How did the Bombers orchestrate arguably their most successful trade period in history?
In the sixth episode of Dodcast, Essendon GM of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro is joined by Devon Smith to lift the lid on the 2017 trade period.
Smith was one of three stars to join the Bombers during that trade period, in what marked the rebirth of the club.
Scroll below for audio and an episode rundown. You can also listen and subscribe to Dodcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
EPISODE RUNDOWN
2:00 - Becoming relevant again.
4:36 - Getting the deals done - the concerns, media speculation, running the plan past a retired expert.
7:37 - What gave Essendon confidence in Jake Stringer despite the naysayers, and how the deal transpired.
12:15 - Dodoro's long-standing relationship with the Saad family.
16:07 - Devon Smith joins the show.
18:06 - Smith's first-ever meeting with Essendon that left him perplexed.
19:25 - The twist to the Smith trade tale.
21:25 - The mind games between Dodoro and Stephen Silvagni, his then-Carlton counterpart.
22:53 - What made Smith choose Essendon, and a last-minute, godfather offer from another club that had him second-guessing.
28:10 - Smith's relationship with Jake Stringer and the role model he's been for him.
30:24 - Securing talent in the subsequent draft despite the late picks (Brandon Zerk-Thatcher at pick 66, Matt Guelfi at 76).
PREVIOUS EPISODES
The draftee opposition recruiters laughed about
The letter that secured a rookie sensation
The Bombers' first-ever No.1 draft pick
Dodcast is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.
