Ok so hate to burst bubbles but we are, by all reports, close to the cap.

We have just over $13m maybe an extra $100k or so next year.

We have the following established stars that would all be on $750k+ from next year or the year after with CP5; May, Lever, Gawn, Oliver. Let’s say ~$800k x 4 = $3.2m

Next level down would have to be $600k - $750k; Salem, Petracca, Viney, Brayshaw, Langdon, McDonald. ~$700k x 6 = $4.2m

Under that - the above average contract of around $400k-$600k would have; Harmes, Hibberd, Melksham, Tomlinson, ANB, Fritsch. ~$500k x 6 = $3m

Jones, Jackson, Spargo, Bedford, Laurie, Bowie, Rosman, Hore, VDB, Jordon, Rivers, Weideman, Nietschke, Daw, Hunt, Sparrow, Baker, D Smith, Pickett, Petty, Chandler, M Brown, Jetta, Declase, Lockhart, Turner, J Smith, Bradtke would be cheaper than average salary right now. Rookies are ~$100k x 20 = $2m and the other 8 on ~$250k = $2m

That adds up to ~$14.4m. The OOC players are only in the lower category save for Hibberd, and we have players to retain.

I don’t think we are in that hunt anymore, we have our stars and until we lose a slot - we have to maintain what we have and keep our promising (and cheaper) kids around.

 

  On 10/06/2021 at 18:20, rpfc said:

Ok so hate to burst bubbles but we are, by all reports, close to the cap.

We have just over $13m maybe an extra $100k or so next year.

We have the following established stars that would all be on $750k+ from next year or the year after with CP5; May, Lever, Gawn, Oliver. Let’s say ~$800k x 4 = $3.2m

Next level down would have to be $600k - $750k; Salem, Petracca, Viney, Brayshaw, Langdon, McDonald. ~$700k x 6 = $4.2m

Under that - the above average contract of around $400k-$600k would have; Harmes, Hibberd, Melksham, Tomlinson, ANB, Fritsch. ~$500k x 6 = $3m

Jones, Jackson, Spargo, Bedford, Laurie, Bowie, Rosman, Hore, VDB, Jordon, Rivers, Weideman, Nietschke, Daw, Hunt, Sparrow, Baker, D Smith, Pickett, Petty, Chandler, M Brown, Jetta, Declase, Lockhart, Turner, J Smith, Bradtke would be cheaper than average salary right now. Rookies are ~$100k x 20 = $2m and the other 8 on ~$250k = $2m

That adds up to ~$14.4m. The OOC players are only in the lower category save for Hibberd, and we have players to retain.

I don’t think we are in that hunt anymore, we have our stars and until we lose a slot - we have to maintain what we have and keep our promising (and cheaper) kids around.

 

Gawn and Lever recently re signed after their previous ( large by all accounts) contracts finished. So I’d nearly be tempted to put them down into the next bracket and put TMac into that 700-750 bracket.

You’ve also listed Petracca twice and I’d have Ben Brown in the 400-500 bracket.

But yes things would be tight.

No doubt our cap is tight, that's why TMac and ANB were on the table last year.  IMO no-one big comes in without someone big going out ...

As @rpfcposted above, I don't think we'll be in the hunt for any name players.  I think if we recruit anyone, it will be for an area of need who won't be on big money, but isn't getting a regular game, so we can get them reasonably cheap salary wise.  We'll also have the selling point of being able to develop young talent, so we might be able to go for a highly regarded youngster who hasn't quite come on.

With (in my opinio) Oskar Bakker likely out at years end and Fraser Rosman still an unknown, an outside wingman is probably still out lightest area.  Some potential targets IMO are;

Lochie O'Brien (Carlton)

Darcy Tucker (Fremantle)

Jeremy Sharp (Gold Coast)

Dean Kent* (St Kilda)

Ed Richards (Western Bulldogs)

* Would be great to see him come back and get a crack at that midfield/wing position he reckons he didn't get a chance at here previously.

 

We'll go for role players this year if anything.

People like Ed Richards or Patrick Lapinski who won't cost a fortune at all.

We don't, in my opinion need any body in particular What a team we have!!

  On 21/02/2021 at 07:49, Dr.D said:

 

We took Jackson because he was best available and he was life after Gawn. That's it. He wasn't drafted to play forward. But we've put him there to help with his development. He is a ruckman through and through. 

Not what Jason Taylor said

  On 10/06/2021 at 21:58, Pollyanna said:

No doubt our cap is tight, that's why TMac and ANB were on the table last year.  IMO no-one big comes in without someone big going out ...

Correct, and a few always go out eg either Weid or Tmac may look elsewhere for security. Neither is getting a long term contact at mfc. Also clubs smooth out contracts to get players into salary cap ie offer tmac extension of 1 to 2 years and smooth out the amount over those years ... l think that's what gawn and lever have done and may should do. If we want a gun player there is always a way - two guns isn't doable though

Edited June 10, 20213 yr by Demons1858

  On 10/06/2021 at 23:11, MadAsHell said:

As @rpfcposted above, I don't think we'll be in the hunt for any name players.  I think if we recruit anyone, it will be for an area of need who won't be on big money, but isn't getting a regular game, so we can get them reasonably cheap salary wise.  We'll also have the selling point of being able to develop young talent, so we might be able to go for a highly regarded youngster who hasn't quite come on.

