13 minutes ago, Pates said:

Gawn and Viney are legends and club captains, but they are also past an age of certainty. Gawn I'm less annoyed about, but to me it felt like Viney was holding us over a barrel when we were vulnerable (with the Oliver/Trac issues). We need to stop being sentimental about players and caving to their demands. We have Viney contracted for another 2 years after this season, he's been average with some good performances in there. He's also symptomatic of our issues with ball use. I'm hopeful that a new voice will help extract a new role for him so we can get better balance, but we need to have more of an edge of "you either come with us how we want to do this next phase, or we can trade you to another club that will suit your needs".

They are all warriors, and legends of the club. But did we really need to extend them as far as we did? I don't think so.

I would've been/would be sad to see Jack go, but we need a new mix in the midfield.

I reckon I can name on one hand the players we absolutely can't be without next season, everyone else is a question mark.

EDIT:
Just to add I feel like we are in the position we are more because of our contract decisions, with so many being high money and long term, than because of Goodwin's coaching. It has definitely hampered our ability to bring more quality to the club.

Our biggest problem in my opinion is fierce, strong mental toughness.

Viney brings it every week, he was never a great kick, but watch him when we need him, showing the way and smashing the oppo like he always has done. 2 more years us no problem for me.

You make some good points though.

But when when Trac and Clarry were the in the top 5 players in the comp for a while, who wouldn’t give them big contracts?

18 hours ago, DubDee said:

I’m glad you’re not our list manager

Gawn is a future MFC legend. Viney and May are bloody warriors.

Do you know an unknown symptom of not giving good sized contracts?

they get poached

And MFC gets picks. Cool 😎

18 minutes ago, redandbluemakepurple said:

And MFC gets picks. Cool 😎

Way unders via free agency

20 hours ago, Pates said:

Honestly to me us extending Viney, May, and even Gawn for as long as we have is worse than giving Laurie an extra year. Unlikely he's on big coin from an AFL perspective.

Gawn has barely slowed down and is a legend, no issues with his deal. May still a very good player, been better this year than last, just the up ground defending has been awful at times. If we want to trade him we still can, I’d rather operate from the position of leverage with the deal.

Viney deal was moronic at the time. It was a lame attempt at PR that achieved nothing. I’d be all for Jack getting 2 more years at a fair price (1 he deserves and 1 for legacy), instead he’s signed up for 3 more and I’m willing to bet its overs money.