Where we are at atm, id genuinely offer up some of our better players, offer to pay a big chunk of their wages for decent picks.
We are 2nd bottom, instead of running down contracts of older players, I'd rather off load them and get some decent picks.
1. Noah Balta - His currency is low ATM, but would command a 1st round draft pick. Offer to pay majority of a front loaded contract as we have a lot of cap space which can't be filled by attracting top talent to play finals. So fill the cap by paying it for a traded player at another club.
Clubs that trade for Balta -
Saints for Pick 7. Need a 2nd decent Key back. Pick 7 may be overs.
Gold Coast Pick 10. Hardwick would take Balta in a heartbeat. Knows the game plan, GC need talent not picks. Their cap is getting tight and would jump at top talent whose contract is being paid for.
Dogs Pick 11. Dogs backline isn't elite, Balta would be their best key back.
2. Hopper, I am not convinced Hopper playing makes us an overly good side and not convinced we play in a GF in his peak years. Has had a good year and increased currency. Id explore options if anyone would part with a late first rounder.
Clubs who could trade for Hopper
GWS Pick 13. Giants may be interested in bringing Hopper back. I doubt Pick 13 would get the deal done. Maybe we'd have to balance this out.
Cats Pick 17. With understanding this pick is likely to be in the 20s. Cats engine room is avg on paper.
These two are not our heart and soul. They arent a Bank, Broad, Vlastuin type. Id genuinely explore the market and see if a club would be interested giving an overs pick for us paying majority of a players wage. Win - Win. Then in 2-3 years that money is freed up in our cap when our kids are of age to start a peak tilt at a finals tilt and possibly a big Free Agent signing.
