The Adam Saad negotiations between Essendon and Carlton loom as one of the sticking points of the upcoming trade period.
The Bombers reportedly opened discussions last week with a brazen request for one of Sam Walsh, Harry McKay or Charlie Curnow in a trade for the rebounding defender.
Former Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell has suggested that if the Blues put pick seven on the table, the Bombers should immediately accept the deal.
Stephen Silvagni, who served as Carlton’s list manager between 2015 and 2019, looked at the situation from the perspective of both teams.
“It’s a tough one to look at it from Carlton’s point of view, I look at half backs, and do you give a top 10 pick up for a half back? I’d look at it and say probably not,” Silvagni told SEN Breakfast.
“I wouldn’t think there’s too many half backs that have been traded to other clubs for a top 10 pick.
“Then I look at Essendon and I look at Saad and how important he is to Essendon. He’s finished top four in their best and fairest the last three years, so he’s a bona fide top four player at that football club.
“So you’re looking at a top five player at a footy club or you’re looking at a really early pick to get that deal done.
“This is where the manager is really important and they come into play. You can go after a player, but you’ve got to have the manager on board and he’s got to be conditioned.”
“The manager wants to know how you’re going to get this done. What are you going to give up to get this pick done and what is fair and reasonable?
“You want a fair and equitable deal, but if I’m Essendon I’m going – ‘I’m losing a top four player’ – if I’m Carlton I’m going ‘he’s a half back flanker’.
“This is where the manager has to come into play a little bit.
“Ultimately right now it’s Carlton’s responsibility to get that deal done.”
Saad is out of contract and is willing to walk to the Pre-Season Draft to get out of Essendon if required.