Everitt gives pass mark to big Coast gambles
FORMER AFL player Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt says Gold Coast have done the right thing by giving up pick two of this year’s draft for Fremantle’s Lachie Weller.
The Suns ceded their prized first pick in return for the 21year-old half-back/midfielder and Fremantle’s No.41 draft selection in the final stages of the trade period yesterday.
Everitt said it wasn’t a sign of desperation for the club that also brought in Aaron Young (Port Adelaide), 24, and Harrison Wigg (Adelaide), 21.
“Not many picks in the top three have gone on to play 200 or 300 games,” Everitt said.
“We know Lachie Weller has got a few pre-seasons in him and he has had that introduction into AFL footy.
“I don’t mind that (decision) because any draft is a risk. You have a bloke who has proven himself at AFL level.
“There are plenty in the top 10 who haven’t done anything. Some of these kids that are in the top 10 are overrated.”
The incoming trio will replace Gary Ablett, rebounding defender Adam Saad and forward Brandon Matera.
“I’d give it a pass mark,” Everitt said of the Suns deals.
“They have got that little bit of depth they needed in the midfield.
“Ablett was the big thing but as much as I love Gary, he really had to go. (The trade period) definitely wasn’t a loss.”
Everitt, who played 291 games across St Kilda, Hawthorn and Sydney, said he was surprised Gold Coast weren’t more active throughout the period though.
“I thought they would have been a little bit more proactive,” Everitt said.
“The new coach (Stuart Dew) must believe they have a list that can do some improving without changing too much. It goes to show he has faith in the team that is there.
“It is going to come down to the work they do when they get to pre-season training.”
Everitt said the club did well to bring in midfielders who can compete inside who could be at the club for a long time.
“A little bit of depth through the midfield is always nice,” Everitt said.
“You want those hard, contested footballers as well. These players they are bringing in have five to 10 years in them. Most of that side you would think would be able to play five or six years together.”