Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
21 hours ago, Dee Boys said:

Christ, that’s bad news. If we give up pick 5 for him I’ll be apoplectic.

I'll be much worse and I can't even pronounce it properly

Posted

He's a gun and I would be very happy to land him. Instantly fills the Brayshaw void on-field and adds much needed dynamic kicking skills to our team.

I get not wanting to trade pick 5 for him, and I don't either. But unlike most I would be reasonably comfortable in splitting the pick to land him.

Turning 5 into say 9 and 10 from the tigers (post freo trade) might be a possibility. Trade 10 and 2nd round pick might get it done (I know they want two but that's their starting public negotiating point).

Turning say 5 pick and ANB comp (25) or future 2nd into Houston and pick 9. That's a great outcome. Whether actually achievable or not I'm not sure.

With such an open and even draft and no clear stand-outs, there's even a good chance we land our top 5 target at pick 9 anyway.

 

 

  • Like 3

Posted

The fact he had a brain fart and outed himself from Port’s finals campaign means his papers may be stamped, bridges burning and there’s a deal to be done…

Posted
3 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I am truly staggered by the lack of interest around here in Houston.

"we dodged a bullet", one poster said.

If missing out on a genuine A grader is "dodging a bullet" then I need to follow another sport.

Do people not watch Port games?

This guy is a genuine star of the game as validated by his back to back All Australian blazers. We're not just talking about sneaking into the squad like a Massimo D'Ambrossio. We're talking back to back starting 18.

He will dramatically improve the MFC next year and he's in the age bracket which suggests he's in the peak of his career. His ball use is exactly what we need. 

If you need anymore convincing, check out the below:

 

It’s a big call to make especially when we are on the precipice of irrelevance. It’s hard to read 2024. In hindsight was all the off field issues and dodgy preseason the real reason or was it our natural decline.

If it’s the later, then you don’t go after him and invest in a mini rebuild, if it’s the exception then you go all out. 
 

The reality is we don’t know what the true state of our playing group is, whether Trac and Oliver can return to their full potentials, will Petty come good, can we reinvent our game plan etc. Only the club will and I hope they make the right call for now and the future. 

  • Like 2
  • Clap 1

Posted
4 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I am truly staggered by the lack of interest around here in Houston.

"we dodged a bullet", one poster said.

If missing out on a genuine A grader is "dodging a bullet" then I need to follow another sport.

Do people not watch Port games?

This guy is a genuine star of the game as validated by his back to back All Australian blazers. We're not just talking about sneaking into the squad like a Massimo D'Ambrossio. We're talking back to back starting 18.

He will dramatically improve the MFC next year and he's in the age bracket which suggests he's in the peak of his career. His ball use is exactly what we need. 

If you need anymore convincing, check out the below:

 

I don’t think anyone is underestimating Houston the player. But for me there are four factors working against this: his age, his position, the asking price and the club’s direction.

1. He’s 28 next year - basically everything needs to go right for us to maximize his value. We might get 50-75 good “elite level@ games out of him at best. That’s not a lot. 

2. He plays HBF which is far from the most important role to fill. He’s an AA player sure but he’s not exactly Zak Butters.

3. Two first rounders or pick 5 and change. Enough said, way overs.

4. Are we really pushing for another flag? We don’t want Houston to be the next Tim Taranto. Much safer taking pick 5 to the draft where we can focus on finding Clarry/Viney/Brand Petracca’s replacement. 

 

  • Like 6
  • Clap 4
Posted
4 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I am truly staggered by the lack of interest around here in Houston.

"we dodged a bullet", one poster said.

If missing out on a genuine A grader is "dodging a bullet" then I need to follow another sport.

Do people not watch Port games?

This guy is a genuine star of the game as validated by his back to back All Australian blazers. We're not just talking about sneaking into the squad like a Massimo D'Ambrossio. We're talking back to back starting 18.

He will dramatically improve the MFC next year and he's in the age bracket which suggests he's in the peak of his career. His ball use is exactly what we need. 

If you need anymore convincing, check out the below:

 

Because he's not exactly what we need.

Our prime targets this off season should be midfield talent and depth. With pick 5 you're getting a potential 12-15 year player instead of a 29 year old half back flanker.

He's good, but he's still not worth pick 5 imo and that's exactly what Port will ask for.

