Farewell James Harmes

[old55 22,177]

6 minutes ago, Kiss of Death said:

That GF pick-up, baulk and pass to Fritta will stick with me forever. 

He's an MFC immortal.

Edited May 18, 2023 by old55

[Fork 'em 6,705]

23 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Yep... my bookmark is a couple of minutes earlier... the failed disposal by Mitch Hannan

(otherwise you miss Caleb Daniel dumping Gawn)

My Bookmark Is Bont's goal when the commentators are giving the game to the dogs and hanging the Norm Smith around Bont's neck.

[H_T 2,941]

Cats could be interested. They’re interested in many. They are a destination club. Fits their age profile. 
If he’s looking at topping up his super, the bombers could be it.

[Sydney_Demon 1,175]

21 hours ago, FritschyBusiness said:

So many good players have left other clubs after Premiership success but they haven't really left ours.
We've lost Jackson and Bedford... neither we are missing. Nothing like the exodus of Richmond where players chased money and opportunity. We have a different culture at our club, it's elite. 

In my opinion being the 24th player at Melbourne is better than being the 5th/6th midfielder anywhere else except maybe Geelong or Collingwood. 

Footballers are professionals. Jayden Hunt probably also falls into this category as does Sam Weideman. I'm surely likelihood of premiership success is important but at the end of the day if some other club offers you more years on better money you have a responsibiiy to your nearest and dearest to not opt to be the 24th bet player at Melbourne above every other consideration.

Regarding Jackson, we have been fortunate to get Grundy in as a replacement with his contract partly paid by Collingwood. I'm not sure you would be so dismissive of Jackson if that hadn't happened.   

18 hours ago, 58er said:

There is still approx 12 games plus any Finals and as usual some D/Lers are ( as is their rite but it's a painful read of speculation and predictions to judge many times). We have seen JJ and Harmes take the slow way and alternatively Bowser and Judd McVee the fast track to AFL pedigree. 

Jury still out on Howes Taj Deakyn Laurie etc. who can grab the gap to AFL team with 5/6 good games and come in for an injury maybe and voila so we can't discard some who are still on the journey and indeed keep some here in the 24 to 30 category for real and authentic depth. 

That applies of course to Kade Chandler this year as well. I remain optimistic about all the players you have listed. They have all shown definite improvement but we won't be able to fit them all in!  

17 hours ago, Ham said:

Have watched plenty. Laurie is not AFL standard. 

Everyone is of course entitled to their opinon but I respectfully disagree. Whether he will make it or not remains to be seen.

[FritschyBusiness 1,455]

Just now, Sydney_Demon said:

Footballers are professionals. Jayden Hunt probably also falls into this category as does Sam Weideman. I'm surely likelihood of premiership success is important but at the end of the day if some other club offers you more years on better money you have a responsibiiy to your nearest and dearest to not opt to be the 24th bet player at Melbourne above every other consideration.

Jayden Hunt didn't want to leave, he wasn't offered a new contract by us and pushed out of the club.
For him to continue to play at the level, that ended up being in Perth at the current 17th team. 

We all know the move was best for Sam, he had fallen behind too many at the Dees and had plenty of chances and his future is in his hands at the Dons who sit in 10th. Lucky he didn't have to move states.

When it comes to football as their profession, each player has different wants and needs that they need to factor through every stage of their career. Not every players number 1 focus is playing time and money.
Other factors come in to it like which state they are playing in, who they are playing with, who their friends are playing with, the work life balance and how that affects their immediate family, the commute, the training facilities, their relationship with the coach and those in charge and a lot more. 

For Harmes at his age with the relationships he has with and at the club it leads me to think, why would he leave if he seems happy? 
And in terms of money, it's been reported that he's been decently paid by Melbourne over his time here and his business fat nut customs seem to be going alright 

[dazzledavey36 50,439]

44 minutes ago, FritschyBusiness said:

Jayden Hunt didn't want to leave, he wasn't offered a new contract by us and pushed out of the club.
For him to continue to play at the level, that ended up being in Perth at the current 17th team. 

We all know the move was best for Sam, he had fallen behind too many at the Dees and had plenty of chances and his future is in his hands at the Dons who sit in 10th. Lucky he didn't have to move states.

When it comes to football as their profession, each player has different wants and needs that they need to factor through every stage of their career. Not every players number 1 focus is playing time and money.
Other factors come in to it like which state they are playing in, who they are playing with, who their friends are playing with, the work life balance and how that affects their immediate family, the commute, the training facilities, their relationship with the coach and those in charge and a lot more. 

For Harmes at his age with the relationships he has with and at the club it leads me to think, why would he leave if he seems happy? 
And in terms of money, it's been reported that he's been decently paid by Melbourne over his time here and his business fat nut customs seem to be going alright 

Jayden Hunt, Jack Watts, Sam Weideman were all happy at the club and did not want to leave either?

But their opportunities at senior level was drying up and told by Goodwin and list management that they werent guaranteed senior games moving forward and beyond so they seemed better opportunities even though they all wanted to stay.

I mean, for all we know we don't even know if he's happy? Having to take personal leave for private personal matters on top of not playing senior football and stuck at VFL level off the back of assessing his options last year.

