Gary Buckenara urges Blues fans to give Liam Stocker time before judging live trade deal

Carlton fans are already restless with the club’s decision to live trade for Liam Stocker in last year’s draft but a former recruiter says it’s unfair to question the deal so soon in the youngster’s career.

Former Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara has urged Carlton fans to be patient over the Liam Stocker trade, saying the winner of the deal will not be known for “two to three years”.

The Blues rated Stocker the sixth-best player in last year’s draft and used live trading to swap their first-round selection this year for Adelaide’s Pick 19 last year and the Crows’ first-round selection this year.

With Carlton languishing at 1-6 and Adelaide warming into its campaign after a slow start, the deal as it stands means the Blues have given up pick two this year for pick 13 and Stocker.

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Stocker made his debut for the Blues on Sunday, gathering 10 disposals from 75 per cent game time.

The 19-year-old had averaged 18 disposals and seven rebound 50s from his first three VFL games this year.

Buckenara, who rated Stocker the 15th best player in last year’s draft, said it was unfair to question the deal so soon in Stocker’s career.

Carlton’s Liam Stocker gets a handball away during his debut against North Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: AFL Photos

“I would say in two to three years’ we’ll comment on that trade and whether it was value or not,” Buckenara said.

“I think you’ve just got to back him in. I think with a lot of those things — trade and draft — time will tell, when he develops.

“Like a lot of kids, you’ve got to give them a little bit of leeway up until about 50 games.

“That’s really when you’ll know whether they’re starting to impose themselves on the competition and look the goods. Some come in straight away and do it from Game 1 like Sam Walsh, but other guys take a bit longer.”

Oakleigh Chargers pair Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell shape as top-two draft picks this year, with former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna saying last month recruiters had told him the two could eclipse last year’s No.1 pick Walsh.

Anderson has averaged 185 SuperCoach ranking points from his three NAB League games this year, while Rowell has averaged 159 points.

Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni said after the draft last year the club was “comfortable” with the pick swap.

“What happens if we finish on top of the Crows?” Silvagni said.

“The season will take care of itself and what we do know is we’re really happy to bring a good player through the door.”

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