No Barry Hall, no Cameron Mooney, and definitely no Jason Akermanis. All three have been ruled out as GWS Giants recruits by head coach Kevin Sheedy, who says his club’s four 30-plus signings – James McDonald, Luke Power, Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan – are enough.
While Sheedy admits he would be keen on Hall and Mooney, he was less enthused with Akermanis – who has put his hand up to join the Giants if they want him for their 2012 AFL debut.
Former Western Bulldog Hall retired from AFL at the end of a season marred by a persistent ankle problem, though he finished the year with a sparkling run of goalkicking form.
Mooney had problems managing a knee injury this season and was overlooked for Geelong’s grand final side last weekend – his retirement coming without a farewell game.
Sheedy admitted he had spoken to both Hall and Mooney within the past week, but believed they didn’t want to play on.
“I didn’t think either of them really wanted to play AFL that much. But if they were players that were (wanting to play on), they’re the sort of players you’d be looking for, no doubt,” Sheedy said.
“They’re really good players and both of them come and have a connection with NSW – Barry with the Swans and Mooney’s from our zone in Wagga.
“But I don’t know if they really want to get that last year or two out of themselves.”
Sheedy said Akermanis’ enthusiasm was welcome, but believed the players they had already secured did away with any need for the Brownlow Medallist.
“We’re probably going to have a lot of younger players coming through in the midfield and we can have only so many (older players) probably,” Sheedy said.
“I’m actually happy with what we’ve got – the way we’ve asked players who’ve been cut off the list (by their previous clubs).
“In the next few weeks there’s going to be players delisted, and that’s going to create a hell of a menu of player options for us.
“We don’t need to commit to any one or two or three people, keep the options open, talk to the club.”
GWS also have the right to pre-list AFL-experienced players, then trade them to other clubs for draft picks.
Sheedy said star recruit Tom Scully had not yet started training with the club since his defection from Melbourne.
“He’s on holidays – the pressure’s been on that poor young man for a long time,” Sheedy said.
“I hope he has a great break.”
Peter Wilson
Roar Guru
Sheety has made a big offer for Fuifui Moimoi instead.
West Lakes Rick
Guest
Mooney's knees are gone. He won't even be playing community football next year let alone AFL. Also, Matthew Lloyd is in better condition than all of the above.
stabpass
Guest
Someone has to give it to him lace out, he aint gunna get it himself IMO. Actually he would suit GC more, they need someone to kick it to, they actually have the making of a class midfield, very good in clearances already. Dont worry about Aker or Mooney, Big bad bustling Barry Hall, would be a good fit for GWS, i think a mentoring role would be good for him, and i reckon he is quite team orientated.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Personally, I think Folau will be their starting full forward. He's big, he's strong, he can jump and he can kick the ball between the big sticks.
Lachlan
Roar Guru
agreed
Lachlan
Guest
They need to pickup a key forward and key backman. Otherwise it doesnt matter how good your midfield is. Im thinking barry Hall for the first year, then michael Hurley. Backman im thinking Brian Lake and/or then Zac Dawson or bredon Goddard? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Having Hall and Mooney in their debut year would seem a pretty good move, both would have plenty to contribute, and it's a bonus that they have that link back to NSW.