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Clarrie may not be the most articulate Demon but the overall thrust of the article is positive and that is terrific news !!!!

I was there and spoke to him. Hand is still swollen but he was in good spirits. I won’t repeat what he said about a certain journalist as it won’t get past the censors. He’s not going anywhere. Great night and I feel much more positive about next season.

They're only involved due to animal cruelty that occurred back in September 25th 2021.

I have been posting on this site for 20+ years, and this place has never been more toxic. Embarrassing to see this level of drivel, chest beating and pointless point scoring. The culture at our club may not be great, but it's probably better than the culture that's creeped into this place from the same usual suspects, who think they have the right to belittle others and repeat the same rubbish over and over and over again. The moderators do their best, but I think everyone here is an adult (or should be) and therefore should take responsibility for their own behaviours. Hiding behind a screen, does not give you the right to be a gigantic asshat.

Fox is correct, Tom is my next door neighbour whom I tried to get him to Demonland 5 years ago , after he was sacked by the Dogs.He will be doing a medical this week at the club, but he WILL be at Demonland .He is looking forward to working with Gawn. He will make a great understudy , but he will be an excellent clubman and coach of the younger ones.

He had a bit of a knee issue, they took the metal plate out of his hand,( which was keeping it attached to his wrist, AND A COUPLE OF BUSTED RIBS!!! PARK ME WHAT A SUPERHUMAN EFFORT JUST TO PLAY, plenty here on demonland were scathingly sledging him, well after that CLAYTON YOU ARE A BLOODY LEGEND IN MY BOOK

The concern recently from an assistant coach is whether Jefferson has that fierce competitive desire, and will do whatever it takes to be successful. He also shares the same concerns regarding Verrall & Adams. He said that Kenterfield has that quality in spades and if he doesn’t succeed, it won’t be for lack of fierce effort.

I just saw Saty putting bread rolls in his pocket.

The dees are certainly testing the theory that all news is good news.

Ok... got back home at 2am. Found it slightly weird the Bluey Truscott himself, just got awarded his life membership in 2024. Overall, it was an interesting night. Although Goodwin (whom I rate) spoke a lot about 'process' I felt (projecting) that there were some very pointed comments re: selflessness or at least, not making it about your self, and that won't be 'tolerated' going forward. Whom that was to, you can have your guess. The overall messaging was about unity and fraternity, both in professional speak, and 'mateship' speak ie: 'Perty, Greeny' etc. Glad Roffey got to speak and her endeavors acknowledged. This was my first Bluey, and I have been to a range of other BnF's in a professional capacity over the last decade. Themes spoken about felt fairly generic, and for me the highlights were Ben Brown, Alex Neal-Bullen and Ed Langdon AND Angus Brayshaw, all guys who speak with emotional gravitas, and go beyond cliched sound bites. Richness and depth, about the existentialness of their careers. Effectively, your legacy, is the people you help support along the way, not just those that support you in your own journey.* Everyone at the club (organisation) from FD, to board to bootstuder and physio and high performance team are people with their own careers trying to do their best on any given day at any given moment. *Spoke to a former coach today over coffee this morning, who was quite clear that the general public/punters will never understand or accept, the realities of the scrutiny that the position holds and in effect, when you take the job, there are very few people on the outside who appreciate the isolation and loneliness that the job has with it, as everyone has an opinion on things that you can control, and things that they think you can control. You're on a hiding to nothing...but people would give their left nut... etc etc

I do not mind this at all. And to all the people whinging that they would rather Harry Boyd instead, just tell me exactly how that happens in a draft where it's a complete lottery. You are not even guaranteed that he'll be available at any of our selections and yet people are screaming they much prefer that then a free hit at this option What Tom Campbell brings is another senior mature and experienced body who'll provide some much needed leadership and guidance to our VFL team. He's a fantastic character who's one of the most hard working and dedicated guys going around with a team first attitude. An absolute workhorse. He's also a ripping fella who's done a lot for the AFL community in general. Talk about bringing in people to help shift the culture and standards, well Tommy will certainly help, especially with our younger players. Gawny isn't getting any younger, he'll need a decent chop out next year and part of me doesn't see him getting through the year again without injury. This is whether Campbell will be able to come in if need and play his role. He smashed it in the VFL this year and his numbers were elite so worse case is that he's making Casey a whole heap better.

