I couldn't find this on the net so I scanned it in.....
Clubs prepare shopping list for drafts
By JON RALPH
Saturaday Herald-Sun 10 OCT 2009, Page 36
AFL clubs have access to a pre-season bounty, with a raft of high-profile players available in the national and pre-season drafts.
Former St Kilda captain Luke Ball will be the in-demand player, with several clubs expected to clamour for his services if he walks out on the Saints as expected.
But all 16 clubs will carefully scrutinise their lists, aware there is a wealth of experience available beyond him, and at no cost.
Topping that list is Brisbane Lion Joel Macdonald, who was not traded yesterday and is desperate for more opportunities in Victoria.
Macdonald is 25 today, still young enough for a battling club to draft and watch him flourish.
North Melbourne will try to woo frustrated Jesse Smith, who was looked at by at least four clubs but did not find a new home.
He is one of a number of players who will now have to weigh up contracts at existing clubs against overtures from rivals to enter either of the upcoming drafts.
St Kilda defender Matt Maguire is a fascinating case -- he did not play one game this year for the Saints, but potential suitor Essendon's interest cooled early in trade week.
There is a long list of clubs who need defensive back-ups, but Max Hudghton's retirement unlikely to pave the way for vastly increased opportunities at Moorabbin.
Clubs did not consider Richmond forward Nathan Brown for trade because he has been delisted and is available in the national draft for nothing.
He is one of several players, including ex-Demon Russell Robertson and out-of-favour Kangaroos Sam Power and Daniel Harris, who are expected to nominate for the two drafts.
That means clubs can pick them up with their last selection in the national draft if they believe rivals are not interested.
Carlton's Brad Fisher would clearly be a lead-up forward worth considering, and he is just 25.
Richmond's Shane Tuck and Jordan McMahon are both contracted for next year, so although they may have limited opportunities they cannot swap clubs.
In coming days clubs will delist more players they had hoped they might trade, which will deepen the pool of available talent.
Clubs trying to push players through into the pre-season draft are also aware rivals may swoop, so they have to factor in the draft order.
Melbourne, Richmond, Fremantle and North Melbourne have the first four selections, followed by Sydney, West Coast, Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Essendon.
Out-of-contract listed AFL players have until November 10 to nominate for the drafts. The national draft is on November 26 and the pre-season draft on December 15.
