2006 TRADE WEEK

New Saint: Shane Birss westernbulldogs.com.au Player Profile (Great image) saints.com.au Shane Birss started his AFL career with six weeks on the bench after an eye injury. 20-year-old Bliss threw his body over a Ben Graham kick, and felt the ball plow straight into his eye socket in Round one 2003. Birss resets his sights Emma Quayle TheAge RealFooty 14Dec3 List Management Which way forward? by SaintsRrising Status: In terms of building the perfect premiership team our needs are: • True tall tap ruckman • Two more quick and skilled midfielders • One Gorilla full back. Now having said that there is no such thing as a perfect team. The Eagles are for example chock full of some sensational players . . . but do not have a perfect list. The Eagles though are working hard on their weaknesses. i.e. KFs. Glass emerging as big full back this year was a big plus for them. Hansen and Lynch who are both 23 are likely to both get better for the Eagles thus improving their team. There is a high benchmark at present and the Saints need to improve in order to exceed it. Raw potential: Talking Windows I think we have seen the first window of a premiership for the Saints has closed . . . i.e. the one that would have been led by our older core of players. Peckett, Powell and Aussie are now gone . . . Our older guard players that are now remaining will be support players rather than the core that we win with. However our second window of opportunity is fortunately already opening for us . . . and if a lot goes right it may even snag us a flag in 2007 which would be great for Banger. Our current list has the raw talent required to win a flag . . . but only if a number of players improve. ie any or all of: • Brooks and Rix in the ruck. That this two develop into a reasonable ruck duo . . . and by that I mean have the ability to palm the ball to the advantage of our midfielders. • Hamill actually playing • The Clarke's finding fitness and Raph learning to dish the ball off to adavantage. • Fiora playing good football week, in week out. • McQualter stepping up to earn a regular spot in the midfield rotation. • Kosi having a solid year. • Gilbert ripening a year earlier than expected to give us that extra tall backman option in 2007. • Rix to improve as ruck or key defensive back. There were good signs in 2006 and remember that he is 25 and that players of his height often bloom late ( ie Troy Simmonds turned 28 this year and had arguably his best year ever). • That Joey and Gram conitinue on with the years that they had this year . . . and indeed that Gram morphs into a midfielder. • That Roo learns how to kick straight at goal (. . . and one hopes to hear that a secret new football boot is about to be launched onto the world market that improves accuracy and power in kicking). • That GTrain has a consistently good year. • That Milne is returned to the forward pocket and plays like we know he can . . . and that he learns how to stick a tackle. • That Hayes and Maguire as a minimum are fully fit and firing by mid-way thru 2007. • That Ball's Op allows him much greater freedom and ability to kick than he had in 2006. • . . . and maybe just maybe McG being harnessed to make effective use of his ball winning ability (though I am willing to skip this one). However that is a lot of if's . . . we do not need all of them but yes, you would need most of them. To top up . . . or to be slow and steady??? Will the "new order" emphasis be to put absolute priority to win the flag in 2007 and 2008 . . . or will the attitude be more to win it in 2007 if we can but to recruit more on the basis of best possible winning chance from 2008 to 2012. Both approaches still require: • True tall tap ruckman • Two more quick and skilled midfielders • One guerrilla full back. Winning it in 2007 and 2008: If this is the absolute main focus, then this will see greater weight being giving to trading either players or draft picks to get our needs addressed with players that can play now. In terms of rucks . . . the only real option would appear to be Everitt . . . a bit of a gamble here given his lust for $ and off field antics. However no other quality ruckman, in term as of football ability is likely to be available on 2007. Everitt could possibly be taken in the PSD making his acquisition trade wise a "steal". As his salary can be halved as a veteran the first 8 teams would be unlikely to take him in the PSD . . . except maybe the Cats. He is worth more to the Saints than the Cats though. With a ruckman, players such as Cox, Sandilands and Hudson have all been overlooked . . . so there is some gold out there for either the draft or rookie draft if we are able to spot it. JB needs to be given some extra resources. Midfielders: Pick 9 should probably gain us one. A second quick and skilled midfielder may not be available but someone like Kelly could be picked up for better midfield depth. Thommo would be retained. Aka would be looked at . . . Full back: For a Gorilla FB Mal Michael is the obvious option. However his team mate in Bradshaw is also well worth a look. At 27 is younger and also has the advantage of being a true swing player that can play either end. However you would imagine that the Cats and Dogs would be desperate for him and that this would bid up his trade value. Look at one of the younger key backs who are currently not "happy" with their club. Best possible winning chance from 2008 to 2012 With this scenario in trades for players are less likely . . . however the club will still be alert to deals of advantage. Players that address our weaknesses that can be obtained for a reasonable trade. i.e. Fiora and Meesen . . . or Fiora and Salopek (though this would require something extra from the Saints but Fiora is a PA boy . . . ) Kelly Everitt would not be traded for, but may still be taken in the PSD. Our first 2 picks of 9 and 27 would definitely not be traded . . . and most likely all would be kept. Of the 5 (or 6 picks) expect 3 to be midfielder types. Gilbert will be the player we back to be our next back . . . along possibly with Rix for selected games and opponents. The ruck stocks will be boosted by at least one draft pick (maybe a player aged 22+) and/or a rookie selections. A lot of effort needs to go into identifying possible ruck talent. Look at aquiring a young ruckman who has done a couple of years development. Thommo may be retained. With both approaches we need to do more with our Rookies . . . and to resource JB better . . . this means extra staff . . . or contractors. Now which way will the Club go????? It will be interesting to watch. The Post and Thread - 'saintsRrising' et al/saintsational.com