Melbourne star Clayton Oliver opens up on Trade Period drama Clayton Oliver has spoken publicly for the first time about his failed trade to Geelong and what he expects when he returns to Melbourne for pre-season. Clayton Oliver plans to make up for what he called “a stinker” of a season, saying he is determined to help drive Melbourne back to the finals again in 2025. The Demons midfielder met with Geelong ahead of the trade period about a potential move down the highway, but Melbourne would not budge on its decision to retain the 27-year-old. Oliver told the Herald Sun on Saturday at Caulfield that while he was within his rights to speak with the Cats, he was now focused solely on trying to get his body right to help the Demons return to September action. “We’re good, we’re all sweet,” Oliver said of his relationship with Melbourne. “We’ve got ‘Trac’ (Christian Petracca) coming back, (he’s) the best player in the league … he had a pretty big injury. He is training hard. “We were there (in a premiership winning team in 2021) a couple of years ago and we fell short in 2022 and 2023. “(This year) ‘Gussy’ (Angus Brayshaw) retired, we had ‘Trac’ injured, I had a stinker of a year and ‘Maysey’ (Steven May) was a little bit off.” Oliver said he had been in regular communication with Christian Petracca, who has been overseas at a Red Bull training camp in an effort to return from his sickening lacerated spleen and internal injuries suffered on King’s Birthday. Asked about his meeting with Geelong in the lead-up to the trade period, Oliver said: “It’s all right … (I had) a chat to people.” “But Melbourne are looking good. We will have a big year.”

Hi Daz & Brendan. I can’t say too much except that right now, I think a deal gets done. When I announced this a month ago, I didn’t think it was possible because I couldn’t see Dees getting fair value from Cats. They’ll certainly have their work cut out taking on Bailey, Claz & Stengle. The stories I could tell re Bailey.

If you are not extremely concerned that this club is seemingly being run by a bunch of blind monkeys flinging poo at the wall to see what sticks, then you should be. Leaving the Clarry trade aside, you've had Green take over as caretaker president, and since then he's had his pants pulled down by Gutnick, he's got Pert running a review when he should be reviewed instead, all the while this sinking ship is leaking worse than the Titanic. I am going to give Pert the benefit of the doubt here, and say that he isn't sitting in Noosa and ringing clubs around without the backing of the board. So if the board is letting Pert run the show, because they have lost faith in the FD, be it Goody, Lamb or Richo, then forget trading Clarry and get on with replacing the people in the FD and let their replacements make the list management calls! One thing is certain, a bunch of doctors, lawyers and ex footballers sitting on a board, have 0 credentials to make list management calls. And having the CEO act as a proxy for them, is even worse!

The headline says ‘failed trade’ but Oliver only ever talks about ‘having a chat’ or ‘meeting with’ Geelong. At no point did he say or even hint at any desire (or otherwise) to leave. A little bit of a peek behind the curtain there, seeing how the media creates a narrative rather than reporting things straight.

I should also say he said the young boy Brown, is a ripper to train and will do whatever it takes!!

Ollie is coming along nicely. Spoke with him at the B&F. On Insta you can see a group photo with Kolt, Howes, Windsor, Woey & Brown, the young Brigade. He is as tall as Howes. He had a monster pre-season this year and shredded all the puppy fat. He is doing all the right things and, after a European holiday, will be back into it. He certainly has the passion and desire to make the grade. The team manager at Casey speaks highly of him and agrees that Ollie is a natural footballer who needs to improve his tank. He ran 4th in the Casey B&F and when in the midfield at Casey was great at clearances. He is one of WCW's favourite young players

I just spoke with David Schwarz yesterday at work and he told me that Oliver and Trac are already putting in solid work for a big preseason. Oliver not going anywhere. I said to him to watch out for us in 2025! I feel like Melbourne will make a big statement next year.

Destination club

Whoever ghost writes his post football memoir will have earned their fee.

any reports of Oliver putting his stuff back in his locker?

