p.s. Carlton not realising we were only taking Stocker because we assumed RCD wouldn't still be there - gold!
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Makes a good story because it hurts the Blues but...…...not sure if it is actual true.
I have it from a good source that West Coast forced this trade.
Apparently Stocker was firmly in the Eagles sights. Both the Eagles and Carlton knew that the Tigers would grab RCD if he was available. It is no doubt true that the Tigers didn't think he would last to our pick.
When it became apparent that RCD would be available to the Tigers, the Blues acted. The couldn't get a trade done with the Tigers, who were not prepared to miss on RCD. Ditto the Lions who wanted Smith and wouldn't trade. The Eagles deal with GWS included a commitment that the Giants would not take Stocker, so the Eagles were set to pounce with pick 23.
So Adelaide got the lollies from the Blues. The Eagles then traded down with GC, who badly wanted McLennan.
The Eagles, apparently, did not have that great of a draft as per what they hoped to achieve. They did some live trading early to try and get a pick in the 11-15 range, but couldn't get it done. Not sure who their target at that stage was. They missed on Stocker as well.