3 hours ago, picket fence said:

You have NO idea!

Ok fill me in then what’s going on please

You seem to know, or is it from a source you can’t divulge?

1 hour ago, Macca said:

Good point Pennant, but maybe the MC want to see that side of his footy all the time? Especially from the get-go

We've seen Viney turn his season around once we re-designed his role (tagging and run with) ... and Petracca just needed to regain his confidence again (that's happening)

Gawn has lifted big time and Rivers is using the ball really well now instead of bombing it. As are a number of others

But that's just the footballing side of things

The MH issues that Clarrie is battling is a completely different story of which we know very little about ... and the media should be observing his privacy right now. They observe that privacy with other players

To be fair, it's only a few in the media acting up (this time)

Agree totally media should be respecting his privacy

3 hours ago, Colm said:

I don’t really get why everybodies so angry at the media clowns for discussing Clarry. We are discussing Clarry, our captain discussed it and pretty much confirmed there’s something in it.

I don’t like any of the clowns that are reporting it so I don’t watch any of it.

Feel for Clarry as I think he’s put in a big effort to get back in shape and turn things around and he probably hasn’t got the rewards he thought he would for doing so. Not hard to see why the thoughts of a new start- different fitness program and new ways of doing things might be worth a shot to get his career back on track.

Be nice to be earning the coin that he is but I’m sure at times it’s a weight around his neck.

The simplest explanation is the manner in which Harry McKay was treated by the media doing the same thing and how that didn’t carry over to Clarry.

Even if what has been reported is true, wait a few weeks to report it. Why do they feel the need to hang on this intel and use a situation such as a MH break to pile on? It’s pathetic and the whole industry should be ashamed as nobody has had the perspective to call this behaviour out.

The main question is "Did Clayton train today"? Some photos from Casey on the socials, but none of the ginger locks.....

3 minutes ago, Harvey Wallbanger said:

The main question is "Did Clayton train today"? Some photos from Casey on the socials, but none of the ginger locks.....

28 minutes ago, Billy said:

Ok fill me in then what’s going on please

You seem to know, or is it from a source you can’t divulge?

No idea from the piont does ANY of us really know what the real story is?? A bit of Empathy doesn't go astray either! You are talking about one of our greatest EVER players as if he is a throwaway item!

Edited May 6May 6 by picket fence

5 minutes ago, roy11 said:

Phew. Thanks Roy.

27 minutes ago, picket fence said:

No idea from the piont does ANY of us really know what the real story is?? A bit of Empathy doesn't go astray either! You are talking about one of our greatest EVER players as if he is a throwaway item!

I love the guy & will be devastated if he goes anywhere

Plenty of empathy for him, he owes it to the club to get things back on track.

Maybe it needs another preseason???

On 02/05/2025 at 20:57, bing181 said:

McClure has revealed on Wide World of Sports he spoke with two IMAGINARY people today who are close with Oliver, and shed light on the situation, both with Oliver and the club internally.

McClure left an important word out of his statement, the silly bugger

10 minutes ago, Billy said:

I love the guy & will be devastated if he goes anywhere

Plenty of empathy for him, he owes it to the club to get things back on track.

Maybe it needs another preseason???

This!

He had a few operations in the off season so it was certainly not a smooth one. This coming off a very limited preseason the year before and a season of carrying injuries making it hard to train.

Would not surprise me if Clayton was a lot better in 26. I’d even consider giving him a mini preseason within the season this year.

3 hours ago, Macca said:

From a footballing point of view Clarrie's best game in terms of being a team player and getting back to his old self was against Fremantle

Didn't bomb it long and his stats read as 5 kicks & 20 handpasses. I felt his game took a big step in the right direction

Against Richmond a few long bombs returned and he ended up on the bench for 24% of the time (9 kicks & 13 handpasses)

So the break could also be form related but Clarrie has obviously got some issues where privacy should be observed

I wish him well and hope he is back playing footy sooner rather than later

I suspect also that Clarry is adapting to the new(ish) game plan, like many of our players! The focus on handballs is part of our change in execution and is useful as a way of preventing Clarry's long bombs. Some water under the bridge yet before we can get a good idea of what Clarry's best will be in this scenario, yet people want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We all know the Club is seeking to change from the 2021 approach and find a new best.

5 hours ago, Billy said:

Do you seriously think he is still a superstar of the game?

It’s not 2021/22

He’s 27yo & needs to grow up, knuckle down & get on with it

4 hours ago, picket fence said:

You have NO idea!

1 hour ago, Billy said:

Ok fill me in then what’s going on please

You seem to know, or is it from a source you can’t divulge?

Picket Fence is right… you have no idea.

I know the truth but I’d sooner stick hot knitting needles into my eyeballs than tell the likes of you. However, if I was to deign to such a low level (in a momentary lapse of reason for eg.) I’d be more than happy to divulge my source… it’s Clarrie himself.

Bottom line: McClure knows as much about this as as every other journo, which is clearly not much.

He looked very happy at training !!

3 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:

He was however the Clarrie of old in that 3rd quarter against Richmond. He showed what an impact he can have when he is on

Clarrie played at his peak capacity in that 3rd quarter but obviously can’t sustain that level of intensity for 4 quarters atmo. This must have something to do with his lack of fitness and why he’s spending more time on the bench. The coaches would absolutely know where he’s at and what he is capable of right now. Whether he reaches his former stellar performance levels remains to be seen. Perhaps we have seen the very best of Clarrie but his next best is still better than most mids in the comp. His current handball to kick ratio in his last 2 games indicates he is trying to execute the revised game plan.

