GOODBYE MITCH CLARK

[binman 38,485]

Wasn't it 200k for Wells? ... a lot of money in those days

Wells played his last game for us in round 13 of 1980 and he had 48 possessions! (not a bad note to leave on)

He played his first game for Carlton in round 15 of 1980 against .... Melbourne and picked up 31 possessions

I was gutted when he left. I had number 11 on the back of my tracksuit top (and no 1 on the front - loved big gary baker)

[bush demon 1,899]

I was gutted when he left. I had number 11 on the back of my tracksuit top (and no 1 on the front - loved big gary baker)

What you call genuine A Grade players.

[Macca 16,173]

All those players were on the downward slide, of their career - did any play more than three seasons for their second club?

Thanks to free agency players are able to move when they should be entering the peak of their career.

I loathe free agency.

... and there's a push to make it 6 years in the system for a player to qualify for free agency status - couple that with the other push for zero compensation for a lost free agent.

We can moan all we like but the above is more likely to happen rather than not happen. It's my belief that a number of clubs haven't prepared themselves very well for free agency - head in the bucket of sand stuff.

Clubs are just going to have to bite the bullet and make sure that their better players are secured on long term deals.

Jones has 1 year left on his contract and he qualifies for free agency after next season. Now, he'll probably re-sign shortly but we probably should have secured him on a long term deal at the end of last season (or earlier)

With Frawley, we should have tried to re-sign him on a long term deal at the end of 2012 (when he had 2 years left on his contract) That's of course if we wanted to keep him - maybe we didn't? We might have indeed tried to get him to extend his contract at the end of 2012 but if that was the case, I'm not sure it was public knowledge.

Garland is another one who we should have secured earlier but again, it would be hoped that he'll be re-signed in the not too distant future (Garland becomes a free agent after next season when his existing contract runs out)

We need to be ahead of the game.

[Qwerty30 196]

Both Alves and Wells went to those clubs virtually against their will, they both wanted to stay but the club felt the offers to good and asked them to go for the good of the club.

Have heard this straight from the horses mouth.

Players now are looking for success handed to them, it was clear from Frawley's last season that he had no intention of putting anything on the line for the good of the team, let alone his body.

Perhaps the 8 years wouldn't be quite so cr@p if players like him who should be leading by example didn't throw the toys out of the pram and seek success by taking short cuts.

Yes I remember an MFC official admitting they shopped Wells against his will. The officials rang him and said your on your bike and sorry but it is about money. The reason the club has always battled, lack of funds and particularly lack of brains at the top end.

Well the horse and the MFC official have been telling you porkies.

Both Alves and Wells quit MFC after distinguished careers at MFC to taste finals success elsewhere.

The Club unsuccessfully tried to blocked and screw Alves for leaving. The Club lost out and lost Alves for nothing to North. Over the course of his great career, Alves, Hardeman and Wells were chronically underpaid by those standards while the Club blew its money on players like Ditterich and Tilbrook. The final act resulted in Alves being embittered and no longer a Club supporter when interviewed on 774.

http://demonwiki.org/tiki-index.php?page=Stan+Alves

After a successful career at MFC with no finals experience, Wells left MFC for Carlton. It seemed MFC had finally learnt a lesson and granted his clearance.

http://demonwiki.org/tiki-index.php?page=Greg+Wells

Both players left of their own volition. Further reference can be sourced from 125years of the Melbourne Demons by Greg Hobbs.

And for what its worth I cant blame Frawley from ultimately seeking success. He is hardly on the hook for why we have been terrible for so long.

[Qwerty30 196]

All those players were on the downward slide, of their career - did any play more than three seasons for their second club?

Both were 10+ VFL players so it reasonable to think they might not have player many seasons more (Sorry Boomer and Fletch)

And both played critical midfield roles in premierships at their new clubs. Some downhill slide to their careers!

[Qwerty30 196]

I was gutted when he left. I had number 11 on the back of my tracksuit top (and no 1 on the front - loved big gary baker)

Wells was an absolute gun. Its a pity he never got the success he richly deserved at MFC.

