Please don't fall into the trap of gloating about paper profits, this script usually ends in tears. When Essendon sold the farm for Shiel it was meant to be domination, Collingwood were supposedly going to be the kings of September with their newly minted Treloar, Hawthorn were ripe for another tilt with Scully and a few others. Deals with GWS aren't always what they seem. Unlike Gold Coast who generally provide a value added service, GWS sell for top dollar and simply rotate their 3rd, 4th & 5th best midfielders with new draftees. In the whole time they have been in the AFL none of these blockbuster deals have translated to premierships, not even finals for Carlton who have revisited the well at least half a dozen times. Buyer beware, just look at the Hawks if you want lessons in topping up and ushering in a new era of mediocrity.
