AFL.com’s ranking of the 18 AFL clubs during the NAB Trade Period has put Fremantle equal first along side Port Adelaide and Essendon with a score of 9/10.
In: Brandon Matera, Nathan Wilson, picks 2, 66, 71, 83
Out: Harley Balic, Hayden Crozier, Lachie Weller, pick 57, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 third-round pick, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: Better in attack, defence and midfield (Pick No.2 will be an onballer)
Lose: An elite ball-user and a lot of picks next year
2017 draft picks: 2, 5, 42, 60, 66, 71, 79, 83, 97
What couldn't they get done? Wanted an earlier pick than No.66 for Balic, but made up for that on other deals. Completed every trade they set out to.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: List manager Brad Lloyd turned a disaster into a magnificent result for the Dockers, who will take two top-five picks to the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. It's the strongest draft hand the club has had since 1999 and it eased the pain of Lachie Weller's request for a trade. Nathan Wilson will replace Weller at half-back and Brandon Matera could be a handy pick-up.
Rating: 9/10
In: Bryce Gibbs, Sam Gibson, picks 12, 39, 77, 2018 first-round pick (Melbourne), 2018 second-round pick (Carlton), 2018 third-round pick (Carlton) and 2018 fourth-round pick (Melbourne)
Out: Charlie Cameron, Jake Lever, Harrison Wigg, picks 16, 36, 54, 73, 91, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 third-round pick and 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: Bolstered the midfield
Lose: A pair of gun youngsters
2017 draft picks: 12, 39, 77, 109
What they couldn't get done: The Crows were linked with contracted Bomber Aaron Francis, but declined to make a serious play for the South Australian.
Nick Bowen's verdict: The Crows were put on the back foot before the trade period when Jake Lever and Charlie Cameron requested trades. They made the best of a bad situation, getting a deal done early for Lever that netted them two first-round picks and gave them time to get trades done for Bryce Gibbs and Cameron. The Crows paid a high price for Gibbs, but the 29-year-old will be far more valuable to the flag contenders over the next few years than the two first-round picks he cost. Doing a late deal for Cameron also got Adelaide back into the first round of this year's draft, while it had earlier bolstered its hand in next year's bumper draft.
Rating: 7.5/10
In: Charlie Cameron, Luke Hodge, picks 15, 40, 44, 52
Out: Josh Schache, Tom Rockliff, picks 12, 20, 43, 75
Win: Players who want to be in Queensland
Lose: An injury-prone clearance beast and a wantaway forward whose value has plummeted
2017 draft picks: 1, 15, 18, 40, 44, 52, 93
What they couldn't get done: The Lions were interested in including Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong in a deal for Josh Schache, but left their run too late. They spoke with Port ruckman Matthew Lobbe but decided not to pursue a trade, while they were open to discussing swaps for pick No.1 but did not receive any sufficiently tempting offers.
Nick Bowen's verdict: They had to work hard and paid a high price but landing contracted Crow Charlie Cameron was a coup for the Lions. Former Hawks skipper Luke Hodge came for a song and should be a powerful leader around the Gabba. The Lions would have been thrilled to receive pick No.18 as compensation for former captain Tom Rockliff's free agency departure to Port Adelaide. They should also be commended for proactively brokering a win-win result for the club and Josh Schache, a deal that got the homesick forward back to Victoria and brought in two picks that enabled the club to snare a third top-20 selection via a late trade with Richmond.
Rating: 7.5/10
In: Matthew Kennedy, Darcy Lang, Matthew Lobbe, pick 10, 30, 73, 2018 second-round pick (Adelaide), 2018 second-round pick (Western Bulldogs), 2018 fourth-round pick (Geelong)
Out: Bryce Gibbs, pick 40, 58, 77, 95, 2018 third-round pick, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: Young onballers and bolstered hands for the next two NAB AFL Drafts
Lose: Arguably their best midfielder
2017 draft picks: 3, 10, 30, 73
What they couldn't get done: Made serious plays for former Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff and Greater Western Sydney's Devon Smith but missed out to Port Adelaide and Essendon respectively.
Nick Bowen's verdict: The Blues' main focus had been bolstering their midfield depth so they would have been disappointed to miss out on primary targets Tom Rockliff and Devon Smith. Gibbs' departure will also leave a massive on-ball hole, but the deal helped them snare Giant Matthew Kennedy, 20, and Cat Darcy Lang, 21, youngsters they will be hoping become important members of their new midfield generation. The Blues also did well to improve their hands in the 2017 and 2018 drafts.
