SurreyBlue wrote:
Blue Vain wrote:
We could have kept Dow and Fisher. We could have even kept O'Brien or Honey/Philp.
And then had no spots on the list to pick up any youngsters in the draft. (Keep in mind, we are required to utilise the draft)
Would that be the preference? To take no kids and keep fringe players who haven't nailed down a spot after 6 years in the system.
You can't have both.
I think the writing was on the wall for all these players to be moved, some earlier than others. That's not my point.
My point is that we need to do better at the trade table and have been Mr Nice for too long.
Yes, I would have made a statement with Dow, if that is what it took. Small points lost in the end but statement would have made some impact.
I have mentioned this before Surrey but I will float it again.
The world of AFL recruitment is Miniscule. 18 clubs with 18 head recruiters and 18 List Managers. Those 36 have known each other for years and years and years. Many have been at multiple clubs over 20+ year periods. Nepotism is rife.
Most are very good mates. They spend alot of time together in Hotels on planes and in Airport lounges. Alot of them play golf together. No-one goes out of their way to shaft one of their workmates. The exceptions are very small. They all know it is a game that has to be played and most play it fairly because they know they all have to get along over many, many years.
In my 10 years it was very apparent that what comes around goes around. Sure, you might have the upper hand one year with a trade and the next you are in the bent over position. They are in it for the long haul and bending someone over is just not done.
Dodoro is of course the exception. It is a badge of honor for him. Maybe measure his badge of honor against his success rate these past 20 years?
My point is, on the whole, Recruiters do try to be as fair as they can with each other for the reasons I have listed.
Supporters may want to pillage other teams year in year out at trade week, but Recruiters simply don't play that game.
Regards Cazzesman