Just now, dazzledavey36 said:

Dan Houston pulling out because of trac is the best thing that has happened to this club.

With Houstan, we have no Lindsay or Langford.

I totally agree, but that's the benefit of hindsight isn't it?
By the way we would have still got Langford, as he wouldn't have traded pick 6, but we would have definitely missed out on Lindsay. So thank god he went to waste the Pies' money instead. Lindsay will be a star.

He isn't the only players who pulled out or flat out refused to talk to us last year tho.
People have a go at Tim Lamb, but Tim Lamb can only do so much when nobody returns his calls.

1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

I understand this view, but likewise Clarry's mental health issues were no more in his control than Trac's post injury trauma.

Clarry did silly things, so did Trac. The way Trac carried on last year was very damaging to the club, and the group. Clarry's behaviour was likewise very damaging. Both can and should take responsibility for their part as grown adults.

But if we can cut Trac slack for his behaviour, why can't we do the same for Clarry? You think he chose to have mental health issues anymore than Trac chose to have that horrific injury?

You only had to listen to Bailey Smith open up about his battles to understand that as fans few of us have any idea of what a player is truly going through. That doesn't mean Clarry shouldn't be held accountable for his mistakes, but likewise some grace wouldn't go astray.

Clarry has never not admitted fault. He is acutely aware of what he's done, and where he's at. I am not so sure that Trac is there yet.

1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

I am not, that was not the point of my post.

I was responding to the remark about one being a good guy and one being a bad guy.

Neither are good or bad, both have had to deal with circumstances that were in part beyond their control. And both deserve grace and respect for overcoming some serious challenges, both physical and mental.

But let's not pretend like what went on with Trac post season last year was not extremely damaging to the club. We had multiple players pull out of coming to the club as a result. Rightly or wrongly, it was very poorly handled by Trac/ his team.

My read on Demonland is that posters have been very quick to forgive Clarry and cut him some slack, and very, very, very slow to do the same for Trac, and that includes you.

No one controls their own mental health to the point where they choose to be ill. But Clarry controlled the behaviours that led him there, just as Trac controlled his behaviours that put the club in turmoil last year.

Yes, Trac's behaviour this time last year was damaging to the club. But Clarry's off-field behaviour was also damaging to the club. Demonland holding a long-time grudge against Trac because he also happens to enjoy cooking is IMO grossly unfair.

Also, who other than Houston are you suggesting pulled out of coming to the club? Have I forgotten someone? Regardless, and as @dazzledavey36 has said, with the benefit of hindsight we are much better off with Houston having pulled out.

3 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

My read on Demonland is that posters have been very quick to forgive Clarry and cut him some slack, and very, very, very slow to do the same for Trac, and that includes you.

No one controls their own mental health to the point where they choose to be ill. But Clarry controlled the behaviours that led him there, just as Trac controlled his behaviours that put the club in turmoil last year.

Yes, Trac's behaviour this time last year was damaging to the club. But Clarry's off-field behaviour was also damaging to the club. Demonland holding a long-time grudge against Trac because he also happens to enjoy cooking is IMO grossly unfair.

Also, who other than Houston are you suggesting pulled out of coming to the club? Have I forgotten someone? Regardless, and as @dazzledavey36 has said, with the benefit of hindsight we are much better off with Houston having pulled out.

I think it also has to do with the optics the last few games against the filth.

Petracca, and others, has been very friendly with the POS that ended Angus's career.

We humans tend to be very tribal when it comes to pro-sports. So, that may cause the masses to feel more aggravated when there is a perceived betrayal or disrespect to the club/Guernsey.

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Dan Houston pulling out because of trac is the best thing that has happened to this club.

With Houstan, we have no Lindsay or Langford.

“Funny how trade week chat always feels like politics in miniature — big promises, rumours spun, values inflated, and in the end the deal was never really on the table. Houston was the distraction, pick 5 the propaganda. Meanwhile the real work of building a side happens in the shadows.
Houston and his managers always knew pick 5 was not on the table!

20 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

My read on Demonland is that posters have been very quick to forgive Clarry and cut him some slack, and very, very, very slow to do the same for Trac, and that includes you.

