The Lions made some big strides under Michael Voss in his first year in charge. With the usual output from his elites, Voss was able to watch second-tier players Mitch Clark and Justin Sherman elevate their games to a new level. A number of youngsters gained valuable experience and their taste of finals footy will have the club looking towards the top four in 2010 and a flag shortly thereafter. With a good crop of first-and second-year players, the Lions could be active in the trade period as they search for one or two missing pieces.
Who they've lost
Tim Notting (ret)
What they need
While Brown and Bradshaw again had stellar seasons up forward, and Polkinghorne proved a good third marking option, the Lions still struggled to find that elusive crumbing small forward. Rhan Hooper showed glimpses and Scott Harding was disappointing, and other than Sherman's forays forward from the midfield it was too often left to the big guys. Craig McRae's influence as an assistant may help develop these guys, but either by trade or draft it's an area need improvement.
While the Lions were hard at the footy in 2009, it didn't always convert to dominating the clearances. This was no more evident than the elimination final against the Bulldogs. Simon Black was his usual self, but the Lions could do with some help in there for him. Whispers have Richard Hadley returning north, while out-of-favour Tiger Shane Tuck also could help the Brownlow medallist in the clinches.
While Daniel Merrett and Joel Patfull were as reliable as ever down back, the Lions still look like they're short one tall. Jason Roe had one good game against Hawthorn but otherwise failed to impress, while Lachie Henderson looks a likely prospect without nailing his spot down yet.
Tradeable commodities
Running machine Bradd Dalziell had an up-and-down season and is said to be keen to return home to WA. Would be a huge asset for both teams in the west with his ability to link and out-run opponents and would surely draw a good player in return.
Hooper and Harding show plenty of promise, and Voss gave them chances, but they have failed to consistently fire up forward. Their numbers are not necessarily up yet but if other clubs show interest, the Lions might just be prepared to let one or both go.
A little bit left field, but premiership ruckman Jamie Charman is also a lot worse off than he was 12 months ago. The big bloke is of huge value to the Lions, but had to watch Mitch Clark's emergence while he sat on the sidelines. With Matthew Leuenberger a club priority, Charman has probably slipped to number three in the rucking stocks, and would be a good pick-up for a host of clubs. However after the injury woes of 2009 in the ruck, Voss may be reluctant to let him go.
Crystal ball trades
Dalziell was rumoured to be homesick, but Voss refuted that earlier this week. However his running ability and link play would be an asset if he were to head home to West Coast or Fremantle. Brent Staker has been mooted as a possible switch from the Eagles, while Brett Peake also could be a target.
The Lions have also been mentioned in the Brendan Fevola saga. Talk of Bradshaw plus a draft pick for Fev has been thrown around, and while the Coleman medallist would likely draw in more members in a struggling market, it seems a long bow to draw given that cash is a problem.
Andrew Lovett is almost certain to leave Essendon, but what do the Lions have in return? Hooper and Harding are identical type players without Lovett’s consistency. They might need to give up something substantial for the lightning-quick Bomber, who would be a huge asset at the Gabba.
Trading Charman could also generate interest from a number of clubs (including Richmond, for Shane Tuck perhaps?), but Voss might be reluctant to reduce his rucking stocks after the injury crisis in `09.
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Have your say: Trade Winds Blog
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The 2009 AFL exchange period runs from October 5-9. No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Friday, October 9.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
