Simon Black, Josh Drummond, Luke Power, Daniel Rich and Mitch Clark. The fans couldn't split a pride of five Lions that they considered absolutely untouchable, with all received a resounding 97 per cent 'must keep' votes.
Black and Power are the heart and soul of the Lions' midfield while younger teammates Rich and Clark both had stunning, breakout seasons. Drummond's class is undoubted, but his lofty status is perhaps a little surprising given his battles with injury in the past.
The keepers
Jonathan Brown, Joel Patfull and Justin Sherman. The next tier of players that Lions' supporters just couldn't live without all attracted a 96 per cent 'must keep' vote.
Brown is widely perceived as the lynchpin upon which everything else depends at the club which makes his secondary rating a little peculiar. However, the voting certainly reflects how key Patfull and Sherman have become to the overall make-up of Michael Voss' side.
Jed Adcock, Daniel Merrett, Ash McGrath and James Polkinghorne were on the next rung down with a 95 per cent rating.
Trade bait
Rhan, Hooper, Jamie Charman and Jason Roe. Small forward Hooper was the highest-profile Lion that the majority of fans would have been happy to move on. Just 36 per cent of voters rated him a 'must keep' with everyone else more intent on getting some reasonable value in return for the exciting but inconsistent crumber.
Charman's place in the pecking order proved to be a contentious issue, with 55 per cent of fans willing to trade the former lead ruckman after an injury-ravaged year.
Roe had few friends among the fan base with just 21 per cent of the opinion he should stay at the club.
Interestingly, Daniel Bradshaw and Michael Rischitelli, who were dangled as part of the first Fevola trade, attracted a 90 and 85 per cent 'must keep' vote from the fans.
What you said
"Rhan Hooper needs to be more consistent and needs to kick about 30-35 goals a season to warrant a place in our best 22. Jason Roe is a solid defender but makes some silly mistakes that turn the game in the opposition's favour." - James
"I would consider trading Charman, if we can't get a favourable trade definitely keep him as a back-up ruckman." - Luke
"Bradd Dalziell had a bad year but he has great talent and will come good. Charman, Hooper and Roe need to improve." - Darren
"Must look for a small goal-kicking forward or two. Trade Hooper, Proud and Harding." - Scott
"Rischitelli would be good trade bait and same with Charman. Have heard that Dalziell wants a ticket back home to WA - some good prospects for a trade coming from there. We just have to get rid of Scott Harding, Jason Roe and Rhan Hooper. There is too much inconsistency coming from them. Their good games are fantastic but they are just becoming a rarity nowadays." - Wendy
"Wow, wow and wow! To get Fev without losing either Braddie or Rischa is somewhat of a coup. I feel for Lachie though because I think he would have been a major part of the new dynasty and wish him the best at Carlton." – NT Lion
What actually happened
The Lions emerged as the biggest players in trade week. The club grabbed Richmond defender Andrew Raines for pick No. 44. The Lions then joined forces with West Coast and the Sydney Swans in a three-club deal, which saw Eagle Brent Staker and Swans’ premiership player Amon Buchanan move to Queensland in exchange for midfielder Bradd Dalziell (to West Coast) and pick No. 28.
On Thursday, oft-injured St Kilda wingman/half-back Xavier Clarke became the fourth player to join the Lions in as many days. The Lions acquired the former first-round draft pick for the bargain basement price of pick No. 60. After much speculation, the Lions landed Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola and pick No. 27 in exchange for youngster Lachie Henderson and pick No. 12.
A big play was made for ex-Bomber Andrew Lovett but he opted to stay in Victoria and signed with the Saints.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
