See what media experts from AFL.com.au, Herald Sun and The Age said about the Bulldogs’ trade performance below.
IN: Matt Suckling (free agent), picks 20, 21, 2 x 2016 4th round picks
OUT: Michael Talia, picks 11 and 69, 2016 3rd round pick
List management: Ayce Cordy, Sam Darley, Matthew Fuller, Brett Goodes, Jordan Kelly, Daniel Pearce (delisted), Jarrad Grant (won’t be offered contract)
2015 draft selections: 20, 21, 30, 51
AFL.com.au – Ben Collins & Nathan Schmook
Filled a need: Suckling is a quality acquisition and part of the next generation of leadership in the back half for when the likes of skipper Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Dale Morris hang up their boots. The ex-Hawk also adds flexibility with his ability to play on a wing and kick long goals.
Still to find: A ruckman, given Will Minson will be 31 in April, along with a key defender and perhaps a key forward. Missed out on Lions ruckman Stefan Martin, Power big man Matthew Lobbe and ex-Bomber swingman Jake Carlisle. Coaxing Brian Lake into a comeback wouldn't have been the worst idea, but he says he's content in retirement. - Ben Collins
Nathan Schmook’s verdict: If the Bulldogs identified a ruckman as their priority, why did they wait until the second last day of the trade period to make a move on Port Adelaide's Matthew Lobbe? The Bulldogs' approach was to be very specific in their approach to trades this year and they inquired about players they wanted, regardless of their contracted situation. The fact they didn't complete a player trade suggests they are comfortable with their list, but a ruckman would have helped in 2016. - Nathan Schmook
Herald Sun – Gary Buckenara
Gary Buckenara was the Recruiting Manager at the Hawthorn Football Club between December, 1999 and July, 2015.
A quiet trade period for the Dogs outside of bringing in a very good player in Suckling who will be a more than handy addition with his ball use — he has that very quick kick that gets to its target fast.
Tom Boyd as a forward who needs to stand up this year, Jake Stringer and Tory Dickson will love it when Suckling has the footy in the midfield. Traded out Talia, which was the only option.
They also have pick Nos. 20, 21 and 30, which should get them some more good young talent.
Overall, while they weren’t very active the Dogs have definitely added to their team with Suckling and have done quite well.
The Age – Matt Murnane
They actually had a hand in several pots, but in the final counting, considered it was more valuable to keep their chips.
It resulted in a polar opposite outcome to this time last year, where they emerged as a surprise big league player.
Port Adelaide big man Matthew Lobbe was one they went for to address their ruck problem, but he rejected the advance, while the link supporters were most excited about, Brisbane's Stefan Martin, never led anywhere, either.
The Luke Beveridge connection allowed the Dogs to add Suckling, for essentially nothing, to their fleet of skilful runners and finishers.
Talia went late, but he was always going.
