thank you for actually posting some CONTENT on the topic, unlike some others

I believe the VFL was struggling a bit when national expansion started happening, and yes, it helped bring it back to life

However, the situation NOW is that it is NOT struggling - the current model seems perfectly sustainable

All that's going to happen is that smaller clubs like us and North will get shafted, beginning with this player poaching

It's AFL expansion that has lead to the current state and that expansion is incomplete. The only reason North and Melbourne exist let alone have an opportunity of winning a flag is because of AFL policies - salary cap, draft, equalisation - even if there was an equal fixture if you took away these AFL rules then we would be unable to compete and probably unable to survive. It's part of the whole package - it's the height of hypocrisy to suggest that the AFL are stealing our opportunity.

The AFL is in a special position where there is only one top level league in the world, it means we can retain the best players in our league - similar to NFL. This is not possible with soccer or the fragmented rugby codes - salary cap is impossible in soccer. The AFL wants to consolidate as the national football code, dominant in every state and has the attractive code, funds and determination to do it. AFL has the upper hand, soccer took a massive blow with the WC decision - no further opportunty until 2030 and a guaranteed 2nd or 3rd rate local competition - now's the time for the AFL to put the other codes to the sword. It's a long road that we've embarked on and there'll be some collateral casualties - I'd absolutely hate to lose Tom Scully to GWS but I understand he's only at Melbourne because the AFL made it so.

Maybe it's selfish reasons for you and you're only concerned about MFC?

That's exactly right. I don't think i'm talking garbage when I say T.Scully may well be the best player in the comp in a few years, and by extension I don't think it is entirely unreasonable to suggest that his retention or his loss could be the difference between premiership or runner-up for us. So if the AFL gives these clubs a gift basket that ultimately robs us of a flag you can bet I'm against it.

It's AFL expansion that has lead to the current state and that expansion is incomplete. The only reason North and Melbourne exist let alone have an opportunity of winning a flag is because of AFL policies - salary cap, draft, equalisation - even if there was an equal fixture if you took away these AFL rules then we would be unable to compete and probably unable to survive. It's part of the whole package - it's the height of hypocrisy to suggest that the AFL are stealing our opportunity.

The AFL is in a special position where there is only one top level league in the world, it means we can retain the best players in our league - similar to NFL. This is not possible with soccer or the fragmented rugby codes - salary cap is impossible in soccer. The AFL wants to consolidate as the national football code, dominant in every state and has the attractive code, funds and determination to do it. AFL has the upper hand, soccer took a massive blow with the WC decision - no further opportunty until 2030 and a guaranteed 2nd or 3rd rate local competition - now's the time for the AFL to put the other codes to the sword. It's a long road that we've embarked on and there'll be some collateral casualties - I'd absolutely hate to lose Tom Scully to GWS but I understand he's only at Melbourne because the AFL made it so.

I just cannot see this vision that people seem to have of footy losing some sort of war to soccer. How is it ever going to happen? Perhaps I lack your big picture vision but I preferred the game the way it used to be, it was tougher (now cleaned up to appease the mothers) clubs had tradition (unlike Freo, Port etc) players were more loyal because everything wasn't about money, the draw was more even because it wasn't all about TV rights etc etc etc It just seems that every decision gets made on the basis of what makes the AFL more cash, even if it is to the detriment of the game or to the distinct disadvantage of the minnow clubs

PS yes the AFL gave us Tom Scully, but they gave Hawthorn Franklin and Hodge, Collingwood Thomas and Pendlebury etc etc and they got their flags out of it, Carlton, Richmond etc have all been just as gifted as we

That's exactly right. I don't think i'm talking garbage when I say T.Scully may well be the best player in the comp in a few years, and by extension I don't think it is entirely unreasonable to suggest that his retention or his loss could be the difference between premiership or runner-up for us. So if the AFL gives these clubs a gift basket that ultimately robs us of a flag you can bet I'm against it.

Yes, but you can't possibly expect the AFL to adopt the same mindset.

They are concerned with the future of the game as a whole.

Really drifting off on a tangent though, aren't we?

Not sure how this is relevant to Scully staying or leaving.

The offer was real. He has already declined. Fact.

Can be bothered checking all 5 pages, can someone tell me if there is an article or source besides what the bloke heard on the radio?

Nope.

All unsubstantiated rumour to the point no media outlet is willing to put it in writing.

The offer was real. He has already declined. Fact.

Who are you and what do you really know?

Who are you and what do you really know?

Newbie with 3 posts. Alert alert.....

I hope he does both his knees and is sidelined for 18 months. Only kidding, but I don't think I could bear 6 months of reading and hearing "he might, he will, he won't".

Newbie with 3 posts. Alert alert.....

Aug 09 isn't exactly a newbie, just someone who is selective with what they post.

For whatever reason.

The offer was real. He has already declined. Fact.

Would be interesting to know the source????

I spoke to Mr Scully who stated he hadn't spoken to anyone about his contract next year including MFC and GWS (maybe he's lying to me

He did say that if GWS were to offer him a sh^t load he would look at it or words to the effect 'I would be stupid not to consider it.' Source: T Scully

Edited February 2, 201114 yr by Wolfmother

I think he's right in saying that.

Anyone would be stupid not to consider it in isolation.

It's just that it doesn't take into consideration what we could offer him; that being, much more than Geelong was able to offer Ablett.

