22 minutes ago, BLWNBA said:

Noted; would not typically interpret an undisputed statement of fact would be in breach, but happy to take that interpretation and application forth.

Carry on.

The issue is not so much any one individual post stating a fact, but that once that aspect of the matter is opened up for discussion it can quickly lead to further commentary and speculation, which is exactly what we are trying to avoid. The relevant facts have already been presented, so from here we are asking posters to leave the personal side of it there and keep any discussion to football-related implications only.

Horrendous news for both him and for us. Our most important player but a fair margin.

2 minutes ago, Demonland said:

STEVEN King says Kozzy Pickett is expected to play in the club's season-opening clash, during his first game-week press conference as head coach of the Melbourne Football Club.

He shared news that star Demon Kysaiah Pickett has travelled to Darwin to deal with personal issues ahead of the club's season-opening clash with St Kilda.

Kozzy Pickett

"We were pretty proactive with it, Kozzy needed to get back for family reasons and I fully support any father at our club to make sure they get to support their family," King said.

"Kozzy will be back tomorrow, he'll do our T2 (main training session two) and play.

"That's something I want to provide flexibility for our staff and players that family is equally or more important than just the game of footy.

"We'll give Kozzy all the time he needs to take care of his family and his daughter and he'll be fine. We'll work that with him throughout the season as it progresses but he'll play."

MORE TO COME

Somewhat speculation, but relationship issues of this magnitude usually doesn't happen out of a vacuum and likely may have been bubbling away for months out of the public eye and during that time Kozzie's form on the track and in match like situations has been exceptional, which suggests to me that both he and the club have been managing things in a highly professional way.

Well done to all parties for the open and clear communications from the club regarding the situation. Having a strong well managed response from the club should go a fair way in taking off some of the pressure from Kozzie, giving him the space to get on with what he needs to off the field with less noise and speculation.

I think the media (including social media) also have a role here to shut down the speculation, innuendo and rumour mongering in order to let private matters remain private and let one of the generational talents of our time do what he does best and play great footy. Credit to Demonland for the moderating approach in this regards.

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

25 minutes ago, Bowserpower said:

You’re making it sound like the choice was between letting him walk or extending him for 7 years when he had 2 years left.

I think that kind of was the choice, no?

We now know he didn’t want to stay in Melbourne, so if we didn’t lock in a big, long term contract, he’s probably requesting a trade…

I hope the Media leave him alone to sort this out. Last thing he needs is the constant infiltration of his private life by a increasingly hostile and intrusive press.

That's it, he is off to the Tassie Devils

Ok. 7 years and not a year less.

Sounds like a good way to do business..

4 minutes ago, Longsufferingnomore said:

I hope the Media leave him alone to sort this out. Last thing he needs is the constant infiltration of his private life by a increasingly hostile and intrusive press.

Totally agree but that's as likely North Melbourne winning every game this season and winning the GF with a record margin.

The Media have taken great delight in CP5 and Oliver performing better in their new surroundings, and they will be ecstatic to have yet another reason to lay the boots into us.

Even if it's completely unfair and inappropriate.

Perth to Darwin is 3.5 hours.

Melb to Darwin is 4.5 hours.

Ugh.

I hope it all works out for Kozz and family.

Im just greatly relieved at this stage that it didnt get dragged out like the Lachie Neale drama.

I’ve no doubt many will wrap their collective arms around Koz and his family. There’s no reason he can’t play for us and spend time in Darwin with his family. As with all these situations the hope is everything works out for them.