GOODBYE MR. CHIP FRAWLEY

[Binmans PA 26,766]

I think most know my view on the Frawley situation, but another consideration many don't seem to be making is the psychological blow this may signal to the MFC. We have struggled to hold onto any of our FAs and Frawley's signature really would be a wonderful symbol of hope and renewed fire in the Demon. While I don't want to pay him $1mill, I'm happy to back what the FD wants to offer him and if $800,000 is the price, then so be it. We have plenty in the cap and it would fix up any potential concern we had over KPD's. Frawley, Garland, McDonald, Dunn, with support from Pederson and perhaps even Georgiou for depth.

I understand why a lot of people are being flippant about Frawley's signature, but you don't let an AA full back leave when he's coming to 25-26 years of age. He's an important cog going forward. Roos is playing the situation correctly. Plan for life without Frawley and if he signs at the end of the year, we're set for KPD's for the next five years. If he leaves, we can cover him, but make no mistake. Our defence is ultimately weaker without him. Frawley at the height of his defensive powers is just about unbeatable; his rebound and toe off half back is invaluable; and just imagine Frawley as the lynchpin with a functioning, dominant midfield in front of him. It's a dream.

We must hold onto Frawley.

[Redleg 38,641]

I think most know my view on the Frawley situation, but another consideration many don't seem to be making is the psychological blow this may signal to the MFC. We have struggled to hold onto any of our FAs and Frawley's signature really would be a wonderful symbol of hope and renewed fire in the Demon. While I don't want to pay him $1mill, I'm happy to back what the FD wants to offer him and if $800,000 is the price, then so be it. We have plenty in the cap and it would fix up any potential concern we had over KPD's. Frawley, Garland, McDonald, Dunn, with support from Pederson and perhaps even Georgiou for depth.

I understand why a lot of people are being flippant about Frawley's signature, but you don't let an AA full back leave when he's coming to 25-26 years of age. He's an important cog going forward. Roos is playing the situation correctly. Plan for life without Frawley and if he signs at the end of the year, we're set for KPD's for the next five years. If he leaves, we can cover him, but make no mistake. Our defence is ultimately weaker without him. Frawley at the height of his defensive powers is just about unbeatable; his rebound and toe off half back is invaluable; and just imagine Frawley as the lynchpin with a functioning, dominant midfield in front of him. It's a dream.

We must hold onto Frawley.

If the article today is correct his price is over the odds.

Says that Dockers were told 4 years at $700k a year and they have declined. If that is true and no one else wants to pay that price, one would think we could keep him for say 5 years at between $500k-$600k per season.

They say that players that go for money, usually won't, unless the difference is about $150k per year. We should be able to manage that, with Clark gone and others leaving.

[SaberFang 7,141]

Except the space in our cap allows us to go after two or three upcoming talents over the off-season. Depends entirely on who Roos has in mind. One Frawley on $600k could mean giving up two GWS players on $300k.

[Binmans PA 26,766]

Exactly. We'll be fine. His manager obviously gambled on him having a better season than he has. I'd say what he couldn't have expected was that Frawley has clearly been put off by the pressure surrounding his contract.

I'd front load his contract anyway, so that'll still enable us to go hard for other players when we come into our window.

[rolly 149]

between foundation heroes and mitch clark gone it will not be a money issue

[Binmans PA 26,766]

Except the space in our cap allows us to go after two or three upcoming talents over the off-season. Depends entirely on who Roos has in mind. One Frawley on $600k could mean giving up two GWS players on $300k.

That's not the sense I get at all. We haven't paid the full cap in years. We're obviously speculating, but I'd say we'd have plenty of money to offer four year contracts to say two GWS players for $500k.

[SaberFang 7,141]

The new salary cap rules will be interesting too. I wonder how Roos will approach "banking" 5% for a few years then making a big play.

Personally I'd rather we went hard at another KPF for $600-$700k. Our defence has held up perfectly fine without Frawley, even though it'd be better with him down there.

Edited June 8, 2014 by Lamashtu

[Bang Bang Bang 5,608]

It's touch and go for me, in fact after his latest efforts on camera I'd lean towards him leaving. Life will go on either way. Either he stays, great, or he leaves, we get a top 5 pick which Roos will on-trade for something that significantly improves our list. We can't lose from this.

[Maple Demon 449]

Que sera sera.

[Ted Lasso 17,318]

I find it all strange 700k isn't way overs for an all Australian quality full back just hitting his prime, I don't see that as way overs if Dale Thomas is worth 750k and gibbs is apparently worth that .

I'd have though Freo would happlily pay that to sure up a key post with quality long term

[ChaserJ 4,110]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/james-frawley-in-fremantle-dockers-recruiting-plans-for-2015/story-fni5f6su-1226946820682

[Ted Lasso 17,318]

freo won't fire a shot until Fyfe is on board and he will want 800k a year plus in fact i have it on very good authority the fact freo's offer isn't that high is a big part of why he isn't re-signed yet.

[demoniac 1,246]

Roos' uncertain tenure an obvious factor for Frawley which is understandable.

Unclear if Frawley wants Roos to commit to the club for the same period that he does or just for the third year.

It would be understandable if Frawley accepted an offer from Hawthorn. They may not even offer him more money than we do but they will offer a realistic chance of a flag in the short term.

[SaberFang 7,141]

What's rewarding about winning a flag without doing the hard work to get it?

[titan_uranus 23,254]

What's rewarding about winning a flag without doing the hard work to get it?

I guess he'd justify it along the lines of playing with us circa 2008-2013 is hard work enough?

I agree though - surely you'd be so far gone into our cause that nothing would satisfy save for seeing it through and being there with us? I mean, no matter what he does, if we do go on to win a flag during his career, is he going to be happy? I doubt it.

