LOSERS:
ESSENDON
In: Adam Cooney, James Gwilt, Jonathan Giles, Picks 17 and 62
Out: Paddy Ryder, Pick 53
The Bombers are trying to spin its trade period as some sort of a win, but the loss of Ryder is massive.
Essendon did as well as they probably could considering their unique set of circumstances, but the fact that they’ve covered Ryder with Jonathan Giles pretty much says it all.
Cooney could be a decent addition if he stays injury free, but it’s hard to see how Jason Gwilt will get a run in the Bombers backline.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS
In: Joel Patfull, Ryan Griffen, Picks 6, 23
Out: Tom Boyd, Jonathan Giles, Sam Frost, Kristian Jaksch, Mark Whiley, Picks 21, 40, 43, 53, 62
Once again it was a busy trade period for the Giants, who were active throughout the window.
The biggest departure without doubt is Tom Boyd, and his loss could come back to haunt the expansion club.
Ryan Griffen is a reasonable return, but the club has also lost height Jonathan Giles, Sam Frost and Kristian Jaksch/
The Giants’ saving grace is that they’ll have three top ten picks in the upcoming AFL draft.
GEELONG:
In: Mitch Clark, Rhys Stanley, Picks 10, 47, 60
Out: Allen Christensen, Travis Varcoe, Picks 14, 35
Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley are genuine unknown quantities at this stage, and the loss of Allen Christensen and Travis Varcoe has hit the Cats’ midfield depth hard.
Clark may well be an attacking threat, but his time away from the game and mental health issues mean he could go either way.
Stanley has potential but was largely frustrating at the Saints, and it’s hard to see him being a big player at the Cats.
Although understandable given the circumstances, losing Christensen for pick 21 is hard to swallow, and the Cats will lose plenty of foot speed with Varcoe’s departure.
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