So.....what if Billings, Ross, and Dunstan leave?

[cwrcyn]

Where does that leave us? In my view it would set us back a bit. We would get mediocre compensation in return ( a second rounder and two third rounders)

Who would cover their roles?

Bytel for Dunstan? Seems logical, but it will take time for Bytel to get up to Dunstan's recent output.

Connolly for Billings? Worth trying and would probably work. Connolly has foot skills to match Billings and has greater leg speed

But who could replace Ross and play the role he does? That's a bigger mystery.

Our weakness in recent times has been midfield depth and here we are potentially losing a big chunk of it.

Our first pick in the draft is likely to be a midfielder. We need to nail it.

[Winmar7]

If we lose all 3, it will definitely set us back... and it means more game time for Kent, Lonie and other fringe players... while Bytel, Connolly and Byrnes show promise they are still green. Don't underestimate the value of senior bodies.

[older saint]

I wouldn't expect Ross and Dunstan to go as would go from too many to not enough.
Bytel has shown a bit but long way to go, bit like when Luke Ball left everyone was like Armitage can come in and play that role, but just wasn't quite as good.

[CURLY]

If we lose all 3, it will definitely set us back... and it means more game time for Kent, Lonie and other fringe players... while Bytel, Connolly and Byrnes show promise they are still green. Don't underestimate the value of senior bodies.

Gresham Paton Clarke would play before Kent and Lonie. Think we can cover 2 of the three easily.

[Impatient Sainter]

I dont believe we will let all 3 go, but if we did we have Sinclair, Clark, Gresham, Byrnes, Connolly, Bytel, Higgins and Hannebrey if he can ever get his body right.

Ross would be the one Id keep of the three, he does shank a few kicks but he can play in a number of positions, he has speed and consistently has a go. IMO Billings constantly lets you down in crunch moments and Dunstans lack of spread and kicking kills us.

[Wayne42]

All 3 are going to go, eventually, but unless we can get an experienced player in as cover it might be too much lost in one go.

Not sure yet if Bytel is even as good as any one of those 3 mentioned in the OP.

[The_Dud]

I don't think any of them are irreplaceable.

Billings has a bit of class and is a good finisher up forward.

Dunstan is probably our number 2 inside mid at the moment.

Ross I'm not exactly sure what he is apart from midfield depth, kind of just floats around.

But with players coming back and younger blokes hopefully stepping up they all should be covered (if they leave). I'd like to keep Billings and Dunstan, Ross I don't mind if he goes, though I think he'll get a bit of a shock when he "tests the market"!

[Groovy Guru]

Spook is a must keep .... players walk taller when he is in the side and he makes the opposition earn their possessions. Yes his disposal can be errant but his positives outweigh his negatives.

Do not have a problem with Billings and Ross going elsewhere.

[bangaulegend]

We played the last half the season with Billings having no influence & the first half with Dunstan barely getting a game. Not ideal to lose all 3 but we might not be able to prevent it & if so we just have to find others to fill their roles & move on

[The Fireman]

meh.... we pick up one decent mid and Gresham back in....jobs done

[Freebird]

Billing must keep - when fit is easily in our top 5-8
Others we need better to be top 4 team

[Moods]

Billing must keep - when fit is easily in our top 5-8
Others we need better to be top 4 team

Strange how our B&F never reflects that

[Gershwin]

We would trade the 2nd and 2 3rd round picks for a 1st round pick.
Two 1st Round picks in a strong draft would be awesome.

[maverick]

Ross has to go, surely
Hopefully 2nd round pick

[Yorkeys]

Imagine, if you can, they had always played for other lower rung clubs and we were recruiting them now. Would we be excited or a bit underwhelmed?

But they say a prophet(s) is not properly recognised in his/her home village.

Billings is most skillful overall when given the ball in space; I think if only one stays, for me, its Luke for his G&T and ability in the trenches. Seb on the other hand has a wealth of experience. But not of winning.

If they all did go the Saints would keep on marching...

[Sainter_Dad]

My first thought was ...... A meltdown on this board as we all scramble to find a new "OMG, [Insert Name Here] why you do dis?"

[Devilhead]

Can someone please change the thread title to -

Curly & The Dud finally agree with each other

[Sainter_Dad]

Can someone please change the thread title to -

Curly & The Dud finally agree iwith each othet

Curly and The_Dud have ALWAYS agreed "iwith each othet" - He is a brilliant oracle.

[Toy Saint]

All three are probably in our best 20 or at least best 25 players.

We've got about 7-8 on our list who can't get on the park, and even if they could wouldn't be in our best team, I'd suggest we delist them and keep our capable and healthy players.

[Ghost Like]

Billings is reported as staying (according to the 200 uncontrated) so no need to waste time there.

Dunstan will go, fingers crossed for a 2nd rounder, likely 3rd...will be covered by Bytel.

Ross, well when you asked...

"But who could replace Ross and play the role he does? That's a bigger mystery."

I could not figure out whether you were being astute, facetious or simply prophetic.

What role does he play is a great question, the fact it's a mystery is damning.

[Gershwin]

All three are probably in our best 20 or at least best 25 players.

We've got about 7-8 on our list who can't get on the park, and even if they could wouldn't be in our best team, I'd suggest we delist them and keep our capable and healthy players.

None of them higher than 15. None likely to improve. I would take the compensation draft picks and try to turn them into a round 1 draft pick or a quality player.

[therabbitinthehat]

Billings will stay if we want him to because he won't get a better deal elsewhere. Ross might make more elsewhere, Dunstan I can't see any other team going out of their way to grab - it's not like opposition teams build game plans around curbing his influence - might be a 'moneyball' style prospect for Suns/Roos?

[bangaulegend]

I've got no idea on what sort of money Seb is on but apparently wanting to test water to see what is is out there & no harm in that but I can't see other clubs throwing the cheque book at him .

[Banger9798]

I think the order of prefered retention would be :
1. Dunstan : cheaper and more value than Ross
2. Billings: Better but more expensive than Dunstan
3. Ross : Worse than both and more expensive than Dunstan

[Yorkeys]

If Jack has not agreed a contract by next Monday does he get an exit interview?