With (in my opinio) Oskar Bakker likely out at years end and Fraser Rosman still an unknown, an outside wingman is probably still out lightest area.  Some potential targets IMO are;

Lochie O'Brien (Carlton)

Darcy Tucker (Fremantle)

Jeremy Sharp (Gold Coast)

Dean Kent* (St Kilda)

Ed Richards (Western Bulldogs)

* Would be great to see him come back and get a crack at that midfield/wing position he reckons he didn't get a chance at here previously.

 

Dean Kent? ... you don't get handed midfield roles ... you train hard, must do heaps of extras, and get your body right ... then and only then do you ask to play in the middle

Edited June 10, 20213 yr by Demons1858

So who is currently on our group of delistings next year

Jetta

Jones

Nietsche

Hore

Bedford

Lochardt

Surely we need cover for T Mac Gawn BBB Daw who are all i the twilight zone

I mean long term development players essentially

  On 10/06/2021 at 07:38, CYB said:

I know we are going great guns and its only halfway through the season, but there is a lot developing on the trade front already. We have had a number of dedicated trade target related threads but there are less obvious ones that i have seen recently floating around various media outlets.

Some absolute superstar players that would add significantly to our playing list include (and in no particular order):

1. Zac Merret (inside & outside) -> adds to ball use and midfield depth. Reports are that he is likely to sign with Dons. 
2. Josh Kelly (outside / wing) -> great runner and ball user. Has goal kicking in his repertoire. has been off and on in the past few years - perhaps vital to the resurgence of GWS and hence unlikely to leave given his mammoth contract. 
3. Tom Mitchell (outside) -> Former brownlow, ball accumulator and play maker - will be difficult to deal with the Hawks on this given lack of required draft picks. 
4. Luke Parker (general midfielder) -> great attacking midfielder, hard working and intelligent, would add great depth to the midfielder and attacking options (replacement for Melksham?). Currently out-of-contract, not sure whether Parker would be a RFA or FA. He is 28 yo. Sydney will hit the premiership window sweet spot in the next 2-3 years, which may just be outside of his career. 
5. Adam Cerra (outside) -> great ball user and has footy smarts, will be an elite footballer. Wants to leave Freo. Have a trade history with Freo, but fear they have a bitter taste with the Hogan saga. 
6. Shai Bolton (outside / small forward) -> unlikely but an up and coming superstar. Cant see him leaving unless he was after big $$$, which we dont have to spare.
7. Brandon Maynard (versatile defender) -> talked only on DL about a replacement for Jetta / Hibberd. Can go one-on-one also has great rebound 50 skills (ala Hibberd).

We don't have much by the way of trade currency unless we offer players as part of a trade swap. I'd say most of the above will require some level of draft picks, which makes any of them unlikely. 

The other issue is our salary cap. Its been speculated that we are close to the tip. I wonder whether Jetta & Jones will be asked to retire at year end. Would still need to trade a player who is a regular Melbourne starter to get anything done - Weideman is really the only player that comes to mind. 
 

Pretty sure Jones and Jetta would know they in their last year

  On 10/06/2021 at 23:58, Kent said:

So who is currently on our group of delistings next year

Jetta

Jones

Nietsche

Hore

Bedford

Lochardt

Jetta and Jones are certainties.

Would be great if we could get Nietzsche to a debut but admit, this one is likely.

Hore is great depth but given we just recruited a 19-year-old interceptor, he's probably out.

I hope we hang on to Bedford. I think he has a combination of attributes that very few AFL players have.

His acceleration over the first 10 metres with ball in hand is as good as anyone in the game, then you add to that his great tank and you have the potential for something pretty great.

His form in the VFL would warrant a call up to any AFL side except the 2021 Demons.

I think Lockhart stays - not for any reason other than, l sense that the coaches love him. That said, there's a few vying for that small back position and Jake Bowey might have gone past him, so who knows.

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:21, Cheesy D. Pun said:

Jetta and Jones are certainties.

Would be great if we could get Nietzsche to a debut but admit, this one is likely.

Hore is great depth but given we just recruited a 19-year-old interceptor, he's probably out.

I hope we hang on to Bedford. I think he has a combination of attributes that very few AFL players have.

His acceleration over the first 10 metres with ball in hand is as good as anyone in the game, then you add to that his great tank and you have the potential for something pretty great.

His form in the VFL would warrant a call up to any AFL side except the 2021 Demons.

I think Lockhart stays - not for any reason other than, l sense that the coaches love him. That said, there's a few vying for that small back position and Jake Bowey might have gone past him, so who knows.

Yes Agree Cheesy Bowey a rplacement for Hibbo 2023 and Rosman a replacement for Langton. We also have Tomlinson to consider

What about Bradke after Jackson is he still required ?we have put a bit of work into him

 

  On 10/06/2021 at 23:58, Kent said:

So who is currently on our group of delistings next year

Jetta

Jones

Nietsche

Hore

Bedford

Lochardt

Agree on all of Jetta, Jones and Nietschke.

