Jared Rivers might stay

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

... this might just be me, but I don't think playing finals footy is enough to justify a move. I could understand a move to a premiership contender (Sydney, Hawks, etc) But if the club isn't likely to be a legitimate contender (and I don't think Geelong are going to be one) then contract length and amount must at least be as significant as what MFC would be offering before considering a move.

good point, and if you go to a premiership contender you want to be sure you're good/young enough to get a game. I doubt JR would have got a guernsey if he had been on either the Hawks or Swans list in September.

[IRW 1,388]

Most likely the truth is that the Cats will want to explore all options before doing the deal with Jared.

I suggest he's a back up plan and he has staed that he wants to remain in Victoria I believe so any Port Adelaide offer is irrelevant.

Fingers crossed I hope he stays for some good times,heaven knows any MFC backman pre Watts deserves some.

[Nineteen 159]

He has seen us early release on White, JuniorMac Bruce and likely Moloney. He is correctly exploring options.

Jarrods best years were mid last decade. Welcome to stay, welcome to go. Either way, a good servant of the club.

Respecting that Frawley & Jamar made All Aussie, we have not had a 'champion' for way toooo long.

Putting games & heat into Tom Mac, Fitzgerald, Watt, Trengove etc is our path to unearthing a banner player.

[H_T 3,049]

Rivers' best year IMO was last year 2011 from an individual point of view. 2nd in the B&F. His previous best season was the year he won the rising star. 2004.

[Redleg 41,962]

I think he will probably leave.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,289]

I had the pleasure of having a long chat with Jared at a function prior to the Darwin game. A delighful down to earth bloke. While he was not specific about his own plans two things were clear. 1. He is a commited demon. 2. He talked about the concerns of a player who is approching the big 30 and wants to maximise his opportunities before it is all over career wise.

My overall impression was that he dearly wanted to stay at Melbourne but that ultimately he had to consider his long term future. IMO he has been a courageous and loyal servant of the club. I hope we we do what it takes to retain him.

[jane02 3,778]

I had the pleasure of having a long chat with Jared at a function prior to the Darwin game. A delighful down to earth bloke. While he was not specific about his own plans two things were clear. 1. He is a commited demon. 2. He talked about the concerns of a player who is approching the big 30 and wants to maximise his opportunities before it is all over career wise.

My overall impression was that he dearly wanted to stay at Melbourne but that ultimately he had to consider his long term future. IMO he has been a courageous and loyal servant of the club. I hope we we do what it takes to retain him.

I couldn't agree more. He is a lovely guy and and I will be gutted if he goes.

Please stay Jared.... please.

[Hardnut 327]

Securing Jack Viney at 26 was great, but it was just 'the end of the beginning'. Now MFC has to capitalise on this and make this year's draft an outstanding success. Good negotiating (and maybe 'eating some humble pie') will be essential.

[Fitz Fitzpatrick 886]

I had the pleasure of having a long chat with Jared at a function prior to the Darwin game. A delighful down to earth bloke. While he was not specific about his own plans two things were clear. 1. He is a commited demon. 2. He talked about the concerns of a player who is approching the big 30 and wants to maximise his opportunities before it is all over career wise.

My overall impression was that he dearly wanted to stay at Melbourne but that ultimately he had to consider his long term future. IMO he has been a courageous and loyal servant of the club. I hope we we do what it takes to retain him.

did he make a comment about your neck collar?

[DeeSpencer 26,323]

I'd love to keep Rivers. He's a pro. He knows every defensive trick in the book when it comes to body work and spoiling and I think as good as McDonald can be he'd be much better alongside Rivers. I'm sure Frawley feels the same. Start your defense with those 3 and you actually start to nullify teams in the air if you have a midfield that can compete. All of a sudden your small defenders improve as well.