[dee-luded 2,958]

I think if he does go, it certainly won't be to a club that isn't in contention. He probably is worth the 600K that is being thrown around and I think we will pay that much to keep him. However if a club that has their premiership window open and is prepared to pay overs for a top up player they'll probably get him. I don't think they'll be picking him as a forward prospect but we all know his ability down back.

so what do you think he-you would do, if a club comes at Him, with $950,000.00 per annum over 4 years, front ended ?

Do you think he would choose the Hawks, Cats, Bombers, or Blues? or take the big $$$ ?

Edited June 8, 2014 by dee-luded

[dee-luded 2,958]

Watts admits that he was swayed when Roos took over as coach and I have no doubt he was seriously considering leaving. Well Chip knows what is on the table at that Roos will most likely coach for the next 2 years. Judge people by what they do NOT by what they say. Dunn set the standard today by signing up now and that is real leadership. The ball is firmly in Chips court and the longer he delays the more inclined I am that he will go. PJ has said that the succession plan will not happen till post seasons as they consider the candidates. Chip will not know who the next coach will be when he makes his decision. Good on you Lyndon

Watts was coming off a shorter contract, probably without as many big dollar suitors, at that stage of his career. Frawley is a mature top AFL Key defender in his physical prime, & has been on a 5 yr contract, in which time he was All Australian, & stands all the best big forwards that Todays AFL Game can throw at him.

I'd be surprised if clubs haven't had people working on him, for the past 18 months, minimum.

[Bring Back Barassi 546]

What's rewarding about winning a flag without doing the hard work to get it?

Stan Alves looked pretty damn happy winning a flag in '77 after one season at North. That really made my stomach turn.

[SaberFang 7,141]

I'm sure Bulldogs fans were a little sick seeing Lake's first year at the Hawks and all the fawning from commentators.

[Lucifers Hero 37,524]

Roos re Frawley on mfc website today:

“At the moment, it’s fine. We know where James is coming from,” he said.

“We’re just sitting back and [we’ll] wait and see. In terms of your overall planning and where our money goes, and whether you go draft or free agency, [the] backend of the year is fine.

“Hopefully he decides sooner rather than later, but I’m not fazed by it, at the moment. I think he’s enjoying his footy and he’s enjoying being around the club and if we continue to improve, hopefully he’ll stay.”

This is looking as if the club isn't going to fight too hard to keep him. Both Roos (a few weeks ago) and Barlett (today) said they are staying out of his negotiations. Nice if he stays but... To me it reads as if the club is happy to take the extra draft pick rather than throw money at him as a free agent. Would the club be so bold as to make him a fair (but maybe low-end) offer so that he 'has' to go?

Good food-for-thought for Frawley and his manager, eh!

He is getting to the stage where he does not 'own' a spot in the team so for mine, I'm happy to see him go.

Edited June 10, 2014 by Lucifer's Hero

[beelzebub 22,762]

Roos re Frawley on mfc website today:

“At the moment, it’s fine. We know where James is coming from,” he said.

“We’re just sitting back and [we’ll] wait and see. In terms of your overall planning and where our money goes, and whether you go draft or free agency, [the] backend of the year is fine.

“Hopefully he decides sooner rather than later, but I’m not fazed by it, at the moment. I think he’s enjoying his footy and he’s enjoying being around the club and if we continue to improve, hopefully he’ll stay.”

This is looking as if the club isn't going to fight too hard to keep him. Both Roos (a few weeks ago) and Barlett (today) said they are staying out of his negotiations. Nice if he stays but... To me it reads as if the club is happy to take the extra draft pick rather than throw money at him as a free agent. Would the club be so bold as to make him a fair (but maybe low-end) offer so that he 'has' to go?

Good food-for-thought for Frawley and his manager, eh!

He is getting to the stage where he does not 'own' a spot in the team so for mine, I'm happy to see him go.

I think its a case of..you stay..fine...you go...thats no probs, we'll survive etc

Now the FD etc have worked out the list etc they know they needn't be held to ransom.. This is a different club now...tfft !!

[Deestroy All 14,262]

I've been a huge fan since the beginning, and I'd like him to stay as he makes our back line much stronger and will be even more valuable when we're a good team.

However that pathetic shepparding attempt that threw Terlich under the bus made my stomach turn.

Imagine Chip's reaction had someone done that to him.

I hope Roos is all over it in the team meeting / review.

Perhaps Jetta can do some assistant coaching and teach these bozos that you can still defend even when WE have the ball.

[beelzebub 22,762]

it might just be me but he isnt playing with the commitment of a stay at Dees player. This may well be for the simple reason that hes undecided but his attitude, even at training seems a little odd.

I see him as a good player, not the wonderboy many here seem to accord. just me I guess

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,214]

I honestly believe that he hasn't made up his mind yet. It's perfectly understandable for him to wait until the end of the year, let the dust settle, and have a little bit of time to reflect and consider his options. In some ways for Melbourne, this could be a good thing. When a team is performing as ours is at the moment, any given week would be a different proposition. After a win 'Fantastic, I'm staying!' after a loss 'I need to get to a finals bound club.'

Let him consider his options, talk to his family, (hopefully not his manager), talk to the club and make a decision with a clear focus.

With that said, while I believe he hasn't made up his mind yet, I think the club may believe he's likely to go. Frawley hasn't been played as a 'swing-man' since his move forward in round three. Rather, he has been well and truly parked there - rain, hail, shine. Roos is preparing the team and particularly the defense for a Frawley-less 2015.

[DemonOX 8,578]

Hey GNF what's the update on Frawley and TMac?

Give us the dirt mate.

If my memory serves me correct I think u said u would have more info after the QB clash.

Edited June 10, 2014 by DemonOX