I expect one of Joel Smith/Hore to go, but not both. 

Mitch Brown will likely go unless Weideman walks or B. Brown demands a trade for not playing enough seniors.

Others who I think will get the chop are:

Aaron Vandenberg

Oskar Baker

Austin Bradtke

I think with Jetta going that they'll hold onto Lockhart for at least one more year. Otherwise with an ageing Hibberd it only leaves two very young Bowey & D. Smith as his only backups.

I also think they'll keep Bedford. Like the look of him and he along with Chandler keep the pressure on players like Spargo & Nibbler to keep performing.

  On 10/06/2021 at 23:11, MadAsHell said:

As @rpfcposted above, I don't think we'll be in the hunt for any name players.  I think if we recruit anyone, it will be for an area of need who won't be on big money, but isn't getting a regular game, so we can get them reasonably cheap salary wise.  We'll also have the selling point of being able to develop young talent, so we might be able to go for a highly regarded youngster who hasn't quite come on.

With (in my opinio) Oskar Bakker likely out at years end and Fraser Rosman still an unknown, an outside wingman is probably still out lightest area.  Some potential targets IMO are;

Lochie O'Brien (Carlton)

Darcy Tucker (Fremantle)

Jeremy Sharp (Gold Coast)

Dean Kent* (St Kilda)

Ed Richards (Western Bulldogs)

* Would be great to see him come back and get a crack at that midfield/wing position he reckons he didn't get a chance at here previously.

 

Dean Kent? The guy that can't get a game for the basket case St Kilda?

Sheesh that's bizarre

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:25, Kent said:

Yes Agree Cheesy Bowey a rplacement for Hibbo 2023 and Rosman a replacement for Langton. We also have Tomlinson to consider

What about Bradke after Jackson is he still required ?we have put a bit of work into him

 

Why does Rosman have to replace Langdon?

Can they not play together?

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:48, jnrmac said:

Dean Kent? The guy that can't get a game for the basket case St Kilda?

Sheesh that's bizarre

I had this Dean Kent more in mind.  And the one who kicked the goal to seal the game v West Coast in 2018.

 

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:55, MadAsHell said:

I had this Dean Kent more in mind.  And the one who kicked the goal to seal the game v West Coast in 2018.

 

Unfortunately he is made of glass. Can't stay on the park. Had high hopes for him.

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:55, MadAsHell said:

I had this Dean Kent more in mind.  And the one who kicked the goal to seal the game v West Coast in 2018.

 

Yes that was a great highlight. Magnificent.  But he only had 9 kicks and 1 goal that game. And it was quite a few years ago now...

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:21, Cheesy D. Pun said:

I think Lockhart stays - not for any reason other than, l sense that the coaches love him. That said, there's a few vying for that small back position and Jake Bowey might have gone past him, so who knows.

I feel the opposite about Lockhart, it seems like the coaches wrote him off early last year when there was some media focus on his laughing in game. He hasn't been sighted since.

 

Regarding Hibbo, I would say his form this year is unexpected. In the same way T-Mac has completely turned his game around. Doubt anyone expected either of them to be performing the way they are this year.

Edited June 11, 20213 yr by BW511

  On 19/09/2020 at 00:13, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

Jeremy Cameron has looked about as out of form this season as Tom McDonald has for us.  His fall from grace has been even worse, considering he won the Coleman just last year.

To me it suggests that it might not be such a bad idea persevering with Mc Donald, as even the best players have had years.  I'm not sure that McDonald's mobility has been his No.1 issue this year.  He's got himself around the ground and to the right spots often enough, he just hasn't had the confidence to regularly clunck big marks inside 50, which had become one of his hallmarks.

Very wise Rodney didn't lose faith in T-shirt Tommy.

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:59, Left Foot Snap said:

Unfortunately he is made of glass. Can't stay on the park. Had high hopes for him.

I'll give you that.

  On 11/06/2021 at 01:00, jnrmac said:

Yes that was a great highlight. Magnificent.  But he only had 9 kicks and 1 goal that game. And it was quite a few years ago now...

Not wrong. Though to be fair he's mainly been played as a pressure forward. Not saying he'd be a super recruit just one option amongst 4 others I suggested as a cheap option.

Personally I'd love to see us turn Lochie O'Brien around or pry Jeremy Sharp from Gold Coast. But also I wouldn't be shattered to see Dean Kent return.

  On 11/06/2021 at 00:55, dazzledavey36 said:

Why does Rosman have to replace Langdon?

Can they not play together?

Also a little confused why a 25 year old Langdon is being talked about being replaced, made me feel real old aha

Yeah, I think salary cap tightness and a pretty good first 22 means we'll be looking to the draft for a while. Having a nice selection of possible replacements who can get opportunities as cover while also anticipating their future natural accession to the 22 is a nice place to be.

Also an element of wanting to have kids in our system while we still have the mature leaders around to guide their development without being on the football department soft cap, rather than waiting until the leaders are gone and trying to develop culture from a whiteboard.

Plus, we go pretty well at this drafting caper these days!