Remaining free agents (November 2016)

Presti35 · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 10:50 pm

When we think about need, I suppose we'd be looking at players to cover depth issues. I think our best 22 looks fairly good on paper.

So where are our depth issues?

Ruck depth. Grundy is our clear #1. But we need someone to come in in case of injury/rest. The rookie draft would probably be the way to go here.

* Shaun McKernan. At 26, would fit in ok. But he isn't what I'd call a pure ruckman. But he would provide great relief when needed. He can also cover depth issues in the forward line, and unless the unthinkable happened, I wouldn't expect to see more than 4 games in 2017. He is expected to be rookie drafted by Essendon.

* Will Minson. He is 31, but he is a pure ruckman. Does he go straight to #2 in the pecking order? I never liked him, so it makes my view a bit tainted. I guess he'd be a "break glass in case of emergency" player, so we'd be, again, looking at 4-6 games next year? (Also linked to WCE).

* Within our own list. After Grundy, is this the pecking order? Cox-White-Keeffe? Can all these guys provide relief in the middle? Hmmm, I think we need to find another just in case.

Backline depth. We've offset the loss of Brown with Dunn. But what about Frost and Marsh?

*Alex Silvagni. At 29, I dont know how well he fits into Collingwoods set up. And he has had a shocking run with leg injuries. His late season form will probably see him get another chance somewhere. I guess he could be brought in just to keep the seat warm, but there could be a better option.

*Jack Grimes. I've been the only one here to bring him up. So I'm starting to think there's something wrong with him. He is a former captain and he is still only 27. Does he have 2 or 3 good years left in him? He dominated the VFL, but I'm unsure why he wasn't getting a senior gig at Melb? Rivers and Dunn might have something to say here, but I thought he'd be thereabouts?

*Ryan Pendlebury. Now 24, could he be a smoky to fill a position on our list? He would already have some rapport around the club, but is he built for AFL football?

*Xavier Richards. Is he considered more than just a depth player? Would he slot straight into our best 22? At 23, he certainly looks like a great fit, but are we getting carried away just because he played in the last GF? I want to know how good he really is.

*Angus Litherland. 24, 192cm, quick, and has a thumping left foot. A standout in the VFL, I think he is a much better version of Marsh.

*Cam O'Shea. At 24, he fits the age bracket. He is more of a utility, so I guess you could say he is a younger Goldsack. Fell out at Port, so thats a worry.

*Within our own list. Keeffe. Simple. IMO, he is straight in and an upgrade for Frost. And of course Adam Oxley wasn't used much last year, and I've had some big expectations on him. And don't forget about Tyson Goldsack.

Forward line depth. I think this is our strongest position as far as depth goes. We've brought in Mayne, WHE and Wells and with Elliott returning, I think the only offset is replacing Cloke (or finding a FF).

*Mitch Clark. Its a yeah-nar from me, but he is someone that is (was) a good contested mark and goal kicker. His off field problems would feel magnified at Collingwood. 29 years old now, and little AFL games since 2011.

*Josh Green. 24 year old small forward. I'm nor overly proud to say this, but I know people in the know at Brisbane, and they are happy to see the back of him. Still, he has a goal kicking tallant than cant be ignored. Where does he fit with Fasolo-Elliott-Blair? Expect him to be at Essendon tho.

We'll obviously know more after the draft, as this may all change depending on who we take.

stui magpie · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 10:57 pm

Richards is 195 cm, can play forward or back

Minson is the back up ruck we need, been saying it for 18 months

MagpieBat · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 11:24 pm

I'm happy enough with Minson as a back-up.

Presti35 · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 11:33 pm

Its settled then.

Lets get Minson. But are we going to sign him as a F.A? Or rookie draft him?

Forget I ever mentioned Shaun McKernan.

MagpieBat · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 11:38 pm

Delisted Free Agency would be easier. Rookie draft would be cheaper.

Presti35 · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 11:42 pm

I say rookie draft then. Runs the risk of someone else taking him, but if we have a backup to our backup then its ok.

If we sign a F.A. it needs to be Richards or Litherland I think.

Culprit · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Location: Port Melbourne

Jezza · 2023 PREMIERS! Joined: 06 Sep 2010 Location: Ponsford End

Ideally, I'd be happen with signing Richards and Minson.

Whether we get both, or one or the other remains to be seen.

Presti35 · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:12 am

Jezza · 2023 PREMIERS! Joined: 06 Sep 2010 Location: Ponsford End

Richards is training with Essendon, so it's likely he'll sign with them.

MagpieBat · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 3:40 am

This Minson thing might actually have some legs to it...

Presti35 · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 5:48 am

Presti35 · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 5:51 am

Presti35 · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 9:29 pm

As expected Green has signed on with Essendon for 1 year. They've finally found their replacement for Leroy Jetta. Razz

X Richards expected to be signed for 2 by Essendon. Don't know how to feel about that one.

I'm still keen on Angus Litherland as I think he's an upgrade on Marsh.

And as stated in other threads (and this one) Will Minson is expected to be rookie drafted by Collingwood. I wonder if we'll look to Rookie list any other discarded players?