Wait to see if moves pay off
THE value of Gold Coast’s trade period is one that will be best judged on the quality of talent they get in the 2018 draft.
The Suns have spent their pennies in favour of readymade talent, overlooking a 2017 talent pool with little depth in order to stockpile two selections in round one, two and three for a super draft that has been tipped to deliver in spades n 2018.
If it does, Gold Coast will be given their deserved plaudits.
If not, they have wasted away more precious time when they have none.
Gold Coast’s trade hopes went down to the wire yesterday but they came out small winners. It was progress and that’s what incoming coach Stuart Dew needed.
Gary Ablett is the biggest name to leave but given his family situation, age and the stage of where Gold Coast are at it was right for both parties to go their separate ways.
They missed an opportunity to get a player in the deal and it was a blow but they were fairly compensated in pick 19.
Adam Saad is a loss but one that can be covered and Brandon Matera was on the outer.
In came Lachie Weller, Aaron Young and Harrison Wigg. A next generation group that can play now and become five to 10-year players.
Weller headlines the list and will be under pressure to deliver after coming in exchange for pick two. Gold Coast blinked and they were punished for it.
They laughed at Fremantle’s requests days earlier but when the heat was on they showed their desperation.
It would have been considered a failed trade period had they missed the 21-year-old who is one of few who have ever voiced a desire to return home to Queensland.
All the recruits can play midfield and can win the ball, something Gold Coast needs.
It improved the depth in the centre but there are still concerns surround key defensive stocks that have proven fragile.
ALL THE RECRUITS CAN PLAY MIDFIELD AND CAN WIN THE BALL, SOMETHING GOLD COAST NEEDS.
Rory Thompson is prone to injury, mystery surrounds how well Sam Day will return and Max Spencer and Jack Leslie need more time. Steven May is the only constant.
Gold Coast’s astute trading delivered them Pearce Hanley, Jarryd Lyons, Michael Barlow and Jarrod Witts in 2016. It was considered a success and while this year wasn’t as fruitful, the seeds have been planted for long-term growth.
Off contract players including Matt Shaw and Trent McKenzie failed to attract interest from rival clubs and could either end up being given a lifeline by Gold Coast or delisted.