I think Smith would be a fantastic pick up, especially for 1 mid R1 pick. If Stengle goes then use that compo for Smith (or if he stays, trade our R1).
The reward:
1. Let’s not forget, smith was one of the best up and coming young stars of the competition before played out of position and ACL. Same bracket as other young stars Walsh, Rozee and Butters. There is no reason he doesn’t continue on this trajectory and become a consistent top 10 mid in the AFL.
2. Smith plays different to our other young mids (maybe except Holmes) in that he’d fit in perfectly as a point of difference with Clark and Bruhn who are more stoppage grunt types. Smith is a run and carry player with power and elite endurance getting from contest to contest. He keeps going up and down the arcs at pace when others stop. He has better class / finishing ability than our mids and is in fact a goal kicking mid. Right now only danger kicks goals as a mid and is a weakness.
3. Flexibility to play holmes more off the HBF
4. He is young and perfect age for our mid group. We will have ourselves a great young mid core for the next 5-8 years of:
Smith - the star A+
Holmes - the explosive speed A
Clark - B+ blue collar never give up soldier
Bruhn - B+ bash crash inside
Add one more through the draft / trade, and the middle of the ground is set for 7 years.
The risk:
Yes he did an ACL but we see know players coming back from these a little better than they used to. This is a risk, but hence the cost. If he was fit he’d be worth 2x R1s with one being in the top 10. His mental health is a non issue for me. You’d be surprised how many players carry something similar and get on with it. If his knee is ticked off by the medical staff, then green light for me.
Summary:
This is a trade I think that’ll set us up very well with clubs/fans yet again pissed off we pulled off another steal. I think Smith will thrive at Geelong with the way we go about it. It makes sense for everyone
Also - would only go Oliver if dees paid 25% of the salary and it was for a R2. That carries far greater risk.
The reward:
1. Let’s not forget, smith was one of the best up and coming young stars of the competition before played out of position and ACL. Same bracket as other young stars Walsh, Rozee and Butters. There is no reason he doesn’t continue on this trajectory and become a consistent top 10 mid in the AFL.
2. Smith plays different to our other young mids (maybe except Holmes) in that he’d fit in perfectly as a point of difference with Clark and Bruhn who are more stoppage grunt types. Smith is a run and carry player with power and elite endurance getting from contest to contest. He keeps going up and down the arcs at pace when others stop. He has better class / finishing ability than our mids and is in fact a goal kicking mid. Right now only danger kicks goals as a mid and is a weakness.
3. Flexibility to play holmes more off the HBF
4. He is young and perfect age for our mid group. We will have ourselves a great young mid core for the next 5-8 years of:
Smith - the star A+
Holmes - the explosive speed A
Clark - B+ blue collar never give up soldier
Bruhn - B+ bash crash inside
Add one more through the draft / trade, and the middle of the ground is set for 7 years.
The risk:
Yes he did an ACL but we see know players coming back from these a little better than they used to. This is a risk, but hence the cost. If he was fit he’d be worth 2x R1s with one being in the top 10. His mental health is a non issue for me. You’d be surprised how many players carry something similar and get on with it. If his knee is ticked off by the medical staff, then green light for me.
Summary:
This is a trade I think that’ll set us up very well with clubs/fans yet again pissed off we pulled off another steal. I think Smith will thrive at Geelong with the way we go about it. It makes sense for everyone
Also - would only go Oliver if dees paid 25% of the salary and it was for a R2. That carries far greater risk.