59 minutes ago, sue said:

Simple. They have a bigger membership than us.

That covers it perfectly!

19 hours ago, The heart beats true said:

How are you feeling about Curnow going, and what seems to be the feeling amongst the fan base?

I am fine with Curnow leaving as we got a good trade in return (and I would say a majority of other supporters are too), this would have been unthinkable 12 months ago but Charlie been quite poor in his mindset, attitude the whole of this last season. He responded poorly to some justified criticism of him inside the club. A supremely talented footballer but also an immature manchild at times.

I think our forward set up was way to Curnow centric, when he was out towards the end of the season we became more unpredictable up front and gosls came ftom a greater spread of players.

Will be interesting to see how it all looks like next season 🤔

Harry McKay to win the Coleman medal 💪😁

2 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I reckon we will bounce back to contention faster than most people think ❤️💙

I agree mate. Shall we activate the GF guarantee for 2027? I think so.

2 hours ago, KozzyCan said:

Would call it a B. Cashed in on Petracca, picked up a couple of cheap AFL ready players and made the best of a bad situation with Oliver, although it's impossible to look at that positively given we had the chance to move him on last year on much more favourable terms.

Sure, a late first round pick is more favourable than a F3, but to my understanding the salary absorbed by Geelong would be no more or less than what GWS have taken on...

38 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

I agree mate. Shall we activate the GF guarantee for 2027? I think so.

My GFG is active every year.

But I sure won't be booking GF weekend city hotels!

Having reflected, I actually think we’ll be better next year. I feel like we kept banging our heads against a brick wall with the same mix of players and expecting us to magically get good again.

Next year, we’ll have some new players and players in different positions which, who knows, might lets us jump a bit.

Rivers in the midfield for a full season might av 27 and kick a goal a game, Windsor an Kozzy playing 50% mid time each might add a different sort of transition with pace, and culley, Lindsay, Langdon on the wings provides us with some style to transition. I’m optimistic but I think the main thing we’re going to see is different.

Different game plan, different players, different roles - it’s a refresh I really needed as a dees fan.

Today's Age (McGowan, Ryan, McClure) has us at 'third best', at B+, behind GC and GWS, both at A, and ahead of two other B+ (Blues, Saints):

3 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I give us an A:

• Steele replaces Oliver, bringing leadership and able to play a more flexible role

• Mihocek for Spargo - a different type of fwd but brings balance and experience i50 we were lacking

• Jiath for McVee - a different type of defender and we have others to fill the gap

• Heath - much needed back up for Max.

• Three first round picks for Petracca plus free up sal cap

I see much better connection to i50 especially with a revised game plan and better fwd structures.

We covered our departures with equal or better suited players, except for Petracca. Hopeully, Langford can start to fill his shoes! If he does our list is much better than it was last week.

And we add 4 1st round draftees over 2025/2026.

I reckon we will bounce back to contention faster than most people think ❤️💙

Good post!

Spargo was ineffective this year, so Mihocek could be a big plus.

McVee had a bog ordinary year, Jiath should be able to cover McVee 2025!

Agree Petracca missing piece, someone needs to step up significantly!

Agree on Steele and Heath!

While sad to see Clarry and Trac go, both have a significant amount of improvement to get back to their best! As hard as it is, feels the club have made the right decision! Can only thank both players for 2021 and wish them good luck except when they play our Demons!

Fingers crossed King can get the dynamics working between defence and offence, more goals per game would be great! A bit of JT magic in the draft won’t hurt either!!

Edited Friday at 02:234 days by D4Life
Extra comment

6 hours ago, Demonsone said:

It’s a joke that a premiership team can get simply too up with free agents to remain strong! No to mention their academies they have in qld & nsw.

We needed a player from the Suns, they know it’s a week draft so it will only be a win for us if pick 7&8 work out the rest of who we traded are good additions

The media wont agree, all boys club, they're all interested in cash not accountability

Top 10 clubs who improved in trade period:

Brisbane, Gold Coast - a lot, with Academy players to come: A

Sydney - a decent amount: B

GWS, Fremantle - marginal: C

Top 10 clubs who didn't improve at all in trade period:

Adelaide, Hawthorn, Geelong, Bulldogs - no improvement and each has a clear problem list problem, but did at least retain a latish first round pick - E

Collingwood- no improvement and no first round pick - F

11 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I give us an A:

• Steele replaces Oliver, bringing leadership and able to play a more flexible role

• Mihocek for Spargo - a different type of fwd but brings balance and experience i50 we were lacking

• Jiath for McVee - a different type of defender and we have others to fill the gap

• Heath - much needed back up for Max.