Yeah don't think he'd be exactly be happy inside from a playing opportunity point of view..

[whatwhat say what 21,133]

54 minutes ago, FritschyBusiness said:

For Harmes at his age with the relationships he has with and at the club it leads me to think, why would he leave if he seems happy? 

new contract vs no new contract?

[FritschyBusiness 1,455]

35 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Jayden Hunt, Jack Watts, Sam Weideman were all happy at the club and did not want to leave either?

But their opportunities at senior level was drying up and told by Goodwin and list management that they werent guaranteed senior games moving forward and beyond so they seemed better opportunities even though they all wanted to stay.

I mean, for all we know we don't even know if he's happy? Having to take personal leave for private personal matters on top of not playing senior football and stuck at VFL level off the back of assessing his options last year.

Yeah don't think he'd be exactly be happy inside from a playing opportunity point of view..

Yes Jayden and Jack 100% both wanted to stay with us but moved to continue playing AFL level. Their opportunities were dried up and that's why they had moved on, our list management wanted to move into a different direction and I agree with their decisions on both of those players. 
I believe Sam was happy either way and if it didn't work out with Essendon we would have kept him on the list and not get Shache. 

Harmes' personal leave has nothing to do with the club.

[tiers 2,786]

James Harmes has achieved the greatest success that anyone could dream of - winning a premiership at the club that he grew up supporting and being drafted to. Who amongst us would not give anything to achieve this?

If it is true that he can no longer command a place in our best 23-24 then the choice is his - remain a one club demon and play a lot of VFL or go elsewhere seeking opportunities at AFL level.

Given his contribution to the dees, I would support whichever decision he makes. He will not be forgotten by the dees and I am sure that his heart will remain with the dees..

[dazzledavey36 50,439]

19 minutes ago, FritschyBusiness said:

Yes Jayden and Jack 100% both wanted to stay with us but moved to continue playing AFL level. Their opportunities were dried up and that's why they had moved on, our list management wanted to move into a different direction and I agree with their decisions on both of those players. 
I believe Sam was happy either way and if it didn't work out with Essendon we would have kept him on the list and not get Shache. 

Harmes' personal leave has nothing to do with the club.

Yes I am aware it has nothing to do with the club but it would certainly still impact his daily personal life whether that's being at the footy club or not.

[Sydney_Demon 1,175]

2 hours ago, FritschyBusiness said:

Jayden Hunt didn't want to leave, he wasn't offered a new contract by us and pushed out of the club.
For him to continue to play at the level, that ended up being in Perth at the current 17th team. 

We all know the move was best for Sam, he had fallen behind too many at the Dees and had plenty of chances and his future is in his hands at the Dons who sit in 10th. Lucky he didn't have to move states.

When it comes to football as their profession, each player has different wants and needs that they need to factor through every stage of their career. Not every players number 1 focus is playing time and money.
Other factors come in to it like which state they are playing in, who they are playing with, who their friends are playing with, the work life balance and how that affects their immediate family, the commute, the training facilities, their relationship with the coach and those in charge and a lot more. 

For Harmes at his age with the relationships he has with and at the club it leads me to think, why would he leave if he seems happy? 
And in terms of money, it's been reported that he's been decently paid by Melbourne over his time here and his business fat nut customs seem to be going alright 

Fritschy, your initial comment was that being the 24th player at Melbourne is better than being the 5th/6th midfielder anywhere else except maybe Geelong or Collingwood. I accept your comment regarding Jayden Hunt but the point is fringe players get pushed out of successful clubs, or don't get offered the sort of contracts they would elsewhere. Yes, players are driven by all sorts of motives. The point is that being the 24th player at even a successful club is not where you want to be.

I have no idea whether Harmes is happy. I also don't know what he's paid, or if he could get more elsewhere. On Tradies they were suggested he's on $500k, the average AFL salary is somewhere just over $400k. They speculated he accepted a lower amount than what he wanted originally in exchange for contract certainty. He signed that contract extension at the end of 2019, 2 years before his existing contract was due,  through to the end of 2024. I'm not saying he definitely wants to leave but logically surely how much he plays for the rest of 2023 will have some effect on his attitude. If the Club told him they'd be happy for him to explore other options during the trade period that also might affect his commitment. I'm not saying this is where it's at. Instead, the Club might want him to stay. Regardless, IMO it makes sense for Melbourne, and Harmes, to try and sort it out one way or another before or during this year's trade period.

[WalkingCivilWar 36,476]

3 hours ago, FritschyBusiness said:

 

For Harmes at his age with the relationships he has with and at the club it leads me to think, why would he leave if he seems happy? 
 

You’re right, FB. He seems happy because he IS happy. He’s very happy at our club. This is a fact. The personal problems he’s been experiencing have ZERO to do with the MFC. It’d be no different whatever the club.

PS I don’t have an audio/video recording or a signed affidavit to back this up so I guess my word is all there is. 😁 Hashtag why would I lie?

[Stiff Arm 4,419]

4 hours ago, H_T said:

Cats could be interested. They’re interested in many. They are a destination club. Fits their age profile. 
If he’s looking at topping up his super, the bombers could be it.