Rating: 6/10
In: Sam Murray, 2018 third-round pick (Sydney)
Out: 2018 second-round pick
Win: Backline speed
Lose: A chance to improve the list for Nathan Buckley's seventh year in charge
2017 draft picks: 6, 38, 56, 61, 70, 80, 98, 108
What they couldn't get done: The Pies had interest in Crows defender Jake Lever and Melbourne forward Jack Watts but never seriously entered the race for either.
Nick Bowen's verdict: After being big players in the previous two trade periods, the Magpies were quieter than a Tibetan monk this year. Made a late minor trade, bringing in Swans rookie Sam Murray at the high price of a future second-round pick, with a couple of later picks coming back their way.
Rating: 5/10
In: Adam Saad, Devon Smith, Jake Stringer, 2018 second-round pick (GWS)
Out: Picks 11, 30, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 third-round pick
Win: Their way into a premiership window
Lose: Almost any chance of drafting a good player
2017 draft picks: 48, 67, 85, 103
What couldn't they get done? Nothing. The Bombers ticked off every item on their wishlist. The order in which they went after their targets was the only source of criticism, but all ended well.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: The Bombers identified their three targets, came up with a strategy to land them all and delivered in an outstanding Trade Period. They found a way to leverage their pick No.11 to essentially land two of their three targets, getting Smith and Saad out of the way early. They held their ground with the Western Bulldogs and have lifted themselves into 2018 premiership contention. One of the big winners.
Rating: 9/10
In: Gary Ablett, picks 24, 58, 2018 third-round pick (Richmond), 2018 fourth-round pick (Carlton), 2018 fourth round-pick (Gold Coast)
Out: Darcy Lang, Steven Motlop, pick 53, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: The recruit they had to land and a stronger draft hand next year, potentially for father-son Oscar Brownless
Lose: A couple of players who didn't finish top-10 in the best and fairest
2017 draft picks: 22, 24, 35, 58, 72, 90, 108
What couldn't they get done? Daniel Menzel was searching for a longer-term deal elsewhere but stays at the Cats. There was reported interest in Sam Lloyd, but he chose to remain with the Tigers.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: Pick No.19 as compensation for Steven Motlop was a surprise result that paved the way for champion Gary Ablett's return to the Cattery. It was a trade 12 months in the making and both the Cats and Suns should be praised for making it happen amid difficult circumstances. Jake Stringer and Jack Watts chose to go elsewhere, but the Cats will back themselves to find quality talent with picks No.22 and No.24.
Rating: 7/10
In: Lachie Weller, Harrison Wigg, Aaron Young, picks 19, 41, 50, 54, 2018 first-round pick (West Coast), 2018 second-round pick (Essendon), 2018 second-round pick (Geelong), 2018 third-round pick (Fremantle)
Out: Gary Ablett, Brandon Matera, Adam Saad, picks 2, 21, 24, 26, 37, 39, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: A star youngster who wants to be there
Lose: Two players who offer pace at each end of the ground
2017 draft picks: 19, 41, 50, 54, 76, 94
What they couldn't get done: The Suns made a strong play for Geelong free agent Steven Motlop but lost out to Port Adelaide, while they were unable to attract a Cats player as part of the Gary Ablett deal, coming closest with Darcy Lang.
Nick Bowen's verdict: In a year when they have struggled to attract players, the Suns had to land contracted Fremantle half-back Lachie Weller when he requested a trade to Metricon Stadium – and they did. Yes, pick No.2 was an exorbitant price for the 21-year-old, but Weller is a star-in-the-making and his Queensland ties mean the Suns can lock him in for the next decade. Bringing in Port forward Aaron Young and Crows defender Harrison Wigg adds depth to the Suns' list, while they ultimately extracted fair returns for Ablett – in complicated circumstances – and Saad.
Rating: 6.5/10
In: Picks 11, 28, 57, 2018 second-round pick (Fremantle), 2018 third-round pick (Essendon)
Out: Matthew Kennedy, Devon Smith, Nathan Wilson, picks 25, 71, 2018 second-round pick
Win: Better picks at the next two drafts
Lose: As seems to be the case every year, more depth has been lost
2017 draft picks: 11, 27, 28, 57, 65, 89, 107
What they couldn't get done: The Giants were not aggressively in the market this trade period, having retained key players Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield and Jacob Hopper late in the season.