• Three first round picks for Petracca plus free up sal cap

I see much better connection to i50 especially with a revised game plan and better fwd structures.

We covered our departures with equal or better suited players, except for Petracca. Hopeully, Langford can start to fill his shoes! If he does our list is much better than it was last week.

And we add 4 1st round draftees over 2025/2026.

I reckon we will bounce back to contention faster than most people think ❤️💙

To add to this; somehow Jack Steele is being paid by St Kilda with them covering a portion of his salary so we nabbed him for peanuts as a ex-skipper. Big win.

It looks like we will be in a better position next year than last, although not really pleased about the path.

Steele and CJ and picks seven and eight should be good. Unsure about the rest.

I never get tired of posting ESPN's Knightmare's 2019 Report Card:

Collingwood

Improved their draft hand slightly in the latter half of the draft to increase their involvement without losing a lot. Jay Rantall represents strong value as a basketball convert with elite endurance who does his best work inside winning the contested ball, distributing by hand and moving through traffic. Oakleigh premiership captain Trent Bianco is a second selection who represents strong value as one of the best kicks in the draft and the most advanced outside player in the pool. Trey Ruscoe at 192cm with his versatility to play defence, midfield or forward, is a third solid selection with his skills, mobility, ball winning capabilities and the way he reads the ball in flight and takes marks. Though the question of whether Collingwood should have retained pick 51 to draft key forward Jake Riccardi rather than trade it to GWS who used the pick to draft the VFL's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal is a question that will be asked given Collingwood's lacking key position stocks.

Grade: A

Most footy followers would never have heard of their selections in 2025.

Here's his view on Melbourne's draft haul.

Melbourne

Traded wisely and secured value in their trade with Fremantle. The move back allowed Melbourne to add pick 28 and a future fourth round pick without a meaningful move back down the order from pick 8 to 10. While Melbourne's trade looks on paper like value was acquired, their first two picks of ruckman Luke Jackson and small forward pressure specialist Kysaiah Pickett are arguably reaches. Jackson, a sub 200cm ruckman is athletic, plays with aggression and follows up well but was arguably not the best available player. Similarly, Pickett while the forward pressure he applies is of a best in draft standard and he has speed and is damaging with ball in hand, his low scoreboard impact and product makes him a difficult sell so early on. Trent Rivers, who Melbourne secured thanks to their trade with Fremantle represents strong value at what after bidding became pick 32. Rivers is a classy ball user off half-back who moves well and can push through the midfield as a ball winner.

Grade: C

Edited Saturday at 08:242 days by Gator

2 minutes ago, Gator said:

I never get tired of posting ESPN's Knightmare's 2019 Report Card:

Collingwood

Improved their draft hand slightly in the latter half of the draft to increase their involvement without losing a lot. Jay Rantall represents strong value as a basketball convert with elite endurance who does his best work inside winning the contested ball, distributing by hand and moving through traffic. Oakleigh premiership captain Trent Bianco is a second selection who represents strong value as one of the best kicks in the draft and the most advanced outside player in the pool. Trey Ruscoe at 192cm with his versatility to play defence, midfield or forward, is a third solid selection with his skills, mobility, ball winning capabilities and the way he reads the ball in flight and takes marks. Though the question of whether Collingwood should have retained pick 51 to draft key forward Jake Riccardi rather than trade it to GWS who used the pick to draft the VFL's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal is a question that will be asked given Collingwood's lacking key position stocks.

Grade: A

Most footy followers would never have heard of their selections in 2025.

Here's his view on Melbourne's draft haul.

