Traded Players: Michael Gardiner
The Saints wanted a ruckman and they got a ruckman, and if Michael Gardiner can play at his best then the Saints could be in another Grand Final.
But even if Gardiner doesn't get back to his form from 2 or 3 seasons back he will still help. If he averages 10 hitouts and 1 goal per game it will be an improvement on what the Saints had last season. Those stats, which he can easily reach in 2007, would have put him at number 1 for hitouts at the Saints last season and number 4 on the goals list there.
During his exile with Claremont in 2006, Gardiner averaged 19.3 hitouts per game. In one game he had 37 hitouts, in another game he accumulated 25 possessions and also 25 hitouts, his season-high for goals was 7 in a game. So he can still play. His stats for the Eagles were not that bad either, he averaged 17.3 hitouts in 3 games for 2006.
Possibly Gardiner and Koschitzke could rotate through the ruck and also as a third tall forward. With teams having to put quality defenders on Riewoldt and Gehrig, adding another tall option there for the Saints might bring about some mismatches as few teams have three tall defenders that are good enough. Gardiner and Koschitzke have had their share of injuries and splitting the load might keep them healthy throughout the season.
The Saints also have Rix, Ackland and Brooks, although one or two might be delisted. So there is no reason why the Saints can't keep Gardiner healthy throughout the year. They need him in September, so with their ruck depth Gardiner won't be overused.
The Saints also get Gardiner on a one-year deal. He will have incentive to play well and to follow team rules. A big 2007 season for Gardiner could mean a lucrative contract after that.
Gardiner could have a salary that is a third of Everitt's, so the Saints have a bargain. They also worked pick 43 into both Gardiner and Birss during trade week. Birss is worth pick 43 anyway, so the Saints got another bargain there.
"I'm excited about coming to Melbourne, and the new start", Gardiner said after the trade was completed. Saints' fans should also be excited as they had a contender last season and can now add Gardiner to it as well as a healthy Hayes and Koschitzke.
But even if Gardiner doesn't get back to his form from 2 or 3 seasons back he will still help. If he averages 10 hitouts and 1 goal per game it will be an improvement on what the Saints had last season. Those stats, which he can easily reach in 2007, would have put him at number 1 for hitouts at the Saints last season and number 4 on the goals list there.
During his exile with Claremont in 2006, Gardiner averaged 19.3 hitouts per game. In one game he had 37 hitouts, in another game he accumulated 25 possessions and also 25 hitouts, his season-high for goals was 7 in a game. So he can still play. His stats for the Eagles were not that bad either, he averaged 17.3 hitouts in 3 games for 2006.
Possibly Gardiner and Koschitzke could rotate through the ruck and also as a third tall forward. With teams having to put quality defenders on Riewoldt and Gehrig, adding another tall option there for the Saints might bring about some mismatches as few teams have three tall defenders that are good enough. Gardiner and Koschitzke have had their share of injuries and splitting the load might keep them healthy throughout the season.
The Saints also have Rix, Ackland and Brooks, although one or two might be delisted. So there is no reason why the Saints can't keep Gardiner healthy throughout the year. They need him in September, so with their ruck depth Gardiner won't be overused.
The Saints also get Gardiner on a one-year deal. He will have incentive to play well and to follow team rules. A big 2007 season for Gardiner could mean a lucrative contract after that.
Gardiner could have a salary that is a third of Everitt's, so the Saints have a bargain. They also worked pick 43 into both Gardiner and Birss during trade week. Birss is worth pick 43 anyway, so the Saints got another bargain there.
"I'm excited about coming to Melbourne, and the new start", Gardiner said after the trade was completed. Saints' fans should also be excited as they had a contender last season and can now add Gardiner to it as well as a healthy Hayes and Koschitzke.
