I like Sharp as an outside player but he is very outside. I think he has a lot of ability and potential but if he isn't willing to put his body on the line when it's his turn or go in and get the footy more, then he's going to struggle at AFL level. He's shown glimpses of being able to do that but for mine he has to do more to get into the first round of the draft. I'd still grab him in a heartbeat around that 20 mark.
Stephens is probably a better fit on the wing atm although probably not as damaging as Sharp could be (no one is except maybe Henry). Stephens has a better all round game and won't be as easy to shut out as Sharp.
As for taking Vic Metro players, we took a couple early 2 years ago (Brayshaw and Cerra) so I don't think the recruiters are against the idea. I don't see too much in the Metro side to get excited about that will be available around our picks but we'll see how the draft pans out.
My thinking on interstate players is you provide an opportunity for them to flourish in your side and they'll be loyal to you. If it doesn't work out and they end up heading back home, get the best deal you can and try again like we did with Weller. Compensation these days tends to be pretty favourable towards the clubs losing players so another shot in the draft is always welcome.
As one of 2 WA clubs, we should get the same if not more players wanting to come back to us so the ledger should tilt our way overall. If we're gonna pay way overs for every player coming back home as we have the past 3/4 years then we're failing at the trade table. Similarly, if we're going to reach in the draft for WA players or those unlikely to request a trade elsewhere like Logue and Brayshaw instead of getting the best talent available, we're also failing at the draft table.
