There’s been a flurry of rumour in the past day or two since it was reported by ESPN that Bryce Gibbs in potentially looking for a move back home to South Australia to join the Adelaide Crows.
I won’t lie, I have my doubts about this one. It’s one of those stories that seems to crop up pretty much every off-season, much like that all-time classic “will Richmond trade one of their big names” article you’ve read a thousand times. It never really comes to fruition.
That said, on the surface it certainly makes a lot of sense. Gibbs is a quality midfielder who has pushed A-grade status at times, and that’s the sort of player Adelaide could certainly make good use of.
On the Carlton side of it, while they’d be anxious to let go one of their best players, it does make a certain amount of sense economically to sell 27-year-old Gibbs and use the return to invest further in young talent.
Exactly what kind of return they’d get is the big question. The Crows will have pick 13 at the draft this year but the Blues would probably want something in the top ten at a minimum.
Perhaps the Crows could include uncontracted Jarryd Lyons in the deal, and that would get things over the line – while Lyons hasn’t officially declared that he wants to depart, it’s looking more and more likely the longer he remains unsigned.
It would be a logical enough trade that could benefit both parties – Adelaide in the short term, and Carlton in the long term. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is merely a false alarm, and nothing ultimately comes of the speculation.
Speaking of speculation, Damian Barrett stated on the Footy Show on Thursday night that he believes North Melbourne’s Brent Harvey is a chance to join Collingwood next season, as he weighs up his options after being told he won’t be offered a new contract at Arden St.
The Magpies are also expected to sign Daniel Wells from North Melbourne in a deal reportedly worth as much as $600,000 a year for three years – though that figure seems to be growing a little each time it gets mentioned.
While North have publicly stated a desire to keep Wells, in reality they don’t seem to be trying very hard to do it, and they reportedly have internal expectations that they could receive an end-of-first-round compensation pick if he departs.
For a club that say they are looking to perform an ‘aggressive reset’ that would be a great result, though my gut feel is that a second round pick is more likely.
It’s hard to tell what Collingwood are really up to though – if you’ll pardon the pun, they seem to have their fingers in a lot of pies at the moment.
Chris Mayne is reportedly likely to join them but they’ve also expressed interest in players like Lin Jong, Nick Dal Santo, and basically anyone, anywhere, who might be interested in kicking a footy. Jarryd Hayne, this is your opportunity.
It’ll be interesting to see what moves they make in the upcoming free agency and trade period as a result of that. Loading up with a little experienced talent might not be a bad idea – especially given Nathan Buckley reckons it’s finals or the sack for him next year – but bringing in too much could stifle the development of the youth they’ve drafted over the last few years. Mature recruits are tricky to get right and at the moment it’s debatable whether or not they’re targetting the right players.
A last bit on North Melbourne’s departees – Drew Petrie looks to be pretty keen to pursue a potential opportunity at West Coast next year, but it will likely come down to whether or not the Eagles can find room on the list for him.
There continues to be talk about Brett Deledio and Geelong though I’m still a bit sceptical that anything could come of it. The latest mooted scenario is that Geelong could send Steven Motlop to the Tigers in exchange for Deledio – a swap that would see the Cats rid themselves a problematic player, and Richmond gain some young talent.
Not convinced there’s anything in it myself, but it would be fascinating to see how it plays out if so.
The Cats certainly do seem to be in the market for another mature, classy midfielder – in addition to Deledio they’ve also been linked to Daniel Wells and, most recently, Pearce Hanley.
With rumours that Hanley has grown a bit sick of all that losing they’re doing up at Brisbane, Geelong would potentially be a great destination for him. How the Cats afford him though is a tricky question – they don’t have a first round pick this year.
Hanley’s fellow Lion Tom Rockliff also continues to be mentioned as possible trade bait despite currently holding the club captaincy. Adelaide and St Kilda have been raised as potential destinations, but nothing appears certain here just yet and there’s every chance he stays at Brisbane.
