The intangibles with the Judd deal are equally important. The Judd coming Off Field - gives CFC credibilitiy in the market place, has increased sponorship worth (as already seen), will boost membership numbers; On Field - provides leadership, sets standards for young kids to emulate, and takes the pressure and attention off them on match day. I would factor the intangibles too in the overall equation...

I don’t really think we needed Hughes opinion to confirm Kennedy's potential. I'd been talking him up the last two years. He'll be a star I think. He moves well, is hard at it and can take a good pack mark. Pity injuries and other factors stopped us seeing his full potential. I wish him all the best.

I wonder if Kennedy and pick 20 would have been enough to get Judd if Kennedy had accelerated at the same pace as Murphy, Thomas and Pendelbury. Or would we have stood our ground and tried to keep Kennedy. I guess we'll never know.

But at what point do we confirm the Kennedy for Judd trade has been a success?

Judd's probably got 6 - 7 years of his best football ahead of him. That would see him out to 30 - 31 years of age. If he performs at or above the levels he has already set, then we are in for one hell of a ride. I have no doubt the best is yet to come. Hopefully he plays util he's 34.

Kennedy will be 25 by the time Judd is 29. Pick 3 ( either Cotchin or Morton ) will only be 23 or so. Now by that stage Kennedy may or may not be more valuable than Judd. Cotchin and Morton may be the young guns of the competition. But it would be a moot point to argue it is a bad deal in 5 years time if Judd helps us to finals or a shot at a flag.

The Judd deal is good for us. No doubt about it. Get on youtube and have a look at some of the highlights of Judd and then imagine that happening in a Carlton jumper. It's enough to make you drool. I don’t think I need to detail the positive effect he will have on the playing list.

I think some people are getting a little edgy about his injury. I've been copping it big time from my mates saying that we have recruited a cripple. After a while thoughts creep into your mind, " did we do the right thing? How bad is that injury? what if he doesn’t regain his speed? ". But remember he got the all clear from his Doctor and he will " retain his explosive speed ". The other day one of my mates also confessed that he would love Judd and is just bagging him to get up my goat. Like I didn’t know that was obvious!!!

I think our recruiting in 05 and 06 will become watershed years. Murphy, Bower, Gibbs, Hampson, Grigg and Jamison. Then there's Austin, Anderson and Benjamin. I think Grigg will give the Rising Star a run for it's money next year. I think the kid will be a star. I know it's a big call but watch the Melbourne game closely. No a bad effort in his 3rd or 4th game.

This year we add Judd, Hadley and more than likely Kreuzer.

Pinch a star with pick 46 or 56 and you are a legend Hughes.

Last week the AFL announced a review of the club from top to bottom. It's alleged that the eagles did not adhere to conditions set by the AFL when they were seeking approval for Ben's return.

I don't think they should be punished at all, unless the review does find significant fault.

Gee bax I never saw any of that in the seniors. The only convincing contested mark I saw was in his first game. He took a corageous fingertipper against the Lions (or someone) at the Dome this year. And I never saw him move well. He always looked a lumberer, and went to ground almost every time he flew for a mark. And he never seemed to have sticky fingers. I really hope he does well and wish he was at Carlton, but I saw nothing in his senior appearances to suggest he will be outstanding. He is young and developing, but he's not going to get quicker or improve his spring by much.

I always thought this until his last couple of games, in those he looked trim terrific and agile.

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The problem will be made. for the solution to be sold, to your face before your eyes, tolerance is now the new danger

That’s what I’m worried about as well.
He looked dangerous in those last few games with the way he moved.

Hughes' take on JFK is a bit of a concern, I mean while it's still a bit early to judge a tall kid like Josh, he could hardly catch a cold this year let alone a football, and that's even after I have factored in the [REDACTED] coach

HUghes take is all part of the master plan that was to get Judd