Between news and rumour from yesterday, could a trade be in the works? Yesterday the news came out the All Australian Swan forward, Ryan O’Keefe, apparently was asked for a trade back to his hometown of Melbourne:
SYDNEY are in negotiations with star forward Ryan O’Keefe’s in a bid to talk him out of considering a return home to Melbourne, which would prompt a fierce recruiting contest between several Victorian AFL clubs. O’Keefe, 27, is out of contract and keen to return home after nine seasons with the Swans, the Ten Network reported. The Swans have offered the half-forward a three year-deal, but he is yet to sign.
Ryan O’Keefe set to fly the nest | Herald Sun
On the same night, 5AA host, Graham Cornes put out the rumour that Collingwood forward, Alan Didak, has told the club that he wants out even though he has a new 2 year contract. Could this be the perfect interchange? RoK (as Ryan is known in fan circles) wants to come home and wants to come to a contender. Collingwood have an exciting young side that need help up forward and the leadership that RoK could add.
Didak has had an interesting last two years on and off the field. Was almost All Australian himself this year. Had big off-field incidents over the last two years and its fair to say that he is a marked man in the Melbourne media. Any slightly false move will be reported in the papers here in Melbourne, some what harshly. Even his President, Eddie McGuire, not knowing he was doing so said there was “a time in your life when you have to get rid of scaly mates, let me tell you.” (source)
So what if Didak escape the scrutiny of Melbourne for the anonymity of Sydney for AFL footballers? It has worked for other bad boys/reluctant stars like Hall, Lockett and Spider Everitt. Perhaps the change of scene could be exactly what Didak needs to put these hard years behind him and allow him to show off those silky skills of his that makes our mouths drop at times. For Collingwood, O’Keefe would be just what the doctor ordered. Great talent, great character and most of all, great leader. The pies have lost two captains in two years and also lost a guy that probably would have been captain if he didn’t retire last year. Chris Judd showed that it is possible to step into a new club and take on the key on field leadership position and thrive. Could Ryan be the guy for the Pies.
If it comes that O’Keefe moves and doesn’t get traded for Didak, then a high price game of chicken starts! If Ryan and his preferred club want a bargain for him, then they O’Keefe has to be willing to go to one of the Bottom 5 clubs if Sydney call their bluff. O’Keefe has the right to veto any trade because and as he is out of contract can threaten to walk out on the club with the Swans getting nothing. So if he can handle playing for Melbourne, West Coast, Freo, Port or Essendon, he can push for his club of choice. If the Swans want anywhere near the best deal for them, they have to be willing to let him walk away for nothing. They have to put a line in the sand and say we won’t be pushed around. Hawthorn did this in the past with Jade Rawlings, forced him into the draft to the club that wanted him the most and was willing to trade for him and this set them up as hard traders. The following two years they got great deals for Nathan Thompson and Jonathan Hay that set them up for their 2008 flag.
So trade week is almost upon us and its going to be big. Stay tuned for all the news on trade week and the podcast will return soon.
Loading ...
Yeah I dont know…
Who takes what any Cornes person takes as truth??
Yeah, not sure of the validity of the rumor but I think the idea of a
swap is an interesting one. The real meat of my post is the fact who
ever plays the hardest hardball will win and get the deal they want.