ON DEADLINE day in October, every trade can look like a winner.
Eight rounds into a new season, reality has usually hit, so we asked you to revisit your verdict on last year's NAB AFL Trade Period with the benefit of seven months' hindsight.
In an AFL.com.au survey, we asked you to re-rate your club's work at the 2017 trade table.
Here we present the average ratings out of 10 for each team from Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs, and a selection of your views on what's gone right, what's disappointed, and the trades, players or strategies that hang in the balance.
READ PART ONE Adelaide to GWS
In: Jarman Impey, picks 43, 68, 75
Out: Luke Hodge, picks 34, 44, 62, 2018 fourth-round pick
What's gone right so far?
Impey is an absolute gun. He has brilliantly filled the hole that losing Brad Hill left. His speed and class are first rate, and I love that he can chip in with a goal or two.
- Mitchell Roberts, Maribyrnong Vic
Jarman Impey has had an impact early with his pace, along with his run and carry. The Hawks have also let the talent they already had at the club shine through. To start the season on a high proves that a quiet trade period was the right call.
- Jamie Lowe, Deniliquin NSW
What's been the biggest disappointment?
Some quality kids have come out of the draft before we entered with James Worpel (who is an amazing pick-up), but its been hard watching Nick Coffield knowing he was our pick.
- Luca Catalano, Melbourne Vic
Not taking Trent McKenzie, Josh Schache, or any other of the talented free agents/trade options.
- James Cooke, WA
The jury's out on ...
... holding Taylor Duryea and Ryan Schoenmakers for an extra year before offering them a long contract or trading them. Looks like it's been the right call, though. Duryea has been working for his spot.
- Luca Catalano, Melbourne Vic
... recruiters. We need a bigger influence in the next free agency/trade period.
- Brad McKinnon, Horsham SA
In: Harley Balic, Jake Lever, picks 31, 36, 2018 third-round pick (Adelaide)
Out: Jack Watts, picks 10, 66, 2018 first-round pick, 2018 fourth-round pick
What's gone right so far?
As each round passes, it becomes more obvious that Jake Lever is going to be a long-term champion. Charlie Spargo is showing all the tenacity and ability one would desire from a young recruit, but probably the most exciting of all is young Bayley Fritsch who is a potential star. I'm sure Harrison Petty and Oskar Baker will, given time, develop into great acquisitions as well. Harley Balic is just starting to find his feet at the club.
- Rob Poke, Capalaba Qld
Lever has started to hit form after an adaption period. Jack Watts continues to be the player he was. Excellent when things were going well for the team but otherwise missing in action.
- James Wardeiner, Ballarat Vic
What's been the biggest disappointment?
Off-field, the price we paid for Jake Lever. I believe the club will miss out on some A-grade talent without a first-round pick.
- Ryan Lynch, Keilor Vic
Harley Balic has spent much of the season injured, so has not been able to showcase his talents. However, Fritsch at pick 31 has been a revelation.
- Jarred Swire, Balaclava Vic
The jury's out on ...
... giving away Watts. We could use his set-shot accuracy, but his pressure is not up to scratch at Port either.
- Alan Stein, Ormond Vic
... Bailey Fritsch. Ok, the jury is only out on how good this kid will be. A great result from the Watts trade.
- Jesse Donnelly, Suzhou China
In: Pick 91, 2018 third-round pick (St Kilda), 2018 third-round pick West Coast)
Out: Sam Gibson, pick 46, 2018 third-round pick
What's gone right so far?
Not landing any big fish gave our younger side the spotlight and the chance to stand up. Not only have they done so, we still have a large war chest, which is exciting considering players such as Rory Sloane are still up for grabs.
- Bryson Soutter, Ballarat Vic
We ended up trading Sam Gibson essentially for Billy Hartung, and he has made a stronger impact than Gibson could have.
- Thomas Buckland, Gidgegannup WA
What's been the biggest disappointment?
The failure to bring in superstars was mentioned countless times between the trade period and the start of the season, and another elite ball user would be great to help out guns like Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington. But I'm comfortable knowing North are playing the long game. I'm still hopeful that Josh Kelly will be playing for us in 2020.
- Dan Linke, Adelaide SA
Not landing a big fish in a young age group. Kelly is the sort I would go after, or Jaidyn Stephenson. I thought he was number one draft pick and as it turns out he looks a long way in front of the rest of them.
