T WAS a frantic end to the 2016 NAB AFL Trade Period with eight trades and 27 picks exchanged in the last 16 minutes before Thursday's 2pm deadline.
In total there were 113 draft picks exchanged and 38 players moved clubs.
AFL.com.au reporter Nathan Schmook gives his verdict on how your club performed over the nine-day window.
In: Picks 43, 67
Out: Jarryd Lyons, pick 71
Win: Mid to late-range draft picks
Lose: A quality ball-winner that the club undervalued
2016 draft picks: 13, 43, 53, 67, 89
What couldn’t they get done?
The Bryce Gibbs deal fell through after list manager Justin Reid declared the midfielder wanted to join the Crows on the opening day of the NAB AFL Trade Period. Adelaide didn't come up with a deal that satisfied the Blues, putting its pick No.13 on the table, but failing to find another first or early second-round pick to satisfy the Blues, who weren't bluffing.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
Having declared the news that Gibbs wanted to join the Crows, it was up to the Crows to find a suitable offer. On that measure they failed. Lyons was also undervalued through the whole trade period and eventually only netted the Crows pick 43 and a minor swap in fourth-round picks. That trade only weakened the Crows' midfield depth further having lost a player who ranked top four at the club in 2016 for contested ball and clearances.
Rating: E
In: Jack Frost, picks 3, 16, 22, 76, 2017 first-round pick (Port Adelaide), 2017 third-round pick (Collingwood)
Out: Pearce Hanley, picks 2, 19, 31, 51, 60, 2017 third-round pick, and 2017 fourth-round pick
Win: More prime draft picks, both this year and next year, and a serviceable key defender
Lose: Slide one spot in the first-round draft order, a mature half-back, a future fourth-round pick
2016 draft picks: 3, 16, 21, 22, 76, 78, 96
What couldn’t they get done?
Lions captain Tom Rockliff looked destined to exit early in the trade period, but there weren't significant offers for the midfielder. A move could have been the best result for both player and club, but the 26-year-old will now serve out the final year of his contract.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Lions have a new coach and a new football manager and wanted to go to the NAB AFL Draft with the best selections they could find. They did that brilliantly and will have time under Chris Fagan to build without the pressure Justin Leppitsch faced.
Rating: A-
Key defender Jack Frost has leapt to the Lions. Picture: AFL Photos
In: Billie Smedts (Geelong), Caleb Marchbank (GWS), Jarrod Pickett (GWS), Rhys Palmer (GWS), pick 48, 63, 66, 70
Out: Zach Tuohy, picks 45, 58, 135, and 2017 second-round pick
Win: A bevvy of talented GWS youngsters and increased midfield depth
Lose: A rebounding defender who can play every week and a valuable pick in next year's draft
2016 draft picks: 5, 25, 48, 63, 81, 99
What couldn’t they get done?
A deal to send Bryce Gibbs to Adelaide never eventuated, but the Blues were not fussed, keeping the contracted midfielder as they had threatened to do. Gibbs' manager Nigel Carmody said his client would be more than comfortable pulling on a Carlton jumper next year.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Blues were entitled to hold Gibbs to his contract if a suitable trade was not forthcoming and they don't lose out by doing so. List manager Stephen Silvagni added to his collection of former GWS players now at Carlton, bringing in Marchbank, Pickett and Palmer to take the total of former Giants on the list to nine.
Rating: B
In: Daniel Wells (North Melbourne, unrestricted free agent), Chris Mayne (Fremantle, unrestricted free agent), Lynden Dunn (Melbourne), Will Hoskin-Elliott (GWS), picks 44, 51, 62, 105, 2017 third-round selection (Brisbane Lions)
Out: Nathan Brown (unrestricted free agent), Travis Cloke, Marley Williams, Jarrod Witts, Jack Frost, picks 47, 2017 second-round selection, 2017 third-round selection
Win: Experience, late draft picks and a young wingman who should step into the best 22 and flourish with opportunities
Lose: A future pick in the second round, four key talls and a fringe half-back
2016 draft picks: 28, 44, 51, 62, 65, 83, 101, 105
What couldn’t they get done?
The Magpies were unable to secure key talls coming into the club to replace those leaving. Eric Mackenzie was floated as an option but he ended the trade period as a happy Eagle.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Magpies have lost more than they've gained, left their key defensive stocks thin and only attracted one potential long-term player. The only trade win for the Magpies was securing Will Hoskin-Elliott for a 2017 second-round pick. But failing to land key position players as a number walked out the door leaves them vulnerable in 2017.
