1 hour ago, Demons11 said:

That is not actually true, who have we actually lost? Any player who has come out of contract has signed.

Foreign state. lol

14 minutes ago, ijustwannaseeaflag said:

Moniz Wakefield will take his place. McVee isnt a shattering loss

Judd is having a very average year. And had an absolute shocker against Rankine. Didn’t have a clue on how to play him & arguably cost us the game.

1 hour ago, Red and Blue Flame said:

I'll just leave this here - writing was on the wall last year when I got this mail.

Make of this what you will. The fact that with little time left in the year he has decided to put talks on hold seems to me like there is a distinct possibility he is gone.

I remember it and you got shot down by loudmouths who are the gatekeepers of all knowledge because they have "conversations" with players, players partners etc. At some stage people need to look past this nonsense and focus on mature conversation.

Edited Wednesday at 01:564 days by Wizard of Koz

27 minutes ago, Billy said:

Yep if we don’t move with Goodwin, he will keep playing his washed up favourites in 2026 to the detriment of the long term development of younger players

And / or our ability to keep them

I may be wrong or I may be right but what has happened to date doesn’t necessarily indicate what will happen next

Some want to argue about that - we’ve not lost anyone, we kept Pickett, whatever - and that’s fine, argue away. I think the risk is there. It’s a risk, not an issue (yet), therefore something to manage.

58 minutes ago, Lord Travis said:

Wanted to highlight this bit. I don't agree it's an easy spot to fill. A good lockdown small defender is crucial these days given how much of am impact small forwards have with ball movement being quicker in the modern game.

Small lockdowns defenders are possibly the hardest position to find. They need to have pace and agility and be selfless in focusing purely on stopping their opponent. A good distributor like a Bowey or Salem or Rivers would play as a rebounding halfback and would struggle to lockdown on quality small forwards such as Kozzie, Stenglein, Higgins, Watson, Curtis etc. They'd be wasted playing lockdown small. Howes is too big, lacks the pace and agility to play on those types. Brown could potentially play that role. Taj and Sestan don't have the right attributes. It's actually a challenge to find a quality one. It's why Nev Jetta was such a great player for us. We also had Hunt and Hibberd capable of that role. I personally feel it's a clear gap in our list, especially if Mcvee leaves.

Perhaps I sounded a little blase' towards the role which you're right, is super important but I still think out of all the roles across the field, a lockdown small defender is the easiest to fill.

I just think that even on the examples you provided, the players basically ended up there after mixed results up the ground or getting older.

• Jetta - a clear stud in the back pocket, was played up forward with stints in the midfield in his first couple years with average results. I think he was delisted and not good enough until he went back.

• Hibberd - an All Australian rebounding half back until he got a bit older, a little bit more injured and lost a yard. He then became a lock down defender.

• Hunt - I can't really recall him specifically being a back pocket although I don't doubt it but remember him more with some dashing rebound runs and even a year or so playing up forward with some ok results.

I just feel that lockdown defenders are not a real challenge to locate. Like lots of lock down defenders (or taggers), they're usually players who aren't skilful or no longer damaging enough up the field or they're forwards who have failed.

He's a good player LT and I really like him and how he plays. I just think I rate the role as an easier one to fill with AMZ and Kynan there.

I don't feel either Taj or Sestan will make it sadly.

3 hours ago, ANG13 said:

Perfect day / week to announce he has resigned if he actually has.

I know we need changes to our list but for me Judd is one of our must keep. If I was West Coast I would be doing everything possible to get him.

Thank your lucky stars ANG13 that you aren’t Wet Toast.😁👍

5 minutes ago, Deeko2 said:

Perhaps I sounded a little blase' towards the role which you're right, is super important but I still think out of all the roles across the field, a lockdown small defender is the easiest to fill.

I just think that even on the examples you provided, the players basically ended up there after mixed results up the ground or getting older.