- Jay White, Cranbourne Vic
The jury's out on ...
... whether we're going to have any luck with wooing highly touted father-son prospects to the club, especially since Nick Blakey's made his mind up to join Sydney. Time will tell if keeping Todd Goldstein around will pay off too, instead of throwing Brayden Preuss into the number one ruck role.
- Dan Linke, Adelaide SA
In: Steven Motlop, Tom Rockliff, Jack Watts, picks 46, 59, 62, 63, 95, 2018 second-round pick (St Kilda), 2018 third-round pick (North Melbourne)
Out: Brendon Ah Chee, Logan Austin, Jarman Impey, Matthew Lobbe, Jackson Trengove, Aaron Young, picks 31, 68, 2018 fourth-round pick
Ex-Demon Jack Watts in action for the Power. Picture: AFL Photos
What's gone right so far?
An X-factor and match-winner in Motlop adds class to an already strong forward/mids group. And Rockliff is starting to show what he is capable of, now that he has built some match fitness after an interrupted pre-season.
- Luke Keesmaat, Albury NSW
After a slow start due to injury, Rockcliff looks ready to fire. Motlop continues to show flashes of brilliance, Jack Trengove looks ready to play anytime soon and once Paddy Ryder settles back in I think Watts will find his niche as well. Charlie Dixon being back to his usual spot will help.
- Adam Thompson, Semaphore Park SA
For the Showdown goal alone, Motlop has been a win. Rocky showed that he can work well in the midfield unit in the Showdown, so as long as he keeps that up, it'll be a win. Everyone else brought in adds solid depth.
- Matt Bland, Adelaide SA
What's been the biggest disappointment?
Watts' production in front of goal, given he is playing predominantly forward. He has had some nice games, but needs to play with more intensity and concentration.
- Adam Fazzini, Adelaide SA
Rockliff's beginning to the year was well below expectation. Lindsay Thomas had what will likely remain a brief cameo appearance.
- Jeremy Wohlfart, Mt Pleasant SA
The jury's out on ...
... Jack Watts. He's slow to the contest, and when he gets the ball he's slow to move it on. He's been caught more than once, apparently indecisive. He may benefit from some time in the SANFL to develop his confidence, and speed with it.
- Brett Smith, Alberton SA
... whether Carlton's savvy poaching of Matt Lobbe will come back to bite us
- Dylan Stringer, Tenerife Qld
In: Picks 20, 25, 53
Out: Picks 15, 52, 2018 third-round pick
What's gone right so far?
There's no real need for big trading when you win a flag and all the players play with such connection and teamwork. So I'm happy despite not gaining anyone. Really hoping for the big tuna for next trade period.
- Xavier Brodie, Ballarat Vic
Passing on Josh Schache and drafting Ben Miller and Callum Coleman-Jones, with the possibility of Tom Lynch coming next year, has been the smart move.
- Glenn Cartledge, Blackburn Vic
What's been the biggest disappointment?
We're the reigning premiers and 7-1. I broke a shoelace this morning.
- David Pethick, McKinnon Vic
The jury's out on ...
... Anthony Miles. He's too good for the VFL. Will he stay or go?
- Philip Sutherland, Benalla Vic
... small forwards. Next year we will have to get another tall at centre half-forward.
- Andrew Verrier, Dodges Ferry Tas
... whether we did enough.
- Greg Paul, Auckland New Zealand
In: Logan Austin, 2018 fourth-round pick (Adelaide), 2018 fourth-round pick (Port Adelaide)
Out: Pick 59, 63, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 third-round pick
What's gone right so far?
Two young players in Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield show promise. Our trading was poor. Austin hasn't played and we have lost picks in the 2018 draft. A poor decision.
- Steven Hay, Sandy Bay Tas
Keeping draft picks No.7 and 8 and using them well will hopefully set us up in the future, however that extra pick was attained in 2016. Given how the side has fared thus far, not chasing middle-tier depth players for a finals tilt was a wise move.
- Matthew Chatwin, Launceston Tas
What's been the biggest disappointment?
We need to somehow reverse the error of having taken Paddy McCartin ahead of Christian Petracca and get assistance in the midfield. Trading McCartin would seem to have been the obvious choice. He is never going to be a replacement for Nick Riewoldt and in modern day football, stay at home forwards should be developed not bought (that is, by spending a No.1 draft pick).