Rating: D+
In: James Stewart, pick 29 and 68
Out: Michael Hibberd, pick 59 and 77
Win: A bonus second-round draft pick and a young tall the club can develop
Lose: A reliable half-back and late speculative draft picks
2016 draft picks: 1, 20, 29, 41, 68, 95
What couldn’t they get done?
Hamish Hartlett was a strong chance to join Essendon, but those talks fell over and the midfielder returned to Port. There was a sense the Bombers were waiting quietly for the Hawks' deal with Jaeger O'Meara to fall through so they could swoop in the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
Hibberd's move to Melbourne was a fair deal for a player who wanted to leave. Stewart, meanwhile, is not guaranteed to be successful but they gave up very little. The big win for the Bombers is the 10 banned players they have returning to the club next year.
Rating: C
In: Cam McCarthy (GWS), Bradley Hill (Hawthorn), Joel Hamling (Western Bulldogs), Shane Kersten (Geelong), picks 7, 35, 40 and 71
Out: Chris Mayne (unrestricted free agent), picks 3, 43, 61, and 2017 second-round pick
Win: The young talls they need at both ends of the ground, outside speed, two premiership players, four West Australians
Lose: Four spots in the first round of the draft, a popular team man
2016 draft picks: 7, 35, 40, 71, 79, 97
What couldn’t they get done?
Hayden Ballantyne requested a trade back in August and the Dockers were willing to explore finding a new home for the small forward. There were a lack of takers, however, and he’ll be forced to serve out his contract.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Dockers were intent on keeping a presence in the first and second rounds of the draft and they achieved that while gaining young talls they have had their eyes on for years. It was a great result for the club and a trade period they could well look back on as a crucial one in their list build.
Rating: A
In: Zach Tuohy, Aaron Black, pick 24, 64, 72, 2017 second-round pick (Carlton)
Out: Shane Kersten, Josh Caddy, Billie Smedts, Nathan Vardy, pick 56, 92, 2017 first-round pick
Win: A reliable half-back and a second-round pick
Lose: Tall forwards, a hardened midfielder and slide from the first to the second round next year
2016 draft picks: 24, 38, 42, 64, 72 and 74
What couldn’t they get done?
Brett Deledio's salary proved too much of a hurdle to accommodate in a top-four team after the experienced Tiger nominated the Cats as his preferred club. Steven Motlop was a player identified as someone they would trade out to relieve the bulging cap, but he had no takers.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
Usually masters of the trade and draft periods, the Cats haven't been able to improve their list in the past two weeks. They received little in return for talls Vardy and Kersten, and Black could not be considered a replacement of equal talent at this stage. Strangely Caddy also departed against the club's wishes, despite no deal for Deledio taking place. Adding Tuohy came at a significant price, with the Cats now out of the first round in 2017, their third-straight season.
Rating: D
Zach Tuohy couldn't wait to rip off his Blues guernsey and wear the hoops of Geelong. Picture: AFL Photos
In: Pearce Hanley (Brisbane Lions), Jarrod Witts (Collingwood), Jarryd Lyons (Adelaide), picks 6, 10, 73, 2017 second-round pick (Richmond), 2017 second-round pick (Hawthorn), 2017 second-round pick (Fremantle)
Out: Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia, picks 22, 24, 26, 30, 44, 62 and 80
Win: Two prime selections in the top 10 this year, three second-round picks next year, hardened bodies in the ruck, midfield and defence
Lose: Two young stars the club has developed and four second-round picks
2016 draft picks: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 73
What couldn’t they get done?
The Suns were keen to add an experienced midfielder and went sniffing around some big fish but couldn't find one that went beyond an initial inquiry. They wanted senior players included in the O'Meara deal.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Suns held their nerve until the final 10 minutes of the trade period in a move that forced the Hawks to up their offer for O'Meara. It was a bold move that meant they ran the risk of missing out on another top-10 pick by sending the midfielder to the draft. That would have been a mistake, but they emerge with an unrivalled hand at the draft, both this year and next.
Rating: B+
In: Brett Deledio (Richmond), picks 2, 39, 45, 52, 57, 58, 59, 60, 77, 2017 second-round pick (St Kilda), 2017 second-round pick (Geelong)
Out: Cam McCarthy, Jack Steele, Paul Ahern, James Stewart, Pat McKenna, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Pickett, Rhys Palmer, picks 7, 16, 35, 73, 2017 second-round pick, 2017 third-round pick
Win: An elite player who can slot in at half-back, half-forward or midfield, the second pick in the draft, a strong hand at next year's draft
Lose: Four players they recruited in the top 10 of drafts, and another four drafted between 14 and 27.
