – underwent a knee reconstruction this year that will see him miss most of 2020.
Talent expert Michael Ablett rated Philp as a late 30s selection, although Silvagni said he was in Carlton’s top 20.
“He played some really great TAC Cup football, rated No.1 for speed at the combine and he’s another midfielder with explosive speed and great character,” Silvagni said.
“He’s a bit of an unknown – but great character and his footy is really good.”
The Blues had access to slider Sam Flanders but Silvagni said the package of Kemp and Philp was more tantalising.
Speed machine Philp did not get a game for Vic Metro this year but averaged 19.4 disposals for Northern Knights.
He will add a dollop of pace around superstar Patrick Cripps.
Kemp, a 192cm utility, was tracking towards the top 10 when he hurt his knee.