Also, who other than Houston are you suggesting pulled out of coming to the club? Have I forgotten someone? Regardless, and as @dazzledavey36 has said, with the benefit of hindsight we are much better off with Houston having pulled out.

I literally said above that both of these guys deserve a lot of credit for overcoming what they have. I am not holding a grudge against anyone. I just happen to have a great amount of sympathy and respect for what Clarry has been through, but I also completely recognise that Trac had a very traumatic injury, and while many here have been calling out his fear of body contact this year, I have defended him for it.
I also defended him when he was being called out for not posting on his social media about the club, because I know he doesn't manage his own social media and it was unfair to accuse him of not caring about the club.
I think you are being very unfair to suggest that I have cut Trac no slack.

This is not a Trac vs Clarry debate, it shouldn't be. But somehow it always becomes one. They are two separate people who both made mistakes that I am sure they would take back if they could. I think that Clarry has been given very little leeway by some fans, and especially by the media, but the same can't be said for Trac. I've seen Clarry called out for everything from being fat, to ruining our club and culture, to screwing us with his contract on this site.

And by the way, Clarry has always been the same. The club, the playing group and the fans were very happy to turn a blind eye to it when he was dominating the competition. If he returns to his best again, I bet nobody will discuss his indiscretions again, nor his contract. That's the nature of the beast isn't it?

Peatling is another player who pulled out although we were very heavily into him. And player managers were flat out refusing to speak to Tim Lamb last year. That is not all on Trac of course, but the overall club perception that we were/are a mess.

Edited yesterday at 01:531 day by Jaded No More

20 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

That was an emotional read.

I've gone from being neutral on who we trade to wanting Clarry to stay!

A little bit that way myself.

Claz is kinda unique. . On his day he's pure gold. Would be very happy with just a continuous silver lining. He doesn’t need to be the perfect finisher if he can be a catalyst contributor.

Others am still more ambivalent about but Oliver 🤔 is a tick ✔️

2 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

I understand this view, but likewise Clarry's mental health issues were no more in his control than Trac's post injury trauma.

So Oliver's toxic behaviour is down to mental health issues ?

There's an excuse for everything these days.

2 minutes ago, Gator said:

So Oliver's toxic behaviour is down to mental health issues ?

There's an excuse for everything these days.

Some of the behaviour is, absolutely. But of course not all.

I imagine you don't know a whole lot about the impact of mental health or neurodivergence on impulse control, substance dependence or unstable behaviour. But unfortunately the impact is a significant one.

That doesn't excuse poor behaviour, but it does explain some of it, especially during times of low moods.

I wish Clarry would open up about his struggles the way Bailey Smith has, but of course everyone's journey is different.

Edited yesterday at 02:081 day by Jaded No More

2 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

i presume that is because the general view is that petracca is 'worth' more in a trade, both in terms of value for us and another team

certainly that's why i think he's more likely to be traded of the two

Agreed, if Trac was better in front of goal we might be thinking different but he’s not. Happy if he stays, if only we had a coach….

On 29/08/2025 at 09:26, Mickey said:

Trac's social media use is very different to the others. His is 100% about the brand, the business, how that makes him look, and even posts taht seem personal, like his dad helping him gardening, is all about building an image. It's far less a personal account than the other players.

It's not a criticism of him, it's just what he is focussed on and has chosen to use his social media for.

I’m a survey of one but as someone who works in marketing and has done a lot of work with social influencers I question whether Trac has the longevity to hold an audience once he’s retired.

Authenticity is a huge thing for influencers, or at least making your audience think you’re authentic, and he’s not natural on camera, always so stilted. Footy is the primary reason ppl follow him, once that’s gone….

I just don’t think his ‘brand’ is as strong as he and his management think it is

36 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Agreed, if Trac was better in front of goal we might be thinking different but he’s not. Happy if he stays, if only we had a coach….

Christian Petracca isn’t just a great player, he’s a pillar. Trading him would undo Melbourne’s premiership DNA. If you want to chase another flag in the next 2–3 years, you build around him,
Trac isn’t trade bait — he is Melbourne. You don’t trade your Norm Smith, your match-winner, your heartbeat. End of story!

