Our AFL big 10: the recruits

Brendon Goddard ... can he make a difference for the Bombers? Source: News Limited

The kick-off to the 2013 AFL season is creeping up on us and as we countdown to the first game on March 22, foxsports.com.au is getting you into debate mood.

1. Brendon Goddard
The former Saint has quickly become a fan-favourite at Essendon among a beleaguered fan-base looking for any kind of good news they can find. Goddard is one of the AFL’s premier rebounding defenders and also has the ability to pinch-hit in the forward line. Should make an immediate impact at his new club.

2. Kurt Tippett
After one of the most protracted off-season dramas in AFL history, Tippett is finally in the harbour city. Unfortunately for Sydney (and Tippett), the controversial trade has cost the Adelaide spearhead half a season of his career. Would almost certainly be the top recruit if he wasn’t suspended until Round 12, but could be a vital addition in the back half of the season as the Swans seek to defend their crown.

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3. Quinten Lynch
With Travis Cloke’s dismal slump in the back half of 2012 and Chris Dawes’ move to the Demons, it was imperative for the Pies to lock up another key forward. Although now on the wrong side of 20, Lynch still has a couple of years left in the tank and will also act as ruck support for Darren Jolly who will undoubtedly be carefully managed throughout the year.

4. Brian Lake

The veteran defender has seemingly breathed new life into his career with a trade to Hawthorn. Lake bounced back with 20 games for the Bulldogs last season and will provide the Hawks with defensive depth and experience – all the more important if Josh Gibson is in jeopardy following a rib injury in Hawthorn’s final pre-season clash. Very little downside to this gamble from the Hawks. Just has to stay out of the police lock-up!

5. Chris Dawes

Despite playing 23 games last season, Dawes’ form dipped from the 30-goal campaign that saw him emerge as Collingwood’s second key forward. The Demons took a punt and signed the 24-year-old to a four-year deal where he will roam the forward line alongside Mitch Clark. A potentially great deal for the Dees if Dawes, who should be coming into the peak of his career, can re-capture his form of recent years.

6. Sharrod Wellingham

A move back to his home state could be the tonic that Sharrod Wellingham needs to discover consistency, but a disrupted start to his year has been less than ideal. A freak mishap on a trampoline will see the former Pie miss at least the opening two rounds but when he’s back in business, Eagles fans will see why their club was so keen to make a play for the premiership-winning midfielder/forward.

7. Danyle Pearce

Pearce signed a four-year deal with Fremantle after spending the first eight years of his career at Port Adelaide. The athletic midfielder often found himself in negating ‘run with’ roles but could be freed up by Ross Lyon across half back and through the midfield. An experienced recruit with plenty of upside for the Dockers.

8. Clinton Young

Despite arriving at his new club injured, Clinton Young played 20 games last season including Hawthorn’s grand final loss. He will provide the Magpies with run and first-rate delivery having led the Hawks’ inside 50 count in 2012. Question marks will linger over his health, but if he manages to stay fit, this three-year contract will be very good business by the Magpies. 

9. Greg Broughton

The former Fremantle defender makes the cross-country trip to join Gold Coast’s list. Averaging 22 disposals throughout his first four years in the AFL, Broughton played the first 15 games last year before missing the final nine with back and finger injuries. Now fit, the 26-year-old will add much-needed quality to the Suns’ back half.

10. Mick Malthouse

How could any list of recruits not include Mick Malthouse? The premiership-winning coach traded his black and white stripes for navy blue in a move that sent fans of both sides and AFL scribes into a spin. Sunday April 7 is compulsory viewing for all footy fans as Mick squares off against the Pies.

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