But we've reached the end, so it's time to evaluate and discuss.
Overall, North's trade period is like the best episode of "Bargain Hunters" in 2016. What they brought in was really good. We are so used to a quiet North Melbourne over the trade period, so it was nice to see a bit of action from the Roos, and even nicer with what we walked away with.
To Summarise:
IN - Ahern, Hrovat, Williams, Pick 32, 92, 2017 3rd and 4th round picks
OUT - Wells, Black, Pick 69, 105, 2017 3rd and 4th round picks
And now... in Depth:
Andrew Swallow and the Gold Coast Suns
Swallow stood down as captain of North Melbourne and three days later someone on the internet constructed a five club mega trade involving Spitta going to the Gold Coast. I think the worst part about this rumour was the attitude of some supporters who were on board with idea of off loading him. I personally prefer the idea of him regaining his best form, without the captaincy pressures. Despite the rumours, Swallow stayed put. He's set to regain his best form and be a big part of 2017.
IN: Compensation Pick 32
OUT: Daniel Wells to Collingwood
The fact that Wells delayed his re-signing, and then decided not to comment on his future until after the Syd Barker Medal pretty must confirmed that Wells would be straight out the door. It's a really upsetting decision that he made, especially after how the club has really carried him over the years. He did some great things for North but, as we always say, no man is bigger than the club. He's on a mighty salary at the Pies so for their sake you hope his injuries hold up. For our sake, well... let's just see how we go.
Todd Goldstein and WA Today
This story burst onto the scene and created such havoc in social media land. It left the building just as quickly.
Perth paper 'WA Today' reported that ruckman Todd Goldstein wanted out of North, and that he had a medical at the West Coast Eagles. The rumour spilled out shortly after Hawthorn superstar Sam Mitchell made the move west. Funny part about this story is that Goldy HADN'T EVEN BEEN TO PERTH IN THE OFF SEASON (honestly were did this story even come from)
The reason behind his move? Some not so friendly rumours regarding himself and ex-wife Kristy. No need to re-visit that one, though.
The rumours about Goldy heading West were quickly shut down by both parties. Eagles footy manager Craig Vozzo gave everyone a flat out no, with many North-affiliated journalists keeping North fans calm.
... I wonder if WA Today found out how his medical actually went?
IN: Paul Ahern from GWS
OUT: Pick 69 to GWS
October 17 saw luckless Giant Paul Ahern find a new home at North Melbourne. The former number 7 draft pick was brought in at a bargain price of pick 69, and despite his knee troubles, it was hardly a major risk to take. Ahern probably won't play in 2017, as plenty rehab is required but if he comes good the kid is set to be a gun. Really looking forward to seeing him in action for North in the coming seasons. Sending out pick 69 wasn't a big loss, or a massive risk - so big tick here.
Drew Petrie
I'll be honest, I'm really devastated he didn't find a new home. Just weeks after North's shock veteran's cull, it was rumoured that West Coast would approach Petrie as a potential replacement for Nic Nat in 2017. But as soon as the trade period hit, word on Drew went quiet, and he was eventually overlooked as West Coast went with Nathan Vardy instead. He can still be taken in the delisted free agency draft, and there are still rumours surround the Eagles. Only time will tell.
IN: Nathan Hrovat, 2017 3rd and 4th round pick from Bulldogs
OUT: 2017 3rd and 4th round pick to Bulldogs
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Word came in late on Wednesday night that North looked likely to secure Hrovat over Carlton. Basically got him for free, as the Dogs agreed to exchange 2017 picks with North. Boomer mentored him in his draft year and gave raving reviews.
Many experts touting this as the 'Bargain Trade' of 2016 and I couldn't agree more. He's great talent who couldn't find his way into a super talented team. Assume he'll be thrown straight into the side come 2017, bring it on.
IN: Pick 92 from Geelong
OUT: Aaron Black to Geelong
The most disappointing part of this deal is that Aaron Black didn't work for North Melbourne. He's a huge talent when he's on, and 2013/2014 were real breakout seasons for him. Unfortunately, he just couldn't re-find that form. He was given plenty of chances and failed to live up to the standard he set for himself. Then add Brown, Waite, Wood and Majak into the equation... the move was to come eventually. I'd like to see him back at his best, however I am just really unsure. Good luck to him
IN: Marley Williams from Collingwood
OUT: Pick 105 to Collingwood
The surprise package for me, but we gave up next to nothing, so no complaints.
Need to fix his kicking and potentially his attitude - but North clearly have a plan for him down the track so I'd believe them with their take.
The Only Downside
We failed to take part in any big trades. I am really happy with what North did and I think the outcome was positive rather than negative, however we didn't bring in any massive names. Will be interesting to see how we work with what we've got, however all signs pointing positive at this point.
The Draft
We hold picks 11, 32, 33, 87 and 92 - not a bad hand, particularly in the first three picks.
I think we did well. Despite the departure of Wells early, the trade period ended on a positive note for North. Now we look to the draft and even further ahead to 2017. Bring in more talent and rebuild this team back up.
Time to get right behind our team, push us into 2017 success and beyond.
Marnie
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