[Still Waiting 94]

Both Alves and Wells went to those clubs virtually against their will, they both wanted to stay but the club felt the offers to good and asked them to go for the good of the club.

Have heard this straight from the horses mouth.

Players now are looking for success handed to them, it was clear from Frawley's last season that he had no intention of putting anything on the line for the good of the team, let alone his body.

Perhaps the 8 years wouldn't be quite so cr@p if players like him who should be leading by example didn't throw the toys out of the pram and seek success by taking short cuts.

Yes I remember an MFC official admitting they shopped Wells against his will. The officials rang him and said your on your bike and sorry but it is about money. The reason the club has always battled, lack of funds and particularly lack of brains at the top end.

Utter tripe! I agree totally with Qwerty30. You have no idea about why and how these players left the Dees. Don't post crap and guesswork on here without any semblance of truth. It's this sort of shite that the MFC needs to rid itself of. Have you ever truthfully spoken to these ex players about the circumstance of their leaving? I have lstened to both Alves' and Wells' explanations. I am more than comfortable with what they did. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

[FarNorthernD 5,848]

As a 10 year old in the mid 70's the only thing you could boast about as a Melbourne supporter was that we had the best centreline in the league. We were truly dreadful everywhere else but Alves - Wells - Flower was a thing of beauty

[premiers in my lifetime? 30]

apparently big Mitch couldn't control little Mitch in his last days at AAMI Park.....

I always wondered if there was a Wayne Carey, or Bomber/Kingsly issue that has not been made public.

It would explain the silence out of the club, protecting the aggrieved party (on the list or staff) while not damaging trade potential.

If this is true, fantastic credit to the club that has previously leaked like a sieve! Especially the playing group, as 40 odd 18-30 year olds normally couldn't keep a secret without disclosing it to a partner or mate who then passes it on further, before it ends up in a forum.

However it would certainly explain the need to for a change of scenery.

Must disclaim I have no MFC affiliated contacts, so I am not supporting it is true, just try to nudge anyone has might have info.

Although I do believe the correct procedure is to post it on big footy as a fact, and then requote it back on here as gospel.

[45HG 1,539]

Ha congratulating the club on not leaking info then encouraging some to leak...

[Earl Hood 5,789]

Utter tripe! I agree totally with Qwerty30. You have no idea about why and how these players left the Dees. Don't post crap and guesswork on here without any semblance of truth. It's this sort of shite that the MFC needs to rid itself of. Have you ever truthfully spoken to these ex players about the circumstance of their leaving? I have lstened to both Alves' and Wells' explanations. I am more than comfortable with what they did. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Still Waiting funny that a quick search of websites has two backing my version of events for Wells departure mid season 1980 (blueseum.com and australianrules.com) Demon wiki has your version? Never be so sure that you know all the facts!

[s-t-i-n-g-a 439]

Looking for Mitch in a hilux doing a lap around the MCG

[Whispering_Jack 28,005]

Still Waiting funny that a quick search of websites has two backing my version of events for Wells departure mid season 1980 (blueseum.com and australianrules.com) Demon wiki has your version? Never be so sure that you know all the facts!

http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Greg+Wells

Mid-way through the 1980 season, Wells was stunned by the news that cash-strapped Melbourne had offered their veteran champion to the reigning Premiers Carlton for the then enormous sum of $200,000 - and the Blues had accepted. Wells was shocked and deeply hurt by Melbourne's actions, while many at Carlton questioned why the club was prepared to pay so much for a 30 year-old.

Exactly as I remember it and that's not only from the news of the day but from personal conversations with Greg who wore the number 11.

One of my saddest memories was watching him play in that grand final for Carlton (even though they beat Collingwood) 33 years ago. Given that he gave everything for the club when he was a Demon, it was painful knowing that he had to go elsewhere to win a premiership. Making it more painful was that the players we got in return were relative duds.

Of course, the number 11 evokes pain in the heart of Demon fans even to this day.

[Wells 11 4,788]

http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Greg+Wells

Exactly as I remember it and that's not only from the news of the day but from personal conversations with Greg who wore the number 11.