Melbourne

Traded wisely and secured value in their trade with Fremantle. The move back allowed Melbourne to add pick 28 and a future fourth round pick without a meaningful move back down the order from pick 8 to 10. While Melbourne's trade looks on paper like value was acquired, their first two picks of ruckman Luke Jackson and small forward pressure specialist Kysaiah Pickett are arguably reaches. Jackson, a sub 200cm ruckman is athletic, plays with aggression and follows up well but was arguably not the best available player. Similarly, Pickett while the forward pressure he applies is of a best in draft standard and he has speed and is damaging with ball in hand, his low scoreboard impact and product makes him a difficult sell so early on. Trent Rivers, who Melbourne secured thanks to their trade with Fremantle represents strong value at what after bidding became pick 32. Rivers is a classy ball user off half-back who moves well and can push through the midfield as a ball winner.

Grade: C

After his raging success in the talent ID world he moved on to providing financial tips and advice on his YouTube channel

23 hours ago, adonski said:

Poor guy. Looks like he might drive a MG.

Melbourne did well,really well.got rid of 3 guys that brought the club down this year in Trac,Oliver and Goody.,McVee leaving but looks like there's coverage.Steele and Mihocek will be very good for the kids

5 hours ago, Gator said:

I never get tired of posting ESPN's Knightmare's 2019 Report Card:

Collingwood

Improved their draft hand slightly in the latter half of the draft to increase their involvement without losing a lot. Jay Rantall represents strong value as a basketball convert with elite endurance who does his best work inside winning the contested ball, distributing by hand and moving through traffic. Oakleigh premiership captain Trent Bianco is a second selection who represents strong value as one of the best kicks in the draft and the most advanced outside player in the pool. Trey Ruscoe at 192cm with his versatility to play defence, midfield or forward, is a third solid selection with his skills, mobility, ball winning capabilities and the way he reads the ball in flight and takes marks. Though the question of whether Collingwood should have retained pick 51 to draft key forward Jake Riccardi rather than trade it to GWS who used the pick to draft the VFL's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal is a question that will be asked given Collingwood's lacking key position stocks.

Grade: A

Most footy followers would never have heard of their selections in 2025.

Here's his view on Melbourne's draft haul.

Melbourne

Traded wisely and secured value in their trade with Fremantle. The move back allowed Melbourne to add pick 28 and a future fourth round pick without a meaningful move back down the order from pick 8 to 10. While Melbourne's trade looks on paper like value was acquired, their first two picks of ruckman Luke Jackson and small forward pressure specialist Kysaiah Pickett are arguably reaches. Jackson, a sub 200cm ruckman is athletic, plays with aggression and follows up well but was arguably not the best available player. Similarly, Pickett while the forward pressure he applies is of a best in draft standard and he has speed and is damaging with ball in hand, his low scoreboard impact and product makes him a difficult sell so early on. Trent Rivers, who Melbourne secured thanks to their trade with Fremantle represents strong value at what after bidding became pick 32. Rivers is a classy ball user off half-back who moves well and can push through the midfield as a ball winner.

Grade: C

None of the 'Like' emojis would do this justice, Gator.

We need this: 💎

12 hours ago, doomsday dee said:

Melbourne did well, really well, got rid of 3 guys that brought the club down this year in Trac, Oliver and Goody. McVee leaving but looks like there's coverage. Steele and Mihocek will be very good for the kids.

Enough of the upbeat, doomsday!

Think of your name!

😄

MELBOURNE

RATING: 7/10

INS: Jack Steele (St Kilda), Changkuoth Jiath (Hawthorn), Brody Mihocek (Collingwood), Max Heath (St Kilda), Pick 7, Pick 8, Pick 37, Pick 71, GC 2026 R1, GWS 2026 RD3, GC 2027 R3

OUTS: Christian Petracca (Gold Coast), Clayton Oliver (GWS), Judd McVee (Fremantle), Charlie Spargo (North Melbourne), Pick 24, Pick 28, Pick 42, Pick 61, 2026 R2, 2026 R3, 2026 R4, 2027 R3, 2027 R4

DRAFT PICKS: 7, 8, 37, 66, 71
The Demons were one of the busiest players in this year’s trade period as the Steven King era begins with a clean slate. Shipping off Petracca and Oliver contradicts Melbourne’s desire to return to finals in 2026 but a late move for Jack Steele offers midfield experience. The Demons were keen on Bailey Humphrey but instead picked up depth in Jiath, Mihocek and Heath. Two top 10 picks for Petracca is a great result.