Nick Bowen's verdict: GWS cleverly beat the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast to Essendon's pick No.11 via the Devon Smith trade, a deal that got them back into the draft's first round after they were stripped of their original first-round selection following Whitfield's six-month suspension for breaching WADA protocols. The Giants also eventually extracted solid deals for defender Nathan Wilson (Fremantle) and second-year midfielder Matthew Kennedy (Carlton), and successfully shut down St Kilda's interest in contracted defender Adam Tomlinson.
Rating: 6.5/10
In: Jarman Impey, picks 43, 68, 75
Out: Luke Hodge, picks 34, 44, 62, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: Speed
Lose: Not much, considering Hodge was going to retire
2017 draft picks: 43, 68, 75, 81, 99
What couldn't they get done? An improved draft hand. After trading pick No.33 as part of the Impey trade, the Hawks set about rebuilding their standing in the draft. Billy Hartung didn't find a new home.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: Aside from helping champion Luke Hodge make his way to the Lions and securing Jarman Impey early in the Trade Period, the Hawks were happy to put their feet up after the drama of 12 months ago. Briefly linked to Josh Schache and Anthony Miles, the big play many expected never eventuated and they were one of the least active clubs. They'll enter the draft at pick No.43, a lot earlier than last year.
Rating: 6/10
In: Harley Balic, Jake Lever, picks 31, 36, 2018 third-round pick (Adelaide)
Out: Jack Watts, picks 10, 66, 2018 first-round pick, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: Even more young talent
Lose: An inconsistent fan favourite and early picks for the next two drafts
2017 draft picks: 29, 31, 36, 47, 84, 102
What they couldn't get done: The Demons had an extremely targeted trade period and hit their primary mark, Crows defender Jake Lever.
Nick Bowen's verdict: Melbourne's post-season was a success from the time it landed the most exciting young talent in this year's trade period, Lever. Lever, 21, will slot seamlessly into the Demons backline and should help strengthen a team that already looked well placed to break a 12-year finals drought next season. The Dees also made the tough call to trade Jack Watts to Port Adelaide. Melbourne had been hoping for a pick in the 20s for 2008's No.1 draft pick, but eventually accepted pick No.31, feeling it was time to cut its losses. Homesick Fremantle youngster Harley Balic came at a bargain price and the Demons are excited by his ability to play a hybrid forward/midfield role.
Rating: 7.5/10
In: Pick 91, 2018 third-round pick (St Kilda), 2018 third-round pick West Coast)
Out: Sam Gibson, pick 46, 2018 third-round pick
Win: Extra points with academy and father-son prospects next year
Lose: A delisted player
2017 draft picks: 4, 23, 64, 78, 91, 96
What they couldn't get done: No rival clubs emerged as serious suitors for contracted ruckman Todd Goldstein, while the Roos had some interest in Cats midfielder Darcy Lang but ultimately not as much as Carlton. A late bid to become involved in Gold Coast's talks with Fremantle on Lachie Weller with a view to upgrading their pick No.4 to the Suns' No.2 also amounted to nothing.
Nick Bowen's verdict: After their big-money plays for Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly narrowly fell short last month, the Roos kept a low profile during the trade period. Their only trade was an exchange of third-round picks with Port Adelaide that bolstered their 2018 draft points position if they have to match bids for father-son prospects Joel Crocker, Nick Blakey and Bailey Scott, and Tasmanian academy member Tarryn Thomas.
Rating: 5/10
In: Steven Motlop, Tom Rockliff, Jack Watts, picks 46, 59, 62, 63, 95, 2018 second-round pick (St Kilda), 2018 third-round pick (North Melbourne)
Out: Brendon Ah Chee, Logan Austin, Jarman Impey, Matthew Lobbe, Jackson Trengove, Aaron Young, picks 31, 68, 2018 fourth-round pick
Win: A trio that could deliver a lot, or not much
Lose: Handy depth players
2017 draft picks: 46, 49, 59, 62, 63, 86, 95, 104
What they couldn't get done: Nothing. Port came, saw and conquered this Trade Period.
Nick Bowen's verdict: The trade period's biggest winner narrowly ahead of Essendon. Acquired free agents Tom Rockliff and Steven Motlop, and Melbourne forward Jack Watts at the total cost of pick No.31. Also had a big win in getting – at least part of – ruckman Matthew Lobbe's salary off its books via his move to Carlton. Port also bid farewell to another five players – Jackson Trengove, Jarman Impey, Brendon Ah Chee, Aaron Young and Logan Austin – but their list now looks stronger than the one that finished this year's home and away season in fifth.