I think this thread could go down as one of the worst DL threads ever. So much BS, so much anger and arguing over things we know so little about, so much disrespect. In a lot of posts it is simply toxic. We lost one of my favourite posters due to the disrespectful posting, and DL is now much worse for her loss, no matter whether you thought of her as a “happy clapper”, a breath of fresh air, or simply deranged (my favourite). Let’s not lose anyone else. We can do a whole lot better.

Bloke is 23yo and has 3 kids?! Clearly Can hit a target and can kick a goal

Thanks Daz. I can’t see Oliver’s like, mine looks like this:

For old times sake, I saved this classic back cover + headline + photo from 2020

After becoming premiers in 2021, and occupying top four finishes in the last three years, 2024 was a completely different story for the Dees. Melbourne finished 14th in 2024, with significant off-field issues weighing them down. But Cam Luke has nine positives for Melbourne fans, urging them to sit tight and remain optimistic heading into 2025. 1. Max Gawn “I think sometimes we underrate people because the standards they set for themselves are so high, and we take certain things for granted," Cam Luke said on AFL Trade Radio. “AFL fans should not take Max Gawn for granted. “He played pretty much with a broken leg in the last month. “We talk about inspirational leaders and captains in the AFL; if there’s any in front of Max Gawn it is a very small number. “He leads this football club by example. He has had to answer a million questions at the Melbourne Football Club. “He fronts up, he talks about it, he wears his heart on his sleeve. “He is the best ruckman in the league and this is by far the best positive – that Max Gawn is their captain.” 2. Caleb Windsor “He was good this year. He was probably a bit low in the rising star. “It’s never easy to wander into a club that has had success and be good straight away. "To be able to crack into a team like that, Caleb Windsor deserves a pat on the back." 3. Jacob Van Rooyen “He kind of got thrown into it once Luke Jackson left the club. “It is not easy for a young kid to carry a lot of responsibility, they haven’t got their forward line mix right, which we understand. “I think there are ups and downs, and I don’t think we accept the ups and downs of Van Rooyen as we do for other forwards." 4. Easier fixture next year “They’ve had a hard fixture; they’ve had to do it a harder way. “The last three years they’ve been in the top 4, they were a premier, back-to-back top 4 positions. “In 2025 that won’t happen, they finished bottom 5 and next year, away they go.” __5. Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are not leaving_ “They are not leaving. If you are a Melbourne fan you should sit there and tell yourself, they are going to go back to their level. “Why would you be pessimistic about Petracca and Oliver at your football club next year? “We’ve seen players want out before and play good footy. “These players are two of the best greatest Demons of all time; Petracca is a Norm Smith medallist and has two best and fairests. He was having a great year before he got hurt. “Clayton Oliver has four best and fairests. “Look on the bright side that these two men are in your colours next year and can bounce back. “Don’t be glass half empty, be glass half full.” 6. Judd McVee 7. Trent Rivers 8. Jake Lever and Steven May “I am touching wood that they can stay fit and healthy and, on the park, because if they do that means defensively, they will rarely ever get beat.” 9. They can make the top eight next year “I think they will make the eight. “I will make a bet with you that they make the eight next year.”

According to Wikipedia India averages the most derailments in the world. Demonland must be closing in.

Good to see the likes of Jacob Van Rooyen, Jake Bowey, Bailey Laurie and Blake Howes in the USA doing some intensive training over there in the off season. I see Jake Lever being the leader that he is has joined the group which is a exactly what you want from your leaders showing the way. Would be good to seeing JVR, Bowey and Howes take the next step next year with Laurie at least finally showing his worth.

Clearly the club believes that; - We are going to bounce back in 2025. - The top end of this draft is elite. And probably also; - It is much easier and cheaper to trade for role-players to meet needs than it is to attract top-level talent. - Tasmania is coming.

He really does have a way with words.

Hope not. 5 and 9 is a nice spot, we need both quality and quantity

Gee that annoys me I specifically told your wife to not tell anyone!

We rightfully had a crack at Peatling and missed. Perryman is going to be paid $900k at the Pies. Cummings a 6 year deal at the Crows. Battle enough contract to trigger the highest draft compensation. Houston if we were still in it would be costing us pick 5 Baker and Bolton we are in the wrong state to entice. Noble and Rioli first round picks. Haynes, Darling, Parker passed well passed their best and would require good $$ multi year retirement deals. Some times the best list management is the one that does little.

