EVERY club hopes its off-season wheeling and dealing has an immediate impact but it doesn't always work out that way. With the halfway mark of the season past us, it's time to assess who got their trading and drafting right last year - and who's paying the heaviest price for missing the mark.
Trade/FA ins: Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson, Scott Selwood, Zac Smith
Draft ins: Wylie Buzza, Jock Cornell, Ryan Gardner, Matthew Hayball, Sam Menegola, James Parsons, Tom Ruggles
Impact on 2016: Patrick Dangerfield has been as good as advertised – ranking No.2 in the AFL in disposals, contested possessions and centre clearances – and is the red-hot Brownlow Medal favourite. Lachie Henderson has fitted in almost seamlessly into the Cats' backline, while Zac Smith has been a revelation in the ruck after being discarded by Gold Coast. Scott Selwood is yet to play after off-season ankle surgery but is pencilled in to run out in the VFL after the bye. The mature-age Tom Ruggles has proved a savvy pick up, replacing defender Jackson Thurlow who went down with a season-ending knee injury in the pre-season.
Longer-term: Dangerfield was always going to be worth the cost of parting with picks nine, 28 and Dean Gore. The way Henderson has played over the last month has justified the Cats handing over a future first-round pick to the Blues. The Cats' young draftees are still raw but Sam Menegola would have played already had he not hurt his knee. 
Trade/FA ins: Daniel Gorringe, Sam Kerridge, Jed Lamb, Andrew Phillips, Lachie Plowman, Liam Sumner, Matthew Wright
Draft ins: David Cuningham, Charlie Curnow, Andrew Gallucci, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Harry McKay, Matt Korcheck (international rookie), Jack Silvagni, Jacob Weitering
Impact on 2016: Some suspected the Blues had sacrificed quality for quantity during last year's trade period, but their seven recycled players have all played senior football in 2016, with former Crows Kerridge and Wright appearing in every game so far. Ex-Giants Plowman and Phillips have also been particularly impressive in defence and the ruck respectively. Of the Blues' draftees, Weitering is already an influential player in defence with his composure and intercept marking, while Curnow has also shown glimpses of his talent in four senior games.
Longer-term: In Weitering and forwards McKay, Curnow and Silvagni, the Blues could have the basis of a strong spine they can rebuild around, while Cuningham has the lightning pace to become a midfield line-breaker. Apart from Wright, 26, the recycled Blues are all 24 or under, so have plenty of footy left in them.
Trade/FA ins: James Aish, Jeremy Howe, Adam Treloar
Draft ins: Ben Crocker, Tim Golds, Tom Phillips, Brayden Sier, Josh Smith, Rupert Wills, Darrean Wyatt
Impact on 2016: Although Collingwood's struggles have been well documented, Adam Treloar has been the second-best trade pick up behind Patrick Dangerfield. Treloar has added a touch of class to a one-paced midfield. After an inauspicious start to his Magpies career, Jeremy Howe has been in excellent touch and has probably been the club's most reliable defender. Ben Crocker, Tom Phillips and Josh Smith have all had chances at senior level this season.
Longer-term: The Magpies gave up a raft of draft picks for James Aish but are prepared to play the long game with the talented, yet unproven youngster. Brayden Sier – the club's first-round draft pick from last season – has had a few injury issues but was tracking well before that.
Trade/FA ins: Tomas Bugg, Ben Kennedy, Jake Melksham
Draft ins: Liam Hulett, Mitch King, Clayton Oliver, Joel Smith, Josh Wagner, Sam Weideman
Impact on 2016: Melbourne went looking for competitors and it nailed the Tomas Bugg and Ben Kennedy picks when it comes to that criteria. Clayton Oliver looks like one of the most talented players in this year's draft crop, while Josh Wagner has filled an important slot rebounding the ball out of the back half. Young forward Sam Weideman is developing nicely in the VFL and could see senior action later in the season.
Longer-term: The Demons could not have foreseen the circumstances surrounding Jake Melksham and he will complement what they have already built down back this season. Liam Hulett has been travelling well in the VFL and Mitch King, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, could play a crucial role in future seasons given the Demons' lack of ruck depth.
Trade/FA ins: Matthew Suckling
Draft ins: Marcus Adams, Jed Adcock, Kieran Collins, Josh Dunkley, Luke Goetz, Brad Lynch, Bailey Williams
Impact on 2016: Adams has been one of the standout key defenders in the competition in the first half of this season, and at 22 years old, appears to have a big future in the AFL. Jed Adcock – the former captain at the Brisbane Lions – has also added experience and leadership to a young team that lost skipper Bob Murphy to a season-ending knee injury. Matthew Suckling, an unrestricted free agent, has played an important role off half-back, made more vital because of the injuries to Murphy, Jason Johannisen and Easton Wood.