Rating: 9/10
In: Picks 20, 25, 53
Out: Picks 15, 52, 2018 third-round pick
Win: An improved hand at the draft for the premiers
Lose: Not much
2017 draft picks: 17, 20, 25, 53, 55, 74, 92, 110
What couldn't they get done? Keeping Anthony Miles was the club's preference after he explored opportunities. The Tigers didn't actively search for any other deals.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: The premiers were committed to taking a strong hand to the draft while positioning themselves strategically to cover a bid for father-son prospect Patrick Naish. On that score they have delivered, making sure they can use at least two picks in the top 25, keeping another to use on Naish if required. Ruled themselves out of the race for Schache early, which may have been a missed opportunity.
Rating: 7/10
In: Logan Austin, 2018 fourth-round pick (Adelaide), 2018 fourth-round pick (Port Adelaide)
Out: Pick 59, 63, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 third-round pick
Win: Much needed key defensive depth
Lose: Draft picks next year
2017 draft picks: 7, 8, 34, 45, 100
What couldn't they get done? Had a red-hot crack at Adam Tomlinson after suspecting he wanted to seek a trade, but GWS shut that down. Andrew Gaff becomes a free agent next year and the Saints couldn't shake him free early.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: Going to the draft with picks No.7 and No.8 is the legacy of a trade with Hawthorn 12 months ago. The Saints wanted to move up the order even further but were unable to find a suitable deal to make that happen. They'll sleep easy with back-to-back picks in the top 10 but would have wanted to be more active than they were. Appear to be loading up for a free agency assault in 2018.
Rating: 5.5/10
In: 2018 second-round pick (Collingwood)
Out: Sam Murray, pick 70, 2018 third-round pick
Win: Better hand in a stronger draft next year
Lose: A rookie who hasn't played a game
2017 draft picks: 14, 33, 51, 88, 106
What couldn't they get done? Had an interest in Jack Watts, but it was clear early on that Port Adelaide was a frontrunner for his services. Otherwise very quiet.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: Strengthening their presence in the second round of next year's draft is a great result in exchange for rookie Sam Murray. If the 2018 draft crop is as strong as recruiters suggest, then moving up from the third round into the second is a significant shift that will be fully appreciated in 12 months. Murray is yet to debut, but clearly the Pies saw something in his NEAFL form. The Swans lose him and pick No.70, which they were unlikely to use.
Rating: 7/10
In: Brendon Ah Chee, picks 21, 26, 37, 2018 second-round pick (Gold Coast), 2018 fourth-round pick (Hawthorn)
Out: Pick 50, 2018 first-round pick, 2018 third-round pick
Win: Plenty to replenish their list with
Lose: Important picks next year
2017 draft picks: 13, 21, 26, 32, 37, 69, 87, 105
What couldn't they get done? A complex pick swap with the Western Bulldogs fell over that would have seen the Eagles sacrifice their position in next year's draft to net more picks this year.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: While the Bulldogs arrangement fell over, the Eagles found a partner in Gold Coast to get the extra picks they needed this year. By sliding from the first round to the second round next year, they landed picks No.21 and No.26, which means they can replenish with youth immediately. The strength of their 2018 season – and Gold Coast's – will determine how big the slide back to the second round really is. Brendon Ah Chee was a bargain pick-up, with West Coast sliding from the third round to the fourth round next year.
Rating: 7/10
In: Hayden Crozier, Josh Schache, Jackson Trengove, pick 16, 2018 fourth-round pick (Fremantle)
Out: Jake Stringer, picks 28, 41, 83, 2018 second-round pick
Win: Versatility and a tall forward whose stocks were huge a couple of years ago
Lose: Draft presence in rounds two-four and a powerful forward whose stocks were huge a couple of years ago
2017 draft picks: 9, 16, 82, 101
What couldn't they get done? Pick No.11. The Bulldogs had their hands on Essendon's first pick in a proposed deal for Jake Stringer, but they blinked and missed their chance as GWS swooped. Tom Campbell and Stewart Crameri didn't find new homes.
Nathan Schmook's verdict: Appeared to botch the negotiations for Stringer early and were forced to eventually accept No.25 and No.30 on deadline day. They deserve credit for exploring opportunities everywhere to turn those two picks into a first-round selection and they were always active. It took more than they would have hoped, but they landed pick No.16 from Carlton and finished with Josh Schache in a deal for picks No.25 and No.40. Giving up a future second-round pick will hurt next year, but Hayden Crozier and Jackson Trengove will be solid inclusions.
Rating: 6.5/10
