TJ runs hard, all game, generally hits his targets with his kicks but he does not know what defensive pressure is. Take a look at Geelong and the way they are working as a team, if someone kicks a short ball to them and is turned over, they player that missed it will chase until A: He runs him down and tackles him or B: The opposition player disposes of the ball. Does anyone remember that last time you saw TJ run someone down and tackle them?

Trade him if we get something worthwhile.

TJ runs hard, all game, generally hits his targets with his kicks but he does not know what defensive pressure is. Take a look at Geelong and the way they are working as a team, if someone kicks a short ball to them and is turned over, they player that missed it will chase until A: He runs him down and tackles him or B: The opposition player disposes of the ball. Does anyone remember that last time you saw TJ run someone down and tackle them?

Trade him if we get something worthwhile.

Its a good point about the lack of defensive pressure by TJ. Its contradicts your earlier statement that TJ runs hard all game. To run hard all game requires you to run hard when you have the ball and when you dont. TJ does not do this. He is lazy and laconic and has often tried to coast on his skills. He getting founf out more these days. Teams play a hard tag him. He does not like but does he seek to create distance between he and his direct opponent? Hardly...and only when his opponent runs off him. Its an idictment that he is regularly seen pointing to his teammates to pick up an opponent.

Now would that sort of player be tolerated in Geelong's team ATM?

No way Geelong would put up with that Rhino.

He does run all day, chasing his opponent after they have run off him and kick a goal, or when they run off him, put pressure on our forwards so we cough up the ball and they get a goal.

Back to the topic of whether Bailey 'wants' to trade Trapper...

It seems to be agreed that all the candidates were asked what they would to with Trav if they got the job. From what I've read, Bailey's answer was different to the other candidates, and it really impressed the panel. Surely... obviously... it was more than a simple trade or keep response.

I put it to you that playing Trapper as a sweeper across the half back line (as we did for the first time in round 22) was Bailey's idea. Riley was then instructed to give it a run in the final game - a couple of days after the interviews and once Bailey had been confirmed as next seasons coach. Plausible?

TJ fans rest easy, I can't see him going anywhere soon.

Very interesting theory.

it sounds rediculous to imagine that the prospective coaches were asked "would u trade johnstone" in their interviews...

surely all their answer would be the same...

if we got a great deal that would improve our list or get us a great draft pick, then anyone is on the table (except neitz obv)...otherwize we'll keep him.

dont trade johnstone unless its a top 12 pick. anything lower and we will be losing out. id prefer johnstone over pick 18 in this draft. there are about 10-12 outstanding players in this draft, after that its abit of hit n miss.

it sounds rediculous to imagine that the prospective coaches were asked "would u trade johnstone" in their interviews...

surely all their answer would be the same...

if we got a great deal that would improve our list or get us a great draft pick, then anyone is on the table (except neitz obv)...otherwize we'll keep him.

dont trade johnstone unless its a top 12 pick. anything lower and we will be losing out. id prefer johnstone over pick 18 in this draft. there are about 10-12 outstanding players in this draft, after that its abit of hit n miss.

Would the question have been "What would be your plan to maximise the output and/or Club benefit from Travis Johnstone?"?

Back to the topic of whether Bailey 'wants' to trade Trapper...

It seems to be agreed that all the candidates were asked what they would to with Trav if they got the job. From what I've read, Bailey's answer was different to the other candidates, and it really impressed the panel. Surely... obviously... it was more than a simple trade or keep response.

I put it to you that playing Trapper as a sweeper across the half back line (as we did for the first time in round 22) was Bailey's idea. Riley was then instructed to give it a run in the final game - a couple of days after the interviews and once Bailey had been confirmed as next seasons coach. Plausible?

TJ fans rest easy, I can't see him going anywhere soon.

I don't get the opportunity to watch many live matches, probably only a couple a year. I've watched Travis closely the last couple of years in particular and this probably only amounts to about five games in total( so I am happy for people to correct me) What i have seen is Travis doesn't run hard, he walks around the stoppages and occasionally runs to get off his man - Like Yze he points a lot - he never runs to pick up a player - ever. Likewise when it's time for his rotation he ambles to the bench - people make fun of guys like Jamar sprinting to the bench, but any coach will tell you that there is nothing more frustrating than players who won't come from the ground when they're supposed to.

Is this the first time Travis has played off half back in his ten year career - No it isn't - it's the first time he got 42 touches, but he wasn't tagged and 10 of those were still clangers. Maybe Bailey sees that he can do it, but don't get fooled by one game against the worst performed side of the last five years. If Trav is going to play that sweeping role he'd want to start adding a few more strings to his bow.

Of couse Travis should be traded if the price is right

If Fremantle came along and said we will give you pick 7 and Ryan Murphy for Travis wuld you say no?

No player is untradeable but he is one of the few guys on our list who can really cut up the opposition with his disposal, and I'd hate to see him win a premiership with another team. I'd like to see what Bailey would be able to get out of him before deciding either way.

If Fremantle came along and said we will give you pick 7 and Ryan Murphy for Travis wuld you say no?

If Fremantle came along and said we will give you pick 7 (alone) for Travis would you say no???

Unfortunately when a team is playing poorly or is hamstrung with injuries as we were this season, it is easier for opposition teams to target influential players. Trapper is a special player. He can turn a game very quickly. For that reason alone I think he should be kept. It would be huge gamble trying to get someone as good as him in the draft.I think this season should be wiped from our memory, as we had no stucture what so ever.

If Fremantle came along and said we will give you pick 7 (alone) for Travis would you say no???

Grab it with both hands.

Of couse Travis should be traded if the price is right

If Fremantle came along and said we will give you pick 7 and Ryan Murphy for Travis wuld you say no?

It would be tough to let go of him cause I love him, but you just could not say no in a million years.