Bulldog Birss to Saints
St Kilda has claimed Western Bulldogs midfielder Shane Birss in a trade that will see the Saints give up their fourth round selection (No.59) in the NAB AFL Draft to the Dogs. Birss, 23, played 51 matches and kicked 20 goals for the Bulldogs from 2002-06 although he managed just three appearances for the Dogs in an injury-marred season this year. He was an emergency for the opening five rounds of the 2006 season before sustaining an ankle injury for Werribee in the VFL in the AFL equivalent of round seven. He then missed six matches. After returning via the VFL, Birss eventually broke into the senior side in round 19 and remained in the side until round 21 when a foot injury forced him to miss the Dogs' final three matches for the season - including their two finals matches.
The Article Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/11Oct06

St Kilda snaps up Bulldog
. . . Birss spoke to Eade at the end of the season, worried he may have limited opportunities next season with the club. "Shane wanted to know if there was a permanent spot and I told him I didn't know whether that was possible," Eade said. The Dogs are blessed with a raft of midfield options and want to give opportunities to youngsters Shaun Higgins and Dylan Addison next year. "Birssy is a very highly regarded individual and player and is super-tough," Eade said. "I have no doubt he'll play very good senior footy and from our perspective I hope he does." Birss was restricted by injury this year and played just three games for a career total of 51. But he shone early in the Round 21 loss to the Saints.
The Article Mark Stevens/HeraldSun/12Oct06
Shane Birss - Interesting Stat 'mad saint guy' et al saintsational.com
Birss on SEN 'otiman' et al saintsational.com

TRADE NEWS
2.00pm - It was just announced that Jason Johnson from Essendon has signed a 2 year contract with Essendon this morning which will take him off the table. Solomon is still being pursued and Fremantle are still very interested. Source: SEN News
4.51pm - AAP published an article through Fairfax Digital that Dean Solomon's manager is in talks with Fremantle. (Article below) I have not heard anything regarding St Kilda's perceived interest in Solomon. Ed
Finally, some more trade action! 'Otiman' et al/saintsational.com

Johnson stays a Bomber
Essendon's dual best and fairest winner Jason Johnson has signed a new two year deal with the Bombers ending speculation he would find a new club during AFL trade week . . . Meanwhile Dodoro said the Bombers had dropped out of the race to sign mercurial Geelong forward Steve Johnson. Johnson, a frustrating but potentially matchwinning forward, has been put up for trade by the Cats but the Bombers decided he wasn't the right fit for Windy Hill . . . The Cats meanwhile have dismissed speculation star midfielder James Kelly, who also endured a disappointing 2006 season, was up for trade with Davidson saying he is contracted to the Cats and definitely a required player.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/12Oct06
JJ staying put (same article) Paul Gough/Sportal/12Oct06

Johnson to stay a Bomber
Essendon midfielder Jason Johnson is off the trade table, after the Bombers signed him to a new two-year contract . . . Meanwhile, the future of Bombers defender Dean Solomon, who has been the subject of approaches from Fremantle, is still to be determined. Quinlan, who also manages Solomon, said the two clubs were still negotiating.
The Article AAP/TheAge/12Oct06
Fevola, Voss join squad Jennifer Witham/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/12Oct06

