A Bad Season come good?

[avitt]

I've been hammered in sideways ruck trades this year, but have ended up saving trades by holding players through extended injury layoffs. Currently Have 11 Trades and $327,900. Going for league win. Tanking Rd13 (opposition is set up too well).

Current Team:
Deledio, Goddard, Scotland, Shaw, Lake, Clarke, Bugg (Darley, Spurr)
Ablett, Pendles, Selwood, Mitchell, Priddis, Horsely (JMac, Williams)
Maric, Kreuzer (Giles, Redden)
Franklin, Danger, Pav, Johnson, Treloar, Porps, Saad (Hall, Sexton)

Through 5 Trades over the next 2 weeks I can end up with:
Deledio, Goddard, Scotland, Shaw, Carrazzo, Johnson, Lake (Darley, Spurr)
Ablett, Pendles, Selwood, Thompson, Mitchell, Priddis (JMac, Williams)
Maric, Giles (Redden, $94k Rookie)
Franklin, Danger, Pav, Johnson, Sidebottom, Porps, Saad (Hall, Sexton)

(Picks up Carrots and Thompson in Rd 14 when at their lowest)
Leaving me with 6 Trades and effectively $0 for finals (maybe a Saad-->Goodes upgrade later)

Is this the best team I can go for with what I've got?
Any players you would suggest as alternatives for Thompson? or Sidey? or Johnson?

[Ringo]

Sound plan
See you are downgrading rucks I would look at Paatinson as the Rookie ruck and then look at bringing Rooughie in as F7 so you can interchange to ruck if required.  Your choice though.

[avitt]

Thanks for the advice Ringo!
Roughy is super-consistent as well, so having him as ruck cover could be a lifesaver for when the general hits Giles and I'm low on trades...
Are we sold on M. Johnson being a proven gun? Haven't watched enough Freo games to know his role, but he racks them up every week!

[Ringo]

Got MJ 2 weeks ago and if he is allowed to continue running free as he is at the moment will continue to rack the points up. Have only seen a couple of Freo games myself so maybe Valk or Cic can comment on him.