  • Like 14
  • Clap 2

Posted
4 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I am truly staggered by the lack of interest around here in Houston.

"we dodged a bullet", one poster said.

If missing out on a genuine A grader is "dodging a bullet" then I need to follow another sport.

Do people not watch Port games?

This guy is a genuine star of the game as validated by his back to back All Australian blazers. We're not just talking about sneaking into the squad like a Massimo D'Ambrossio. We're talking back to back starting 18.

He will dramatically improve the MFC next year and he's in the age bracket which suggests he's in the peak of his career. His ball use is exactly what we need. 

I would love to have him BPP, he's a class act. I'm just not sold on giving up pick 5 for him if there's a chance of snaring someone like Langford or Lalor.

Would absolutely love him but I don't see them accepting less to be honest.

  • Like 3
Posted
1 hour ago, PaulRB said:

The fact he had a brain fart and outed himself from Port’s finals campaign means his papers may be stamped, bridges burning and there’s a deal to be done…

Lol they're not going to sack a gun player because of a bump that went wrong. If they trade him it will be because they will get overs.

Posted
12 minutes ago, layzie said:

I would love to have him BPP, he's a class act. I'm just not sold on giving up pick 5 for him if there's a chance of snaring someone like Langford or Lalor.

Would absolutely love him but I don't see them accepting less to be honest.

I don't want to Trade Pick 5 but also would like to add DH to the team. Glad there are people who get paid for this conundrum.

 

 

Posted
2 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Because he's not exactly what we need.

Our prime targets this off season should be midfield talent and depth. With pick 5 you're getting a potential 12-15 year player instead of a 29 year old half back flanker.

He's good, but he's still not worth pick 5 imo and that's exactly what Port will ask for.

Houston is 27. Plus With free agency and such a liquid player transfer market, I am not sure the number of years is as valuable as it used to be.

I think Port's asking price is a bit too rich, but Houston would be a good get. 

  • Like 1
Posted
3 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Houston signed a long term deal on middling money and then hit AA form.

This "trade" is about re-oening his contract.

Port are playing hardball as they should

this has always been my cynical take on it too

waterman the same

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

If we paid pick 5 for Houston we’re banking on the big 4, May and Lever playing at close to AA level.  Along with that we’re also banking on  a revised game plan, the continued growth of our youngsters and the form and fitness of our mid tier group and the continued form of Houston. It’s only if all that happens are we going to push for a flag and for mine that’s the only reason you’d take Houston over pick 5. It’s a massive gamble and I’m not a gambling man. I actually think if all the above happened and pick 5 was a plug and play midfielder we’d be almost as likely to win the flag. So why take Houston at the likely asking price?

Edited by Roost it far
  • Like 4
  • Clap 1

Posted
1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Because he's not exactly what we need.

Our prime targets this off season should be midfield talent and depth. With pick 5 you're getting a potential 12-15 year player instead of a 29 year old half back flanker.

He's good, but he's still not worth pick 5 imo and that's exactly what Port will ask for.

I agree that we shouldn't give up pick 5 for DH, but it's disingenuous to label him a "half back flanker". 

He played midfield prior to Butters and Rozee taking over at Port.

He'd play midfield and half back with us. ie the Gus role. But unlike Gus, he's an elite kick.

  • Like 3
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Roost it far said:

If we paid pick 5 for Houston we’re banking on the big 4, May and Lever playing at close to AA level.  Along with that we’re also banking on  a revised game plan, the continued growth of our youngsters and the form and fitness of our mid tier group and the continued form of Houston. It’s only if all that happens are we going to push for a flag and for mine that’s the only reason you’d take Houston over pick 5. It’s a massive gamble and I’m not a gambling man. I actually think if all the above happened and pick 5 was a plug and play midfielder we’d be almost as likely to win the flag. So why take Houston at the likely asking price?

What possibly makes you think pick 5 is not a gamble? It has a chance of landing a 'plug and play midfielder' - it also has a chance of landing Jimmy Toumpas. 

