Sun Sets For Gun MidBy Alex Mulholland
September 27, 2016DION-PRESTIACurrent club: Gold Coast
Potential clubs: Dion Prestia has nominated Richmond as his destination of choice. The Suns midfielder will be looking to make an impact at the Tigers and help the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin in the engine room. Given his nomination, and Richmond’s desire to land a big fish, it’s unlikely that Prestia will end up anywhere else.
The original price: Gold Coast drafted Prestia at pick 9 in the 2010 national draft. Richmond had pick 6 in that draft and opted to select Reece Conca instead.
The Good: Dion Prestia has been a consistent part of the Gold Coast midfield since debuting in 2011, and has averaged over 25 disposals in every season since 2013. The inside midfield dynamo has been a model of consistency for the Suns, even when the team’s form hasn’t been the best. His work ethic on the inside make him desirable for opposition clubs, and he’s also a hard runner on the outside, creating space and options for his teammates.
The Bad: Prestia has had his fair share of injury troubles over his career, having played just 22 games over the last two seasons. He’s played every game just once in his six years, and has only managed 18 or more games on one other occasion. Amazingly, he’s missed so much football that he’s yet to bring up his 100-game milestone, and his disposal, while solid, is some way off elite.
What his club wants: The Suns have been talking about bringing in experienced players for the losses of Jaeger O’Meara and Prestia. But it’s likely they’ll accept a high draft pick for Prestia should it be offered, or entertain offers including both picks and players. Expect Richmond to get creative at the trade table to get the deal done.
What he’s worth: Richmond will argue that due to his injury worries over the last couple of years, that pick 6 is slightly too high for the Prestia, but there’s little doubt that he’s worth a first-round selection. He may not be an elite AFL midfielder, but he’s been one of the best players from his draft class, and he hasn’t dropped in value in his six years at the top level.
What we’d pay: Pick 7-11
Possible trade scenarios: Richmond trade pick 6 to Gold Coast for Dion Prestia and pick 40
Richmond trade their 2017 first-round selection to Gold Coast for Dion Prestia
Richmond trade pick 6 and Reece Conca to Gold Coast for Dion Prestia and pick 22
Star rating: 4.5/5
Prestia is a valuable commodity, one of the best midfielders on the market this year, and the Tigers will be forced to pay a hefty price to bring him in.
http://footyprophet.com/market-value-dion-prestia/