Agreement on McDougall cements the Aka Deal
The Western Bulldogs have agreed to a deal with West Coast to secure key forward Andrew McDougall in exchange for a swap of their second and fourth round draft picks with the Eagles in next month's NAB AFL draft. While the two clubs have not yet formally signed-off on the deal, they have agreed to the terms to allow McDougall to move to Victoria in a deal which also ensures the Bulldogs can finalise a deal with Brisbane to secure 2001 Brownlow Medalist Jason Akermanis. Under the deal the Eagles will advance five places further up the draft order in both the second and fourth rounds in return for releasing McDougall to the Bulldogs. That means the Eagles will now have selections 29 and 61 instead of 34 and 66, which now go to the Bulldogs.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/12Oct06

Freo steps up Tarrant bid
Fremantle believes it is "further advanced" in its bid to lure Chris Tarrant west during this week's AFL trade period following a productive meeting with the Magpies' star forward and his manager Paul Connors. Tarrant and Connors met with Dockers heavyweights in coach Chris Connolly, assistant coach Mark Harvey and chief executive Cameron Schwab in Melbourne on Wednesday night as Fremantle attempted to convince the 2003 All-Australian to join Fremantle prior to Friday's 2pm trade deadline . . . The Dockers, encouraged by the fact that Tarrant was prepared to move to Western Australia to continue his AFL career, quickly declared their interest in the high-profile forward as well with Fremantle media manager Keith Black saying the club was encouraged by its meeting with Tarrant and Connors . . . However several other clubs are also interested in 22-year-old Polak, who is capable playing both as a key defender and as a key forward.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/12Oct06

Lyon begins recruitment drive
New St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has wasted no time in starting the club's recruiting drive for 2007, picking up Western Bulldogs midfielder Shane Birss. After signing on as St Kilda coach yesterday, Lyon approved a deal which traded the club's fourth-round draft pick for Birss. The 23-year old has has struggled to break into the strong Bulldogs midfield, playing only three games in 2006 and 51 in total. Lyon gave the Saints recruiting staff the go-ahead to sign Birss just hours after joining the club.
The Article ABCSport/12Oct06

Milne up in air
Eessendon had talks yesterday with St Kilda goal sneak Stephen Milne. But the appointment of Saints coach Ross Lyon could be enough to keep Milne at Moorabbin. It's understood Lyon is keen to retain the small forward, although Essendon believes his speed and goal-kicking ability would be an asset alongside captain Matthew Lloyd. Milne, who is out of contract, will meet St Kilda officials today and it is expected they will offer him a new deal.
The Article Daryl Timms/HeraldSun/12Oct06

St Kilda still chasing Jason Johnson
. . . The future of Jason Johnson will also become clearer today with St Kilda chasing the Essendon star. Johnson has only been offered a one-year contract at Essendon, but the two-time best-and-fairest winner is adamant he won't stay unless he gets at least a two-year deal. The Saints have shown interest with the pre-season draft a realistic possibility, given the Bombers current asking price is a first-round pick for Johnson. Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy has hinted all week that he may relent and come good with the two-year deal for Johnson, but it has yet to eventuate. The Bombers coach has stated that either Johnson or Dean Solomon, who has also been offered a one-year deal, won't be at Windy Hill next season.
Peter Everitt impasse as Hawks up ante Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/12Oct06
We want a ruckman . . . 'saintsRrising' et al/saintsational.com

Chris Tarrant deal held up Damian Barrett & Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/12Oct06
Dockers court Tarrant as Eagle talks splutter Stephen Rielly & Jake Niall/TheAge RealFooty/12Oct06
Magpies, Dons keen on Cat forward Jake Niall, Stephen Rielly & Michael Gleeson/TheAge RealFooty/12Oct06
Eagles colours unlikely for Tarrant Greg Denham/TheAustralian/12Oct06
Bradshaw to stay Rebecca Williams & AAP/TheAustralian/12Oct06
Spida still in limbo Sportal/12Oct06
McLeod & Edwards are not going anywhere Andrew Capel/CourierMail/12Oct06