Keeping experienced and quality talent is so important for rebuilding and whilst some of Rivers' traits are annoying I bet young demons players appreciate his courage and his experience come game day.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

even though it looks like we are drafting in a bunch of experience, we have lost Beamer and Green, Rivers and Davey are the only two now with 150 games in the board, and there are 6 others (inc. Bartram) who have over 100. We can't up this 'Peter Pan' existence forever - JR is required

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

Respecting that Frawley & Jamar made All Aussie, we have not had a 'champion' for way toooo long.

Putting games & heat into Tom Mac, Fitzgerald, Watt, Trengove etc is our path to unearthing a banner player.

of course the other side of the coin is the unknown impact of having kids in the club with inadequate experienced leaders to show them the ropes. At this point in time, it doesn't seem to have done us much good pumping games into kids as heavily as we did in the Bailey years. Cale Morton is a good example, he played 40 out of 44 games in his first 2 years and only 33 in the following 3 (yes some of that was due to injury) nevertheless he certainly is nowhere near the star we thought he'd be. I would also argue that JR on the timesheet is more likely than one of those kids to get a win on the board, and we MUST start winning games

[Bitter but optimistic 22,289]

did he make a comment about your neck collar?

No. He was much too well mannered. However, I got the impression that it is a little overstated for the lay back and casual Darwin lifestyle.

[Fitz Fitzpatrick 886]

No. He was much too well mannered. However, I got the impression that it is a little overstated for the lay back and casual Darwin lifestyle.

haha

[pantaloons 2,019]

I wonder if Melbourne had gotten used to the idea of Rivers and Moloney both leaving and netting us a pick around 27. I doubt we'll get much if it's just Moloney in for Byrnes. Not that I'm hoping Rivers leaves, but it just impacts on our pick situation.

[boydie 655]

So with free agency ending tomorrow afternoon, if Rivers doesn't go to any of the clubs rumored to be into him by cut off does that mean he either accepts a contract with Melbourne or head to the draft?

[Barney Rubble 1,576]

I am NOT definitely going to burn my Melbourne membership this year.

But I may NOT even definitely burn it next year either.

Either way I would be happy if JR did NOT definitely leave Melbourne.

I would definitely be Happy when this F***ing Draft Ends.

It would mean I definitely might get my sanity back (I think)

[Weedster 174]

I had the pleasure of having a long chat with Jared at a function prior to the Darwin game. A delighful down to earth bloke. While he was not specific about his own plans two things were clear. 1. He is a commited demon. 2. He talked about the concerns of a player who is approching the big 30 and wants to maximise his opportunities before it is all over career wise.

My overall impression was that he dearly wanted to stay at Melbourne but that ultimately he had to consider his long term future. IMO he has been a courageous and loyal servant of the club. I hope we we do what it takes to retain him.

I too hope he stays, but one scenario would seem to be that he has an offer from Geelong, but they need to free up a place on their list (seemingly Mitch Brown) for which we the receive compensation which is on-traded for Perderson or Gumbleton. Would just as soon just keep Rivers

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Reports by Hun journos that he is gone to cats on 2 year deal.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/department-of-trades/melbourne-defender-jared-rivers-set-to-join-geelong/story-fn69a32t-1226498564307

[Skewesy 3]

Sen say he is gone on a 2 yr deal!

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,041]

As much as I admired his efforts, this is probably the right decision for all concerned. Geelong happy because Rivers replaces Scarlett; Rivers happy because he has a chance to play finals football; Melbourne happy because he's at the wrong end of his career for the latest rebuild plus a compensation pick.

Well played everyone.

[jane02 3,778]

I am sorry to lose JR but wish him all the best.

[McQueen 17,867]

Good luck to him but I reckon in two years time when Melbourne are above Geelong on the ladder he will be kicking himself.

[barpen 0]

Sad day- One of my favs. I wish him all the best. Imagine how good he could have been if he didn't have those injuries...

[FireUp 67]

Well I hate it. We would be shamed if we did not buy a membership each year. Why don't we all just buy one when our window is 5 to 12 then. I understand that the clubs get rid of players so players want same right but the lesser clubs are so vulnerable. I will always buy my membership but I do feel cheated right now. Better just velcro those numbers on our backs.