16 minutes ago, Binmans PA said:

Except 3 of our losses have been by a combined less than 2 kicks. But it's semantics at this point.

The point I'm highlighting is we don't need to throw the baby out with the bath water.

I think our percentage tell's the story. we're bang average and deserve to be in 11th spot. Missing personnel and injuries a big factor in that for sure.

Still plenty to look forward like you say. no need to burn the place down. i'm loving the way some of our youngsters are going and with a full deck to choose from next year, i think we can contend

But no way we deserve to be top 4 this year and tbh i don't think we deserve to play finals either (obviously hoping we win our last 4 to make it)

36 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

I disagree. We are 2 wins and 10% (which really is just lowering the volume on some beltings when our midfield were deplorable and a goal here or there) from 4th. 

And the biggest issue is still when our midfield gets smacked it gets ugly. Yet when our midfield win the contest everything else largely falls in to place.

And Oliver has been about 3/10 when his best is 9/10 and just one guy elevating that much changes the entire dynamic of the midfield.

But…even if we were 4th we’d be a lot closer to making up the numbers than a flag contender. Which is exactly what I think of Carlton, GWS, Geelong and Port. They are all pretenders unless they solve a lot of issues in a hurry. We’ve beaten 2 of them, lost to 2 of them by narrow margins. With Clarry anywhere near his best we’d be comfortably in that group of sides.

I disagree.

In what way would he elevate us? We've lost Angus Brayshaw which has been a far bigger loss then people underestimate, lost our midfield depth in Harmes and Jordon who usually provide cover for him around stoppages.

Petracca has played more forward this year which then means the grunt work is left to Oliver and Viney now. A 9/10 Oliver would still cop a hard tag this year where we've seen more taggers then ever before. So of course he's not going to have his usual influence.

He's not this miracle formula that determines between 10th and 2nd spot. There are far more underlying factors that that make up for this.

31 minutes ago, Binmans PA said:

It's 2.5 wins to 2nd spot. It's as outlandish as you paint it...

We're also 2.5 win from being bottom 5 side. North, Port Power and Geelong were 3 games that were pretty much determined by a kick or more.

Disclaimer: I'm not advocating trading Clarry,

I do have a question though: Is Adelaide going to put their pick 4 and 22 on the trading block?

Something would have to go pear shaped in the relationship from here to October for us to do it, but it does give some pause for consideration if pick 4 and 22 is involved. It would be a massive FORK in the road moment. A real 'rebuild by stealth' - The one we're apparently doing is a bit of a firfy.  We've played some kids with potential, but I think you need t go into 1 or 2 more drafts with 2, 3 or 4 high pieces to be anywhere close to 'rebuilding' be it by stealth or not. we're not Geelong, we don't have a home fortress that will keep us contending for a decade. At some point you make a big decision and trade a few players who have currency.

Are we at that moment remains to be seen imo. If we're going after Dan Houston, then probably not. And I don't see the likelihood of Port taking a Future 1st or anyone but a contending team this year, departing with Pick 12-18 for it. So it leaves the club with Houston for next year and that's it.

Still: #4, #9, #22 and Pick in the teens does make you think about the paths you can take in in producing a rebuilt flag threat for when Tracc and Max are in their low-mid 30's

 

Edited July 28, 2024Jul 28 by John Demonic

2 hours ago, MurDoc516 said:

Are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater by suggesting some changes to personnel? 

Or by suggesting the gameplan hasn't stacked up all year when it mattered. 

Even if we did make finals, we will just make up the numbers. We haven't beaten any of the genuine contenders. 

We all want changes, just don't need wholesale...

Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Edmund: “He is contracted until 2030.

“The smoke continues to waft around the competition.”

Morris: “It does. As best I can read the situation, and I’ve made a lot of calls on it the past couple of weeks, the best gauge is what rival clubs think.

“Because in all likelihood they’re the ones being told the truth. They believe Oliver is very much open to the idea of a move.

“While the Demons are simply saying no, that could easily be a negotiating tactic. The Demons said no that they were trading Jesse Hogan and he went to Freo.

“Clubs say no all the time.”

Edmund: “They could not be more categoric and concrete when they say, ‘He’s going nowhere’.”

Morris: “I’ve been told that as well.

“But rival clubs believe there’s still a possibility.”

Edmund: “How is it so? So Clayton’s talking…?”

Morris: “Clayton or his management or people close to him… I’m not sure.

“But either way, rival clubs believe it’s not dead in the water.

“At this point in the season there’s no way Melbourne could say, ‘Actually, yeah, we’re considering a trade’. There’s no way they could say that because that would just make them look silly.

“The biggest impediment here is the cash, clearly. People have said $7 million over seven years. Nah nah, full TPP, this is closer to $10 million over seven years. It’s an unbelievable deal.