Longer-term: It could be argued the Bulldogs have had the pick of last year's draft crop based on how they have fared at AFL level. Kieran Collins, Josh Dunkley and Bailey Williams have all had a chance to display their wares this season as coach Luke Beveridge continues to back in and blood his young players.
Trade/FA ins: Craig Bird, Matthew Leuenberger
Draft ins: Mitch Brown, Yestin Eades, Aaron Francis, Michael Hartley, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Alex Morgan, Gach Nyuon, Darcy Parish, Mason Redman, Tom Wallis
Impact on 2016: In a tough year, the Bombers have uncovered some exciting talent. Of their mature-age recruits, rebounding defender McDonald-Tipungwuti has been a revelation, while key forward Brown and key defender Hartley have made the most of their second AFL chances. Former Lion Leuenberger has capably shouldered the Dons' ruck duties, but ex-Swan Bird has struggled for form. Parish, pick No.5 in last year's national draft, has been outstanding in his first season and is among the leading NAB AFL Rising Star contenders, while fellow draftee Redman, pick No.30, has also been introduced to senior football.
Longer-term: Francis, pick No.6 in the 2015 draft, and Morgan, pick No.29, have yet to debut largely because of injury, while the Dons will acquire more top-end talent at this year's draft when their hand will almost certainly include a top-two pick. Leuenberger, 28, McDonald-Tipungwuti, 23, Brown, 25, and Hartley, 23, all look capable of holding senior spots when Essendon's WADA-suspended players return next season.
The Bombers have picked up a beauty in Darcy Parish (right). Picture: AFL Media
Trade/FA ins: Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell, Jarrad Jansen, Josh Walker
Draft ins: Eric Hipwood, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson, Josh Schache, Sam Skinner, Reuben William
Impact on 2016: Bastinac and Bell, before his season-ending knee injury, have been welcome additions to the Lions' midfield. Former Cat Walker has struggled to provide the tall target coach Justin Leppitsch was hoping for in attack, but first-year talls Schache and, more recently, Hipwood have shown they should be able to handle that role in time. The Lions have also been encouraged by how first-year midfielders Keays and Mathieson have performed in their senior games.
Longer-term: The Lions' lack of a strong spine is their most glaring list shortcoming and Schache, Hipwood and Skinner should help them address that, but they need time to develop. The Lions are well positioned to bring in more young talent at this year's draft, having acquired additional second- and third-round picks in last year's three-club trade involving James Aish and Bastinac.
Trade/FA ins: Callum Sinclair, Michael Talia
Draft ins: Jordan Dawson, Kyle Galloway, Tyrone Leonardis, Callum Mills, Sam Murray, Colin O'Riordan (international rookie), Tom Papley
Impact on 2016: Former Eagle Sinclair has proved a good replacement for retired ruckman Mike Pyke and becomes a vital player for the Swans in the lead-up to the finals with Kurt Tippett sidelined with injury. Mills' seamless transition into AFL football in his first season suggests the defender is a star in the making. Rookie Papley was a revelation as a small forward in the first eight rounds, winning the round three Rising Star nomination before suffering a shin injury. Former Bulldog Talia made the Swans' round one team but has since been sidelined with a foot injury.
Longer-term: Leonardis, the Swans' second pick in last year's draft, is an excellent kick and has made a strong impression with his NEAFL performances, while fellow draftee Dawson and rookies Galloway and Murray are long-term projects.
Trade/FA ins: Charlie Dixon, Jimmy Toumpas
Draft ins: Riley Bonner, Cameron Hewett, Daniel Houston, Aidyn Johnson, Will Snelling
Impact on 2016: The Power needed to target a powerful forward to replace the ageing Jay Schulz and they got it right with Charlie Dixon. Dixon's importance to the team has been expedited given Schulz' long-term injury, the suspension of Paddy Ryder and Matthew Lobbe's season-ending knee injury. Dixon, whose physicality has been pivotal for the Power, has kicked 29 goals from 13 games and the key forward ranks sixth in the AFL for contested marks. Jimmy Toumpas had some pre-season exposure but is yet to capitalise on his opportunities at AFL level.