Trading: Day 3 St Kilda - Brief Summary
Between the news services spending all of their energies on the Ross Lyon announcement and the need for the recruiting staff to communicate with the new coach, trading may have slowed down somewhat for the Saints. Nevertheless, Things were still happenening down at Telstra Dome for St Kilda and a deal was struck. We gave up our fourth round pick to see Birss join the team he supported before joining the Dogs. He is now wearing the Red, White and Black next year, leaving some Doggies supporters fairly unhappy. Ross Lyon acknowledged in his early interviews that the Saints recruiting staff have done some very good ground-work and he made it clear that he wants a 200 plus hit-out ruck and some midfielders. westofmoorabbin.com

Stephen Milne, Ryan Ferguson on table
Stephen Milne could be heading back to where it all started - Essendon. The goalsneak has been offered for trade by St Kilda, which admits there has been a couple of feelers for him. As well as Essendon showing interest, the Kangaroos have discussed the possibility of getting Milne to Arden St. The speedy forward played in Essendon's 1999 reserves premiership side and the following season went to St Kilda, where he was put on the rookie list. Melbourne key defender Ryan Ferguson has been told by the Demons he will be traded if a suitable deal can be done.
The Article Daryl Timms/HeraldSun/11Oct06
Back to future for Milne Daryl Timms/TheAustralian/11Oct06
Milne 'bigred' et al/saintsational.com
S Milne vs J Johnson Stats (speculation inspired)
'saintsRrising' saintsational.com/pro-stats.com.au

Everitt talks continuing
Hawthorn and Sydney have met again to discuss a deal that would deliver Hawks ruckman Peter Everitt to the Swans. But the sticking point is that both clubs have yet to agree on what would be exchanged for 'Spida' and, at this point, no trade has been settled on. Hawthorn player personnel and strategy general manager Chris Pelchen said negotiations were still underway about a potential Everitt trade.
The Article Matt Burgan/Sportal/saints.com.au/11Oct06
Tarrant deal no closer Paul Gough/Sportal/saints.com.au/11Oct06
Babijczuk to Demons Jennifer Witham/Sportal/saints.com.au/11Oct06
Lions retain Bradshaw on three-year deal AAP/TheAge /11Oct06

Shane Birss likely trade for St Kilda
Progress has been made between Sydney and Hawthorn over the trade of ruckman Peter Everitt, with the Swans and Hawks resuming talks yesterday. The Swans have indicated that they believe Everitt is worth a second to third-round pick - a stance that suggests an eventual willingness to give up pick No. 33 for Everitt. To date, Hawthorn has requested more . . . Western Bulldogs midfielder Shane Birss is likely to be traded to St Kilda for a late pick, possibly in the fourth round.
The Article Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall/TheAge RealFooty/11Oct06
Birss for 4th round pick 'saintsRrising' et al/saintsational.com

Saints flagged interest in Polak
. . . Polak had also spoken to Carlton, but the Blues don't have anything that interests Fremantle. It is believed St Kilda has flagged interest in Polak. The Saints are also in the hunt for Essendon midfielder Jason Johnson, who is in a contract dispute with the Bombers. Sydney is expected to present Hawthorn today with an improved offer for ruckman Peter Everitt. The Swans made contact late last night with the Hawks and suggested they were looking at beefing up their offer to a second-round draft pick. On Monday they had offered a third-round pick. This was dismissed by the Hawks, who are adamant they will only do a deal involving a first or second-round pick.
Steve Johnson battle Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/11Oct06

Port eyes Fiora, Russell
Port Adelaide has confirmed its interest in uncontracted Carlton youngster Jordan Russell and is looking into a trade with the Saints involving Aaron Fiora and Toby Thurstans . . . Russell, who has played 11 games in two years at Carlton, was recruited in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft from West Adelaide. Of a potential trade with St Kilda involving Power utility Toby Thurstans and Saints midfielder Aaron Fiora, Rohde said: "I wouldn't be going too strongly on the fact that that deal is going to happen but we'll see what happens," Rohde said.
The Article Sportal/saints.com.au/10Oct06
Toby Thurstans Profile Port Adelaide Football Club/saints.com.au
Toby Thurstans Stats StKildonan/bigfooty.com/pro-stats.com.au
Thurstans v Ackland StKildonan/bigfooty.com/pro-stats.com.au