ADELAIDE

RATING: 5/10

INS: Finnbar Maley (North Melbourne), Pick 57
OUTS: Pick 64, ADE 2026 R4
DRAFT PICKS: 16, 48, 55, 57, 73, 75, 93, 111
Didn’t get the Callum Ah Chee deal over the line but will now look to get him to West Lakes in the pre-season draft. They stuck to their word that a first or future first would not be on the table so they still have that. They surprised many by swooping on Maley but after vowing to be aggressive to improve their list it wasn’t an inspiring trade period by the Crows. 

BRISBANE LIONS

RATING: 7/10

INS: Oscar Allen (West Coast), Sam Draper (Essendon), Pick 17, Pick 23, Pick 51, Pick 59, MEL 2026 R3
OUTS: Brandon Starcevich (West Coast), Pick 20, Pick 45, Pick 47, Pick 53, Pick 56
DRAFT PICKS: 17, 23, 44, 51, 59, 68, 79
The back-to-back premiers have somehow gotten stronger with the additions of Essendon ruck Sam Draper and West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen. The Lions also look set to nab one of the best midfielders in this year’s draft, academy prospect Dan Annable, getting busy with pick swaps to boost their points bounty. Brisbane did farewell two-time premiership player Starcevich but held firm on Callum Ah Chee who has his heart set on getting to Adelaide via the pre-season draft.

CARLTON

RATING: 6/10

INS: Will Hayward (Sydney), Ollie Florent (Sydney), Liam Reidy (Fremantle), Campbell Chesser (West Coast), Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast), Pick 9, Pick 11, Pick 43, Pick 54, Pick 67, Pick 72, SYD 2026 R1, SYD 2027 R1
OUTS: Charlie Curnow (Sydney), Jack Silvagni (St Kilda, FA), Tom De Koning (St Kilda, FA), Corey Durdin (Port Adelaide), Pick 41, Pick 50, Pick 68, CAR 2026 R2, CAR 2026 R3, CAR 2027 R2
DRAFT PICKS: 9, 11, 43, 54, 67, 72
Wow. Like a new school teacher Michael Voss will have some new names to learn next week, with four players gone and five players in in an incredible trade period. The Blues lost at least the two best players of those nine to trade spaces but netted four first rounders and completely answered for the lack of run and carry in the side. The Blues say they will be better next year for all these moves. Hard to see that with Curnow gone, but you have to give them credit for having a crack.

COLLINGWOOD

RATING: 4/10

INS: Jack Buller (Sydney), Pick 61, MEL 2026 R3, SYD 2026 R4
OUTS: Brody Mihocek (Melbourne), Pick 71
DRAFT PICKS: 39, 45, 56, 61, 77
The Magpies did some window shopping, exploring bringing in experienced players including Clayton Oliver, Steven May and Jy Simpkin. They made an offer for Simpkin – which was well short of North Melbourne’s expectations – but ultimately didn’t snag any of the three. Former Swans key forward Buller, 24, fills a list need, effectively replacing departing veteran Brody Mihocek. Swirling rumours of a potential Jordan De Goey departure proved to be just that, with no offers made for the Magpies’ star. 

ESSENDON

RATING: 6/10

INS: Brayden Fiorini (Gold Coast), Pick 21 (FA comp)
OUTS: Sam Draper (Brisbane, FA), ESS 2026 R3
DRAFT PICKS: 5, 6, 21, 27, 30
Essendon’s trade period probably depends on how many toys Zach Merrett throws out of the cot when he walks back into Tullamarine in November. You have to admire the Bombers for not folding and trading their captain but we may look back at that as a club re-shaping haul that was let slip. Either way, the Bombers have certainly taken a stand.

