Trade week primer: North Melbourne

WITH trade week upon us, afl.com.au runs through how each of the 16 clubs are placed and which players, if any, they will be courting in the post-season period.

Where's the club at?
Losing experienced trio Shannon Grant, Nathan Thompson and Jess Sinclair to retirement, North Melbourne can't afford to part ways with many more senior players. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Dean Laidley and his coaching staff will maintain faith in those that got the side to fourth spot by round 20 after a mediocre first half of the season. There's promise in the youth stocks too, and strengthening them is a key aim for the medium-term future.

Needs
Recycled as it sounds, the Roos crave a key defender who can match his opponents in size and strength. They make do with Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson, Daniel Pratt and Shannon Watt but more often than not struggle when pitted against a big forward like Brendan Fevola or Jonathan Brown. Dean Laidley is reluctant to trade in, preferring to develop youngsters Scott Thompson, Alan Obst and Lachlan Hansen. However, Melbourne's poised to move Nathan Carroll on and available full-backs are otherwise rare.

The midfield could do with an addition, and acquiring Dog Sam Power last year was encouraging. Veterans Adam Simpson and Brent Harvey are still heavily relied upon, while Brady Rawlings is caught between being creative and negating. Daniel Wells isn't as strong at the contested ball and now Daniel Harris looks like he'll leave. Speed is a need, which is where disgruntled Dog Farren Ray may appeal.

Tradeable commodities
North hoped Harris would stay, but he wants out. Contracted, the Roos' best contested ball-winner will come at a price. Collingwood, Essendon and St Kilda are best suited, assuming Harris wants to remain in Victoria.

Drew Petrie, David Hale, Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein show the club's ruck depth. Hale was used well in attack while Petrie and McIntosh signed new deals and are central to the club's short-term prospects. But Goldstein has played three games and could win responsibility with a move. Melbourne needs to replace Jeff White, while the Bulldogs will release Peter Street. And Carlton is pitching for Freo's Robert Warnock. Opportunities? Yes.

Adelaide and Richmond, in the market for a goal-kicking half-forward, may target Corey Jones. The 27-year-old booted seven against the Tigers in round two.

Consolation for a poor finish sees the Roos with pick nine in November's last uncompromised NAB AFL Draft. They will retain it but can expect some aggressive approaches.

What the club says
"We're going to wait and see how the week unfolds. When you go to trade day itself … we'll see what happens, but we want to keep our picks. That's where it's at." – chief of football Donald McDonald.

Crystal ball trades
Farren Ray wants out of the Bulldogs, but plans to stay in Melbourne. If the Roos are keen, they may have to offer their second round selection (27) for him. The Dogs could ask for Todd Goldstein to complement Ben Hudson and Will Minson, or even Corey Jones, with Brad Johnson and Jason Akermanis in their twilight.

Youth-focused, North will want to pick again inside the draft's top 20 if it loses Daniel Harris. Collingwood has selection 11 while Essendon may twist arms with No. 23 and a sweetener. Then again, Andrew Lovett could encourage a different scenario – even if it means a third club entering the deal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
More trade talk
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Trade week runs from October 6-10, 2008. Please note, no trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Friday, October 10.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.