1 minute ago, john delosa said:

Christian Petracca isn’t just a great player, he’s a pillar. Trading him would undo Melbourne’s premiership DNA. If you want to chase another flag in the next 2–3 years, you build around him,
Trac isn’t trade bait — he is Melbourne. You don’t trade your Norm Smith, your match-winner, your heartbeat. End of story!

Petracca needs to learn to hit bodies again, I get why he didn’t want to this year and don’t blame him but it’s front and centre in his job description.

9 minutes ago, deegirl said:

I’m a survey of one but as someone who works in marketing and has done a lot of work with social influencers I question whether Trac has the longevity to hold an audience once he’s retired.

Authenticity is a huge thing for influencers, or at least making your audience think you’re authentic, and he’s not natural on camera, always so stilted. Footy is the primary reason ppl follow him, once that’s gone….

I just don’t think his ‘brand’ is as strong as he and his management think it is

Strangely, I reckon authenticity is a large part of why fans are more willing to forgive Clarry's foibles over Petracca's. Would Trac ever get a reception like Clary received after his goal vs Sydney this year? I doubt it.

I find the difference in the perception of both players fascinating, considering the contribution they've both made to the club over the past decade.

10 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

Petracca needs to learn to hit bodies again, I get why he didn’t want to this year and don’t blame him but it’s front and centre in his job description.

1. Petracca isn’t just another midfielder — he’s a rare hybrid: explosive clearance winner, powerful forward, and proven big-game performer.

2. Few players can swing between midfield dominance and match-winning forward impact like he can.
   Even if a trade brought draft picks or younger talent, there’s no guarantee of replacing his impact.

3. You don’t trade a top 10 player in the league unless you’re rebuilding from scratch — and Melbourne isn’t.

14 minutes ago, john delosa said:

Christian Petracca isn’t just a great player, he’s a pillar. Trading him would undo Melbourne’s premiership DNA. If you want to chase another flag in the next 2–3 years, you build around him,
Trac isn’t trade bait — he is Melbourne. You don’t trade your Norm Smith, your match-winner, your heartbeat. End of story!

Well I disagree with that.

He was, but he isn’t anymore.

He is not the player he was before the injury. I don’t blame him for that, but it is a fact.

He is burning players in better positions, same as Curnow, trying for the long bomb goals. He complains when the ball isn’t passed to him. He has lost a bit of pace and is still a poor kick.

Worst of all, I have seen him several times this year pull out of contests, where contact might be expected. Think of the De Goey mark in the last round, that ended up in a goal down the other end.

Of course you can’t blame him for that, but on his money and in his position in the team, it is unacceptable.

I see him as the one being spoken about every trade period and that will be a distraction l, so if we got a very good deal, I would bite the bullet and trade him.

5 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Well I disagree with that.

He was, but he isn’t anymore.

He is not the player he was before the injury. I don’t blame him for that, but it is a fact.

He is burning players in better positions, same as Curnow, trying for the long bomb goals. He complains when the ball isn’t passed to him. He has lost a bit of pace and is still a poor kick.

Worst of all, I have seen him several times this year pull out of contests, where contact might be expected. Think of the De Goey mark in the last round, that ended up in a goal down the other end.

Of course you can’t blame him for that, but on his money and in his position in the team, it is unacceptable.

I see him as the one being spoken about every trade period and that will be a distraction l, so if we got a very good deal, I would bite the bullet and trade him.

1. He’s become one of the faces of the club alongside Max Gawn.

2. Losing him would shatter supporter morale and risk Melbourne being seen as a “selling club,
   With Gawn still leading, Oliver in his prime, and May/Lever in defence, Melbourne’s flag window is open now.

3. Trading Petracca would slam that window shut for at least 3–5 years.

2 minutes ago, john delosa said:

1. He’s become one of the faces of the club alongside Max Gawn.

2. Losing him would shatter supporter morale and risk Melbourne being seen as a “selling club,
   With Gawn still leading, Oliver in his prime, and May/Lever in defence, Melbourne’s flag window is open now.

