AFL Grand Final Emergencies Can Become Stars
Anthony Rocca was once a Grand Final emergency player. He was with Sydney in 1996 but didn't play in the Grand Final. He would be traded to Collingwood and would eventually reach the Grand Final with the Magpies. While the emergencies this year could be overlooked now they may find themselves as stars in the future. Sometimes the emergencies never get there, but sometimes it only takes one year, as both Quinten Lynch and Nick Malceski were watching last season and get to play in this year's Grand Final.
Sydney Swans
Luke Vogels: Only played 3 games this season but seemed to be an emergency for every other week. He is a key forward prospect who won't play if Hall is there. That is a similar situation to Rocca, who as a young player joined the Swans who already had Lockett in the goal square.
Paul Bevan: Played in last season's Grand Final, but only had 9 games this season for the Swans. Could be traded and a new team would provide a lot more opportunity.
David Spriggs: Went from Geelong to Sydney but couldn't break into the side. Has been a great player for their reserves side but may be delisted.
West Coast Eagles
Jaymie Graham: The Eagles are going small in this Grand Final so Graham misses out. Has played in 24 games this season. He is a young key position player who will get a chance at a Grand Final in the future.
Brent Staker: Was a star for West Coast early in the season, but had a small injury and was a bit less consistent later in the year. If Staker was traded back to his home state he would end up a Swan, that probably doesn't happen and Staker should be a regular player for the Eagles for many years to come.
Matt Rosa: Starred in West Coast's last game of the regular season, against Richmond, but the Eagles have more experienced players to use in the Grand Final. A former North Ballarat player, Rosa could be a target of Victorian teams in the trade period.
While any of these players could still play in this year's Grand Final, it is more likely that they will have to look to future years, and for some they will need a trade to find a better opportunity for regular senior football.
Sydney Swans
Luke Vogels: Only played 3 games this season but seemed to be an emergency for every other week. He is a key forward prospect who won't play if Hall is there. That is a similar situation to Rocca, who as a young player joined the Swans who already had Lockett in the goal square.
David Spriggs: Went from Geelong to Sydney but couldn't break into the side. Has been a great player for their reserves side but may be delisted.
West Coast Eagles
Jaymie Graham: The Eagles are going small in this Grand Final so Graham misses out. Has played in 24 games this season. He is a young key position player who will get a chance at a Grand Final in the future.
Brent Staker: Was a star for West Coast early in the season, but had a small injury and was a bit less consistent later in the year. If Staker was traded back to his home state he would end up a Swan, that probably doesn't happen and Staker should be a regular player for the Eagles for many years to come.
Matt Rosa: Starred in West Coast's last game of the regular season, against Richmond, but the Eagles have more experienced players to use in the Grand Final. A former North Ballarat player, Rosa could be a target of Victorian teams in the trade period.
While any of these players could still play in this year's Grand Final, it is more likely that they will have to look to future years, and for some they will need a trade to find a better opportunity for regular senior football.