- Ben Thompson, Marrickville NSW
Not landing an A-grade player has clearly hurt us, setting us back potentially three years.
- Gideon Sztajer, Caulfield Vic
The jury's out on ...
... whoever was responsible for checking on Luke Hodge's availability. He was picked up for peanuts, and with Roo and Joey Montagna leaving in 2017, his experience and leadership would have been welcomed.
- Matthew Chatwin, Launceston Tas
In: 2018 second-round pick (Collingwood)
Out: Sam Murray, pick 70, 2018 third-round pick
What's gone right so far?
Watching Murray develop hurts a bit, but considering we'll need the extra draft pick to get Nick Blakey in the draft, I still think it is a win for us. Hopefully it leads to a few other fringe Swans attracting higher prices in future trade periods.
- Josh Pearson, Newtown NSW
What's been the biggest disappointment?
We missed a lot of opportunities. We needed another big target up forward. Right now, Buddy Franklin and Sam Reid are out, and we're out of a big forward. We should have fought for Jack Watts. He's exactly what this team needed.
- Jeremy Wright, Perth WA
The jury's out on ...
... whether the Sam Murray trade was a win or loss. His speed is so exciting but what will we get with our second-round pick?
- Emma Hilton, Sydney NSW
In: Brendon Ah Chee, picks 21, 26, 37, 2018 second-round pick (Gold Coast), 2018 fourth-round pick (Hawthorn)
Out: Pick 50, 2018 first-round pick, 2018 third-round pick
What's gone right so far?
After eight weeks, trading the first-round 2018 pick seems like a no brainer in hindsight. However unless a premiership comes by 2020 and depending on who Gold Coast draft, we may not know the real balance until 2023, as seen with the Chris Judd trade.
- Dean Turner, Warnbro WA
Ah Chee for a pick swap (currently 2018's 53 for 69) looks a bargain. Our other swap for extra picks looks good with Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelli playing promising games already.
- Silas Kierath, Perth WA
What's been the biggest disappointment?
The fact that they traded away a first and third-round pick in what has been tipped to be a super draft. Otherwise it's been good apart from injuries to debutants/draftees/recruits.
- Nick Smith, Wembley WA
Brendon Ah Chee. After a frustrating eight weeks out with injury, Brendon needs to prove himself as a capable inside midfielder in the absence of Luke Shuey and Dom Sheed.
- Luka D'Cruz, Brunswick Vic
The jury's out on ...
... whether trading our 2018 first round pick to Gold Coast will pay off. So far it's helped us to strengthen the squad, and if the season were to finish now, we wouldn't be doing too badly out of that trade.
- Michael Smith, Whitley Bay UK
In: Hayden Crozier, Josh Schache, Jackson Trengove, pick 16, 2018 fourth-round pick (Fremantle)
Out: Jake Stringer, picks 28, 41, 83, 2018 second-round pick
What's gone right so far?
Stringer has continued his poor form and Schache is beginning to look good coming back from injury, so that trade looks to have worked out for us, as well as getting Ed Richards from the Stringer picks.
- Jack Sharkey, Richmond Vic
We kept pick nine and used that on securing Aaron Naughton, who will become a 10-year player. We received Schache in effect for Stringer, and time will tell that we have a solid citizen and player. Crozier has taken the place of Bob Murphy, and Ed Richards with his run and left foot will be another who could be a 10-year servant.
- Brad McCarthy, Bentleigh Vic
What's been the biggest disappointment?
Jackson Trengove was brought to the club to play on the gorillas. There was no spot for him in the backline with all the injuries we had, and he also cannot take a ruck spot with Tim English and Tom Boyd preferred. At this point, it's money wasted.
- Frank Sculli, Altona Meadows Vic
The fact that all three recruits have been hampered with injuries so far.
- Ty Weinert, Brisbane Qld
The jury's out on ...
... Jackson Trengove. We really need him to get some consistency in his games to see if he will bring that physicality around the ball on a regular basis.
- James Nulliah, Narre Warren Vic
... Trengove. He can't bring his experiance and talent sitting in the twos. Was it a good move bringing in a mature tall when we already have many younger talls we need to play and get games into?
- Wes Crawford, Geelong Vic
READ PART ONE Adelaide to GWS
