hows it irrelevant though? its worth the discussion if they can reach a deal where both sides are benefiting. we might find offloading a player is better for us.
Heās been out because of a string of injuries. Not because heās not good enough though. Different to a bloke thatās been dropped because of bad form.
I doubt we would have to give up much for a player not getting an opportunity. If heās out of contract (Iām not sure about this one), I wouldnāt be surprised if he went for a late 2nd round/early-mid 3rd round pick.
Ironically, they may be interested in KP depth such as Stewart or Hartley (which they have both passed on previously) as they donāt bat particularly deep in this area
Brayden Sier: A big-bodied midfielder that has been squeezed out of Collingwoodās on-ball unit. Essendon needs more muscle around the ball and Sier has shown he can provide the grunt work.
Aiden Bonar: Another inside midfielder with power and strength. His size makes him appealing for all clubs, and then you add his athleticism. Contracted long term, but canāt break into the Giantsā talented side.
First-round draft pick: Essendon has traded out of three successive first rounds of the draft. If it could somehow acquire a first-round pick, that would help balance the talent on the list.
On the table
Aaron Francis: Francis looked set to take the footy world by storm this year after an exciting finish to 2018, but it hasnāt played out that way. Very talented but is best used as a defender.
Jayden Laverde: Laverde has ability but injuries have gotten in the way. When Essendonās forward line is fit, he will struggle to break into its first-choice line-up. Had a few fans last time he fell out of contract.
Cale Hooker: If the Bombers genuinely want to restock with draft picks, Hooker could attract something of value. Although 30, he is still an excellent key defender and intercept marker and would add to a premiership contenderās back half.
Sier and Bonar are both solid shouts who wouldnāt require a particularly good pick. At the start of the season I would have said we need to focus more on the draft as we have a good list put together but Iāve certainly changed my mind now. I think we require a mini-clearout to really progress forward and not stay stagnant. Not that we would get much for most of our list.