Blues despair as Russell asks for Port trade
The sense of despair that has engulfed Carlton since the season's end thickened considerably yesterday in the wake of Jordan Russell confirming on Monday night his intention to play for Port Adelaide next year. Only weeks after the failed attempt to sack coach Denis Pagan and just four days after full-back Bret Thornton turned his back on the Blues, Russell, Carlton's 19-year-old first-round pick in the 2004 national draft, did likewise with a request to be traded to Port. His announcement is likely to cause further fallout next week when the future of chief executive Michael Malouf is decided at a board meeting. Like Thornton, Russell vowed to pursue his ambition through the pre-season draft if Carlton refuses to deal before Friday's 2pm deadline.
The Article Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/11Oct06
Fosdike staying put Karen Collins/Sportal/saints.com.au/11Oct06

New football academy proposed for Dubbo
An Aboriginal football academy proposed for western NSW could create a whole generation of Aboriginal rugby league stars with a top notch education, Community Services Minister John Cobb says. Mr Cobb, the Member for Parkes, has modelled his proposal on Western Australia's Clontarf Football Academy, based in Perth. "Aboriginal kids from all around Western Australia come to Perth to play football there, to do school, it is just such a huge success," Mr Cobb said. The under-utilised Warrina Youth Hostel at Dubbo, recently shut down and then re-opened, has been touted as a possible site for the academy.
The Article AAP/TheAge/11Oct06

Day 2: - Rumour File - westofmoorabbin.com
• Mick McGuane has resigned from St Kilda for a similar position at another club - (reported on SEN) Another rumour is that McGaune has accepted a Media role.
• Peter Everitt It is believed that St Kilda are not as interested in Spider anymore and are looking at a younger ruckman. It is believed that Sydney and Hawthorn have been talking today and they will settle by the end of the week. (Saints have put in another offer on Everitt too)
• Jason Johnson Sheedy said on SEN (live) that Essendon will 'probably' be offering JJ a 2 yr contract but Johnson's manager said that there is only a one year contract on the table.
• Ferguson for Johnson?? 'st.mart' et al/saintsational.com
• Showing interest in Birss (Bulldogs) 'Otiman' et al/saintsational.com
• Bulldogs-Saints It is believed that the Doggies and Saints are close to a deal, no details were available but it is believed to be Shane Birss from the Doggies.
• Trade Week - Day 2 'StKildonan' - bigfooty.com

Spida's manager criticises draft timing
Sports manager Ricky Nixon has called for major changes to the AFL's trade week. Nixon's client Hawthorn ruckman Peter Everitt is out of contract and wants to be traded to Sydney, but the clubs are yet to finalise a deal. Nixon says it is frustrating that Everitt may have to wait until the December preseason draft to find out where he will play next year. "You shouldn't have to wait two-and-a-half months to decide your future in AFL footy," he said. "I think it's a disgrace that the preseason draft is in December."
The Article ABCSport/11Oct06

Swans closing in on Everitt deal
Hawthorn and Sydney are edging closer to agreeing on a deal that would allow ruckman Peter Everitt to play for the Swans next year. The Hawks want a second-round draft pick for Everitt, but the Swans have only offered a third-round choice. Everitt's manager Ricky Nixon said he believed a third-round pick was appropriate, considering the fact Hawthorn were only prepared to offer the former All-Australian a one-year deal to stay at the club . . . St Kilda appear to be slipping out of the race to sign Everitt before trade week ends this Friday . . . Nixon said the fact St Kilda was yet to appoint a new senior coach was hampering their chances of luring Everitt back to the club, with whom the 32-year-old made his debut in 1993. "They are half wanting him and half not because if they do get him across the line by Friday and then the new coach says that he doesn't want Spida Everitt, it makes it pretty difficult at the moment," he said.
The Article ABCSport/10Oct06
St Kilda also made an offer for Everitt yesterday AAP/SydneyMorningHerald/11Oct06
Magpies, Dons keen on Cat forward Jake Niall, Stephen Rielly and Michael Gleeson/TheAge RealFooty/11Oct06
Blues despair as Russell asks for Port trade Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/11Oct06