40 minutes ago, TRACATTACK said:

Clarrie played at his peak capacity in that 3rd quarter but obviously can’t sustain that level of intensity for 4 quarters atmo. This must have something to do with his lack of fitness and why he’s spending more time on the bench. The coaches would absolutely know where he’s at and what he is capable of right now. Whether he reaches his former stellar performance levels remains to be seen. Perhaps we have seen the very best of Clarrie but his next best is still better than most mids in the comp. His current handball to kick ratio in his last 2 games indicates he is trying to execute the revised game plan.

If Clarry wants more midfield time, he has to get fitter. It’s not rocket science.

He is nowhere near the fitness he was in ‘21-‘22 before the big contract.

He has to accept that challenge, to work harder

49 minutes ago, TRACATTACK said:

Clarrie played at his peak capacity in that 3rd quarter but obviously can’t sustain that level of intensity for 4 quarters atmo. This must have something to do with his lack of fitness and why he’s spending more time on the bench. The coaches would absolutely know where he’s at and what he is capable of right now. Whether he reaches his former stellar performance levels remains to be seen. Perhaps we have seen the very best of Clarrie but his next best is still better than most mids in the comp. His current handball to kick ratio in his last 2 games indicates he is trying to execute the revised game plan.

Yes agree, however I see his progress w in terms of glimpses of his former self and especially buying into team structure as a big positive

2 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Picket Fence is right… you have no idea.

I know the truth but I’d sooner stick hot knitting needles into my eyeballs than tell the likes of you. However, if I was to deign to such a low level (in a momentary lapse of reason for eg.) I’d be more than happy to divulge my source… it’s Clarrie himself.

Bottom line: McClure knows as much about this as as every other journo, which is clearly not much.

Wow that’s a bit harsh, so I’ve got no idea & the likes of me hey!!!

all l said was he needs to knuckle down because he owes the club & that l love him & would hate him to leave.

You can apologise if you like, I’ve been a member since 1988 & allowed an opinion, we don’t all live in fairyland & think alike

38 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

If Clarry wants more midfield time, he has to get fitter. It’s not rocket science.

He is nowhere near the fitness he was in ‘21-‘22 before the big contract.

He has to accept that challenge, to work harder

Yes, he's been working hard this year to get back to his best. There was a good post earlier in this thread about the impact of his injuries on his conditioning, which will take more than one preseason to overcome (given the conditioning is cumulative)

1 minute ago, DeelightfulPlay said:

Yes, he's been working hard this year to get back to his best. There was a good post earlier in this thread about the impact of his injuries on his conditioning, which will take more than one preseason to overcome (given the conditioning is cumulative)

Does anyone know what injuries? I recall hearing about his knee and he always had issues with shoulders and that dreaded finger. Was there anything else?

4 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Picket Fence is right… you have no idea.

I know the truth but I’d sooner stick hot knitting needles into my eyeballs than tell the likes of you. However, if I was to deign to such a low level (in a momentary lapse of reason for eg.) I’d be more than happy to divulge my source… it’s Clarrie himself.

Bottom line: McClure knows as much about this as as every other journo, which is clearly not much.

Luv ya work Ghosty!❣️

4 hours ago, Wells 11 said:

This!

He had a few operations in the off season so it was certainly not a smooth one. This coming off a very limited preseason the year before and a season of carrying injuries making it hard to train.

Would not surprise me if Clayton was a lot better in 26. I’d even consider giving him a mini preseason within the season this year.

Exactly.

Choosing to raise this when the club has said he's taking a well being break is pathetic.

Leaving that aside, the reporting is lazy.

Claz is clearly not yet fit enough- which is why he's not getting the minutes he was in 2021. I mean, der.

Another solid preseason like the one he just had and he'll be closer to his optimal condition. He'll get more game time, be quicker and play at a higher level

Edited May 6May 6 by binman

Clarry isn't operating at his best.

But... he's still probably our 2nd best mid this year yeah? And the only way is up.

I want to be on the right side of history, and be part of the group never once wanting him traded. He's an absolute superstar who just hasn't been fit for 2 years.

10 hours ago, Redleg said:

He is still racking up possessions, though his use of the footy is an issue and his salary becomes a lower % of our Salary cap each year, as the salary cap increases.

People are speaking about him like he has turned into a C grade Amateur reserves player.

It may not be his best career form but he is far from our worst player which some seem to be intimating.

What will be will be at the end of the year, but for now lets just show some support, for a player who probably needs it.

When he signed his deal, it was reported that he and CP5 get a percentage of the cap. So this may be wrong - but I understand his salary goes up as the cap goes up.

2 minutes ago, rpfc said:

When he signed his deal, it was reported that he and CP5 get a percentage of the cap. So this may be wrong - but I understand his salary goes up as the cap goes up.

Correct for Oliver but not sure that applied to Trac who signed his contract a year earlier.

Oliver's 2022 contract is indexed to the TPP increases. It increases by 37% from 2023 to 2027 (end of current CBA). That is why the media is saying he will be paid $1.7.m by end of his contract in 2030. A new CBA in 2028 onward means his contract in 2030 will be even higher.

Edited May 6May 6 by Lucifers Hero

1 hour ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Correct for Oliver but not sure that applied to Trac who signed his contract a year earlier.

Oliver's 2022 contract is indexed to the TPP increases. It increases by 37% from 2023 to 2027 (end of current CBA). That is why the media is saying he will be paid $1.7.m by end of his contract in 2030. A new CBA in 2028 onward means his contract in 2030 will be even higher.

So it will be a smaller % of our cap as time goes by.