Yes, it was in Monday's HS....he seems to have latched on to that post match Tik Tok post but I've always suspected Ralph has something against us.
In his interview today, Longmire said, in regard to the Wicks story, that the club were "disappointed in the reporting of a longtime journalist". That would be Ralph.
Fox Sports also reported on it online as well. There always seems to be negative Swans stories popping up when the Bloods are on the march and in contention.
I hope Jon Ralph is right about Hayward. I like Will, but he's very much expendable if 2 first rounders are on the table. That would give us 3 picks in the top 25 this year and 2 first rounders in 2025.
We need to move on 1 or 2 first team players to make room for some good players not able to make the team despite Parker Mills and Rampe being out atm, notably Campbell, Sheldrick and Konstanty, with Mitchell, Cleary and Corey Warner making a run for the senior side in the coming year or 2. In the interim, we have a strong midfield which requires frequent rotations forward.
It's more a matter of timing rather than how good a particular player might be. We have a good balance of experience and youth right now. We have to keep refreshing the team to stay on top over a long period of time. If we have another 5 quality draftees coming over the next 2 years, we should have a steady flow of talent coming into the team as veterans like Rampe, Parker and Adams head to retirement.
The Crows aren’t trading two first rounders for Hayward. He’s a free agent so they’d hope to get him for nothing (if he chooses them) but if the Swans were to match a bid and force a trade they’re still not trading two first rounders, especially as this year’s pick looks likely to be a top ten pick. They grudgingly coughed up a very late future first round pick for Dawson, who was younger and a much better player than Hayward.
They may have indicated they are willing to trade their next two first round picks. But not specifically for Hayward.
Anyone figured out why we added a 3 week calf to a 7 week shoulder for Mills, to have him out 10 weeks.
Be lying if I said they have been real clear with Mills this year
In the injury update video, head trainer Damian Raper explained that Mills won't now able to train next 2 weeks and hence won't able to resume the shoulder contact program he was on.
That's what i thought re Hayward being a RFA, so was confused with the talk generated by John Ralph of 2 x 1st rounders being potentially on the table.
Any pick compensation for Hayward would then be determined by the AFL (should we not match bid). Despite the compensation formula being based on length & $$$$ of contract, they tend to offer bigger compensation to bottom clubs than those in top 4 (Hawthorn only got pick 18 for Buddy).
Anyhow this is all speculation at this stage, as i'm also in the keep Hayward camp. Confident he will re-sign for couple years till he is a UFA whist we're in premiership window & is currently in our best 22.
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