“He’s got six years left. Which club has the space and who could fit this bill? I really think the Adelaide conversation is outdated. I don’t think the Crows are in this at all. They can’t afford him and they don’t necessarily want him for that price.

“I’m just looking at clubs like Geelong, Essendon and St Kilda. But I think Essendon and St Kilda wouldn’t take him because of the off-field stuff.

“It really limits the options if he did want to go.”

Edmund: “I’d be staggered if he wasn’t in red and blue next year and beyond.

“It’s as close to impossible as it can get for mine and the conversations I’ve had.”

Let it go Tom you germ

27 minutes ago, Dee Boys said:

Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Edmund: “He is contracted until 2030.

“The smoke continues to waft around the competition.”

Morris: “It does. As best I can read the situation, and I’ve made a lot of calls on it the past couple of weeks, the best gauge is what rival clubs think.

“Because in all likelihood they’re the ones being told the truth. They believe Oliver is very much open to the idea of a move.

“While the Demons are simply saying no, that could easily be a negotiating tactic. The Demons said no that they were trading Jesse Hogan and he went to Freo.

“Clubs say no all the time.”

Edmund: “They could not be more categoric and concrete when they say, ‘He’s going nowhere’.”

Morris: “I’ve been told that as well.

“But rival clubs believe there’s still a possibility.”

Edmund: “How is it so? So Clayton’s talking…?”

Morris: “Clayton or his management or people close to him… I’m not sure.

“But either way, rival clubs believe it’s not dead in the water.

“At this point in the season there’s no way Melbourne could say, ‘Actually, yeah, we’re considering a trade’. There’s no way they could say that because that would just make them look silly.

“The biggest impediment here is the cash, clearly. People have said $7 million over seven years. Nah nah, full TPP, this is closer to $10 million over seven years. It’s an unbelievable deal.

“He’s got six years left. Which club has the space and who could fit this bill? I really think the Adelaide conversation is outdated. I don’t think the Crows are in this at all. They can’t afford him and they don’t necessarily want him for that price.

“I’m just looking at clubs like Geelong, Essendon and St Kilda. But I think Essendon and St Kilda wouldn’t take him because of the off-field stuff.

“It really limits the options if he did want to go.”

Edmund: “I’d be staggered if he wasn’t in red and blue next year and beyond.

“It’s as close to impossible as it can get for mine and the conversations I’ve had.”

A reporter talking to a little boy.

27 minutes ago, Dee Boys said:

Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

Edmund: “He is contracted until 2030.

“The smoke continues to waft around the competition.”

Morris: “It does. As best I can read the situation, and I’ve made a lot of calls on it the past couple of weeks, the best gauge is what rival clubs think.

“Because in all likelihood they’re the ones being told the truth. They believe Oliver is very much open to the idea of a move.

“While the Demons are simply saying no, that could easily be a negotiating tactic. The Demons said no that they were trading Jesse Hogan and he went to Freo.

“Clubs say no all the time.”

Edmund: “They could not be more categoric and concrete when they say, ‘He’s going nowhere’.”

Morris: “I’ve been told that as well.

“But rival clubs believe there’s still a possibility.”

Edmund: “How is it so? So Clayton’s talking…?”

Morris: “Clayton or his management or people close to him… I’m not sure.

“But either way, rival clubs believe it’s not dead in the water.

“At this point in the season there’s no way Melbourne could say, ‘Actually, yeah, we’re considering a trade’. There’s no way they could say that because that would just make them look silly.

“The biggest impediment here is the cash, clearly. People have said $7 million over seven years. Nah nah, full TPP, this is closer to $10 million over seven years. It’s an unbelievable deal.

“He’s got six years left. Which club has the space and who could fit this bill? I really think the Adelaide conversation is outdated. I don’t think the Crows are in this at all. They can’t afford him and they don’t necessarily want him for that price.

“I’m just looking at clubs like Geelong, Essendon and St Kilda. But I think Essendon and St Kilda wouldn’t take him because of the off-field stuff.

“It really limits the options if he did want to go.”

Edmund: “I’d be staggered if he wasn’t in red and blue next year and beyond.

“It’s as close to impossible as it can get for mine and the conversations I’ve had.”

Ok... so the club says no, the player says no, the contract is so large and long that all potential suitors are ruled out, so those two geese waste oxygen circling around to the conclusion that he won't be traded?  I guess they can kiss goodbye to their Pulitzer Prize?

On 28/07/2024 at 17:20, WalkingCivilWar said:

You’re right, DD. Clarrie won’t be traded ❤️💙

My post was an invitation for the Dazzling one to let us know his opinion on the subject. It’s my community service act for the day 😅

In Dazzle we believe!😁

On 28/07/2024 at 17:20, WalkingCivilWar said:

You’re right, DD. Clarrie won’t be traded ❤️💙

My post was an invitation for the Dazzling one to let us know his opinion on the subject. It’s my community service act for the day 😅

In Dazzle we believe!😁

35 minutes ago, Dee Boys said:

Edmund: “How is it so? So Clayton’s talking…?”