Hamish Hartlett is still looking at his options after being told by Port Adelaide that they’ll look to trade him in the off-season, with St Kilda thrown up as a potential destination. St Kilda coach Alan Richardson has previously worked with Hartlett when at Port Adelaide.
Hartlett’s teammate Matthew Lobbe is reportedly considering other opportunities as well, seeking to find a club where he can establish himself as the top ruckman. The Western Bulldogs made a play for him last year but their interest may have cooled in the time since.
James Stewart is reportedly the most recent Giant to request a trade home with Carlton looking the likely destination as the Giants seek to secure the Blues’ No.5 draft pick.
Caleb Marchbank has already signalled his desire to be traded to Carlton and the Blues are interested in Stewart, though there are a few other clubs said to be interested as well.
That said the Blues traded a top ten pick to GWS for a similar ‘package deal’ two years ago and have so far gotten very little out of it. I suspect they’d be pretty wary of going in for the same kind of trade again.
Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy are two tall Cats unlikely to be with Geelong in 2017 with Kersten linked to Fremantle in his home state of Western Australia, and Vardy a chance to be picked up by Port Adelaide or GWS.
Jack Grimes has been told he won’t get a new contract at Melbourne and will no doubt be on the lookout for another club, although he hasn’t been linked to any specific destinations yet you’d think someone will take a punt.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen is looking likely to move on from Adelaide in search of more opportunities, but it’s not really clear how much interest there’ll be in him from other clubs.
Koby Stevens and Will Minson are both likely to depart the Western Bulldogs at season’s end with Stevens likely to join Essendon and Minson reportedly drawing interest from a number of clubs looking for ruck depth, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Richmond and North Melbourne.
Balthazar
Guest
Melbourne may reject it but it's a good offer for him. They are less likely to reject it if he remains undecided about his future - he's out of contract next year. If he wants to go home then, neither Freo nor WCE are likely to hold a pick 3 in 2017. GWS will get a packet of stale twisties for Cam McCarthy. Actually it will probably be a 2017 second rounder. They have no leverage regarding a player who has not played for a year, has struggled with mental illness and only wants to play for one club. Cam himself is wandering around town telling people the deal is done. The Hawks might want more for Hill - but if the Mayne compo is about pick 22 they'll take it. Hill is not a priority for Freo - Langdon had a breakout few games at the end of this year, including a sensational WAFL GF playing the same role. And the Hawks need to move on players to fit in their trade targets Clarke may yet stay. He's finally had surgery on his dodgy knee which hopefully means a better year for him next year
The Original Buzz
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Throw Murphy into the mix as well and things can only improve. With a good run on injuries, they should do really well next year. This years rookies should get a better run and then we will see where the Blues are at come September. My tip is 10 - 12th on ladder. (and no, it is not too early to start predictions for 2017).
The Original Buzz
Guest
Matt, they would be better leaving Ellis-Yolman at the crows. He is an average player, I have watched him in the SANFL and he didn't rate highly there either. When Gibbs resigned, he asked what the club were doing to move forward and was obviously happy with the answer because he signed on for 5years. This tells me he is committed to staying, although he may return home after that stint.
Dave mac
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Allan hamill
John
Guest
Lol are you really gonna give up pick 5 for Marchbank when he has hardly been on park and was recruited with a pick 6 a few years ago? Anyone remember pick 11 for Whiley and Jacksch???? Both r duds so we basically gave away a top pick for nothing...... Gibbs stats virtually identical to Rory Sloane yet Carlton people want to get rid of him, if we keep giving away good players how will we ever improve. Eddy Betts says hello!!! We let him go how did that work out for us
David C
Guest
Well Melbourne will definitely reject that offer for a start. The Mayne compo won't be enough for Hill. What are Freo giving up for McCarthy? You should get something decent if Zac Clarke goes which I'd expect him to do rather than wait another year behind Sandilands.
Macca
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This was in the advertiser "However Gibbs’ representatives have categorically told The Advertiser there is “no basis” to reports citing a return for the 209-game midfielder/half-back to Adelaide."