2016 draft picks: 2, 15, 37, 39, 45, 52, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 77, 109
What couldn’t they get done?
Nothing. The Giants achieved all they set out to, turning wantaway fringe players into draft picks.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The cycle continues for the Giants in a list build that has resulted in 2017 premiership favouritism. While top-10 picks returned to their home states, the club replenished its draft stocks this year and next and topped up with a gun in Deledio. That acquisition will move them ahead of other contenders.
Rating: A
In: Ty Vickery (Richmond, restricted free agent), Jaeger O'Meara (Gold Coast), Tom Mitchell (Sydney Swans), pick 88, 2017 second-round pick (Carlton)
Out: Bradley Hill, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, picks 14, 36, 54, 72, 2017 first-round pick and 2017 second-round pick
Win: Two young guns who can be part of the next generation, a tall forward who also addressing a need for ruck depth
Lose: 11 premiership medals, six best and fairest awards, four All Australian selections, any presence in this year's draft and next year's first and second pick
2016 draft picks: 88, 90, 108
What couldn’t they get done?
The Hawks had a clear mandate to land Mitchell and O'Meara and not much else.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
Nearly a disaster, but ultimately a pass after O'Meara joined the Hawks in the dying minutes of the trade window. The Hawks are at their most dangerous when others don't know what they're up to and that was certainly the case over the past two weeks. Their left-field moves could prove a masterstroke in 12 months if they are targeting a superstar through free agency. Entering the draft at pick 88 is bold move.
Rating: C-
The Hawks finally got their man Jaeger O'Meara on deadline day. Picture: AFL Photos
WATCH: Trade wrap part two - We rate your club from the Hawks to the Bulldogs
In: Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn), Michael Hibberd (Essendon), Pat McKenna (GWS), picks 47 and 69
Out: Lynden Dunn, picks 29, 48 and 66
Win: Midfield experience and leadership, half-back class
Lose: A second-round draft pick
2016 draft picks: 47, 69, 84, 102
What couldn’t they get done?
A highly targeted trade period, the Demons weren't active around many deals. They didn't emerge with a ruckman, which will likely be a draft priority.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
There is a sense the Demons are readying themselves for a big 2017 and the acquisition of Lewis from Hawthorn underlines that. The fire-sale price they nabbed him for (minor slides in the third and fourth rounds) means they didn't compromise their drafting at a time when they are bringing a lot of young talent through together. Hibberd was a fair deal, bringing in another experienced player who will help them jump into finals.
Rating: A-
Former Hawks vice-captain Jordan Lewis in his new red and blue colours. Picture: AFL Photos
In: Paul Ahern (GWS), Nathan Hrovat (Western Bulldogs), Marley Williams (Collingwood), pick 33 and 92, 2017 third-round pick (Western Bulldogs), 2017 fourth-round pick (Western Bulldogs)
Out: Daniel Wells, Aaron Black, pick 69, 105
Win: Midfielders with upside and half-back speed
Lose: A 243-game match-winner
2016 draft picks: 11, 32, 33, 87, 92
What couldn’t they get done?
The Kangaroos couldn't convince Daniel Wells to stay and made a late but unsuccessful play for Will Hoskin-Elliott.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
Ahern could prove a bargain if he recovers from another serious knee injury to make his mark down the track. Hrovat also arrive cheap from a premiership team and should enjoy more opportunities at Arden Street. Overall, however, North wasn't very active in top-end deals, and hasn't had a trade period that will improve them after making the decision to clear out veteran players.
Rating: C-
In: Picks 14, 17, 30 and 31
Out: Pick 19, 49, 67, and 2017 first-round pick
Win: More options in this year's draft, gaining two second-round picks
Lose: A first-round pick next year
2016 draft picks: 14, 17, 30, 31, 85 and 103
What couldn’t they get done?
The Power clearly wanted Hamish Hartlett to find a new home to free up salary cap space, but Hartlett chose to stay on a lucrative deal others wouldn't match. Likewise, ruckman Matthew Lobbe had no takers and will stay with the Power. As a result they missed out on Nathan Vardy.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Power will regret the long-term deals that left them hamstrung during this trade period. They improved their draft position, with two picks now in the top 30, but a lack of other activity poses the question of how will they improve next season? If they fail to make the finals, they have given up a top-10 pick in next year's draft.
