Where will Chris Judd go?
WEST Coast skipper Chris Judd is flying east, and the big question is: where exactly will he land? afl.com.au’s Matt Burgan takes a look at the likely – and less likely – contenders for his services.
THE FRONT-RUNNERS
Carlton
With president Richard Pratt at the helm and renewed financial strength, the Blues are in pole position to secure Judd’s services. They have the bargaining power of some high draft selections ahead of the October exchange period, including picks No.1, 3 and 20 in the November NAB AFL Draft.
Collingwood
Regularly linked with high-profile recruiting prospects, the Magpies will again be in the hunt this time round. With a Collingwood contract comes plenty of incentives: cash, first class facilities, business contacts, and more. Skipper Nathan Buckley is nearing retirement, which would leave the captaincy vacant sometime in the near future. The flipside of the black and white coin is that Collingwood is arguably the most scrutinised Victorian club. Would that influence Judd's decision?
Essendon
The Dons are about to begin a new era without four-time premiership coach Kevin Sheedy and champion James Hird – and they’d love a ready-made champion to fill Hird’s boots. There’s plenty of uncertainty at Windy Hill, which could make the move there more or less attractive, depending on your view. Of course, a new senior coach may well be installed in time for the October 8-12 trade week.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn's recruiting model has paid dividends this year, with list manager Chris Pelchen one of the best in the business come trade time. Although an over-achiever, Judd is just 24, and certainly not too old for the Hawks’ needs. They’re a happy club on the rise, and with Richie Vandenberg retiring and the captaincy available, Judd may well find Glenferrie a perfect fit.
Melbourne
Judd barracked for the Demons as a boy, and they’ll be more than keen to put a sentimental touch on his homecoming. As with Essendon, there’s a new era unfolding at Melbourne with Dean Bailey at the helm. With Judd’s top priority reportedly family rather than megabucks, perhaps the Demons are a genuine prospect.
THE OUTSIDERS
St Kilda
The Saints having signed up some key stars this year, including Nick Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo, and may not have the salary cap for Judd – or would have to re-jig their total player payments accordingly.
Geelong
With the competition’s strongest list, the Cats arguably have less need for a player of Judd’s calibre than any other Victorian club. Chance of success may be a lure for Judd, but if he’s moving to Melbourne to be close to family, it’s hard to see him heading off down the highway.
Kangaroos
The Roos' future has been the subject of much debate in recent years, and with a Gold Coast move potentially on the cards, they seem an unlikely fit for a Melbourne-bound Judd. Still, they are a tight-knit playing group, a team that continually delivers over a long period of time, and a lower profile club. All of which could be attractive.
Western Bulldogs
After a disappointing season, the Dogs have already signaled their intentions to rejuvenate their list. Retirements and delistings leave room for a big inclusion, and they could be a dark horse to snaffle Judd. Last year, the Dogs acquired Jason Akermanis via the trade period and will doubtless want to have a crack at this year's biggest name.
Richmond
Richmond holds some key cards in the drafting order – No.2, No.18 and No.19 – in November and it will be eager to be in the Judd mix. Where the Tigers sit though for Judd will be interesting, considering the yellow and black finished on the bottom this year. Richmond will no doubt be eager to reinvigorate its list and what better way to start with Judd.
Just kidding, mate.