Of course he'll take that into consideration but if the figures are true it is double or 2.5 times his MFC salary for next year.... he's not staying for MCG, mates, flags etc etc and why would he

Edited February 2, 201114 yr by Wolfmother

Of course he'll take that into consideration but if the figures are true it is double by 2.5 times his MFC salary for next year.... he's not staying for MCG, mates, flags etc etc and why would he

I'm confused

I'm confused

whoops or

Of course he'll take that into consideration but if the figures are true it is double or 2.5 times his MFC salary for next year.... he's not staying for MCG, mates, flags etc etc and why would he

How can you possibly profess to know what MFC would offer him for his new contract next year?

With front-loading we could come close to matching it.

Of course he'll take that into consideration but if the figures are true it is double or 2.5 times his MFC salary for next year.... he's not staying for MCG, mates, flags etc etc and why would he

Cannot agree Wolfie. We are not talking about your average wage and salary earners. Theses kids don't grow up with posters on their wall of bags of money, or shares in BHP, or how to set up a self managed super fund. They have posters of their stars or their team holding up the premiership cup (if they're lucky). It's their dream and there is only a limited timeframe for players to achieve their goal - say from 18 to a max of 35 years. Tom will want that to happen sooner rather than later, and Melboune should be pushing for top 4 within 3 years, whereas GWS seem to be looking at an 7-10 year timeframe.

There are also enough chances for a player to earn good money off the field once they finish their career, as coaches or player development officials or even AFL management. They don't have to put all their eggs in one basket and go for broke on player wages. They also increase their employability if they are part of a premiership team.

How can you possibly profess to know what MFC would offer him for his new contract next year?

With front-loading we could come close to matching it.

You think that the MFC can come close to matching $6 mil over 6 years?

Melbourne have Watts, Frawley, Trengove, Davey, Sylvia, Jurrah, Green, Grimes all able to command big dollars now or in their next contract, plus the possibility of other stars emerging, plus mature players one average AFL money, with a standard salary cap.

GWS have a heap of draft picks and an extended salary cap. GWS could have the first two years at $2.5m.

How can MFC possibly be able to match them? How will front loading help when there are half a dozen other big contracts to sign?

Edited February 2, 201114 yr by Thomo

How can MFC possibly be able to match them?

Quite simply you don't. You give him a hefty pay rise (as he would get anyway) and you hope that tradition, direction, culture and mateship are more important to him than money.

You only have to look at the problems the Bears are having with Fev's wage and how little wriggle room they have with signings to see how destructive this sort of game would be to us.

Tom will make a lot of money out of the MFC if he plays out his career here plus he will get some other bloody nice benefits as well. Can that other plastic team offer that?

Don't know if this has already been mentioned but this is a real offer.

my mates dad is on the board or something and he told me so im pretty sure.

i really hope he stays... obviously

Don't know if this has already been mentioned but this is a real offer.

my mates dad is on the board or something and he told me so im pretty sure.

i really hope he stays... obviously

Your mates dad is on the Board of what, BHP, NAB or perhaps the Sydney Swans? If you are going to offer up something like that at least get your facts all together.

This is the problem, people can start rumours and they spread even though they are without any real foundation or basis whatsoever.

I could go on to bigfooty and say that player X had been approached by GWS and I guarantee that it would finish as up a thread like this on the particular club's supporter board.

I just love these "I've got a mate whose father's boss is on the board, or is an official I think at (insert any club here) and he reckons that (insert player) is definitely going to GWS next year for 70 Squillion a year for ten years".

Tom Scully may or may not be going to GWS next year but i can bet one thing it is highly unlikely that some North Melbourne Official or whatever knows it for a fact.

If it's just about the money then why don't we just ask Joe Gutnick to hire Tom as a fitness coach to make up the difference? It could be his "summer job"!

You think that the MFC can come close to matching $6 mil over 6 years?

Melbourne have Watts, Frawley, Trengove, Davey, Sylvia, Jurrah, Green, Grimes all able to command big dollars now or in their next contract, plus the possibility of other stars emerging, plus mature players one average AFL money, with a standard salary cap.

GWS have a heap of draft picks and an extended salary cap. GWS could have the first two years at $2.5m.

How can MFC possibly be able to match them? How will front loading help when there are half a dozen other big contracts to sign?

You're right, IF it comes down to coin GWS would blow us out of the water.

MFC could however still make Tom a very attractive offer and after say 3 more years he is still very young and probably still very marketable.

Committing himself at this stage to a club that will struggle for a few years on and off the field seems pointless and unneccesary. At least to me, I hope he doesn't see it differently.

I'll still be nervous until he signs (with us).

You think that the MFC can come close to matching $6 mil over 6 years?

Melbourne have Watts, Frawley, Trengove, Davey, Sylvia, Jurrah, Green, Grimes all able to command big dollars now or in their next contract, plus the possibility of other stars emerging, plus mature players one average AFL money, with a standard salary cap.

GWS have a heap of draft picks and an extended salary cap. GWS could have the first two years at $2.5m.

How can MFC possibly be able to match them? How will front loading help when there are half a dozen other big contracts to sign?

We won't be able to exactly match any offer from GWS.

I said close.

Depends on your definition of close.

I think close enough to keep him here.

Also, I think his earning power away from the club with endorsements, etc is greater in Melbourne.

But it's not all about money for a kid his age.

Far from it.