Cloke a Magpie for Life

[The heart beats true 18,110]

I'd take Cloke. He has a huge body and I think that would make life a lot easier for Mitch and blokes like Blease and Jetta to crumb from. We need to spend the money and for once we actually have it.

Wellingham I'm not convinced of. It's really hard to understand a midfielders value when you've got so much focus on Swan, Pendlebury and now Beams. If it's just him and Nathan Jones you'd have to think he's going to find the going much tougher.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,197]

Wow. If that was the proposed trade I'd be signing it as it came out the printer.

Yep - gotta laugh at those who think we could get a guy like Wellingham for a C-grade player like Martin. Got rocks in their heads.

[Jarka 767]

If Neeld trades Martin then I'll be as happy as a pig in [censored]. I know there's a lot of people here who really like him and he is very agile for a big guy, but he's just a dumb footballer. It seems Neeld is going to get right of all of them as well, which makes me even happier.

I could live with trading Martin for Wellingham. Actually it would be highway robbery but don't tell the pies that just yet.

[Whispering_Jack 29,812]

Personally, I would focus on the team that won last night's game and be trying to pick up one or two of their "fringe" players who can't break into that midfield but might really blossom in a new environment. Players like Ellis and Savage who might be considered up for trades perhaps?

We seem to have an excess of key position defenders, one of who might be offered up for what could become a win/win trade.

As for Collingwood I thought they went OK last night and it was just that Hawthorn is so much better drilled. I really can't see anybody beating them for the flag even at this stage unless Buddy does his hammy again. The bloke was pretty much subdued by Tarrant in the first half and still finished with four goals. If only we could get him?

Cloke is still a big chance to go elsewhere unless he wants to drop a substantial amount of coin. On the basis that his old man is closer in kind to Phil Scully than Mother Theresa, I still reckon he'll be at Pricefixer Park next year helping Juddy with all that good work saving the environment in their never ending search for truth, justice and the almighty dollar.

[pantaloons 2,019]

Ruckmen are always valued higher than their ability. If Martin is rated say 6 out of 10, you can't just trade a midfielder rated 6 out of 10 for him. Go back and have a look at what teams have traded for ruckmen over the last 15 years. We're under no obligation to trade him as he's under contract, so if Collingwood are that desperate, unless we're complete morons (uh-oh) we'll get something good in return.

[Hannibal 5,814]

Wellingham is a good player and played well last night, although Mitchell let him know about it when he didn't commit hard enough to a marking contest in front of his housemate Franklin.

To think that Wellingham should be a Saint, but they let Ball walk for nothing.

PS: why is it that the smiley face that you'd actually like to do, i.e. the one shown as the icon is the only bloody one you can't do ?

[Geddy Lee 582]

After tonight, Eddie will not allow Cloke to leave. Cloke will get his money and his 5 years. Maybe not a million a year, but perhaps $900k per year, unconditional. They will get rid of players like Didak, Tarrant, maybe even Dawes to find the money. Eddie would rather die than see him in a blue jumper.

Also for those thinking of us getting Wellingham, you can forget it.

You don't get to play on Ryan Schoenmakers every week.

[gsmith12 491]

I was at the game tonight and thought the same thing. Collingwood have plenty of mids similiar to Sharrod (Pendles, Daisy, Sidebottom, Beams) but they desperately need to get Dawes out of the second ruck role. Neeld clearly doesn't want Stef, we could really use Wellingham...it would be win win.

I would be really interested to know how you deduce that Neeld clearly does not want Stefan ?

[Sammbo 19]

Collinwood can't afford for Carton to steal the march toward another Cup, thru the Clokes.

If they the pies keep Cloke, they won't want carton to get Dawes.

IMO they're will be spillage. But the clubs will be like seagulls at a Picnic.

Deliberate mistake? Carton not Carlton? Love it.

[Redleg 40,856]

Cloke is still a big chance to go elsewhere unless he wants to drop a substantial amount of coin.

Disagree WJ, just can't see Eddie letting him get to Carlton and for nothing, especially after the last two weeks. They will up the offer and give the last year and delist/trade a few to do it. I am sure David would be happy for his son to get 5 years at $900k each and then he can say we took less than was offered to stay loyal. I think the Clokes will have the last laugh and the Pies fans will still love Travis.

[Range Rover 1,935]

Disagree WJ, just can't see Eddie letting him get to Carlton and for nothing, especially after the last two weeks. They will up the offer and give the last year and delist/trade a few to do it. I am sure David would be happy for his son to get 5 years at $900k each and then he can say we took less than was offered to stay loyal. I think the Clokes will have the last laugh and the Pies fans will still love Travis.

Have to say I agree. No way Eddie will let him go.

The last two weeks have shown that his form concerns were temporary. He's worth every penny of his asking price IMO.

[Biffen 12,940]

I would be really interested to know how you deduce that Neeld clearly does not want Stefan ?

I would be really interested to know how you deduce that Neeld clearly does not want Stefan ?

He read it on Demonland-same way the Herald Sun gets their info.

[nicksaidsoyouknowitstrue 19]

Tarrant is not a problem - retires in two weeks

[IRW 1,387]

I would be really interested to know how you deduce that Neeld clearly does not want Stefan ?

There is a rumour around that Martin isnt happy at being told what to do,Graeme.

Schoolteachers dont take kindly to bad attitude and Coach Neeld is nothing if not a school teacher,though he may be a very good one.

[Demon_JB 1,376]

There is a rumour around that Martin isnt happy at being told what to do,Graeme.

