So now we seem to have been committed to retaining Bond for the next few years at least, I reckon as part of this review thingy they should also look at what they could do to boost our chances of attracting the best talent available. Myself, I’d create a position in the recruitment department for a
rainmaker. Now. Their sole duty and KPI being to get successful trade deals done. They could sound out and plant seeds with those on the more wishy part of the wish-list and ease the transition for those more likely to wear purple.
They could be the highest paid person in the footy department for the next few years at least, mostly based on an incentive based salary. They’d also have to have a fair bit of clout. Hiring the right person is key. It’d have to be someone who believes in Freo, has a great sales technique with masterful negotiating skills, but can be trusted to be not overly impulsive. I think Chris Connelly ticks a couple of those boxes, but probably not the last. Even if they weren’t an in-system footy person, that’d be more than fine.
Besides the usual suspects on the shortlist, they could also start with having a shot at Witts from Collingwood. He’s out of contract at the end of this year and is struggling at the moment to get a go at Collingwood with Grundy there, plus they’ve got the American mutant showing something now too. He’s from NSW and turned down the option of being part of the deal that got Treloar to Collingwood from GWS. He’s right behind Sandilands (and the American mutant) as the tallest ruckman going around, and has showed a lot of athleticism and heart when given a run at it. So, with a deft touch (rainmaker) in charge of the chase, he’d be worth pursuing. Hard.