Morris: “Clayton or his management or people close to him… I’m not sure.

Exactly.

It’s impossible to be sure, isn’t it, Tom? Especially when YOU’RE MAKING SH!!TT UP. 

On 28/07/2024 at 17:20, WalkingCivilWar said:

You’re right, DD. Clarrie won’t be traded ❤️💙

My post was an invitation for the Dazzling one to let us know his opinion on the subject. It’s my community service act for the day 😅

In Dazzle we believe!😁

2 minutes ago, picket fence said:

In Dazzle we believe!😁

Geez and I get told I’m delusional.

On 28/07/2024 at 19:42, dazzledavey36 said:

I disagree.

In what way would he elevate us? We've lost Angus Brayshaw which has been a far bigger loss then people underestimate, lost our midfield depth in Harmes and Jordon who usually provide cover for him around stoppages.

Petracca has played more forward this year which then means the grunt work is left to Oliver and Viney now. A 9/10 Oliver would still cop a hard tag this year where we've seen more taggers then ever before. So of course he's not going to have his usual influence.

He's not this miracle formula that determines between 10th and 2nd spot. There are far more underlying factors that that make up for this.

We're also 2.5 win from being bottom 5 side. North, Port Power and Geelong were 3 games that were pretty much determined by a kick or more.

That's disturbing on a few levels

My view is the  game has gone past us and our players as good as they are not right for the current style 

More than a mini build is needed

A change in game plan is badly needed

9 minutes ago, Kent said:

That's disturbing on a few levels

My view is the  game has gone past us and our players as good as they are not right for the current style 

More than a mini build is needed

A change in game plan is badly needed

Pretty sure that is what we have been working on all year but haven't been able to perfect it.... yet.

Surely the last thing we want to do is get rid of a mature experienced champion midfielder right now??  We need those guys to get back to their best and also play alongside the kids.  Would be dumb as hell to trade Oliver and I really hope it's all just clickbait with zero substance.  He will be back to his best.

16 minutes ago, Young Angus said:

Surely the last thing we want to do is get rid of a mature experienced champion midfielder right now??  We need those guys to get back to their best and also play alongside the kids.  Would be dumb as hell to trade Oliver and I really hope it's all just clickbait with zero substance.  He will be back to his best.

Good news! You can stop hoping, coz that’s EXACTLY what this is… clickbait with zero substance.

Not only will Clarrie be back to his best, he’ll be back to his best and still wearing red and blue, forever. ❤️💙

42 minutes ago, DistrACTION Jackson said:

Pretty sure that is what we have been working on all year but haven't been able to perfect it.... yet.

But we reverted back after the bye. So it tells me that we are in no man’s land. Players are confused, frustrated and without clear direction. 

The issues are deeper than most people care to admit. Our game plan is outdated. contest and defence has been superseded by fast ball movement from defensive half. We don’t have the ability to defend that nor do we have the ability to implement that. Houston will make us better if we continue down the new direction. But we still need a good ball user in the forward half too to complete the play. 
 

EG Lions rebound a lot through Zorko - why he isn’t getting tagged is beyond me - and a lot of their f50 connection comes from there midfielders in mcclugage and Neale. 

He won’t go, but if Oliver gets traded, I quit. 

Buddy Franklin vibes

Centre Square a horse I am in with Clarry, won the 3rd race today at Ballarat.

 

55 minutes ago, Gawndy the Great said:

But we reverted back after the bye. So it tells me that we are in no man’s land. Players are confused, frustrated and without clear direction. 

The issues are deeper than most people care to admit. Our game plan is outdated. contest and defence has been superseded by fast ball movement from defensive half. We don’t have the ability to defend that nor do we have the ability to implement that. Houston will make us better if we continue down the new direction. But we still need a good ball user in the forward half too to complete the play. 
 

EG Lions rebound a lot through Zorko - why he isn’t getting tagged is beyond me - and a lot of their f50 connection comes from there midfielders in mcclugage and Neale. 

I don't think we have fully reverted back, but we have definitely been tinkering with a few things.

Based on media reports we are into players like Houston & Cummings, so we are obviously trying to continue to evolve our ability to rebound off D50.

2 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Centre Square a horse I am in with Clarry, won the 3rd race today at Ballarat.

 

Wow, small world .

A guy from my work has a share in Centre Square as well. 
Long overdue 

This Rumour smacks of Adelaide getting upset that they missed out on Petty also there are rumours that Goodwin maybe in their Sights as they are disappointed with their coach  if this is so Clarry will be overjoyed he doesnt get along with Goodwin 

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

Centre Square a horse I am in with Clarry, won the 3rd race today at Ballarat.

 

Thanks for the late tip Red!