One of my saddest memories was watching him play in that grand final for Carlton (even though they beat Collingwood) 33 years ago. Given that he gave everything for the club when he was a Demon, it was painful knowing that he had to go elsewhere to win a premiership. Making it more painful was that the players we got in return were relative duds.

Of course, the number 11 evokes pain in the heart of Demon fans even to this day.

I rememeber hearing , after Ridley died, that he was the only one willing to break the news to Wells, who didnt want to leave. I was a massive fan and used to wear his number as a kid. I got him to sign the jumper one night before training at the MCG. days gone by. It was a really bad footy decision the club made....unfortunately one of many. But it pales into insignificance against the litany of such in the scwabb / Neeld days. Anyway he still loves the Dees , worked with club after he retired and he got to win a flag so we all move on. Lets hope the next Wells we have wins a flag for us.

[Demoneyes 562]

As a 10 year old in the mid 70's the only thing you could boast about as a Melbourne supporter was that we had the best centreline in the league. We were truly dreadful everywhere else but Alves - Wells - Flower was a thing of beauty

Fn yes!

[Gippsland Dee 367]

Yep just reported he is now down at Geelong, this bloke is a real turncoat. I wish nothing but the worst for him

He may've done the wrong thing after all we've done to help him through his depression, but to wish the worst for him is going too far.

[Moneider96 1,045]

He may've done the wrong thing after all we've done to help him through his depression, but to wish the worst for him is going too far.

He is expected to make his decision tomorrow guys. Pretty excited.

[ChaserJ 3,964]

Mitch to Geelong prob sits more comfortably with me than Collingwood. Geelong are more likely to deal in a 'fairer' manner in a trade deal, and at least we can separate any Lumumba-Clark straight swap talk. We are likely to prefer separation of those deals.

I remember Geelong having some interest in Sam Blease a while back, I wonder if Clark and Blease could be packaged in a deal to the Cats?

[old dee 22,928]

Mitch to Geelong prob sits more comfortably with me than Collingwood. Geelong are more likely to deal in a 'fairer' manner in a trade deal, and at least we can separate any Lumumba-Clark straight swap talk. We are likely to prefer separation of those deals.

I remember Geelong having some interest in Sam Blease a while back, I wonder if Clark and Blease could be packaged in a deal to the Cats?

Yep for pick 82

[Redleg 37,714]

Mitch to Geelong prob sits more comfortably with me than Collingwood. Geelong are more likely to deal in a 'fairer' manner in a trade deal, and at least we can separate any Lumumba-Clark straight swap talk. We are likely to prefer separation of those deals.

I remember Geelong having some interest in Sam Blease a while back, I wonder if Clark and Blease could be packaged in a deal to the Cats?

If the reason is really a new start, then better in Geelong with a stronger club and a bit out of the city. Wonder what Cats would offer.

If Chip ended up there as well they would have 3 of our talls in 2 years.

It would be a great thing for footy for the bottom side to lose 3 players to a top side. I am sure the footy world would see that as the great future to come.

As Garry said they should take our bootstudder as well.

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

Roos and PJ are really starting to turn this club around.

The manifest injustice of all of the things that have occurred in recent years will mean that success, when it is achieved, will be even sweeter.

I have actually given up about caring about the unfairness. For the reason stated above, I almost like it now.

[Grimes is Great 183]

Clark to Geelong for Smedts, thoughts??

[dee-luded 2,958]

Mitch to Geelong prob sits more comfortably with me than Collingwood. Geelong are more likely to deal in a 'fairer' manner in a trade deal, and at least we can separate any Lumumba-Clark straight swap talk. We are likely to prefer separation of those deals.

I remember Geelong having some interest in Sam Blease a while back, I wonder if Clark and Blease could be packaged in a deal to the Cats?

Just heard Clark likes the Catters, now it starts to look more reasonable. free agent compo for Clark?

Lamumba, pick around 35+, or walk to PDS!!!!

Blease, lets not water down Clarks compo. 3rdRnd pick ???

[beelzebub 22,225]

Well someones got to go to the Cattery, its their turn to get some of our hand me downs !!

[Demoneyes 562]

Apparently he has nominated the Cats as his choice of club. What will we get?