Murray MiddletonTrading Places
June 24th 2008 14:02
Trade week is one of the most important weeks in football. Although the trades are usually kept to a minimum, the week provides clubs with the opportunity to change their on-field fortunes in the coming season. The age-old mantra is to not only strengthen your club’s list, but to weaken another. Last season’s trade week was dominated by the Chris Judd deal. All up, over twenty trades were made. The following is a list of the ten traded players who have had the biggest immediate impact at their club. The list does not take into account the draft picks or players that were involved in the trades:
1. Chris Judd
There is little doubt that Judd is still hampered by injury. In spite of this, he has produced a great season for Carlton. The club’s on-field fortunes have finally improved and Judd’s leadership has been vital. His final quarters against Port Adelaide and Collingwood in recent weeks have been superb. Even if Judd gets no better he will be a great acquisition for the Blues.
2. Ben Hudson
Hudson will challenge Dean Cox for All-Australian honours this year. The Crows have struggled to cover the loss of their number one ruckman. It is little coincidence that the Bulldogs have improved considerably at the clearances since Hudson’s arrival. He is big, strong and has a great football brain. With Hudson in the ruck the Bulldogs have a genuine chance of winning a premiership.
3. Scott Welsh
Like Hudson, Welsh has been a great pick by the Bulldogs. In recent seasons they have acquired the services of seasoned campaigners Akermanis, Welsh and Hudson. These three players have helped to cover the losses of Grant, Smith and Darcy. Welsh has added to the flexibility of the Bulldog’s forward line. While he has not kicked many bags, his contribution of 2-3 goals per game has been crucial.
4. Martin Mattner
Mattner was one of three Adelaide players to find a new club over the summer. Mattner, like most recycled players, has fitted easily into the Swans style of play. He is fast, tough and skilful. With Malcieski and Kennelly being struck by injury, Mattner has provided great run from the Swan’s defence. The club has been able to ensure that it stays at the top in recent seasons by recycling the likes of Craig Bolton, Ted Richards and Darren Jolly. Mattner has proven no exception.
5. Travis Johnstone
Johnstone was an interesting trade. It signified that Melbourne were rebuilding and knew the dire state of their list. However it also gave a clear indication of where Leigh Matthews thought Brisbane’s list was at. Johnstone has been at his erratic best this season. His performance against Port Adelaide was top class. The likes of Black and Power receive tags every week, enabling him to collect touches at will. There is lots of space at the Gabba and Johnstone has a good motor. While his lazy attitude might frustrate his coach at times, Johnstone and Brisbane seem like the perfect fit.
6. Mitch Morton
Morton played his best game of the season last weekend, kicking five goals. Although he has spent some time in the reserves this season, his performances at senior level have been promising. He has shown a natural knack for kicking goals. He was unable to break into the Eagles’ strong line-up in recent seasons (he seemed to be vying for the medium forward role with the talented Matt LeCras). Needless to say, he would be getting a game with the Eagles at the moment.
7. Tim Callan
Callan was one of four players who left Geelong during trade week. Callan has been the best of the four. He has formed a solid part of the Bulldog’s defence so far. While he is not blessed with speed or skill, his main attribute has been his toughness. Although Callan has played well, it will be interesting to see whether he can hold his spot above the likes Ray, Hill and Everitt – all of whom are quicker than him.
8. Cameron Wood
Wood played his best football at the start of the season. Collingwood traded a first round selection for the former-Brisbane ruckman, so there are high expectations. Although Wood has been displaced in the team by Chris Bryan in recent weeks, there is every chance that he will deliver. Wood returned to the team on Sunday to play an important role up forward for the Pies. He is still quite raw, but he is very talented. In two to three years Wood will be one of the best ruckmen in the competition. A great trade for Collingwood.
9. Jordan McMahon
McMahon has already come in for criticism among the Tiger’s faithful. But who hasn’t? During trade week a large emphasis seemed to be placed on pace. The stocks of McMahon, Ricky Dyson and Kane Tenace – all of whom have underachieved – suddenly grew. While McMahon is soft and inconsistent, he has provided the Tigers with crucial run off the half back flank at times. He is worth persevering with.