FREMANTLE

RATING: 6/10

INS: Judd McVee (Melbourne), Pick 20, Pick 47, Pick 69, Pick 103
OUTS: Liam Reidy (Carlton), Will Brodie (Port Adelaide), Pick 13, Pick 24, Pick 34, Pick 51, Pick 54, Pick 72
DRAFT PICKS: 20, 47, 69
A clinical trade period from David Walls considering the Dockers got a deal done for their primary target Judd McVee within two days. McVee has signed a five-year deal and the Dockers are keen on WA prospect Jacob Farrow with their first pick in what would be a further boost to the club’s half-back stocks. The decision to trade down the order in a compromised draft however dents Freo’s overall grade as does the departure of back-up ruck Liam Reidy.

GEELONG

RATING: 3.5/10

INS: James Worpel (Hawthorn, FA), Pick 99
OUTS: Patrick Retschko (Richmond)
DRAFT PICKS: 19, 40, 60, 78
The Cats did all they could to get Rowan Marshall and Charlie Curnow through the door but missed on both. You have to mark them down for that but as Andrew Mackie said, they were two players in contract that had huge prices on their heads. Geelong adds James Worpel to a team that was in front in the third quarter of the grand final only last month. They are clearly contenders again next year.

GOLD COAST

RATING: 9/10

INS: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Western Bulldogs), Christian Petracca (Melbourne), Pick 24, Pick 28, Pick 29, Pick 37, Pick 51, Pick 69, MELB 2026 R2, ESS 2026 R3
OUTS: Sam Flanders (St Kilda), Connor Budarick (Western Bulldogs), Brayden Fiorini (Essendon), Malcolm Rosas Jnr (Sydney), Ben Ainsworth (Carlton), Pick 8, Pick 37, Pick 62, Pick 70, GC 2026 R1, GC 2027 R3
DRAFT PICKS: 15, 18, 24, 28, 29, 36, 52, 74, 92, 110
Imagine a couple of years ago if you said the Suns would be snaring Petracca and Ugle-Hagan in a trade period? On the back of their first ever finals series the Suns have had one of the busier trade periods around. Petracca could be a watershed acquisition for the Suns in terms of luring a superstar to the Gold Coast while if they can get Ugle-Hagan on the straight and narrow then it will be a risk worth taking. They did part with three first-round picks for Petracca, and Budarick and Flanders left but bringing in the two big guns and keeping Bailey Humphrey is a big win for the Suns. 

GWS

RATING: 6/10

INS: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Pick 12
OUTS: Jacob Wehr (Port), Pick 14, Pick 37, 2026 R3
DRAFT PICKS: 12, 35
This grade could improve in hindsight if Oliver can get back to his best with a change of scenery. But the Giants needed insurance for Josh Kelly who is set to miss a chunk of next season with a hip injury and got it on the cheap in Oliver. GWS also managed to retain Leek Aleer after St Kilda withdrew its interest. 

HAWTHORN

RATING: 3/10

INS: Pick 10, Pick 22, SYD 2026 R3
OUTS: James Worpel (Geelong), Changkuoth Jiath (Melbourne), Jai Serong (Sydney), Pick 9, Pick 31, 2026 R4
DRAFT PICKS: 10, 22, 62, 76
Operation Get Zach Merrett failed, with the Hawks unable to put forward a compelling-enough deal to Essendon for its skipper. There was no seemingly no back-up plan, with Hawthorn unable to add to its midfield on the back of losing onballer Worpel as a free agent. Jiath also departs after playing 20 games this year, but the Hawks were able to improve their draft hand for next month by adding an extra first-round pick. 

NORTH MELBOURNE

RATING: 3.5/10

INS: Charlie Spargo (Free Agent), pick 57, ADE 2026 R4
OUTS: Finnbar Maley (Adelaide), pick 64
DRAFT PICKS: 25, 26, 46, 57
The Kangaroos were bit players during the trade period and couldn’t effectively add to their talent pool with established players. Yes, they kept Jy Simpkin after Collingwood only offered a future second rounder for him, but he can’t be the captain next season. A late Crows move came to secure out of contract key forward Finnbar Maley, but the Kangaroos were unable to add to their defensive stocks with established players. They are banking on further growth from its younger crop of players.

