Essendon is shaping up to be one of the ‘big trade winners’ after securing three players – and still managing to retain its prized pick 9 in the upcoming draft.
The Bombers landed Jade Gresham as a restricted free agent on Friday when St Kilda opted not to match the offer – instead getting pick 21 (currently) as compensation.
This follows deals for Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein that did not require a trade, with the possible addition of Port’s Xavier Duursma still scheduled for the final days of next week’s trade period.
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“I like what Essendon did – I think they did it very well,” Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy. Trading day.
“Brad Scott preached patience… but now they have gone wonderfully and got to three, even four players so far.
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“To try to recharge where they are.
“They should be a challenge for all eight.”
His colleague Nick Dal Santo agreed that the Bombers should aim for the final in 2024.
“Is this roster, if it plays at a level close to its potential, better than what we saw with last year’s team? Absolutely,” he said.
“They should be around eight.”
Montagna believes McKay’s inclusion in the Bombers will play a crucial role in their finals hopes – comparing the fullback to Lions star Harris Andrews.
Stats show that McKay averaged a +7.5% 1-on-1 win rate against Andrews and +1 steal per game, while trailing only 0.1% in steal possessions over the last two years.
“(McKay) has taken the most steals in the last two years per game,” Montagna said.
“I’m surprised by some of Ben McKay’s football comments.
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“The suggestion that he has only played a handful of good games or that he is not a top player is far from the truth.
“I think we’ve seen that his best is very, very good.
“His numbers compare as well as anyone.
“You have to remember that he played on a team that sees more of the ball going into their backline with no real defensive system than any other team. I think by going to a team that will have a better defensive setup, he will have better defenders around him. I think we’ll see the best of this guy.
“For me, Essendon has been the big winner in this trading period so far.”
Dal Santo said he also evaluated Gresham’s recruitment.
“I think he has more upside… he has the ability to win matches,” he praised.
“He’s been St Kilda’s version of (Jordan) De Goey, (Christian) Petracca or Dusty (Martin) – he’s definitely not at that level. He has the traits of some of those guys.
Statistics show Gresham is one of five current players to average more than 18 disposals and a goal in their career – joining Martin, Patrick Dangerfield, Toby Greene and De Goey.
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“Maybe he’s not the best runner in the competition, maybe his kicking is a little slow – he’s a player who has qualities that are among the best players in the competition.” , Montagna said.
“We’re definitely not saying he fits that mold yet…but he’s got that talent in him.”