Brad Scott to Collingwood
Collingwood has secured the coaching services of former Brisbane Lion, Brad Scott. Scott will work alongside Collingwood Academy Director, Alan Richardson, as a development coach focusing on the club's more senior footballers. The 30-year-old two-time premiership player said he was delighted to join the Magpies. "It's an outstanding football club," Scott told collingwoodfc.com.au. "I've always had enormous respect for the club and I'm looking forward to learning the inner workings of the club and being a part of it going forward."
The Article Sportal/saints.com.au/10Oct06
Watt talk wrong: McDonald Matt Burgan/Sportal/saints.com.au/10Oct06
Freo on Tarrant's trail Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/10Oct06

Stalemate on Thornton
Carlton is continuing to play hard ball as Hawthorn attempts to woo key Blues' defender Bret Thornton via this week's exchange period. Thornton has told the Blues that he wants to leave the club and play for the brown and gold and Hawthorn is eager to acquire his services by the end of Friday's trade week deadline. If a deal is not done between the clubs, Thornton, who is out-of-contract, is set to enter the December NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
The Article Matt Burgan/Sportal/saints.com.au/10Oct06
London road test for Cats Jennifer Witham/Sportal/saints.com.au/10Oct06
Dumped Docker makes Peel top priority Craig O'Donoghue/WestAustralian/10Oct06

Saints eye Johnson as Demons cool
St Kilda has identified Jason Johnson as its priority target in the trade period, putting further pressure on Essendon as it attempts to retain its two-time club champion on a reduced contract. It is understood that St Kilda made known its interest in Johnson to the Bombers in yesterday's opening day of trade talks, with the Saints prepared to part with a second-round draft choice to complete the deal. St Kilda's play for Johnson came as Melbourne's interest in the All-Australian midfielder cooled. Although the Demons have made approaches to Johnson's management, it is hamstrung by salary-cap restraints . . . Johnson and Essendon have been locked in contractual dispute since the end of the regular season, with Essendon offering the 28-year-old and team-mate Dean Solomon one-year deals to stay at Windy Hill. Hawthorn told Sydney another club had offered an early second-round pick for Everitt - effectively undercutting the Swans - but the identity of the mystery suitor could not be confirmed last night.
The Article Chip Le Grand/TheAustralian/10Oct06

Johnson's price too high for Saints
Essendon's asking price for Jason Johnson has scared off all suitors, including St Kilda and an interest from Sydney. The Bombers have slapped a first-round draft selection on the head of the dual best-and-fairest. Melbourne, attempting to deal on forgotten backmen Clint Bizzell and Alistair Nicholson, had already closed the door on Johnson. If the current scenario remains, it would mean Johnson either stays a Bomber and gets his two-year deal, as his coach Kevin Sheedy intimated yesterday, or he quits the club and nominates for the pre-season draft. That, or Essendon lowers its sights which is virtually out of the question.
Dons take hard line on Johnson Mark Robinson and Rebecca Williams/HeraldSun/10Oct06

Milne gets zip
Collingwood brothers Cameron and Jason Cloke had feelers yesterday without a confirmation. Their father, David, said last night: "There's been some interest from what I've been told . . . but where it goes from here who knows at the moment. If nothing does happen in trade week they can go into the national and pre-season drafts."
ST KILDA - Milne gets zip: St Kilda offered up goalsneak Stephen Milne yesterday, but got zip interest.
CARLTON - Russell walks out: Carlton youngster Jordan Russell, the No. 9 pick in the 2004 national draft, has joined teammate Bret Thornton and is walking out on the Blues.
Trade wrap: Clokes in limbo Mark Robinson and Rebecca Williams/HeraldSun/10Oct06
Milne 'rexy' et al/saintsational.com

Saints a chance to regain Spida
St Kilda has emerged from the first day of AFL trade week with a chance of reclaiming ruckman Peter Everitt. The disgruntled Hawk had appeared headed for Sydney until Hawthorn dug in its heels yesterday on what it would receive in return. With neither the Saints nor Swans prepared to give up a first or second-round national draft selection, Everitt may be forced to enter the pre-season draft where St Kilda has a selection in front of Sydney . . . Everitt's manager Ricky Nixon yesterday reiterated his stance that it wasn't a concern if Hawthorn didn't want to deal with Sydney. "There's a mechanism for players not traded and it's called the pre-season draft and if he had to go in that, he goes in that," Nixon said. "And if St Kilda takes him in the pre-season draft so be it."
The Article Mark Robinson and Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/10Oct06
Hawks trade tampering? 'Otiman' et al/saintsational.com
Spider bleating 'bigred' et al/saintsational.com

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