• Jetta - a clear stud in the back pocket, was played up forward with stints in the midfield in his first couple years with average results. I think he was delisted and not good enough until he went back.

• Hibberd - an All Australian rebounding half back until he got a bit older, a little bit more injured and lost a yard. He then became a lock down defender.

• Hunt - I can't really recall him specifically being a back pocket although I don't doubt it but remember him more with some dashing rebound runs and even a year or so playing up forward with some ok results.

I just feel that lockdown defenders are not a real challenge to locate. Like lots of lock down defenders (or taggers), they're usually players who aren't skilful or no longer damaging enough up the field or they're forwards who have failed.

He's a good player LT and I really like him and how he plays. I just think I rate the role as an easier one to fill with AMZ and Kynan there.

I don't feel either Taj or Sestan will make it sadly.

Appreciate the response and you raise some fair points.

Often back pockets wind up moving up the ground and becoming attacking half back flankers or midfielders as they develop. Mcvee seems to be on that path - I doubt he'll stay a back pocket for much longer and it seems he's losing his way down there anyway. But that raises the concern about who replaces him in that role.

Imagine we're lining up against Brisbane in a final tomorrow. Charlie Cameron, Kai Lowman, Zac Bailey and Cam Rayner are all smaller options up there who can turn a game and require close checking. You can't lockdown on them all, but Cameron in particular requires close checking. Mcvee has down the job on him before well, but imagine we no longer have Mcvee available or in that role. We're playing.... Bowey? Salem? Howes? Rivers? as lockdowns on Charlie Cameron. None would do the job satisfactorily, and if you were Brisbane coach playing against us you'd basically clear out the forward line and leave Cameron alone to tear it up and kick 6 etc.

Agree Taj and Sestan won't make it. Unsure on Brown unless he can make a role like back pocket his own. AMW strikes me as more of an offensive type than a lockdown, but I may be wrong, and that's assuming he makes it.

It might not be the most impactful position on the ground, but it's important in the modern game and I feel we're lacking there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Mcvee left and wound up at West Coast as floated. He's leaving contract talks right until the end, and his form is going backwards, so it's not like he's adding extra dollars or years to a new contract by holding off. If he does leave, left hope we get something decent for him and can get someone to adequately fill that small lockdown defender role!

9 minutes ago, Deeko2 said:

Perhaps I sounded a little blase' towards the role which you're right, is super important but I still think out of all the roles across the field, a lockdown small defender is the easiest to fill.

I just think that even on the examples you provided, the players basically ended up there after mixed results up the ground or getting older.

• Jetta - a clear stud in the back pocket, was played up forward with stints in the midfield in his first couple years with average results. I think he was delisted and not good enough until he went back.

• Hibberd - an All Australian rebounding half back until he got a bit older, a little bit more injured and lost a yard. He then became a lock down defender.

• Hunt - I can't really recall him specifically being a back pocket although I don't doubt it but remember him more with some dashing rebound runs and even a year or so playing up forward with some ok results.

I just feel that lockdown defenders are not a real challenge to locate. Like lots of lock down defenders (or taggers), they're usually players who aren't skilful or no longer damaging enough up the field or they're forwards who have failed.

He's a good player LT and I really like him and how he plays. I just think I rate the role as an easier one to fill with AMZ and Kynan there.

I don't feel either Taj or Sestan will make it sadly.

Reckon we had AMW earmarked for this role this year

Hopefully he slots into that back 6/7 next year

I really rate Judd McVee and hope that he stays with us for the rest of his career, he has a good skill set that currently suits our needs. We don’t know what is happening behind the scenes to cause his reluctance to sign a new contract particularly 7 weeks out from seasons end but I hope we can resolve his concerns.

5 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

I really rate Judd McVee and hope that he stays with us for the rest of his career, he has a good skill set that currently suits our needs. We don’t know what is happening behind the scenes to cause his reluctance to sign a new contract particularly 7 weeks out from seasons end but I hope we can resolve his concerns.

nothing like a nice healthy contract offer from a team in yr home state to sway yr view!

