The AFL trade period has been a whirlwind of activity, and with the season reaching its halfway point, it's time to take a closer look at the players who have made a significant impact on their new clubs. From the resurgence of a once-maligned star to the emergence of a young talent, the league has seen a number of surprising and exciting developments. In this article, I'll be taking a deep dive into the midyear trade grades, analyzing the performances of players who have switched teams and making my own personal commentary and analysis along the way. So, let's get started!
The Resurgence of a Once-Maligned Star
One of the most surprising stories of the season has been the resurgence of Charlie Curnow, who was traded from Carlton to Sydney. After a disappointing year at Carlton, Curnow has improved his goals per game to 2.3, taking almost two fewer marks per game compared to his final year at Carlton. While he may not be rediscovering the goalkicking heights he once soared to at Princes Park, his arrival has taken away the opposition defender, allowing the likes of Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald to take steps in their development. In my opinion, this trade has been a win-win for both teams, and Curnow's improved performance is a testament to the impact he can have when given the right opportunities.
The Emergence of a Young Talent
Another player who has made a significant impact on his new club is Malcolm Rosas, who was traded from Gold Coast to Sydney. After a disappointing year at Gold Coast, Rosas has been stunningly good, kicking 1.4 goals per game across the past four rounds. His ball use around the ground is worth watching, and he has improved 21% in kick rating. In my opinion, the Swans are glad they made this trade, and Rosas' performance is a testament to the impact a young talent can have when given the right opportunities.
The Impact of a Veteran Midfield
Speaking of veterans, Jack Steele has been a revelation in a Melbourne side that's taken the competition by storm. Steele's 6.4 tackles per game are considered elite, while his 24.5 disposals, 11.5 contested possessions, and 5.9 clearances are above average among midfielders. In my opinion, Steele's performance is a testament to the impact a veteran midfielder can have when given the right opportunities, and his trade to Melbourne has been a win-win for both teams.
The Win-Win Transaction
Speaking of win-win transactions, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are two players who have thrived in their new environments. Petracca, who was traded from Melbourne to Gold Coast, is currently the second-highest rated player in the competition this year, and Oliver, who was traded from Melbourne to GWS, has been exactly the addition the Giants were hoping for. In my opinion, these two trades have been some of the biggest win-win transactions in recent times, and the players have proven that a fresh start can be a powerful motivator.
The Unexpected Trade
One trade that was arguably the most unexpected was Patrick Retschko, who was traded from Geelong to Richmond. Running Retschko has carved out a role under Adem Yze, and with Hugo Ralphsmith and a plethora of other Tigers out injured, the wingman has become a mainstay. In my opinion, this trade was a surprise to many, but it has proven to be a successful one for both teams.
The Need for Scoring Power
One area where Collingwood has struggled this year is scoring power. Jack Buller, who was traded from Sydney to Collingwood, has yet to live up to expectations, and the Magpies' pursuit of Ben King highlights the need for more scoring power. In my opinion, Collingwood needs to address this issue if they want to be a serious contender this year.
The Bargain of the Season
One trade that has proven to be a bargain for both teams is Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who was traded from Western Bulldogs to Gold Coast. While it's still early, Ugle-Hagan has shown he's matured and is ready to resume his high-potential AFL career. In my opinion, this trade has been one of the biggest bargains in recent memory, and the Suns have landed a player who could be a key part of their future success.
The Developmental Product
Another player who has been a developmental product is Finnbar Maley, who was traded from North Melbourne to Adelaide. While expectations aren't high as of yet, Maley is expected to play a bigger role in the coming years as a ruck-forward hybrid in the post-Tex era at West Lakes. In my opinion, this trade has been a smart move for both teams, and Maley has the potential to be a key part of Adelaide's future success.
The Nimble Key Defender
Speaking of key defenders, Jai Serong has fit into Dean Cox's side seamlessly as a wingman. Serong, who was traded from Hawthorn to Sydney, has good foot skills, makes smart decisions, and doesn't play beyond his limitations. In my opinion, Serong's performance is a testament to the impact a nimble key defender can have when given the right opportunities, and he could wind up a premiership role player at the Bloods when it's all said and done.
The Rebounding Backman
One player who has been a rebounding backman is Ollie Florent, who was traded from Sydney to Carlton. Florent has been a good decision-maker, with his field kick rating 17th in the AFL this year. In my opinion, Florent's performance is a testament to the impact a rebounding backman can have when given the right opportunities, and his trade to Carlton has been a plus for both teams.
The Sneaky Good Addition
Another player who has been a sneaky good addition is Connor Budarick, who was traded from Gold Coast to Western Bulldogs. Budarick has been defensively accountable while also an avenue in transition out of defence. In my opinion, Budarick's performance is a testament to the impact a player can have when given the right opportunities, and his trade to the Bulldogs has been a success for both teams.
The Experienced Senior Player
Speaking of experienced senior players, Sam Draper has been a key addition to Brisbane. Draper, who was traded from Essendon, has been building into the year and getting acquainted with his teammates and Chris Fagan's game style. In my opinion, Draper's performance is a testament to the impact an experienced senior player can have when given the right opportunities, and his trade to Brisbane has been a success for both teams.
The Fresh Start
One player who has yet to pay off his fresh start is Campbell Chesser, who was traded from West Coast to Carlton. Chesser has not been seen at senior level since playing in the Blues' first three games. In my opinion, Chesser's lack of playing time is a concern, and his future at Carlton is in doubt.
The Selfless Role
Speaking of selfless roles, Brody Mihocek has always played a role for the betterment of the team. Since arriving in the competition as a mature-ager, Mihocek has been a key part of Melbourne's success, and his trade from Collingwood to Melbourne has been a success for both teams.
The Impact of Injury
One player who has been impacted by injury is Liam Ryan, who was traded from West Coast to St Kilda. Ryan has been hit by injury, but prior to that was showing that, despite his age, he's still capable of making an impact. In my opinion, Ryan's performance is a testament to the impact a player can have when they are healthy and in form.
The Apprentice
One player who is being groomed to be Max Gawn's successor is Max Heath, who was traded from St Kilda to Melbourne. Heath is getting an invaluable apprenticeship and already playing regular senior footy in a high-performing team. In my opinion, Heath's performance is a testament to the impact an apprentice can have when given the right opportunities, and his trade to Melbourne has been a success for both teams.
The Disappointing Start
One player who has had an inauspicious start to life at a new club is Charlie Spargo, who was traded from Melbourne to North Melbourne. Spargo has dealt with a concussion late in the preseason and has kicked a total of four goals in his six senior games to date. In my opinion, Spargo's performance is a concern, and his future at Arden Street is in doubt.
The Indifferent Start
Speaking of indifferent starts, Jacob Wehr has failed to have a genuine impact in his first nine games before getting dropped for Port Adelaide's Round 10 match. Wehr offers decent depth, but he's not a difference-maker. In my opinion, Wehr's performance is a concern, and his future at Port Adelaide is in doubt.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, the midyear trade grades have been a mix of surprises, successes, and concerns. From the resurgence of a once-maligned star to the emergence of a young talent, the league has seen a number of exciting developments. While some trades have proven to be successful, others have been disappointing. In my opinion, the AFL trade period is a crucial part of the season, and the impact of these trades will be felt for years to come. As we approach the halfway point of the season, it's clear that the league is in for an exciting second half, and I can't wait to see what unfolds.
