Dylan Shiel has dropped the first bombshell of the 2018 AFL trade period, nominating Essendon as his preferred trade destination, shunning what were believed to be his three most likely suitors in Carlton, Hawthorn and St Kilda in the process.
The Bombers had previously been regarded as being out of the race to secure the Giants midfielder, with his decision to pick them over the Hawthorn’s lure of success, St Kilda’s financial offer and the ability to play for his boyhood club in Carlton considered a big surprise.
Shiel, however, is not a free agent and has another year to run on his contract. While Greater Western Sydney did give the 25-year-old their blessing to discuss his options with Victorian clubs, they made it clear in a statement they wouldn’t be giving him away.
“The Giants are prepared to discuss potential trade options with the Bombers that sees an appropriate return for the club.”
“Dylan is contracted to the Giants for the 2019 season and he will remain a Giant should a suitable trade not be reached,” they said.
The two clubs seemed to find the process of exchanging Devon Smith an amicable one last season, with GWS parting with the winger, pick 25 and a future second-round pick in exchange for pick 11 and a future third-rounder.
Like last year, this trade could prove to be the piece of thread that unravels the rest of the week’s action. All three of Shield’s unsuccessful pursuers have their eye on one of this trade period’s big fish, with the Saints chasing Sydney’s Dan Hannebery, the Blues looking at Adelaide’s Mitch McGovern and Hawthorn interested in Port Adelaide’s Chad Wingard.
Now that all three clubs know they’re no longer in the Shiel sweepstakes, you’d imagine their attention will turn squarely to the next deals on the block.
Dylan Shiel wants to leave the Giants. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Shiel’s decision was the biggest news in an otherwise slow day on the trade front. The only official transaction to take place was Scott Lycett’s move to Port Adelaide being formalised after the Eagles finally declined to match the Power’s offer to the restricted free agent.
Rumours circled wildly overnight, with some speculating the premiership-winning ruckman had backflipped on his desire to return to South Australia, while others simply suggested West Coast were deadly serious about matching the offer.
In the end, Lycett made his way to Alberton – leaving his now-former side in trouble next year in the ruck stocks.
Fremantle made a bit of a splash earlier in the morning, with reports that incoming football boss Peter Bell wants to move troubled forward Harley Bennell out of the club, despite the former Gold Coast star signing a one-year extension in August. Freo are apparently prepared to delist Bennell if they can’t find a suitable partner.
Bennell was allegedly a no-show at the Dockers’ best and fairest evening which, if true, would be another entry in a long list of indiscretions and misdemeanours in his AFL career.
Alex Fasolo’s long-rumoured move to Carlton was expected to be completed today, pending a medical, but never eventuated.
It is speculated the Blues wanted to let the disappointment of missing out on Shiel settle before unveiling the soon-to-be former Collingwood player as their latest signing.
The last bit of news for the day, which we must stress is little more than a whisper, is that Steven May had reportedly requested a trade from Gold Coast to Melbourne.
Given the Demons had already claimed they didn’t have room for both May and Jesse Hogan in the side, you would have to think some progress on the Hogan-to-Fremantle front had been made for that development to have any truth to it.
Steven May. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
There are plenty of other potential trades bubbling under the surface, although little to no public progress was made today.
Port Adelaide offered vague statements on Chad Wingard’s future, admitting they had recevied offers, while also denying the superstar had requested a move.
Rory Lobb’s requested trade to Fremantle will likely have to wait until they resolve the potential addition of Hogan and the potential loss of Lachie Neale to Fremantle.
It was rumoured today that the Dockers had asked for Eric Hipwood in return for their star on-baller, although this is not expected to be seriously entertained by the Lions.
The Lions’ pursuit of Western Bulldogs defender Marcus Adams was also not the radar today, with the Dogs previously claiming they simply won’t entertain Brisbane on this one.
With Andrew Gaff officially sticking with the Eagles, questions were once again asked as to whether North Melbourne would restart their pursuit of GWS’ Josh Kelly, although this too went nowhere.
Karl Amon’s manager reiterated his client’s desire to facilitate a move to Hawthorn or St Kilda. He also noted interest in Jon Ceglar from rivals, although said he’d be surprised with Ceglar wasn’t at the Hawks next year.
