4 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I'd ensure we have enough in the cap to pay for Salem before I'd start thinking about Merrett.

 

I whole heartily agree BBP if we have the room after we reward our stars and everything sits nicely, well im fine with it.

IMO we MUST keep our current group happy before we contemplate bring in anyone else on board.

The other issue is he can't be asking for the world either has to fit in with our payment structure.

19 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Oliver hasn't been with us for 8 years.  He won't be an (R) FA until end of 2023, if he re-signs for two more years. 

If Oliver requests a trade we can ask a very high price but the player holds all the aces and once an OOC player nominates a club we have little choice but to get the best deal we can.

I somewhat disagree here. You can always play hardball and match the offer and unless destination club is in the bottom four I think the club will have the advantage. 

9 minutes ago, CYB said:

I somewhat disagree here. You can always play hardball and match the offer and unless destination club is in the bottom four I think the club will have the advantage. 

Not many examples where a non RFA, out of contract player's club has forced a high trade price by playing hardball.  Kelly to WCE is one of the few I can think of in recent times.

3 hours ago, rjay said:

Agree, we need to find another like Langdon. Not the same type but a player who is on the cusp of going to the next level who is not going to cost the world in trade and money value.

Ash could be that player.

Lol Ash was taken pick 4 and looks likely to justify that position. GWS would demand 2x first round picks for him. I would never pay that for a half back flanker, but they’d be justified asking for them.

He will sign with Essendon. They have good kids and will show enough improvement.

 

We don't need him. 

We need someone to replace Jones/Melk and Jetta.

I think Laurie/Bowey are going to be good for us and I would like us to get another medium sized defender. 

22 hours ago, daisycutter said:

why would he need to? merrett is an fa. no trade required.

Restricted Free Agent, which means the Bombers would match whatever we offer and force a trade.

21 hours ago, CYB said:

That only matters if he is a restricted free agent. 

Which he is.

1 minute ago, 12345_54321 said:

Restricted Free Agent, which means the Bombers would match whatever we offer and force a trade.

true, not very common but.......there again it's dodoro

would expect they would get r1 compo from afl. mfc wouldn't be offering more in trade plus top $ salary

anyway, merrett good as he is would be a longshot

He’s a restricted free agent, so yes the Bombers would match whatever we offer which would force a trade. A future first and someone like Harmes? Talk of trading Gus is a joke. It’s well documented we want another classy ball user. Kelly and Merrett is that type. I love the look of Lachie Ash but the Giants would want at least 2x first rounders. It’s nice to be linked to A grade talent though, that’s for sure!

7 hours ago, dee-tox said:

Good player but I'd target Lachie Ash if the rumours are true he wants to move back to Victoria. That dash out of the backline is tantalising...

Very difficult, at the moment the only trade currency we have is Pick 35.

Merrett would compliment our midfield nicely with inside/outside capabilities with pace and good disposal. Just can't see how we could afford him unfortunately. 

And can't see the bombers not matching a bid for him unless they capitulate for the rest of the season and get a top 5 compo pick for him.

1 hour ago, TRIGON said:

Very difficult, at the moment the only trade currency we have is Pick 35.

On the surface yes, but there's plenty of water to pass under the bridge before the next trade period. Players may want to leave which happens every year and there's the annual trading of picks, etc.

GWS are perhaps to best traders in the AFL and if Ash wants out they'll make it happen,. 

i think he'll leave, bombers are a sinking ship but i'd rather tippa if we were to nab a don and in terms of a winger i'd prefer lipinski for the value he'd provide in a trade and on the wage bill for similar input and an upwards trajectory (only 23)

5 hours ago, adonski said:

Lol Ash was taken pick 4 and looks likely to justify that position. GWS would demand 2x first round picks for him. I would never pay that for a half back flanker, but they’d be justified asking for them.

So you don't agree with Jake Levers trade value? 

25 minutes ago, 58er said:

So you don't agree with Jake Levers trade value? 

Do you think Ash and Lever are similar players or roles? I hope not

Perhaps better off landing Billings on 600k a year, than Merrett on 800k

3 minutes ago, adonski said:

Do you think Ash and Lever are similar players or roles? I hope not

But Jake is a HBF/er Not a KP player. 
How you play is your own special Talent you bring to the position. 
Jeremy Howe, Kade Simpson, Christian Salem Jaydn Short plus Ash and Lever?

You made the disparaging comment on HBacks in general now want to pick and choose their Trade value. 
 

There  is nothing wrong in what Melb did but we are only seeing now consistently Jakes true value including his Great leadership on display last Sunday. 

You have no idea how a 5 year older Lachie Ash will have developed as a player in defence as a HB.
 

The jury would still be out in my other choices (Or any other HBacks) depending upon individual Opinion on their role or style.

But basically they are HBacks playing a position which you would not trade for 2 first picks As you stated!!!

 

 

The bombers are really screwed if Merrett goes. He is till young and could oversee a rebuild.  With Hurley, Hooker, Heppell all close to the end they'll be in for a terrible few years and their supporters will revolt

and ill be sitting here smiling

good we have our name in the ring, in case one of our mids leaves but I doubt we seriously go for him if all goes well on our end

16 minutes ago, adonski said:

Perhaps better off landing Billings on 600k a year, than Merrett on 800k

Interesting comment what's Billing's done to earn that over A 5 year period?

Chandler could easily develop as well as Billings as a home grown product. 

8 minutes ago, 58er said:

Interesting comment what's Billing's done to earn that over A 5 year period?

Chandler could easily develop as well as Billings as a home grown product. 

If you played Merrett exclusively outside he'd be very comparable to Billings, both statistically and in impact.

Not sure what Chandler has to do with it, if they thought he had that sort of upside he'd play every week.

4 minutes ago, adonski said:

If you played Merrett exclusively outside he'd be very comparable to Billings, both statistically and in impact.

Not sure what Chandler has to do with it, if they thought he had that sort of upside he'd play every week.

Merrett is a much better footballer than Billing’s, in ball winning ability and disposal. Not even in the same conversation. I actually agree that Chandler could be a good player with some time at senior level.

5 hours ago, TRIGON said:

Very difficult, at the moment the only trade currency we have is Pick 35.

We actually have Brisbanes 2nd round pick rather than our own after the tade period last year.

As it sits we have pick 21 as well as pick pick 38 (tied to Hawks 3rd rounder) and pick 54 (tied to bulldogs 3rd rounder).

Here's hoping hawks and lions continue to have a bad year.

On 9/21/2020 at 3:48 PM, dazzledavey36 said:

Mentioned earlier this morning that I wouldn't be surprised if it comes out soon that Merrett will be assessing his options.

To me he is the perfect player for us. Has that great blend of inside and outside speed and skill.

If the above was to eventuate, I would think Melbourne will look at him closely.  Goody was his midfield coach and he's played with Melksham and Hibberd. 

Keep an eye on this one.

The idea isn't without Merrett.

interesting that while we are getting deals done, the likes of zerrett and billings are holding off