Akermanis Chooses Bulldogs, But Other Teams Still A Chance
Jason Akermanis is going to leave the Brisbane Lions, his destination is very likely going to be a Victorian club. He wants to be a Western Bulldog, but if a trade can't be worked out with Brisbane then there are other options.
The Bulldogs are the frontrunners for Akermanis. He has announced they are his preferred team. There is money available with Smith retiring and the Jade Rawlings contract is gone too. The Bulldogs also play a fast style that would suit Akermanis. Rotating through the midfield and up forward, Akermanis could be the final piece they need. With Akermanis and a healthy Luke Darcy the Bulldogs would be a serious contender.
But the Bulldogs know better than others that players sometimes don't make it to their preferred team. When Rawlings left the Hawks he wanted to be sent to the Kangaroos, but during the trading period the Bulldogs got involved and Rawlings became a Bulldog in the preseason draft. Although with Akermanis it is even more complicated, as he is still under contract for another year with the Lions. So if the teams can't agree to a trade then Brisbane may try to deal with another Victorian team. Some of these teams might be acceptable to Akermanis, especially Melbourne and Essendon.
Melbourne should be on top of the list after the Western Bulldogs. Melbourne have to win now, as Neitz won't be playing forever, and adding Akermanis may be enough to win it all. They have also had success with adding Pickett so they may go again for a veteran star. A forward line with Neitz and Robertson as marking options and the exciting Davey and Akermanis would provide plenty of goals. Towards the end of Peter Matera's career the Demons looked into acquiring him, as they wanted to add a player who could make a difference in September. Akermanis knows how to perform on the MCG when the pressure is on too.
Essendon are always looking to make a big signing, and will be able to offer Brisbane what they want in trade. Akermanis also has said Essendon would be a team he would move to. While the Bombers have plenty of holes to fill on their list, a forward line of Lloyd, Hird, Lucas and Akermanis would be very powerful. Sheedy has also said he wants Akermanis at Essendon.
Richmond are a team stuck in mediocrity, but they are willing to make a move to improve. Akermanis could be the player to take Richmond to the next level. He could provide assistance to young midfielders like Delidio and also go forward to ease the burden on Richardson.
Geelong have to figure out if they have a Top 4 team or if they need to rebuild. If they think they are a chance now then Akermanis makes sense. He would be another star to join Ablett and Chapman as players who can get the ball as well as score goals. Collingwood have been closer to success than Geelong in recent seasons but also have to decide how close they really are to winning to it all. They obviously need a player with Akermanis' speed and talent, but the window may be shut already. They can offer the big stage for Akermanis to play on but he may not be enough for them to get any further in September.
The Hawks, Kangaroos and Blues are too far away from contending to interest Akermanis. The Saints have other needs right now so don't expect them to look at Akermanis. Of the non-Victorian teams, Sydney is a chance for Akermanis. There have been rumours before and Sydney have also shown a willingness to trade their early picks to keep their current team loaded with talent.
While it looks like Akermanis will go to the Bulldogs, a lot of things can change between now and the trading period. Brisbane have to agree to a trade and if the Bulldogs don't offer useful draft picks and players other teams will be approached, then Akermanis will have to choose between another Victorian team or else he may have to sit out a year, as the Lions don’t look agreeable to him returning to play out his contract.
The Bulldogs are the frontrunners for Akermanis. He has announced they are his preferred team. There is money available with Smith retiring and the Jade Rawlings contract is gone too. The Bulldogs also play a fast style that would suit Akermanis. Rotating through the midfield and up forward, Akermanis could be the final piece they need. With Akermanis and a healthy Luke Darcy the Bulldogs would be a serious contender.
But the Bulldogs know better than others that players sometimes don't make it to their preferred team. When Rawlings left the Hawks he wanted to be sent to the Kangaroos, but during the trading period the Bulldogs got involved and Rawlings became a Bulldog in the preseason draft. Although with Akermanis it is even more complicated, as he is still under contract for another year with the Lions. So if the teams can't agree to a trade then Brisbane may try to deal with another Victorian team. Some of these teams might be acceptable to Akermanis, especially Melbourne and Essendon.
Melbourne should be on top of the list after the Western Bulldogs. Melbourne have to win now, as Neitz won't be playing forever, and adding Akermanis may be enough to win it all. They have also had success with adding Pickett so they may go again for a veteran star. A forward line with Neitz and Robertson as marking options and the exciting Davey and Akermanis would provide plenty of goals. Towards the end of Peter Matera's career the Demons looked into acquiring him, as they wanted to add a player who could make a difference in September. Akermanis knows how to perform on the MCG when the pressure is on too.
Essendon are always looking to make a big signing, and will be able to offer Brisbane what they want in trade. Akermanis also has said Essendon would be a team he would move to. While the Bombers have plenty of holes to fill on their list, a forward line of Lloyd, Hird, Lucas and Akermanis would be very powerful. Sheedy has also said he wants Akermanis at Essendon.
Richmond are a team stuck in mediocrity, but they are willing to make a move to improve. Akermanis could be the player to take Richmond to the next level. He could provide assistance to young midfielders like Delidio and also go forward to ease the burden on Richardson.
Geelong have to figure out if they have a Top 4 team or if they need to rebuild. If they think they are a chance now then Akermanis makes sense. He would be another star to join Ablett and Chapman as players who can get the ball as well as score goals. Collingwood have been closer to success than Geelong in recent seasons but also have to decide how close they really are to winning to it all. They obviously need a player with Akermanis' speed and talent, but the window may be shut already. They can offer the big stage for Akermanis to play on but he may not be enough for them to get any further in September.
The Hawks, Kangaroos and Blues are too far away from contending to interest Akermanis. The Saints have other needs right now so don't expect them to look at Akermanis. Of the non-Victorian teams, Sydney is a chance for Akermanis. There have been rumours before and Sydney have also shown a willingness to trade their early picks to keep their current team loaded with talent.
While it looks like Akermanis will go to the Bulldogs, a lot of things can change between now and the trading period. Brisbane have to agree to a trade and if the Bulldogs don't offer useful draft picks and players other teams will be approached, then Akermanis will have to choose between another Victorian team or else he may have to sit out a year, as the Lions don’t look agreeable to him returning to play out his contract.
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There is no way known Akermanis will play for Brisbane next year and serve out the final year of his contract, especially when you consider he didnt get an invite to the club champion dinner on october 6
Brisbane probably accept Power and a pick, but may ask for Tom Williams first.
An interesting deal could be both Akermanis and Bradshaw going to the Bulldogs.