If he goes to the Cats, they will pay for his hobby farm

[demosaw 954]

7 minutes ago, Stiff Arm said:

If he goes to the Cats, they will pay for his hobby farm

And he can get a hobby horse 🐴 

[58er 5,783]

6 hours ago, old55 said:

He's an MFC immortal.

Every one of the players and coaches are MFC immortals. But as Goody has realised ( a little bit too late for 2022) we can't keep selecting players on their form in 2021 no matter how great it was and keep the faith for selection a year or two later. 

But we are now putting faith in players like JVR Kade C and Judd McVee plus Brodie and Lachie who will carve out their own part of our modern history. 

It's an exciting opportunity for all to create more success for our Club to reward fans and the heroes that can make it all happen. 

[Sydney_Demon 1,175]

Not named in Melbourne's 26 this week.

[Fork 'em 6,705]

Harmes lived his childhood dream (and mine) and will forever be regarded as a Melbourne legend.
Whatever happens from here is gravy.
 

[Demon Dynasty 16,643]

12 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

You’re right, FB. He seems happy because he IS happy. He’s very happy at our club. This is a fact. The personal problems he’s been experiencing have ZERO to do with the MFC. It’d be no different whatever the club.

PS I don’t have an audio/video recording or a signed affidavit to back this up so I guess my word is all there is. 😁 Hashtag why would I lie?

Im on board WCW.  He aint going anywhere imv.

A solid footballer (better than that on his day) who gives his all, a great clubman, Premiership immortal & a died-in-the-wool Demon.

What more can you ask.

Edited May 18, 2023 by Demon Dynasty

[Redleg 38,927]

Players stay, players join, players leave, that’s a part of the development/evolution of teams.

[layzie 30,939]

15 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Yes I am aware it has nothing to do with the club but it would certainly still impact his daily personal life whether that's being at the footy club or not.

Exactly. Whether it's got nothing to do with the club that fact remains that he's likely not going through the best of times right now and it could (keyword could) influence any football decisions he makes this year or any life decisions for that matter.

Really just hope the guy is happy at the end of the day. 

[FritschyBusiness 1,455]

19 hours ago, Sydney_Demon said:

Fritschy, your initial comment was that being the 24th player at Melbourne is better than being the 5th/6th midfielder anywhere else except maybe Geelong or Collingwood. I accept your comment regarding Jayden Hunt but the point is fringe players get pushed out of successful clubs, or don't get offered the sort of contracts they would elsewhere. Yes, players are driven by all sorts of motives. The point is that being the 24th player at even a successful club is not where you want to be.

I have no idea whether Harmes is happy. I also don't know what he's paid, or if he could get more elsewhere. On Tradies they were suggested he's on $500k, the average AFL salary is somewhere just over $400k. They speculated he accepted a lower amount than what he wanted originally in exchange for contract certainty. He signed that contract extension at the end of 2019, 2 years before his existing contract was due,  through to the end of 2024. I'm not saying he definitely wants to leave but logically surely how much he plays for the rest of 2023 will have some effect on his attitude. If the Club told him they'd be happy for him to explore other options during the trade period that also might affect his commitment. I'm not saying this is where it's at. Instead, the Club might want him to stay. Regardless, IMO it makes sense for Melbourne, and Harmes, to try and sort it out one way or another before or during this year's trade period.

AFL average wage is $338,000
 

[H_T 2,941]

I know in May I mentioned in this thread Geelong. Now hearing Gold Coast under Dimma. 
I wonder what that means in terms of picks or possible player trade with GC? 

[adonski 9,745]

10 minutes ago, H_T said:

I know in May I mentioned in this thread Geelong. Now hearing Gold Coast under Dimma. 
I wonder what that means in terms of picks or possible player trade with GC? 

Geelong makes sense

GCS would be a real weird fit

[Demon Disciple 11,301]

9 minutes ago, H_T said:

I know in May I mentioned in this thread Geelong. Now hearing Gold Coast under Dimma. 
I wonder what that means in terms of picks or possible player trade with GC? 

Nothing less than GC first pick will suffice.

Now that I’ve had my Dodoro moment, I’d say end of 2nd/early 3rd rounder would do. Unfortunately for Nut, he doesn’t bring any skill set to the team that isn’t provided by others that should be named in the team before him (much the same as JJ).

We need to turn the list over if we seriously want to contend again, known quantities that haven’t got us there need to be cut adrift to allow for new/unknown talent to come through. I reckon up to 8 changes could/need to be made to refresh the list.

[McQueen 17,864]

5 minutes ago, Demon Disciple said:

Nothing less than GC first pick will suffice.

Now that I’ve had my Dodoro moment, I’d say end of 2nd/early 3rd rounder would do. Unfortunately for Nut, he doesn’t bring any skill set to the team that isn’t provided by others that should be named in the team before him (much the same as JJ).

We need to turn the list over if we seriously want to contend again, known quantities that haven’t got us there need to be cut adrift to allow for new/unknown talent to come through. I reckon up to 8 changes could/need to be made to refresh the list.

Up to 8 changes?

Known out the door for unknown?