We might actually be able to trade Schulz this year after 2 attempts and there may even be a chance (albeit slim) of offloading Pettifier for a late pick given the predicted lack of quality in this years National Draft. Many clubs are rethinking their drafting/trading plans this year because of the obvious lack of depth the draft is expected to have and leaning towards attempting to swap players for later draft picks.
Last year draft picks were like gold but this year they may be valued far less giving us a better opportunity to trade out players such as Schulz, Pettifier, King, Raines and McGuane (if GC give us no choice). We just need to be careful whether trading away an average player will get us a better player in this years draft.
The compensation for losing uncontracted players to the GC is far better given the extended time period clubs will be given to make their selection. I believe clubs have up to 5 years to use any compensation pick they have gained from lossing a player so clubs can wait if they would rather gain a better player in a future draft.
The problem with us though is that we are attempting to rebuild now not top up in years to come so waiting may hurt us but then again waiting could give us an opportunity to fill 'holes' that are identified later.
So Schulz and Pettifier and the like may actually be traded this year afterall. For what worth I have no idea.
Stripes