Hope this is the case but I don't buy it.
CCJ would have committed to North regardless whether we get a trade done or not.
I think relationships with Player Managers are crucial and matter more than ever.
Do the right thing by the players who want to leave by playing fair with the trade. This means you are doing the right thing by their managers - who have either helped counsel them to leave and/or said the deal can get done. Managers dont want to be embarrased with deals for their clients falling through or being sweat on till the last 10 mins of the last day. So, play fair when letting go of Higgins, Butler, B. Ellis, Markov, Conca, Deledio, etc.
On the other side, play fair with the trade for players coming in (Prestia, Lynch, Caddy, etc), by making sure you give up a fair price for what the player is worth / meet the $ promised rather than dragging the trade out by being too stingy. Richmond are known as getting the deals done I think.
The Manager is the one who tells the player 'dont worry, you will get to <Club X>'.
Managers hate the Dunkley, Papley scenarios I think. And very few want the PSD option.
Players talk and recommend Managers. It's a bit of a closed industry - only 2-3 serious companies but cut throat between TLA, Connor Sports and I forgot the 3rd company? There's also 'niche' player our man Ralphy Carr. And Pickering, the flog.
Lets hope CCJ's Manager at TLA helps convince North that they made the play and need to get a fair deal done.
