Reviewing our 2004 trades

[mightytiges]

Rohan Connolly gave us a C.

RICHMOND (C)
Troy Simmonds (from Fremantle)

Troy Simmonds hasn't been a star for Richmond, but at least has given the Tigers badly needed ruck back-up for another recruit, Trent Knobel, as well as providing an important forward-line presence that has helped relieve some of the burden on Matthew Richardson.

While Brad Ottens might have been the biggest trade pick-up last summer, he's probably also the source of the biggest question mark.

Just 22 goals from 14 games wasn't the sort of meagre returns Geelong was looking for when it lured the big South Australian from Richmond, and his average 4.6 marks a game is less than for any of his previous five seasons with the Tigers.

For the moment, at least, it looks like the Cats paid big money for a bit of a ruckman and a bit of a forward, but not enough of either. 

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2005/08/12/1123353502004.html

Problem with Connolly's assessment is he has only included Simmonds when judging us and doesn't judge Simmo against Fiora who we gave up for him. Simmo has been disappointing but we're still better off as we are no worse off without Fiora and Ottens and we've gained Meyer and Pattison with picks 12 and 16. If one or both of the kids turn out to be very good then we'd be so far out in front with this trade we'll be laughing.

[JohnF]

Exactly MT. Even if Meyer and Pattison amount to nothing we'd still be be on even terms having gotten rid of Ottens and Fiora and gaining Simmonds. If either Meyer or Pattison do go on to become good players we will have a steal.

[mightytiges]

Exactly MT. Even if Meyer and Pattison amount to nothing we'd still be be on even terms having gotten rid of Ottens and Fiora and gaining Simmonds. If either Meyer or Pattison do go on to become good players we will have a steal.

We're probably slightly ahead even with Simmonds' average form given both Fiora and Ottens have missed heaps of footy through injury. Otto's gone for the season after doing his groin today. Plus we're saving heaps of $$$.

[julzqld]

From the AFL site re hitouts:-
7. Trent Knobel Richmond 298
8. Rhett Biglands Adelaide 291
9. Matthew Primus Port Adelaide 288
10. Brendon Lade Port Adelaide 244
11. Cain Ackland St Kilda 236
12. Troy Simmonds Richmond 230
13. Steven King Geelong 220
14. Barnaby French Carlton 218
15. Justin Longmuir Fremantle 215
16. Dylan McLaren Brisbane Lions 207
17. Drew Petrie Kangaroos 199
18. Clark Keating Brisbane Lions 196
19. David Hale Kangaroos 181
20. Justin Koschitzke St Kilda 173
21. David Hille Essendon 173
22. Brad Ottens Geelong 172

[Razorblade]

But hang on, i thought that Simmonds was a dud and that Ottens was a champion, thats what those Geelong supporters keep telling me! 

[mightytiges]

From the AFL site re hitouts:-
7. Trent Knobel Richmond 298
8. Rhett Biglands Adelaide 291
9. Matthew Primus Port Adelaide 288
10. Brendon Lade Port Adelaide 244
11. Cain Ackland St Kilda 236
12. Troy Simmonds Richmond 230
13. Steven King Geelong 220
14. Barnaby French Carlton 218
15. Justin Longmuir Fremantle 215
16. Dylan McLaren Brisbane Lions 207
17. Drew Petrie Kangaroos 199
18. Clark Keating Brisbane Lions 196
19. David Hale Kangaroos 181
20. Justin Koschitzke St Kilda 173
21. David Hille Essendon 173
22. Brad Ottens Geelong 172

And just so Cats fans can't say Otto has less HOs because he hasn't played as many games let's look at averages:

Simmo - 12.7 disp, 5.6 marks, 12.1 HO, 14.19
Ottens - 11.5 disp, 4.6 marks, 11.9 HO, 22.11

http://www.finalsiren.com/PlayerCompare.asp?SeasonID=2005&PlayerName1=Brad+Ottens&PlayerName2=&PlayerName3=&PlayerName4=&Compare=Compare&SelectedPlayers=701%2C

So apart from Simmo's inaccuracy in front of goals which before this year use to be excellent (2 goals for every behind) he leads Otto in every other main stat and is far more durable playing every game this year (touchwood)  and only missing 3 matches in the past 4 years compared to Otto's 21 matches (virtually a whole season's worth).

[JohnF]

I'm soooooo glad we farrked him off. One of the best trades our club has done in recent times, without a doubt.