10. Sam Power
Power has found a spot in the Kangaroos team this season. Dean Laidley brought in Power and Ben Davies during trade week with a view to injecting more run into his team. Davies has been terrible. Although Power is not a shadow of the player recruiters thought he would be (he was a top ten selection by the Bulldogs), he has played some good games for the Kangaroos. He is quick, skilful and can tag through the midfield. If any club can make a player of him the Kangaroos can.
1. Chris Judd
There is little doubt that Judd is still hampered by injury. In spite of this, he has produced a great season for Carlton. The club’s on-field fortunes have finally improved and Judd’s leadership has been vital. His final quarters against Port Adelaide and Collingwood in recent weeks have been superb. Even if Judd gets no better he will be a great acquisition for the Blues.
2. Ben Hudson
Hudson will challenge Dean Cox for All-Australian honours this year. The Crows have struggled to cover the loss of their number one ruckman. It is little coincidence that the Bulldogs have improved considerably at the clearances since Hudson’s arrival. He is big, strong and has a great football brain. With Hudson in the ruck the Bulldogs have a genuine chance of winning a premiership.
3. Scott Welsh
Like Hudson, Welsh has been a great pick by the Bulldogs. In recent seasons they have acquired the services of seasoned campaigners Akermanis, Welsh and Hudson. These three players have helped to cover the losses of Grant, Smith and Darcy. Welsh has added to the flexibility of the Bulldog’s forward line. While he has not kicked many bags, his contribution of 2-3 goals per game has been crucial.
4. Martin Mattner
Mattner was one of three Adelaide players to find a new club over the summer. Mattner, like most recycled players, has fitted easily into the Swans style of play. He is fast, tough and skilful. With Malcieski and Kennelly being struck by injury, Mattner has provided great run from the Swan’s defence. The club has been able to ensure that it stays at the top in recent seasons by recycling the likes of Craig Bolton, Ted Richards and Darren Jolly. Mattner has proven no exception.
5. Travis Johnstone
Johnstone was an interesting trade. It signified that Melbourne were rebuilding and knew the dire state of their list. However it also gave a clear indication of where Leigh Matthews thought Brisbane’s list was at. Johnstone has been at his erratic best this season. His performance against Port Adelaide was top class. The likes of Black and Power receive tags every week, enabling him to collect touches at will. There is lots of space at the Gabba and Johnstone has a good motor. While his lazy attitude might frustrate his coach at times, Johnstone and Brisbane seem like the perfect fit.
6. Mitch Morton
Morton played his best game of the season last weekend, kicking five goals. Although he has spent some time in the reserves this season, his performances at senior level have been promising. He has shown a natural knack for kicking goals. He was unable to break into the Eagles’ strong line-up in recent seasons (he seemed to be vying for the medium forward role with the talented Matt LeCras). Needless to say, he would be getting a game with the Eagles at the moment.
7. Tim Callan
Callan was one of four players who left Geelong during trade week. Callan has been the best of the four. He has formed a solid part of the Bulldog’s defence so far. While he is not blessed with speed or skill, his main attribute has been his toughness. Although Callan has played well, it will be interesting to see whether he can hold his spot above the likes Ray, Hill and Everitt – all of whom are quicker than him.
8. Cameron Wood
Wood played his best football at the start of the season. Collingwood traded a first round selection for the former-Brisbane ruckman, so there are high expectations. Although Wood has been displaced in the team by Chris Bryan in recent weeks, there is every chance that he will deliver. Wood returned to the team on Sunday to play an important role up forward for the Pies. He is still quite raw, but he is very talented. In two to three years Wood will be one of the best ruckmen in the competition. A great trade for Collingwood.
9. Jordan McMahon
McMahon has already come in for criticism among the Tiger’s faithful. But who hasn’t? During trade week a large emphasis seemed to be placed on pace. The stocks of McMahon, Ricky Dyson and Kane Tenace – all of whom have underachieved – suddenly grew. While McMahon is soft and inconsistent, he has provided the Tigers with crucial run off the half back flank at times. He is worth persevering with.
10. Sam Power
Power has found a spot in the Kangaroos team this season. Dean Laidley brought in Power and Ben Davies during trade week with a view to injecting more run into his team. Davies has been terrible. Although Power is not a shadow of the player recruiters thought he would be (he was a top ten selection by the Bulldogs), he has played some good games for the Kangaroos. He is quick, skilful and can tag through the midfield. If any club can make a player of him the Kangaroos can.
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