For the record I never wanted a new coach nor a clean out. I just dont see the justification in waving TJ bye bye for a sub standard 10 years when the club overall has had been nothing short of below average in 10 years. Where has the club been in 10 years? One grand final to get smashed? Getting rid of him will change nothing, another youngster wont make the difference between a premiership and finishing 3rd bottom. And since when did the AFL turn into Hollywood? Too much obsession with youth when its the oldies who know their [censored] and pull the crowds

How do we go forward and improve, given that we've been average for so long?

If we do nothing, change nothing, trade no one, things will forever be the same and we'll never win another flag.

The fact is that we don't know what is going on off the field with TJ. I promise you that Bailey is not trading him only because he is lazy and has under-achieved on the field.

It is so important to get good characters at a club. As a senior player, TJ should be setting examples and leading, instead he is as immature as a rookie. Even his good friend Ox admitted that he has off-field issues that he has to deal with.

We've waited 10 years to see him win one B&F. That is a very poor output for a number 1 pick, and someone who is on so much money!

The way he played in that SF against Adelaide in 2002, is the way he should play week in, week out.

Sadly he hasn't produced that and it seems highly unlikely that he'll ever repeat his performance from that night. At nearly 28 years of age, he hasn't got much longer to go. Pick 14 could have 10-12 years ahead of him, and could turn out to be a very good player who consistently performs and who is in the right state of mind to be an AFL player.

scott is said to be the worst of the lot. No thanks

Not according to Adam, When he played for East Perth in round 1 he was saying to us that scott the youngest of them was the best out of the lot.

scott is said to be the worst of the lot. No thanks

agreed i have seen him and played against him and he is nothing special

scott is said to be the worst of the lot. No thanks

Trevor Chappell ? Dean Waugh ? Zeppo Marx ?

agreed i have seen him and played against him and he is nothing special

When are you getting drafted DD?

Demonland will definitely sponsor you if Melbourne picks you up. If you go elsewhere, you're dead to us!

How do we go forward and improve, given that we've been average for so long?

If we do nothing, change nothing, trade no one, things will forever be the same and we'll never win another flag.

The fact is that we don't know what is going on off the field with TJ. I promise you that Bailey is not trading him only because he is lazy and has under-achieved on the field.

It is so important to get good characters at a club. As a senior player, TJ should be setting examples and leading, instead he is as immature as a rookie. Even his good friend Ox admitted that he has off-field issues that he has to deal with.

We've waited 10 years to see him win one B&F. That is a very poor output for a number 1 pick, and someone who is on so much money!

The way he played in that SF against Adelaide in 2002, is the way he should play week in, week out.

Sadly he hasn't produced that and it seems highly unlikely that he'll ever repeat his performance from that night. At nearly 28 years of age, he hasn't got much longer to go. Pick 14 could have 10-12 years ahead of him, and could turn out to be a very good player who consistently performs and who is in the right state of mind to be an AFL player.

My issue is all the excuses u just rattled off as to why he deserves to go applies to EVERY player at the club, hence why we have done nothing in the last 15 years. Trading him wont change that. If it was only TJ letting the team down I would get it, but to put all the crap onto him is unfair and ridicolous. Off field stuff well Im guessing the team wont be heading back to Europe any time soon take a bow Brock, Rivers and Carrol. There are more off field issues other than TJ

Step 1 complete: Wood to Pies done for 14

http://www.afl.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=2...mp;newsId=52393

Now step 2 please!

Well Cam Wood has been traded to brisbane for pick 14.

No word about Travis included...

hahaha

Yeah, I have no idea what we're doing, trading away the most mature player at Melbourne, Travis Johnstone.

Ding ding ding. You win a prize!

My issue is all the excuses u just rattled off as to why he deserves to go applies to EVERY player at the club, hence why we have done nothing in the last 15 years. Trading him wont change that. If it was only TJ letting the team down I would get it, but to put all the crap onto him is unfair and ridicolous. Off field stuff well Im guessing the team wont be heading back to Europe any time soon take a bow Brock, Rivers and Carrol. There are more off field issues other than TJ

You don't know what the issue with TJ is.

There is also a reason why Carroll is on the table.

We may have players who have under-achieved on the field, but we don't have any other 28 year old who has off field issues combined with lack of effort. That is a very bad combination.

Bailey wants to build a team around our young group of players. He won't keep senior players around who won't pull their weight and won't guide the young players in the right direction.

Whether you think that's right or wrong, that is actually what is happening.

Trading TJ may not be the difference between winning a flag, or finishing 14th, but it sends a very clear message about what is expected of our players both on and off the field. Plus, it clears a huge amount of money. His salary could easily pay for new contracts to Jamar, Miller and probably the new guy Meesen too.

As for Brock and Rivers, this was their first offence. TJ has had issues for 10 years and has stuffed up more than once. Plus, both Brock and Rivers are committed and have the right attitude.

Just confirmed on SEN - Johnstone to Brisbane for pick 14.

