Traded Players: Paul Medhurst
Paul Medhurst played in 12 games during season 2006, none were against Collingwood. Now he will be looking to become a 22-game a season player for the Magpies.
Collingwood really traded Tarrant for draft pick number 8, with Medhurst not the main part of the deal. If Medhurst doesn't become a regular player they don't lose, but if he does play at his best then the Magpies have something extra to show from the Tarrant trade.
Medhurst in 2006 had one of his best seasons for the number of disposals but one of his worst for kicking goals. It will be more important to the Magpies if he kicks goals next season. Tarrant is gone, Didak is injured, that equals 77 goals that they are missing. Medhurst does have a 50-goal season in his career so he has the ability to replace some of the goals the Magpies have lost.
The Magpies' forward line next season could have a lot of R and R, Rocca and Rusling will be the focus. One more tall option, a couple of small players, and the Magpies could have a potent attack. Dale Thomas is smallish, but plays a lot taller, he is an exciting player who will keep improving. Fraser will also see some time up forward, and might become a regular there if Collingwood can find another ruckman in the preseason draft. Medhurst could be the final piece. Medhurst once kicked 9 goals in a game, but Collingwood would be happy if he managed an average of two goals per game.
While Collingwood do need his goals, they could also try him in the midfield. Medhurst reached double-figures for pessessions in 11 of his 12 games with the Dockers in 2006. They played him a lot further up the ground than they did in previous seasons. Medhurst found plenty of space against the Cats last year with 14 marks and 17 kicks. For the season he averaged 4.4 Inside 50s, which was more than double any other year, so if needed Medhurst can change his game.
Some will compare what Medhurst does for Collingwood with Tarrant's success at Fremantle but there was a lot more to the trade than that. Pick 8 should get Collingwood a player equal in talent to Tarrant but it could be a couple of years before the results are in, until then the Magpies get an added bonus with Medhurst.
Collingwood really traded Tarrant for draft pick number 8, with Medhurst not the main part of the deal. If Medhurst doesn't become a regular player they don't lose, but if he does play at his best then the Magpies have something extra to show from the Tarrant trade.
Medhurst in 2006 had one of his best seasons for the number of disposals but one of his worst for kicking goals. It will be more important to the Magpies if he kicks goals next season. Tarrant is gone, Didak is injured, that equals 77 goals that they are missing. Medhurst does have a 50-goal season in his career so he has the ability to replace some of the goals the Magpies have lost.
The Magpies' forward line next season could have a lot of R and R, Rocca and Rusling will be the focus. One more tall option, a couple of small players, and the Magpies could have a potent attack. Dale Thomas is smallish, but plays a lot taller, he is an exciting player who will keep improving. Fraser will also see some time up forward, and might become a regular there if Collingwood can find another ruckman in the preseason draft. Medhurst could be the final piece. Medhurst once kicked 9 goals in a game, but Collingwood would be happy if he managed an average of two goals per game.
While Collingwood do need his goals, they could also try him in the midfield. Medhurst reached double-figures for pessessions in 11 of his 12 games with the Dockers in 2006. They played him a lot further up the ground than they did in previous seasons. Medhurst found plenty of space against the Cats last year with 14 marks and 17 kicks. For the season he averaged 4.4 Inside 50s, which was more than double any other year, so if needed Medhurst can change his game.
Some will compare what Medhurst does for Collingwood with Tarrant's success at Fremantle but there was a lot more to the trade than that. Pick 8 should get Collingwood a player equal in talent to Tarrant but it could be a couple of years before the results are in, until then the Magpies get an added bonus with Medhurst.
