Really? You don't klnow that.

We bid pick 2 for Heeney.

I do know that.

Also we allegedly bid 2 for Heeney, but even if we did, we knew that Swans would never do the deal.

I have a feeling this trade period will bust open the whole trading/loyalty/contract basis that has been operating for many years. I reckon its about to get ugly with player demands,white anting, ambit claims, manager tactics etc.

Reckon it might get very entertaining also. Might throw up more than a few surprises

Brisbane winning in rd 23 might have done us a big favour. I could see Howe going to Brisbane where they really lack for anyone over 6'2 foot who can kick a goal. Howe has his struggles forward but with some midfield supply actually makes for a decent 3rd tall, we've seen that at times this year for us.

I'm not so sure he'd enjoy going to Carlton via the PSD where they already have Walker who should play as the 3rd tall forward and actually have some decent half back options as well.

If the big money isn't coming and a good trade isn't on offer he could stick with us.

Until we have more definitely leaks about who wants him and what they will offer up via trade it's hard to make a call on Howe.

I know one thing, if he signs a new deal and plays like he did in round 1 this year everyone will be lauding the decision and praising him.

Think you might find it was Roos and Taylor doing the playing. We wanted Brayshaw.

And I think we're seeing the same thing play out again this year. As it did with Sylvia as well. It's actually incredibly simple. Just low-ball on a contract until the player looks elsewhere. The only difficult part is ensuring you get adequate compensation. This is where 'Melbourne is a basketcase' has actually helped out. Outsiders have backed themselves (in some cases arrogantly) to get the best out of blokes we're really happy to get rid of for the right price. The industry view of the MFC, I'm told, is improving and I wonder if this will ironically play against us this year and next?

A lot of MFC parents have some uncomfortable conversations coming up if both Howe and Watts leave.

Very easy. Just say 'Jimmy/Jessica, in return we got the best clearance player in the competition in Dion Prestia'.

Very easy. Just say 'Jimmy/Jessica, in return we got the best clearance player in the competition in Dion Prestia'.

Prestia would be a perfect fit our list. Then we could just target leg speed after that. We lack a clearance player the calibre of Prestia.

Prestia would be a perfect fit our list. Then we could just target leg speed after that. We lack a clearance player the calibre of Prestia.

Still think we'll need to go for more mids that can win their own ball even if we do get Prestia, but speed should certainly be a major priority too. That's where Bennell would have been great. Hope something comes of that too. Wouldn't mind on O'Meara either.

He did the same thing to Jetta and put him out of commission for the best part of a month!

Friendly fire

For very selfish reasons I hope he stays...my 8 year old's favourite player (by a street).

She got 38 on her jumper this year and I'm too soft to explain to her why/how he left the club.

On the other hand a 7 would look awesome on that jumper.

Unstitch the 8 then you are left with Salem's number. You could do a lot worse!

Unstitch the 8 then you are left with Salem's number. You could do a lot worse!

Like unstitch the 3?

Age paints things in a clearer light. Melbourne now seem to be calling the shots. Not dissimilar to the the Dustin Martin fiasco where he was shopping around and then returned to his home base. JH to stay.

Age paints things in a clearer light. Melbourne now seem to be calling the shots. Not dissimilar to the the Dustin Martin fiasco where he was shopping around and then returned to his home base. JH to stay.

If he stays and plays more than half the games in 2016 we have not progressed as a club

If he stays and plays more than half the games in 2016 we have not progressed as a club

We have progressed if he improves his output. I would back McCartney and co. to do this... but that's if he stays. Imagine him being able to be a third tall for Hogan with Garlett and Kent running around at their feet? It's not half bad. We just need to get him up and about.

If he stays and plays more than half the games in 2016 we have not progressed as a club

Lol. You're entertaining, HH.

Really? You don't klnow that.

We bid pick 2 for Heeney.

If Sydney had let our nomination for Heeney go through to the keeper, Roos would have been more than satisfied to get him. He put up pick 2 for Heeney to make a point.

Sorry, just realised 3 posters have made exactly that point.

I actually get the feeling more and more that he is gone.

You could be right re: the offers though - it is clear we value him differently than he does, but the offers for that aren't forthcoming which leave him in limbo a little.

I also got out of the interview that Howe hasn't been happy playing down back and sees himself as a forward. I don't agree with that - his games up forward this year were games he went missing in, where as down back he was able to impact games more often.

I think the moment the right offer comes in he will accept it quickly and go. It's just getting another club to bite that seems to be the tricky part the minute.

Gold Coast would only offer us a 2nd round pick early 20s last year was the time to trade for pick 6.

I can see both Howe and Watts being involved in somewhat convoluted trades...and going to the wire..as is the want of this circus.

Unstitch the 8 then you are left with Salem's number. You could do a lot worse!

I could live with that very comfortably. Unfortunately they're not stitched on. We made the 700km trip to the 'G once this year and got the jumper at the Demon Shop pre-game...it's ironed on (or something).

Hang on Howe is only 25. I guess he wants stability, That would take him to 29 and he could still continue to play after that. Its the money I have an issue with. I dont want to throw thousands at him. But if he is saying he wants 4 years to me it sounds like he wants to stay. But we just cant over pay him.

4 yrs no-way...

2 yrs for Howzer if we cannot find a home for him.

For very selfish reasons I hope he stays...my 8 year old's favourite player (by a street).

She got 38 on her jumper this year and I'm too soft to explain to her why/how he left the club.

On the other hand a 7 would look awesome on that jumper.

.... it would be nice if you & the club could maybe arrange for you & your daughter, to get a meet & greet with Jesse Hogan, maybe if you bought a new jumper as a surprise present for her, that he could meet & chat & shortly after voila, a surprise present from Jesse to your young girl, with his number on back, unsigned, but with a nice Demon card, written & signed by Jesse, as a keepsake ?

a signed jumper would be too dangerous to wear around, for fear of losing it.

Greg Denham on SEN with KB this morning said that the Howe move to GCS is off he simply wants too many dollars.

At his asking price there are no current suitors.

Love him or loath him Denham has been correct a lot of the time about the MFC.

Greg Denham on SEN with KB this morning said that the Howe move to GCS is off he simply wants too many dollars.

At his asking price there are no current suitors.

Love him or loath him Denham has been correct a lot of the time about the MFC.

I think his manager has sold him up sh*t creek on this one.

Looking like the Dustin Martin/Richmond scenario.

Can see him crawling back for a 3 year deal so after that he can test the market to his hearts content.

Looks like the GWS 'cat amongst the pidgeons' offer on the final day of trade-week has had the desired effect and absolutely farked with Jeremy's head.