Longer-term: None of the Power's draftees have been sighted at AFL level this season as they continue their development in the SANFL. With Ryder to return at the start of next season, Dixon offers the Power versatility up forward and as a back-up ruckman.
Trade/FA ins: Steve Johnson, Dawson Simpson
Draft ins: Matthew Flynn, Harrison Himmelberg, Jacob Hopper, Matthew Kennedy, Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid
Impact on 2016: Once Geelong made the decision to move him on, Steve Johnson was hell-bent on playing elsewhere. The triple-premiership star has made a sizeable impact at the Giants, booting 28 goals (just two fewer than last season) and is averaging a tick under 20 disposals per game. Johnson, considered to have one of the sharpest minds in the game, has also taken a number of the young Giants under his wing in a quasi-coaching role.
Longer-term: Giants Academy members Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy have already illustrated their copious talent at senior level this season and look like being 200-game players. Mobile forward Harrison Himmelberg has big wraps on him and Daniel Lloyd and Sam Reid are experienced players who add depth to an already stacked side.
Trade/FA ins: Daniel Currie, Jarrad Grant, Matt Rosa
Draft ins: Callum Ah Chee, Ryan Davis, Brayden Fiorini, Jesse Joyce, Tom Keough, Cameron Loersch, Darcy MacPherson, Josh Schoenfeld, Mackenzie Willis
Impact on 2016: Rosa has proved an astute pick-up, with the former West Coast on-baller helping to prop up an injury-ravaged Gold Coast midfield. Ex-North Melbourne ruckman Currie and former Bulldogs forward Grant have added depth to the Suns' list, but injuries have limited their senior appearances. Former Eagle Davis has grasped his chance since being elevated from the rookie list, playing 10 of the Suns' first 13 games. Ah Chee, Gold Coast's first pick in last year's draft at No.8 overall, has shown enough in seven games to suggest he has a bright AFL future. Fellow 2015 draftee Willis and rookies MacPherson and Joyce have also enjoyed tastes of AFL football.
Longer-term: The Suns have yet to unveil their second and third picks in last year's draft, midfielders Fiorini and Schoenfeld, and are set to further boost their on-ball stocks this year via Academy prospects Jack Bowes and Brad Scheer. Gold Coast will head into the draft with an extremely strong hand, having acquired an extra first-round selection (Melbourne) and three second-round picks in last year's trade period.
Trade/FA ins: Dean Gore, Curtly Hampton, Troy Menzel, Paul Seedsman
Draft ins: Jonathon Beech, Tom Doedee, Hugh Greenwood, Paul Hunter, Alex Keath, Wayne Milera
Impact on 2016: Seedsman has been a valuable addition to the Crows' midfield with his run and carry, but Adelaide would have been hoping for far more from the supremely talented Menzel, who has spent the year in the SANFL striving to reach the on- and off-field standards expected at his new club. Ex-Giant Hampton has been sidelined all year with a foot injury. Milera was Adelaide's first pick in last year's national draft at No.11 overall and the speedster has shown exciting signs in his eight senior games.
Longer-term: The Crows have been happy with the development shown by defender Tom Doedee, pick No.17 in last year's draft, and inside midfielder Dean Gore, who was part of the Patrick Dangerfield trade, although neither has been able to break into Adelaide's settled 22. Keath was one of the brightest junior prospects in Australia when he was one of Gold Coast's 12 under-17 concession picks in 2009 and the Crows will be hoping the 24-year-old can deliver on that promise now that he's retired from first-class cricket.
Trade/FA ins: Jonathan Giles, Lewis Jetta, Jack Redden
Draft ins: Matthew Allen, Tom Cole, Kurt Mutimer, Luke Partington, Jordan Snadden
Impact on 2016: Last year's Grand Finalists were hoping the addition of Lewis Jetta would help address their lack of speed on the outside of the contest. But the former Sydney Swan has been disappointing since being traded and has been dropped twice by Adam Simpson this year. Jonathan Giles has served his role in place of the injured Nic Naitanui in the ruck and former Lion Jack Redden has been a solid addition to the midfield. Youngster Tom Cole has been on the cusp of selection most weeks and has won plenty of fans out west.
Longer-term: The Eagles decided on a straight swap in the Lewis Jetta-Callum Sinclair trade. Given Naitanui's injury issues, Sinclair – who has been excellent for the Swans – would have been the ideal ruck pairing with Scott Lycett. At this stage, the Swans are well in front in that deal.
