Essendon 2018 trade guide: Who should the Bombers chase this off-season?
WHAT a waste! Essendon’s 2018 season has been a massive tease. But there have been enough positive signs to show the club can rapidly climb the ladder next season. David King looks at the trades that can help.
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THERE is no doubt the Bombers are one of the big disappointments of 2018.
Self-confessed confusion early in the season compounded by an erratic form-line has seen them winning more games against the top 10 teams than the bottom eight.
The handling of Joe Daniher was questionable at best but one thing’s for sure, their best is good enough. What a waste!
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In fairness those at Tullamarine have always felt next season and beyond would be their time, not 2018.
Devon Smith and Adam Saad have proven recruiting masterstrokes.
Jake Stringer has found some form and look out in 2019. The improvement of Kyle Langford, Matt Guelfi and Conor McKenna bodes well. The samples of Mason Redman and Jordan Ridley also excite.
Martin Gleeson has been sorely missed but there are no excuses. Obvious doubts on Darcy Parish given the draft pick 5 investment and absence from the selected 22.
The Bombers need a big bodied midfielder and while free agent Andrew Gaff would be on the radar, he’s likely to stay. Adrian Dodoro spent wisely last season and will probably use this year’s first round draft selection on a talented youngster.
Essendon have the ingredients on-field but expect a significant spend in the back-office.
Premiership Clock — 9pm
HARRISON REID LOOKS AT ESSENDON’S TRADE OPTIONS
IN PLAY
1 Travis Colyer
Age: 26
Games in 2018: 0
Rumours of Colyer’s place on the trade table last year were silenced when the West Australian eventually stayed at Essendon. But the small forward hasn’t managed a single senior game this season and with value left in his 26-year-old body, a trade could be the best thing for
him.
2 Jayden Laverde
Age: 22
Games in 2018: 6
The former top 20 draft pick has threatened to establish himself as an AFL player several times in his four broken seasons, but has never quite got there. Highly rated as a junior and clubs with long memories may not be discouraged by his inability to nail down his spot enough to ignore him.
3 Patrick Ambrose
Age: 26
Games in 2018: 5
Highly rated by Essendon but he is a commodity of which they have no shortage. Physically Ambrose is a machine, winning all of Essendon’s running and strength tests, and would have suitors if the Bombers threw his name up.
BUY BUY BUY
1 Mitch Wallis
Age: 25
Games in 2018: 9
Club: Western Bulldogs
Essendon is desperate for inside midfielders and Mitch Wallis is desperate for job security. It’s a good fit and wouldn’t surprise if it happens in October.
2 Dom Tyson
Age: 25
Games in 2018: 7
Club: Melbourne
Essendon’s undersized midfield is crying out for an extractor like Tyson, who has struggled to hold his spot in Melbourne’s team despite clearly being better than VFL standard.
WINS AND ROUNDABOUTS
There’s been no better recruit this year than tackling-machine Devon Smith who would likely be leading Essendon’s best and fairest. Surprisingly Jake Stringer’s solid form has actually gone under the radar, but the prized recruit is putting together a quality season, and Adam Saad has really hit his straps since a slow start to his first season as a Bomber. Big tick for three successful trades.
FANTASY QUICK FIX
Shaun McKernan has performed admirably in Joe Daniher’s absence, but imagine if Tom Lynch filled that hole. Not reported to be active in the race for the Suns star but if they had the opportunity to snare him now would become very serious finals contenders.
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