West Coast will receive Josh J. Kennedy (and picks 3 and 20) from Carlton in exchange for Judd - but who at Carlton will benefit most from the gun on-baller's arrival?

- Nick Stevens: Will attract a less-heavy tag with Judd in the team, which could see him become a more prolific midfielder

- Kade Simpson: Ditto. Might start to get less attention from opposition teams, although I have doubts about whether he can be a big ball-winner

- Brendan Fevola: Had an awful season and was bound to improve nonetheless, but Judd's arrival makes him a must-have. He'll have the ball delivered to him on a plate next year, and the marks and goals should flow nicely

- Marc Murphy: Struggled with taggers this season, and a bigger stronger body will allow him to cope that little bit more. But with Judd in the team, Murphy should have more freedom to rack up possessions in the Carlton midfield

- Andrew Walker: With Ratten taking over from Denis Pagan, and a revamped midfield, Walker should start to play a more attacking game. This will see more possessions and the odd goal or two in '08.

We'll have a full analysis next year, once we've seen pre-season form (and injuries)... but for now, what're your thoughts?

In other news, yesterday's Age revealed that season 2008 will be a 24-round home-and-away season.

Now, this would mean an equivalent of two extra trades to account for the extra weeks, although Virtual Sports (the company who handles the AFL.com.au, SuperCoach and Sportal competitions) may ease the pressure with even more trades.

This allows more players to remain competitive up until the final weeks of the fantasy season, but reduces the importance of a picking a good squad for round 1.

On another note, the longer season may see younger players run out of steam as the year goes on. Bryce Gibbs, Mitch Morton and other youngsters may be attractive picks for the first part of the year, but it'll be a long season. Just something to consider...

EDIT: John Meesen has signed with the Demons. Boo-yah... if he can get his 'tude (attitude) right and play solidly, Meesen could be the bargain ruck pick of season '08. More trade news when it's confirmed...