Macca
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Buzz - you forgot the way he teams with Cripps, the way those 2 combined at stoppages this year was brilliant
Macca
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Steve - just a couple of things, the blues re-signed Casboult just 3 weeks ago, why would they be expecting nibbles on him at any point? Secondly, Gibbs signed a 5 year deal just 2 years ago, did he not ask his long term girlfriend before hand? Third, there is no way the blues trade their number 5 pick for later picks or next year's picks and we would want more than a handful of GWS players for it. The blues have said consistently they are investing in the draft, trading 5 makes no sense.
Steve
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LOL, you Richmond supporters... so optimistic after all these years.. They give stuff away like perfectly good picks for Yarran who will never play a game....such kidders!
steve
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Macca, a little more for you. Apparently Marchbank, Stewart and Pickett are near certainties to be with us next season. There is more than likely one more GWS player too. Unnamed though. Tuohy - an offer from us, offer from NM. More than likely he goes, likely top 15 pick for him. Our pick 5 is prized by other clubs who want it, obviously GWS, Hawks want it too, they need it for JOM. We are fielding plenty of offers for it including later first round picks and 2017 first rounders. Gibbs, may stay, may go. There are definite rumblings re a trade for him. Tutt, Boekhorst likely on the way out. No nibbles for any of Casboult, Everitt or Graham yet, Carlton aren't expecting any at this point for any of them. Talk of trades to GCS for Everitt and Graham seems wide of the mark atm.
steve
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Macca, from what I can gather, there certainly seems to be a lot of smoke around trading Gibbs this year. From what I can gather its more about his partner Lauren wanting to return to Adelaide for family reasons. Both his and hers are there. I wouldn't completely rule it out at all right now. Secondly, our pick 5 is very much on the table apparently. Talk is it is going to end up with Essendon and pick 7, GWS want number 1. Tuhoy is apparently set on NM, its just what we get in return. This from another forum from a guy who apparently has a really good record of getting news about the Blues correct.
mattyb
Guest
Steve,I think the problem with trading Kruezer is he doesn't have much currency. Clubs will be reluctant to take the risk which will drive his value down so he is probably better value staying than what you may receive if he leaves. Gibbs is the complete opposite,for me it's a no brainer,you would receive far more than he offers,maybe a top 10 pick and a player,would be handy for Carlton in their current position and could also give the club a bit of freshness. Mitchell would be a great inclusion. Carlton policy of recruiting players who can't get games at other clubs comes with a lot of risks,but a ready made player who is currently in his side's best 22 can only be seen as a positive in my view.
David C
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He's not worth a top 10 pick.
Tommygun
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Gibbs wants out. Who wouldn't - Carlton is a lost cause for the rest of his career.
Tommygun
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No top 10 pick available. Need to rethink that one.
Tommygun
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How on earth is Touhy and a second rounder worth Tom Mitchell if CEY and a first rounder equals Gibbs? Can only hope to get overs on one and unders on the other?
Macca
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Gibbs wants to stay at Carlton. Carlton wants Gibbs to stay. Gibbs is contracted for another 3 years on very good coin. Gibbs had a career best year and was one of only 2 Carlton players to reach double figures in the Brownlow. If the Blues traded Gibbs their midfield would be Cripps, Murphy coming off a very bad ankle injury, Curnow and then either role players like Kerridge or kids like Cuningham or whoever they draft this year. None of these things point to Gibbs being traded. PaulD's summation is pretty spot on.
Matt ryan
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Nice not bad either Andy.
Matt ryan
Guest
Like it, I'm a blues supporter trade Gibbs now won't be in our next premiership, get crows first pick and cam Ellis youlmen big hard bodied midfielder, pass the pick to gws for march bank, send touhy to Sydney and our second round for Mitchell, keep pick 5 and get three ready made players, also try and get Stewart and Tomlinson from get for nothing as well be very nice plus another gun mid to go with Cripps