Travis to Brisbane for 14 confirmed on SEN

For the record I never wanted a new coach nor a clean out. I just dont see the justification in waving TJ bye bye for a sub standard 10 years when the club overall has had been nothing short of below average in 10 years. Where has the club been in 10 years? One grand final to get smashed? Getting rid of him will change nothing, another youngster wont make the difference between a premiership and finishing 3rd bottom. And since when did the AFL turn into Hollywood? Too much obsession with youth when its the oldies who know their [censored] and pull the crowds

IN fact, we have made the third most finals appaerances of any club in the last ten year JS according to Paul Gardner, and I know we havent got the grand prize, but daniher still achieved a lot, we just need a fresh start

Travis to Brisbane for 14 confirmed on SEN

Good Luck Travis. Grow up a bit and you may yet make something of yourself. Farewell.

Nar unfortuently most people around here are gamblers. Speculative picks are more of a priority than capable best and fairest winners and top 4 brownlow finishers.

he has won one best and fairest, and had one top four finish. the rest of his career he has been no where near the required consistancy. that is like saying the reason we shouldnt trade miller is 'because he is a proven finals performer'.

But Travis Johnstone for a kid?

Doesn't make sense. I'd wait to see if any other clubs want him for a 22-25 year old player.

have you thought that the recruiting dept would have looked at every option and then pursued the best one? or do you think they just grabbed the first one that came up and neglected to consider other options? what do you think they are payed for? they are not freakin supermarket managers...

How can cameron wood be worth pick 14 and reece shaw and johnstone only be worth pick 14! Please Explain. As usaul Melbourne appear to be getting shafted and pushed around in trade week as usaul. We should tell Brisbane pick 14 and brennan at least

cameron wood has 10 years i him. he is promising ruckman. that is worth more than TJ who has 3 years in him, yet unfortunately is still just a promising midfielder...

Yep, best of luck to TJ.

When you pull the finger out you're a joy to watch. I'm sure you'll enjoy having the ball fed to you by the likes of Lappin, Black and Power.

One more day to go. Hopefully we can snare something else.

do we get a player aswell for a sweetner or just pick 14?

Lethal has extended his contract and obviously must see enough in the young kids to think he has a big shot over the next 3 years and recruiting TJ reinforces the feeling that the Lions are capable of sneaking another premiership before he gives it away. TJ is a good fit for them. Good luck to him. He can do things very few in the game can do but his time at the MFC was up. As a Brisbanite I'll enjoy his laser-like deliver to Jonno Brown and ironically probably see more of him than I have over the past decade.

The truth about the Johnstone trade!!! a must read!

Johnstone for pick 14 is a good trade for the demons.

some people complain that pick 14 could be some 17yr old kid for such a talented midfielder.

HOWEVER, if pick 14 is used well (ala matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn, Nathan Jones and Daniel Bell) then we will be laughing in 2 years time.

in 2 years, we'll have an upncoming young gun, and johnstone will be 30, still inconsistent and nearing the end of his career.

in the long run, we are making a very clever move. people should not just look at this decision in terms of its effect in 2008. look at its effect in 2009-2010.

people were upset when Woewoden was traded for pick 15. they said "why are we traded a talented proven performer (and brownlow medalist) for pick 14. 2 years later woewoden retires, and now we have Daniel Bell as one of our upncoming young guns.

IN fact, we have made the third most finals appaerances of any club in the last ten year JS according to Paul Gardner, and I know we havent got the grand prize, but daniher still achieved a lot, we just need a fresh start

Trapper now a Lion. Time to reflect on the skills and sublime things TJ has done at MFC. Great to watch at his best and some of his delivery and run into the fwd line was wonderful.

TJ was also great with young demon fans.

Wish him well in the future (exceping against us!!)

Agree is part of the cost of what DB and CC need to do to bring the success we all want for our club. Hope it will give strong message to MFC players for 2008 that the new coach means business!!

Well, TJ is gone, goodluck, farewell, Amen. Sincerely i wish him all the best, pick 14 is a great result, 3 picks in the top 25.. Our best win of the year!

Well we got what we wanted, another first rounder (however a bit higher up would've been nice). Unless Roosy gets desperate and throws the kitchen sink (pick 11) to get Miller . Here's hoping

"Party boy" TJ is gone.

The "culture" of our club can only improve now.

And don't any of you believe he is gone because of his so-called "laconic" attitude.

The majority of the football public knows the real reason why TJ never hit the heights he was supposed to. Apparently Brisbane didn't.

Oh well, it was an interesting ride watching TJ at his best, but unfortunately he liked the fast life down in Chelsea way too much.

It will be interesting to see if Lethal is able to knock him into shape ala Martin Pike.

What a wasted talent!!!

Another reason why ND had to go. ND definately had his head in the sand on this issue.

Obviously Bailey is more on top of these issues. Good to see.

Sad to see trapper go, whats the bet he carves us up when we go to brisbane next year. i know we are getting potentially a 0 year player etc etc as has been discussed but call me old fashioned but i would have liked to see him play out his career at the dees.

good luck trapper.

NIce romantic gesture to have him a 1 team player, but the club is bigger than the individual.