Unfortunately for the Eagles and Lewis Jetta it hasn't been all high fives this year. Picture: AFL Media
Trade/FA ins: Jake Carlisle, Nathan Freeman
Draft ins: Nick Coughlan, Jade Gresham, Nick O'Kearney, Bailey Rice, Brandon White
Impact on 2016: Gresham, pick No.18 in last year's draft, has made an impressive start to his career, playing 10 games and winning the round 14 Rising Star nomination for his clutch performance against Geelong. However, the Saints would be disappointed not to get one game out of boom recruits Carlisle (WADA suspension) and Freeman (recurring hamstring injuries).
Longer-term: The Saints' defence will be bolstered in 2017 by Carlisle's return, but doubts remain over whether Freeman's body can withstand the rigours of AFL football. This season has been a development one for draftees Rice and White and rookies Coughlan and O'Kearney.
Trade/FA ins: Jed Anderson
Draft ins: Ryan Clarke, Mitchell Hibberd, Ben McKay, Declan Mountford, Farren Ray, Corey Wagner
Impact on 2016: Anderson was best placed to have an impact after three seasons at Hawthorn but he has only recently returned in the VFL after suffering a serious hamstring injury in round one. The Roos have been pleased with the development of first-year players Wagner, Clarke, Hibberd, McKay and Mountford, although the club's strong start to 2016 has meant Wagner is the only one to have tasted senior football. Former Bulldog and Saint Ray has proved a handy depth player as North's injury list has grown.
Longer-term: At 22, Anderson still has plenty of time to forge a successful career at his second AFL home, while the strong VFL form of hard-running midfielders Clarke and Mountford and half-back Hibberd suggests they have bright AFL futures. McKay also looks to have the aggression and mobility to fill the forward-line hole that will be left when Drew Petrie and Jarrad Waite retire.
Trade/FA ins: Jack Fitzpatrick
Draft ins: Ryan Burton, Conor Glass (international rookie), Blake Hardwick, Kieran Lovell, Kade Stewart, Luke Surman
Impact on 2016: Only Lovell, pick No.22 in last year's draft, and rookie Stewart have played senior football this year, both showing potential in their limited number of games. Hardwick has impressed in the VFL and could make his debut before the end of the home and away season. Former Demon Fitzpatrick's first season at Waverley has been disrupted by lingering concussion after-effects.
Longer-term: The Hawks' first draft pick, Burton (No.19), was always going to be given plenty of time in his return from a serious broken leg, but impressed in two VFL games in April before undergoing further surgery. Glass was a star Gaelic footballer in his native Ireland but has just embarked on his AFL journey, while key-position player Surman is also a long-term prospect.
Trade/FA ins: Andrew Moore, Jacob Townsend, Chris Yarran
Draft ins: Nathan Broad, Mabior Chol, Adam Marcon, Oleg Markov, Callum Moore, Daniel Rioli
Impact on 2016: Chris Yarran was hailed as the Tigers' marquee recruit, destined to lead Richmond into September and beyond. But from early in the season those plans were dashed as the former Blue underwent surgery on his foot. Yarran was then granted indefinite leave by the Tigers, late last month, to deal with a mental health condition and he has only just returned to the club. Andrew Moore and Jacob Townsend have filled roles in the midfield but aren't the type of players who are going to win you games. Nathan Broad has shown a bit as a key defender, while Daniel Rioli is an exciting prospect with a high ceiling.
Longer-term: The Tigers may have been guilty of overrating their list. If Yarran can bounce back and make an impact at senior level, the speedster has the ability to add a point of difference in Richmond's side.
Trade/FA ins: Harley Bennell
Draft ins: Harley Balic, Sam Collins, Ethan Hughes, Ryan Nyhuis, Darcy Tucker, Matthew Uebergang, Shane Yarran
Impact on 2016: Harley Bennell was supposed to bolster a list that was on the cusp of winning the club's maiden premiership. But, it's fair to say, things have fallen apart for the Dockers in 2016. The former Sun is yet to play a senior game and has been ruled out for the season after being ravaged by calf troubles. Adding to Fremantle's pain has been the wrist injury to promising draftee Harley Balic. Darcy Tucker, Ethan Hughes and Sam Collins have been exposed to AFL footy but have plenty to learn, while Shane Yarran's police charge was exactly what the club didn't want.
Longer-term: After a horrible start to 2016, the Dockers have had to hit the restart button and plan for the future. That's why getting games into Collins, Hughes and Tucker has been so important as they go through a mini-rebuild. If he can get his body and mindset right, Bennell – who signed a three-year deal – has all the talent to be a star of the competition.