Melbourne’s list manager: Clarry is not getting traded he will 100% be at Melbourne next year Geelong’s list manager: We respect Melbourne’s position we will let it rest Media: MELBOURNE AND GEELONG IN AN ALL OUT WAR OVER CLAYTON OLIVER 🙄

No struggle at all. Three positives about the arrival of Tom Campbell; 1. Post Jackson and Grundy departures we now have genuine back up ruckman/training partner for Max. 2. He won’t cost the earth and whilst resolvedly waiting in the wings will mentor young Verrall etc at VFL level. 3. As Tom’s neighbor @jayceebee31 and his wider reputation affirm. Tom Campbell brings more than just his trade to the club. Ben Brown’s contribution was rightly recognized and applauded last night at the B&F. It goes far beyond his on field exploits during the flag year. People of his ilk should be welcome additions to the MFC.

I see a split happening in the event that we know a player we like is going to be available at our next selection. If not then probably not worth it. Same as when we traded up for North's pick 8 then slid to 10 with pick 28 coming back ourway in 2019. That allowed us to get Pickett, who we were always selecting anyway, and Rivers. That's why I'm for a split if the club sees a scenario like that unfolding. 9 down to 11 and one of Richmond's pick in the early 20s. Get the same player and add an extra high quality pick. Richmond would potentially be enticed to do the deal as there are a couple competitors, as highlighted, above that could swoop in and take a player they like ahead of them. 3 picks within 24 in this draft is enticing but if we take 5 and 9 to the draft I'll be equally as happy.

Any Oliver Trade Rumours in this thread? Or we just going to keep workshopping how to get along on a footy forum?

Hopefully Trac gets an internet connection back soon so he can like a Dees social media post.

Don't mind this. One of the fittest players going around in the competition and one thing he does bring is quick ball movement and speed. He's actually a bit like Ed Langdon in that he'll hit a target 30m up the field and then follow up again with a hand pass and reset again. He's contracted though, I hope Brisbane aren't similar to Dersken. I also like this because he's still only 21 so there's lot of growth and improvement left unlike the past recruits who've had of recent. Still plenty and growth and development left, and knows, could have a Toby Bedford breakout season hopefully.

Whats telling is in the comments section of the Facebook post of the article, one comment in particular from Michelle Oliver, Clarry’s mum.

The B & F puts an end to 2024. Things obviously didn’t go as planned, but it’s a night to recognise those that have given a hell of a lot to the club. Knocking blokes for busting a gut week in week out says more about the person than the player. Not many are happy with how 2024 panned out, 2025 begins now.

Im sure this is public knowledge but I’ll repeat it anyway, Clazz has been a load since his first season. When Brendan McCartney was at the club, he got so sick and tired of Oliver’s antics that he sat him down in his office and showed him a long list of names. He said, “do you recognise these names?” ”yeah some of them” McCartney replied, “these are all the people at the club who think you’re a [censored]!!” McCartney was really good for Oliver in those early days. Oliver was unaware that his behaviour was so impactful to so many people. McCartney was no nonsense and steered Oliver the right direction in terms of professionalism and treatment of others.

I agree, it's been handled extremely poorly. Start off by getting rid of Pert for starters. This wouldn't be handled so poorly under Peter Jacksons and Josh Mahoneys watch. Look at the way we professionally handled the Jack Watts and Jesse Hogan scenario.

Don't panic, this is here to serve as a distraction to all the other bs going on. Great first year by our young winger.

People having a crack at the club but the only thing that has created this are Oliver’s actions.. club has supported him continuously & only so much they can put up with ….

Fair enough Billy, but I won't be leaving my club because some players do, no matter who they are and including Clarry, my favourite player. I also think the club may know more about our players, than we do from the outside.

Looks like you were right. However after a lifetime supporting this club, given what I have invested emotionally, I will never give up on them, even if Clarry, my favourite player leaves and anyone else for that matter. I have made my bed with the Dees and I will lie in it forever.

I love it when Tom Morris adds a, “make no mistake”. You know he means business then.

Very good player in his prime