2 hours ago, Wizard of Koz said:

I remember it and you got shot down by loudmouths who are the gatekeepers of all knowledge because they have "conversations" with players, players partners etc. At some stage people need to look past this nonsense and focus on mature conversation.

Like everyone, I'm a Melbourne diehard - I don't want players of his potential leaving. Simply passing on the intel I have from very reliable sources. Again, like most, I want the most up-to-date info.

I've since gone back to the same person in WA and they have re-stated exactly what was said in December.

McVee for Pat Voss and whatever draft picks need to be swapped, if Judd wants to head home.

AMW can take his place. I get that it was only one game, and a praccy game at that (V North), but AMW played like the prototypical small defender that day who could potentially go toe to toe on the classy and speedy Rankines of the world. AMW absolutely had a round 1 spot stitched up had he not done his knee.

McVee's had a really poor season this year which is underscored by being 21st or so in the Demonland player of the year. I doubt he'd be too much higher in the B&F either.

Needs to respond well this week by containing Paul Curtis somewhat.

The good news for us is that Judd is a non free agent from the stuff I’ve looked at. This means it would have to be a trade most likely. I personally want him to stay, however if he wants to leave back to WA, then fair enough, there’s no benefit to us holding out. In terms of trade value, he’s most likely worth an early second rounder from west coast, and maybe adding on a third rounder from Fremantle. Dream scenario would be as part of a Luke Jackson trade, however I also wouldn’t mind Neil Erasmus or Pat Voss in return from Fremantle. Possibly even Harry Edwards from west coast who we had interest in last year.

13 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

McVee for Pat Voss and whatever draft picks need to be swapped, if Judd wants to head home.

AMW can take his place. I get that it was only one game, and a praccy game at that (V North), but AMW played like the prototypical small defender that day who could potentially go toe to toe on the classy and speedy Rankines of the world. AMW absolutely had a round 1 spot stitched up had he not done his knee.

McVee's had a really poor season this year which is underscored by being 21st or so in the Demonland player of the year. I doubt he'd be too much higher in the B&F either.

Needs to respond well this week by containing Paul Curtis somewhat.

No way I would do that trade. Voss is average and just looks ok playing as a 3rd tall behind Treacy and Amiss.

4 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

Seriously! The only player we’ve lost under Goody that we desperately wanted to keep was Jackson… and he’d walk back thru the door in a heartbeat if given the chance. He was a silly kid who made a poor decision under family coercion.

With zero proof people talk about mass exodus and players wanting out, when the cold hard facts are that under Goodwin we have managed to keep our entire core group together, and re-sign are young players.

How quickly they all forget that Kosi has just re-signed, one of the hottest properties in football, who had every reason to head home.

I thought it was only Morris who enjoys making up negative stories about our club, but it’s our supporters too!

Yes but as you know from being a long time poster if he re-signs all those who took Tom Morris as Gospel and saw it as further ammunition and opportunity to kick Goody and the club, will post on the I got it wrong thread and fail to jump to conclusions again

4 hours ago, Deeko2 said:

You really would have to be in the mindset that you're willing to burn the club to the ground if you were going to ditch everyone and leave without compensating your previous team by entering the PSD.

Not sure why people have this idea. If McVee can get to the Eagles free of charge it probably means they will pay him a premium over say Freo who would have to offer a draft pick.

IMO bottom teams should avail themselves of this advantage.

I hope he stays but the modern player owes little if anything to a club.

1 hour ago, Red and Blue Flame said:

Like everyone, I'm a Melbourne diehard - I don't want players of his potential leaving. Simply passing on the intel I have from very reliable sources. Again, like most, I want the most up-to-date info.

I've since gone back to the same person in WA and they have re-stated exactly what was said in December.

Both Taj and Judd OOC eos ..

Possible both elect to seek trades ??

3 hours ago, Redleg said:

Wow!