Schoolteachers dont take kindly to bad attitude and Coach Neeld is nothing if not a school teacher,though he may be a very good one.

Funny, I told everyone about how Stef Martin pretty much [censored] on Neelds game plan at the beginning of the year and this was one of the fundamental reasons why Neeld wasn't playing him. Majority laughed at me. Now people are electing to trade him stating these reasons. Logic on demonland is good logic

[Sydney Pennski 294]

There is a rumour around that Martin isnt happy at being told what to do,Graeme.

Schoolteachers dont take kindly to bad attitude and Coach Neeld is nothing if not a school teacher,though he may be a very good one.

Thankfully, I am able to confirm it's only a rumour and not based on fact.

[Deeoldfart 8,005]

Every year Melbourne are down the bottom, the gap between the best and worst teams widens, that's the scary bit.

I agree Clint, so the obvious solution is for Melbourne to get away from the bottom. That will happen under the current regime imo. A player like Wellingham will assist the process. I recon C'wood will sign Cloke, but the fallout might be that Wellingham becomes available.

Edited September 8, 2012 by Deeoldfart

[IRW 1,387]

Funny, I told everyone about how Stef Martin pretty much [censored] on Neelds game plan at the beginning of the year and this was one of the fundamental reasons why Neeld wasn't playing him. Majority laughed at me. Now people are electing to trade him stating these reasons. Logic on demonland is good logic

On the other hand what is correct is that Neeld had Stef earmarked for CHF at the beginning and now we are told by Hells Gates that he knows the top priority is for a KPF.

So it's fair to speculate that Stef may be disposable for one reason or another. Certainly he'd be one of the few on the list who'd have a reasonable trade value

Edited September 8, 2012 by IRW

[Redleg 40,856]

Tarrant is not a problem - retires in two weeks

Make that one week and may have played his last game, if MRP don't like his punch on Buddy.

[Damo 3,344]

Too many have been "injured" this year. They're weak and puny and have a poor work ethic and no great burning desire for footy. They let minor sprains and strains and emotional upsets put them out of action for months.

That sounds like Rory Sloane talking about Sam Blease. They came through juniors together.

[P-man 13,366]

Dawes may not be a star but he is also horribly out of form and a much better player than his recent performances would indicate.

Are people actually proposing Wellingham for Martin? Collingwood's response would be "keep em comin". Personally I hope we keep Stef as he and Clark as a tall forward combination deserve more of a trial.

[McQueen 17,864]

Every year Melbourne are down the bottom, the gap between the best and worst teams widens, that's the scary bit.

Agree with what you've said but what I marvel at is how this game just goes up another gear for finals. When you look at it in this context, the MFC are so far away from making an impact and becoming finals aspirants it's nothing short of amusing, let alone nauseating..

This is what a few of the less 'lateral minded' fail to see. Under Bailey and the game plan he was persisting with, we would've been absolutley slaughtered in a finals match.

The gap is is huge as you've pointed out however, the path we have started to follow this year is going to equip the team so much better.

Anyway, back on Cloke. If anyone still doubts his value after last nights game you've got to go and get some serious help, because you've got no idea. I hope Neeld was infact deflecting the notion of our desire to bring Cloke in.

We are screaming out for another big forward and at the moment Cloke is arguably the best in the competition.

[McQueen 17,864]

Wellingham is a good player and played well last night, although Mitchell let him know about it when he didn't commit hard enough to a marking contest in front of his housemate Franklin.

To think that Wellingham should be a Saint, but they let Ball walk for nothing.

PS: why is it that the smiley face that you'd actually like to do, i.e. the one shown as the icon is the only bloody one you can't do ?

Dig your avatar BH.

I think we're looking at the future King of Cool Grunt.

[Pennant St Dee 13,118]

Agree with what you've said but what I marvel at is how this game just goes up another gear for finals. When you look at it in this context, the MFC are so far away from making an impact and becoming finals aspirants it's nothing short of amusing, let alone nauseating..

This is what a few of the less 'lateral minded' fail to see. Under Bailey and the game plan he was persisting with, we would've been absolutley slaughtered in a finals match.

The gap is is huge as you've pointed out however, the path we have started to follow this year is going to equip the team so much better.

Anyway, back on Cloke. If anyone still doubts his value after last nights game you've got to go and get some serious help, because you've got no idea. I hope Neeld was infact deflecting the notion of our desire to bring Cloke in.

We are screaming out for another big forward and at the moment Cloke is arguably the best in the competition.

Good post,

he has just been out of form and still pushing to 60 goals for the season. I went to the Meth Coast v Pies game a few weeks ago and whilst he was out of form his work rate and desire to get to a contest was phenominal.

would be a big asset to any team and Collingwood would be crazy to lose him

[demoniac 1,330]

Dawes may not be a star but he is also horribly out of form and a much better player than his recent performances would indicate.

Are people actually proposing Wellingham for Martin? Collingwood's response would be "keep em comin". Personally I hope we keep Stef as he and Clark as a tall forward combination deserve more of a trial.

Maggies have yet to replace Leigh Brown and his crucial sub era Utulity Tall/Relieving Ruck role. They have had to rely on Chris Dawes to relieve Jolly in the ruck and that has not worked. If they want to be challenge for a flag they need a better option for that role who can also carry the ruck if the ageing Jolly is injured. Wood is a tried and failed option and the other options are young and inexperienced rucks.

There will be alot of pressure at Pieland to resolve this issue in trade period.