Tom Papley recently announced his desire to remain a Swan until at least 2023, turning his back on a return home to Victoria.
At the end of last season, Papley requested a move to Carlton for family reasons. The move didn’t eventuate and the belief was that he would again request a trade at the end of 2020.
While he has opted to stay in Sydney and thrown a spanner in the Blues’ trade plans, it is a blessing for the club.
Carlton most likely would have to have parted with two first-round picks and north of $600,000 to secure Papley.
While goals are a premium, Papley has been short of them in the second half of 2020. That sort of money would be a huge investment on any small forward, especially when you look at Carlton’s list – there’s no shortage of potential small forwards.
Eddie Betts seems set to play on in 2021, while Sam Philp, Josh Honey and Matt Owies have all debuted this season for the Blues and impressed when given the chance.
The club doesn’t need to invest all that money in a position they have cover for – especially when there is a glaring hole in the team – they need a quick outside midfielder who can deliver the ball going forward, and a player of that ilk won’t come cheap.
It will take big money and tradable assets. They’ll be paying overs, as you have to do in the market, but the pressure a player like that will take off Patrick Cripps will be a massive relief.
Zac Williams is a known target and there is speculation that Josh Kelly may be gettable due to the salary cap squeeze for the Giants.
If you’re spending north of half a million dollars, you’d be better served securing a midfielder who will get the footy 20-plus times a game as opposed to a small forward who may drift out of the game.
Small forward is one of the hardest positions to play and paying big dollars for it puts immediate pressure on that player to perform.
The pressure will no doubt come on anyone signed for big cash but it is a lot easier for a midfielder to collect big disposal numbers as opposed to a forward to kick bags these days. The midfielders also get more space to hide if things aren’t going well.
Don’t be mistaken, Papley would be a massive acquisition, but missing out on him won’t haunt Carlton and may help pave the way for an even bigger signing.
2dogs
Roar Rookie
Sad little man
2dogs
Roar Rookie
Poor Petey
Mark.
Roar Rookie
Could very well be true but hilarious when some Carlton fans were certain he was coming.
Andrew
Guest
For me, having the midfield depth does a couple of things. It increases competition for spots (better performances get rewarded), also poor performances doesn't guarantee a player gets gifted games. In all it puts pressure on the midfield to improve or risk not getting a spot and will also weed out players not taking the next step.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Who underrates Whitfield? Star, and always lauded.
Wes P
Roar Rookie
Maybe you're right. I certainly don't want to overlook a gift. Which Martin is. However, consider the Buckley/Collingwood/Brisbane trade. He wanted to be a success and nothing wrong with that. His departure galvanised Brisbane and a triffecta bestowed them. Whilst ..you can finish the sentence. I don't wish to be cruel. PS. Do Google not know the word triffecta? Annoys me.
Jake Benoiton
Roar Rookie
I believe Carlton wanted him, he would've been great. Just think they could use the same assets better.
Kane
Roar Rookie
Yes yap, yap like a Jack Russell. Go back through your comments over the last 18 months regarding Carlton stories and take your pick on questions that you have avoided.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yap yap Kane. Not sure what question you refer too but not fussed what you think either. Fact is the Blues used to be a powerhouse and despite numerous high draft picks their long suffering supporters are still waiting 5 years into yet another rebuild. Surely you demand finals next year.
Kane
Roar Rookie
Stir the pot on Carlton articles is all you do Pete. You're like a Jack Russell that comes in biting at the heels of blokes but when you're confronted with a question or it gets too hard you take off as quick as you came in.
Andrew
Guest
I think there is a part of Carlton's growth with youth getting more experience, however Carlton lack the depth in the midfield to take the next step (play finals/contend). If Carlton don't build the depth in the midfield, I feel we will end up stuck in that 8th-13th position like quite a few other clubs or worse slide back down. An elite midfielder and one or two who can play inside and/or outside the mid is required.
Wes P
Roar Rookie
At the risk of death threats! I don't think we, Carlton, need to do anything drastic. The big three retirements have like type in the wings. TDK for Kruse, Fish for Eddie and perhaps SPS can make his mark in Simmos role. The natural improvement from Philips, Stoker and others will come. Silvagni is still young, versatile and skilled. I'd love to see some unity and solidarity down there and back them in.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Of course you're not Pete. FWIW the blues made finals in 6 of 20 seasons from 2000 to 2019 Pete. They made the second week in their 2 most recent series. Also not sure what the blues pre-2015 history has to do with their expectations for 2021 or why if you wanted to know the expectations for 2021 you didn't ask it 30 hours ago.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
not pot stirring Kane, Blues have not contended for two decades. A fair question to ask what is your pass mark for 2021? Happy with 10th or actually wanting finals?
Gibbo
Guest
McGoven for Gaff
Andrew
Guest
I watched Carlton vs GWS and saw Witfield hit up a lead with such a beautiful low kick that no defender could stop and I was sold. Massively talented player.
Andrew
Guest
+1
Prez
Roar Rookie
Brad Crouch, perfect fit for Carlton.
Prez
Roar Rookie
Witfield is star and one of the most under rated players in the comp.
Jack
Guest
I don’t think Papley would fit the no DH culture we have built at blues. also he would have come at a big price . The players that we are chasing who will all come at better cost - josh Kelly (would actually sell the farm or two first round draft picks plus say casbolt). - Polec (if north will cover part of his wage) - Saad ( sell the farm) Zac Williams (a wonderful user of the ball) - jack graham (take him or leave him ) Cleary this is our target list , we have Cunningham and Zac fisher getting trained as small forwards. Heaps of tall back and forwards , inside mids Cripps setterfield (superstar) and Kennedy so Cleary above is what we are lacking .