PORT ADELAIDE

RATING: 6.5/10

INS: Jacob Wehr (GWS), Corey Durdin (Carlton), Will Brodie (Fremantle), CAR 2026 R2
OUTS: Pick 29, Pick 67, Pick 103
DRAFT PICKS: 49, 85
The names don’t exactly jump off the page but the Power did what it wanted. Get depth in for Josh Carr’s first season as senior coach and get picks for next year’s draft where it could have access to the potential No.1 pick in Dougie Cochrane. The addition of Durdin does help the Power’s issues at small forward, while Brodie should add depth to the midfield and Wehr could make a wing spot his own. 

RICHMOND

RATING: 5/10

INS: Patrick Retschko (Geelong), Pick 38
OUTS: Tylar Young (West Coast), Pick 99
DRAFT PICKS: 3, 4, 38
It was a case of the sleeping Tigers for most of the trade period. Richmond secured a reasonable deal for key defender Young, getting back a second-round pick from the Eagles which could help them secure father-son prospect Louis Kellaway in the national draft. Essendon was among the clubs to reach out to list boss Blair Hartley about potentially trading up the order, but it would need to be a compelling offer for the Tigers to give up either of their first two draft selections from here. 

ST KILDA

RATING: 9/10

INS: Tom De Koning (St Kilda, FA), Jack Silvagni (St Kilda, FA), Sam Flanders (Gold Coast), Liam Ryan (West Coast), WC 2027 R3, MEL 2027 R3, MEL 2027 R4
OUTS: Jack Steele (Melbourne), Max Heath (Melbourne), Pick 7, 2026 R2
DRAFT PICKS: 50, 65, 86, 104
The Saints wanted to make a splash during this year’s trade and free agency period – and did. They landed their free agency targets in De Koning and Silvagni, got Flanders through the door to bolster their midfield and added exciting forward Ryan to their forward line. The backflip on Leek Aleer was a little messy, as was captain Steele being squeezed out. However, they were able to retain ruckman Rowan Marshall, who looks set to team up with De Koning next year.

SYDNEY

RATING: 7/10

INS: Charlie Curnow (Carlton), Jai Serong (Hawthorn), Malcolm Rosas Jr (Gold Coast), Pick 62, Pick 31, Pick 42, CAR 2026 R3, HAW 2026 R4, COL 2026 R3, CAR 2027 R2
OUTS: Will Hayward (Carlton), Ollie Florent (Carlton), Jack Buller (Collingwood), Pick 51, Pick 69, Pick 11, SYD 2026 R1, SYD 2027 R1, SYD 2026 R3
DRAFT PICKS: 31, 32, 42, 63
The chips are all in for the Swans. They probably got the best player to change clubs in the last fortnight and he was a missing piece they badly needed. But they also caved late in talks with the Blues, sending that extra first rounder to get it over the line. Curnow gets Sydney a step closer to the flag, so for that, you have to give the Swans the ‘thumbs up’.

WEST COAST

RATING: 8/10

INS: Brandon Starcevich (Brisbane), Tylar Young (Richmond), Pick 2 (FA comp), Pick 13, Pick 34, Pick 41, Pick 53, STK 2026 R2
OUTS: Oscar Allen (Brisbane), Liam Ryan (St Kilda), Campbell Chesser (Carlton), Pick 17, Pick 23, Pick 24, Pick 38, 2027 R3
DRAFT PICKS: 1, 2, 13, 34, 41, 53, 58
Not only does West Coast now boast the strongest draft hand of all 18 clubs, but the Eagles brought in valuable experience and role players. If he can stay healthy and put his concussion issues behind him, Starcevich will be a massive addition to the Eagles’ backline while Young helps fill the void left by retiring legend Jeremy McGovern. West Coast is also set to pounce on Deven Robertson as a delisted free agent/rookie. Allen’s leadership will be missed but Ryan and Chesser got West Coast more draft currency.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

RATING: 5/10

INS: Connor Budarick, Pick 14, Pick 70, Pick 74
OUTS: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Gold Coast), Pick 12
DRAFT PICKS: 14, 33, 70, 74, 
The Bulldogs didn’t get the key defender, but at least ended ties (including contractually) with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. They were happy to get a late pick back for the one-time No.1 pick as part of his move to the Gold Coast. Discussions with Buku Khamis went late in the process but he ended up staying, while Connor Budarick’s deal on Tuesday brings in some extra talent.