He is a tagger.

Serong got 11 disposals on him instead of his usual 30 plus and Freo lost by a goal.

Hasn't missed a game for the Swans since he went their and was in their GF side.

I only mentioned him and Bedford to show that we trade players to give them more opportunities, in a post about Derksen and the giants doing the opposite.

2 goals and 8 Coaches' votes! Nice tagging JJ.

5 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

Both Taj and Judd OOC eos ..

Possible both elect to seek trades ??

Yes - if you look at the post I made last year which started this thread, I mentioned Woewodin - seems even more likely from the source I have he will be back in WA.

His management expressed disappointment at how often he was played as sub last year which stunted his development. Outside of NM this year, don't think he's played any other games.

4 minutes ago, Red and Blue Flame said:

Yes - if you look at the post I made last year which started this thread, I mentioned Woewodin - seems even more likely from the source I have he will be back in WA.

His management expressed disappointment at how often he was played as sub last year which stunted his development. Outside of NM this year, don't think he's played any other games.

Certainly can't blame Woey.. he's entitled to seek better pastures.

As to Judd.. his life. All players owe to self to get the best out of careers.

Both Sandgropers... can understand the attractions of home.

Thanks for the Intel and heads up R&BF

McVee has a very high ceiling. He is not a 'lockdown' defender exclusively.

Half back is now one of the most important positions on the ground as a lot of scoring relies on good ball use out of the back half.

He is a great runner, moves well through traffic and is a good kick.

We would be extremely unlucky to lose him off the back of this all around terrible year, where he is struggled to build fitness and form off the back of an interrupted pre-season.

1 hour ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Not sure why people have this idea. If McVee can get to the Eagles free of charge it probably means they will pay him a premium over say Freo who would have to offer a draft pick.

IMO bottom teams should avail themselves of this advantage.

I hope he stays but the modern player owes little if anything to a club.

I know that they can, it's just very rare for players to ever do this unless the club has really destroyed the relationship beyond repair.

I feel like more players with decent character who are leaving, still want to see there previous club receive some compensation.

You're right that the players owe nothing to a club, but few want to leave and burn the bridge on the way out. Especially someone who we did take a punt on after everyone else passed on.

Wonder if @Dannyz has anymore info to share?

Much more trustworthy than most of these try hard journalists

5 hours ago, Adam The God said:

You reckon?

Very average stats for the position and style he plays. Take second rounder

1 hour ago, Red and Blue Flame said:

Yes - if you look at the post I made last year which started this thread, I mentioned Woewodin - seems even more likely from the source I have he will be back in WA.

His management expressed disappointment at how often he was played as sub last year which stunted his development. Outside of NM this year, don't think he's played any other games.

I'd be intrigued to know what his manager actually expects from the club if he/she is disappointed.

He has had quite a few chances and sadly for the romantics (me included) he really hasn't set the world on fire and always looks a step or two to slow in the bigtime.

He hardly sets the world on fire in the twos either averaging about 16-17 touches a game and a goal every 4 weeks. He looks nothing more than an average twos player which although admirable and better than most will achieve, is just too far away from having an impact in the ones.

12 minutes ago, MrFreeze said:

McVee has a very high ceiling. He is not a 'lockdown' defender exclusively.

Half back is now one of the most important positions on the ground as a lot of scoring relies on good ball use out of the back half.

He is a great runner, moves well through traffic and is a good kick.

We would be extremely unlucky to lose him off the back of this all around terrible year, where he is struggled to build fitness and form off the back of an interrupted pre-season.

If he was playing rebounding half back role and playing it well then I'd be far more interested in going harder to retain him.

Just from my own memories of late last year when he was played up the ground and a lot more midfield minutes, he just looked completely lost there.

There is nothing wrong with that and he still has a ripping 'one wood' as a high quality back pocket.

I just think we have greater needs and as he has currency, I wouldn't be against him moving if the right deal popped up.