Despite currently residing at the foot of the AFL ladder with a 1-14 record and coterie members calling for boardroom heads to roll, there may still be air between the rebuilding Roos and a realistic rock bottom.
Though powerbrokers at Arden Street have been transparent about the length their current overhaul is set to take, the beatings dealt out on a weekly basis have taken the vast majority of breaths from their balloon.
Still, with their historical debt wiped and a recruiting ploy in place to attack the future, the club known for their propensity for always facing up to a fight is prepared to get their fists dirty again.
Within a report published by The Age this week, it was suggested that North Melbourne held the view of obtaining a general behind the ball in the mould of Luke Hodge during his tenure with the Lions.
But while the notion of luring a seasoned veteran to help raise the Roos off the canvas may well work in theory, before one can be snared, a short-list must first be drawn.
While North has kept their cards close to their chest regarding the names in their crosshairs, you can be sure that if they are to pull the trigger on an import, it will be one that meets most of these metrics:
- Is open to seeking a final challenge before hanging their boots up
- Has proven their leadership qualities across the course of their career
- Has proven capabilities in steering sides
- Has obvious claims to a coaching role once their playing career concludes
With this in mind, here are the prime candidates currently plying their trade on rival lists.
Although most names on this list will appear to be unrealistic trade options on the surface, but so too did the notion of Hodge, and his former teammate, Sam Mitchell, coming clad in anything other than a brown and gold guernsey.
Still, with the left-field nature of many of these pitches in mind, only read on after consuming a grain of salt or two.
9. Greater Western Sydney – Nick Haynes
Having blown out 30 candles on his cake in May of this year, the career of the manbunned backman is closer to ceasing than starting.
And with the rise of Sam Taylor and Jake Stein within the Giants’ defensive percussion, plus Leek Aleer waiting in the wings, there does remain some ambiguity regarding Haynes’ future.
Both consistent and scrupulous, Haynes’ presence behind the ball would not only fill a current chasm down back, but it would allow those around him to walk taller with a clearer set of instructions each week.
Despite rarely offering much through media avenues, the Victorian’s ability to guide his younger teammates around the park was rewarded ahead of this season with his elevation into the expansion side’s leadership group.
Should Haynes wish to honour the final two years of his contract, a play for soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Phil Davis could act as the Roos’ consolation prize.