3. Trading Petracca would slam that window shut for at least 3–5 years.

Also, “Every champion looks mortal when they’re banged up — but you don’t trade away your gladiators because they bleed. Trac’s flaws are real, but so is his ceiling, and Melbourne without him is a side hoping instead of contending.”

2 minutes ago, john delosa said:

1. He’s become one of the faces of the club alongside Max Gawn.

2. Losing him would shatter supporter morale and risk Melbourne being seen as a “selling club,
   With Gawn still leading, Oliver in his prime, and May/Lever in defence, Melbourne’s flag window is open now.

3. Trading Petracca would slam that window shut for at least 3–5 years.

I actually think there has been some sort of changing of the guard in terms of the "Face of the club status"

I think Trac and Clarry have probably fallen out of it and Kozzie has jumped in. Really it's Kozzie and Gawn now

9 minutes ago, john delosa said:

1. He’s become one of the faces of the club alongside Max Gawn.

2. Losing him would shatter supporter morale and risk Melbourne being seen as a “selling club,
   With Gawn still leading, Oliver in his prime, and May/Lever in defence, Melbourne’s flag window is open now.

3. Trading Petracca would slam that window shut for at least 3–5 years.

You lost me at May/Lever and another flag

0

18 minutes ago, Davos said:

Strangely, I reckon authenticity is a large part of why fans are more willing to forgive Clarry's foibles over Petracca's. Would Trac ever get a reception like Clary received after his goal vs Sydney this year? I doubt it.

I find the difference in the perception of both players fascinating, considering the contribution they've both made to the club over the past decade.

I agree, it’s very interesting to see how we as a supporter base are responding to them.

unfortunately for Trac last year’s trade talk came across as selfish and it has changed public perception of him.

14 minutes ago, john delosa said:

1. He’s become one of the faces of the club alongside Max Gawn.

2. Losing him would shatter supporter morale and risk Melbourne being seen as a “selling club,
   With Gawn still leading, Oliver in his prime, and May/Lever in defence, Melbourne’s flag window is open now.

3. Trading Petracca would slam that window shut for at least 3–5 years.

Might concede 1, but disagree on 2 and 3.

You can’t do the same old thing and expect it to change.

Are you suggesting we are a one man team in point 3?

12 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Might concede 1, but disagree on 2 and 3.

You can’t do the same old thing and expect it to change.

Are you suggesting we are a one man team in point 3?

We’re not a one-man team, but every strong structure rests on a few key beams. Pull one out, the whole frame weakens. Trading Trac to fix our problems is like chopping down your best tree because the forest looks messy — it doesn’t make the forest stronger, it just leaves a hole.

23 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

You lost me at May/Lever and another flag

Exactly. We are absolutely zero chance of another flag with a 34yo Steven May floundering and lumbering around in defence. His best is a long way behind him.

12 minutes ago, deegirl said:

0

I agree, it’s very interesting to see how we as a supporter base are responding to them.

unfortunately for Trac last year’s trade talk came across as selfish and it has changed public perception of him.

I think his work last year could be perceived as manipulative and driven by ego, whereas Clarry appears (from the outside, anyway) to be a bit immature and has been working through a tough period in his life. His story is more relatable for many supporters, who can also see one of the great redemption arcs on the horizon if he can get back to form.

1 hour ago, Davos said:

I think his work last year could be perceived as manipulative and driven by ego, whereas Clarry appears (from the outside, anyway) to be a bit immature and has been working through a tough period in his life. His story is more relatable for many supporters, who can also see one of the great redemption arcs on the horizon if he can get back to form.

This is what it is for me.

Strangely I have a lot of empathy for Clarry but not Trac even though Clarry to some extent was responsible for a lot that happened to him whilst Trac was not. It was the way that Trac bought the entire club to its knees in the aftermath of his injury that lost it for me. it was and continues to be unforgivable in my eyes - that is why i want him gone. I would much rather see Clarry rediscover his footy than Trac.

Hard to explain but that is just the way i feel rightly or wrongly.