Lroy
Guest
Woosh...crikey, I was just reading the Dylan Shiels blogs and got my coaches mixed up... so delete Woosh , insert Bolton and my point still stands ;-)
Lroy
Guest
Every trade period some club picks up a hidden gem and I think thats how Fasolo will turn out. The guy was a gun at the Pies in his first few years, he was a goalkicking machine, and he takes a decent grab as well. But Buckley began playing him out of the backline and midfield and he seemed to lose his way. So if Woosh leaves him up forward I think he could turn out to be the recruit of the year in 2019.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
One way runner is just about right, BM. Will have a lot of mates at Essendon. Hawks to finish higher than the Bombers in 2019.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Not very gracious, Don. If Bennell is traded, or delisted, what will you make of it then? Many, many people agree with anon on this one.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
With hindsight I think the problem with Essendon early in 2018 was that Daniher wasn't able to perform and they had a top heavy forward line -- Daniher, Hooker, Stewart, and Stringer. I see the 2019 tall forwards as being Daniher, Brown or McKernan (depending on form), and Stringer as a mid-tall. Stringer did better than many people think, he will never have the tank to be a genuine midfielder but his strength is hard to counter when he is in the centre square for ball ups. Essendon can't pay too much for Shiel in the short term, two first round picks might hurt them mid term.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Smith and Saad are good gets, not convinced with Stringer and let's see if the Bombers pay overs for Shiel. Which Bombers will we see in 2019 is the question. The side who were very average first bit of 2018 or the side in the back half? Most pundits will think they seriously challenge in 2019 but most thought they would in 2018 too.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Shiel fills a significant hole in Essendon's list, the only slight problem I can see is in the ruck -- Leuenberger has problems getting on the park, Sam Draper will be a good ruck in the future but isn't quite ready yet so Essendon are very reliant on Bellchambers. Smith won the best and fairest and Saad also did very well. Stringer improved over the season and still has upside although he is underestimated in his clearance work. Stringer has become more of a team player since coming to Essendon.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Whatever helps you sleep at night, Birdman.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That's actually funny.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Tabs has played a lot more than that. You get everything wrong.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Lobb is not a scratch on Tabs. Tabs is a genuine key forward who impacts on the game you saw that last season and the end of the previous season. Lobb has never done that. He is certainly not worth the $700k GWS was paying him.
IAP
Guest
Neale
IAP
Guest
Spot on about Stringer. He needs to play forward, but not as a key forward. That was the situation in his all-Australian year.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The only thing about the Bombers recruiting is it appears best available player than strategic. Saad, Smith, Stringer, Shiel. Will be interesting how the mix ends up and which strategy reaps the rewards first, Carlton's slow painful build or the Bombers almost Voss style shotgun method.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I must admit the Blues appear to have done well Macca and getting some experience and talent in, as you predicted during this frustrating year. I see a rise for the Blues to anywhere to 5-9 wins depending on injuries and how you go with the close games. Missing Shiel might be a blessing I feel at the price. Now we just need you to admit the Pies and Bucks actually did pretty well in 2018.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Yuuup. Hit the nail on the head with that forward line comment. Lobb's certainly worth trading for, particularly if we do it cheaply.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Shiel knew the Hawks wouln't meet the Giants' terms for him so signed on with the Bombers for less rather than risk a long grind with either the Blues and Saints. Will be interested in what the Bombers end up paying for Sheil who is a one way runner.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
We'll see. Bombers won the flag in trade week last year and still missed finals.
Scott
Guest
This is huge for Essendon. I reckon they’ve got all the pieces of the puzzle together now. I have thought at one stage of each of their careers that both Shiel and Stringer would one day be the best player in the game, doubt that now but still think they will get a lot better. Shiel will hit his peak period now and I reckon Stringer still has it, he just needs to not be the main target. Only just realised he has pretty much been the main target his whole career. He would make a perfect 3rd tall. They’ve got plenty of top end talent now if they can put it all together
Aransan
Roar Rookie
I was surprised that Shiel nominated Essendon when all the focus was on Hawthorn, Carlton and St Kilda. On reflection though I can't see how Hawthorn or Carlton could have got the deal done using draft picks. Carlton were never going to give up pick 1 and they have McGovern and Settlefield in play. I think Essendon and GWS will complete the deal quickly, I am not sure it will quite work out to be two first round draft picks but obviously this year's pick 9 is gone.