Quantity does not equal quality.
We couldn't trade Griff as we just re-signed him. Astbury and Foley were both up for trade as was McGuane last year. Nobody wants them, even for upgrades they get out 3rd round and beyond picks.
We've beaten the 3 grand finalist from the last two years, we have a young list with our best players outside of Deledio in their early 20's. That means there is a heck of a lot if improvement to come. Dal Santo, Chapman and heck even Hampson wouldn't have won us that final against Carlton. Another year into Conca, Ellis, Vlastuin and Martin will make a way bigger difference.
The harsh reality is unless we give up our first round draft pick or a core senior player we had no currency. Instead we are backing the fact that Ellis, Rance, Vlastuin, Conca, Cotchin, Martin, Vickery, Grimes and Morris will improve naturally. Deledio and Foley you would hope have better outputs after down years and finally Arnot, Helbig, McDonough, Griffiths, Elton, McBean, Williams, Bachelor, Darrou, Dea, Astbury, O'Hanlon and pick 12 will naturally improve as well placing more pressure on the senior side. All of them have at stages dominated VFL level and some have show ability at AFL level and most are 21 or younger.