Rating: D-
In: Dion Prestia, Toby Nankervis, Josh Caddy, picks 27, 56, 2017 first-round pick (Geelong), 2017 third-round pick (GWS)
Out: Brett Deledio, Ty Vickery, picks 6, 46, 64, and 2017 second-round pick
Win: Midfield depth and class, a desperately needed ruckman, a first-round pick next year
Lose: A 243-game star, a flexible ruck-forward, Their highest pick in the draft since 2010
2016 draft picks: 27, 56, 82 and 100
What couldn’t they get done?
The Tigers' regret would be losing their position in the top 10 of the draft. That was an unrealistic goal, however, when they were attempting to lure a highly rated player like Prestia, who walks into the midfield.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The midfield issues that have long plagued the Tigers might finally have been addressed with the addition of Prestia and Caddy. With both 24, they can help the Tigers immediately while also being long-term prospects if a rebuild is required. Deledio's exit also netted a good return, with future first and third-round picks coming in for the 29-year-old. A second-round pick as compensation for Ty Vickery was a remarkable result.
Rating: B
Dion Prestia will join Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin in the Tigers' midfield. Picture: AFL Photos
In: Jack Steele (GWS), Nathan Brown (Collingwood), picks 23, 36, and 2017 first-round pick (Hawthorn)
Out: Picks 10, 68, and 2017 second-round pick
Win: A mighty hand at the 2017 draft, more hard-bodied inside midfielders to build depth, an experienced key defender
Lose: A presence in round one of the 2016 draft
2016 draft picks: 23, 36, 50, 86, 104
What couldn’t they get done?
Nothing. The Saints were stealth-like through the trade period, getting involved in deals where they were required and emerging better off each time.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The biggest winners of the trade period after working with a desperate Hawthorn on a swap of picks. The Saints' crop of youngsters means they could stomach a slide from round one to round two this year, and they'll take two first-round selections into next year's draft, giving them an opportunity to trade in experienced guns or continue recruiting quality young players. They are also well poised now to start using free agency more aggressively.
Rating: A+
In: Picks 9, 19, 46 and 49
Out: Tom Mitchell, Toby Nankervis, picks 17, 39 and 57
Win: A better hand in the first round of the draft
Lose: A consistent inside midfielder and ruck depth
2016 draft picks: 9, 19, 46, 49, 93, 111
What couldn’t they get done?
The only deals left on the table for the Swans were trades for Xavier Richards and Dean Towers, who couldn't find new homes.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
Trade restrictions were lifted but the Swans were inactive in bringing players in. They lost Mitchell, but that may not be a big loss given the move of Isaac Heeney into the midfield. A move into the top 10 of the draft was a good result, but the Swans were minor players.
Rating: C-
In: Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn), Nathan Vardy (Geelong) and picks 54
Out: Picks 52, 70 and 88
Win: An elite midfielder with leadership and four premierships and a ruckman who can play forward
Lose: Late picks
2016 draft picks: 12, 34, 54, 106
What couldn’t they get done?
The Eagles were Hayden Ballantyne's preferred home, but the club didn't pursue him aggressively. A deal couldn't be done because the small forward would not fit under the Eagles' salary cap.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Eagles clearly see themselves in a premiership window and have snared a player in Mitchell who can catapult them into contention immediately. Not only that, they got him for pick 88 and a slide of two spots in the third and fourth rounds. Vardy topped off a successful and targeted period.
Rating: A
West Coast has pinned its hopes on Nathan Vardy solving its ruck woes. Picture: AFL Photos
In: Travis Cloke, picks 26, 50, 80, 2017 third-round pick (North Melbourne), 2017 round-five selection (St Kilda)
Out: Joel Hamling, Nathan Hrovat, Koby Stevens, picks 40, 63, 76, 2017 third-round pick, 2017 fourth-round pick
Win: A key forward who could rejuvenate his career and an improved second-round pick
Lose: A premiership defender and midfield depth
2016 draft picks: 18, 26, 50, 75, 80, 94, 112
What couldn’t they get done?
Brett Deledio was considering a move to the Bulldogs as late as Wednesday but decided on GWS. He would have been a great addition to the 2016 premiers, but coach Luke Beveridge had misgivings earlier in the trade period.
Nathan Schmook’s verdict
The Bulldogs could have decided that Cloke was surplus to requirements after the 2016 premiership, but they followed through on the final day of trading and will benefit from the added competition he'll bring. At the other end of the ground, however, they lose a tall whose finals series will likely prove the making of him. They don't emerge an improved team but their hand was forced on Hamling.
Rating: C
