GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney was happy to take a back seat in this year’s Continental Tyres Trade Period.
“We went into this trade period feeling like we’d done the work last year,” McCartney said.
“We were really comfortable with where we were at. Things presented our way … you’re duty-bound to try and improve our list.
“We were very clear our money is heavily invested in our playing group with our re-signings this year.
“It’s a strong position to be in but you’re always looking to improve your list. In the end we’re really comfortable with how it’s finished up.
“We give Leon and the coaches the opportunity to build with this group, who are in a really good space.”
After being major players in past trade periods, the GIANTS ended up doing just one trade in 2021 - helping to facilitate Jeremy Finlayson with a move to Adelaide to be closer to his partner’s family in exchange for a future third-round draft pick.
Just days out from the conclusion on Wednesday night, reports emerged that contracted forward Bobby Hill was looking to explore a trade to Essendon for family reasons.
With a year to run on his contract and playing a position the club coveted, McCartney said the club didn’t entertain trading the West Australian.
“We rate him really highly and we don’t have many small forwards on our list,” McCartney said.
“Toby Greene will miss the first five games (through suspension) so we need Bobby Hill at his best.”
McCartney confirmed Hill will be welcomed back.
“He’ll be welcomed back with open arms,” he said.
“This is the business of football. We understand his reason, albeit came late. But he’ll be fine.”
McCartney also confirmed that the GIANTS and Hawthorn had spoken about the possibilities of a trade for contracted three-time Premiership star Luke Breust.
“When someone else’s strategy might meet what you’re potentially looking to do then you’ve got to explore it,” he said.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Another trade that didn’t eventuate was former GIANT Rory Lobb entertaining a return back to the club from Fremantle.
“When it comes your way, these opportunities, you definitely want to explore them,” he said.
“But we also are mindful of the fact that our money is invested in our playing group. To facilitate any of these deals, we were happy to move picks around but we needed support on the salary piece.
“You get close on a couple but nothing eventuated there and we’re quite comfortable with our draft hand.”
The GIANTS take the coveted second pick in the NAB AFL Draft to the event in late November, along with picks 13, 53, 71 and 89.