Don't get me wrong - I like the draft pick - but this is a classic case of opting for the mystery box over the known quantity

In relative terms - pick 5 is at least as much of a gamble as Dan Houston 

Edited by fr_ap
Posted

Apologies if this has already been covered but I'm intrigued by the Dan Houston situation in comparison to Christian Petracca. For a long time now it has been rumoured Houston wants to come home. There have been long periods of silence from him. Eventually he said he wants to stay. Now it's up in the air again. Jon Ralph uses the phrases in relation to Houstons tardiness.'let's not hang him for it' and "we shouldn't lose our minds over it". So let me get this right. Christian Petracca said nothing publicly and the world caves in on him and the club. Houston and Port have been stuffing each other around for quite some time but both are let off the hook. FWIW I have no issue with either situation but the hypocrisy here is palpable. Just imagine if Petracca flip flopped the same as Houston? The mind boggles.

  • Like 1

Posted
2 minutes ago, Deelectable said:

Apologies if this has already been covered but I'm intrigued by the Dan Houston situation in comparison to Christian Petracca. For a long time now it has been rumoured Houston wants to come home. There have been long periods of silence from him. Eventually he said he wants to stay. Now it's up in the air again. Jon Ralph uses the phrases in relation to Houstons tardiness.'let's not hang him for it' and "we shouldn't lose our minds over it". So let me get this right. Christian Petracca said nothing publicly and the world caves in on him and the club. Houston and Port have been stuffing each other around for quite some time but both are let off the hook. FWIW I have no issue with either situation but the hypocrisy here is palpable. Just imagine if Petracca flip flopped the same as Houston? The mind boggles.

Perhaps the comparison is not quite the same. Noting the comments about brand being a concern and chasing a trade despite managers indicating it won’t happen. 

Posted

Has the go home factor ever led a player from Melbourne to Carlton?

Sicily must be beautiful this time of year

  • Like 1

Posted
10 minutes ago, Deelectable said:

Apologies if this has already been covered but I'm intrigued by the Dan Houston situation in comparison to Christian Petracca. For a long time now it has been rumoured Houston wants to come home. There have been long periods of silence from him. Eventually he said he wants to stay. Now it's up in the air again. Jon Ralph uses the phrases in relation to Houstons tardiness.'let's not hang him for it' and "we shouldn't lose our minds over it". So let me get this right. Christian Petracca said nothing publicly and the world caves in on him and the club. Houston and Port have been stuffing each other around for quite some time but both are let off the hook. FWIW I have no issue with either situation but the hypocrisy here is palpable. Just imagine if Petracca flip flopped the same as Houston? The mind boggles.

That’s not a fair comparison, even though Christian had very real issues with the club, his situation was almost entirely his own doing.

Houston and Port are playing chess with each other but Houston is not burning Port to the ground in the process 

 

  • Like 1
Posted
5 hours ago, Nascent said:

Turning 5 into say 9 and 10 from the tigers (post freo trade) might be a possibility. Trade 10 and 2nd round pick might get it done (I know they want two but that's their starting public negotiating point).

It feels like whenever a club publically states their asking price for an A-grade player, they just don’t budge.
 

Eg. us with LJ, Adelaide with Lever, GWS with Cameron… very hard to sell it back to the members when you set the expectation at 2x 1st rounder and come back with less…  

Best case scenario for Dees would be finding 2x late first-rounders for the deal.

Posted
10 minutes ago, Superunknown said:

Perhaps the comparison is not quite the same. Noting the comments about brand being a concern and chasing a trade despite managers indicating it won’t happen. 

Agreed, it's not quite the same but nevertheless the Houston saga has dragged on and still not finalised. The football world were imploring Petracca to come put and make a statement on his playing future which actually did in a fraction of the time compared to Houston.  The way the media interprets and reports is the determining factor. Petracca is a far more 'sexy' story. Houston not a household name. Regardless, the chasm in response is huge.

Posted
4 minutes ago, BW511 said:

That’s not a fair comparison, even though Christian had very real issues with the club, his situation was almost entirely his own doing.

Houston and Port are playing chess with each other but Houston is not burning Port to the ground in the process 

 

Disagree with some of that first paragraph but not going down that rabbit hole again. Houston has mucked around Port for a long time now. All has to do is say I'm staying but he hasn't. 'Burning down the house' is perception.

  • Haha 1
Posted (edited)
1 minute ago, Deelectable said:

Disagree with some of that first paragraph but not going down that rabbit hole again. Houston has mucked around Port for a long time now. All has to do is say I'm staying but he hasn't. 'Burning down the house' is perception.

Houston has said he’s staying

https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104290300

 

Edited by BW511

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...