M_9

Agree. We don't know if there are strings attached and, if so, what they might be. I wouldn't want PL's money if a condition was 'Oliver goes'.

Unfortunately I think it's locked in that we get their second round pick (currently 25). We won't get their first pick (4). We may get steak knives (they currently have picks 42 and 60).

There were a number of 'incidents' that had a marked impact on our performance this year viz losing Gus, JS29 stuffing up, no, or limited preseason for Clarrie and Melky, losing Trac, and yes, some ordinary recruiting. In an even competition there'd be 17 years between flags. Methinks that you might be better off following a comp where there were, say, only 10 teams. My local team (one of 10 in the league) has won the last two flags and has lost only 5 games in the last three years. They're easy to follow. No need for me to demand higher standards.

A reflection of our lack of depth?

Much discussion on this forum how much we missed Gus, Trac when injured, etc. We underestimated the importance of Milkshake IMO.

Mine died mid-Gus

I don't understand your question. Harold's son Ian accrepted the award on his dad's behalf. I've known Ian for more than 40 years. He rarely misses a game, be it in Vic or interstate.I had no idea he is the son of Harold. Ian is 70ish. His dad would have passed away some years ago.

I understand what you're saying but IMO the Neeld years when we won a total of four (?) games saw a room full of very unhappy supporters.

I think many posters are confusing tonight's event with the AGM. The B&F is tightly scripted. It begins with highlights of the first six rounds and vote totals are posted. A number of awards are presented eg Jim Stynes Community involvement award etc. Very short speeches. Another six rounds of highlights and votes. A meal break. More presentations and a speech by the Pres. It'll be very positive without controversy I suspect. More highlights and votes. More presentations - best first year player etc. Goodwin's speech - all positive, nothing controversial. Final rounds and tallies. I've attended more than a dozen going back to the nineties (run at Melbourne Town Hall with about 300 in attendance). That includes the Neeld years - a very depressing few years but you wouldn't have known it as the B&F was all positives. Previous years have seen the club song sung with gusto at the end. Not sure that will happen tonight. I can't see a donnybrook breaking out. Any attempt by an attendee to ask a question will be shut down.

I wouldn't go that far. I will say that Frank had no option but to broker deals lest he be found 'sleeping with the fishes'.

I've lived in the Geelong region for more than 40 years. Most of my mates are long time Cats' members, and a few belong to coterie groups. I know the families of a couple of the players as I taught the sons. I receive quite a bit of intel relating to the GFC. If Geelong wants a player, they'll get him. Money talks. I have no doubt that one of the attractions that the Cats offer is cash or 'product' - and heaps of it. Obviously outside the salary cap. A huge grocery supplier, a large car dealer et al. throw $millions at the club. Jobs and cars to family members, and on it goes. When their former CEO was courted by Carlton, Costa doubled his salary. If Geelong wants Clarrie, and he wants out, only the MFC holding him to his contract will prevent it.

Having attended countless B&F's I can tell you that it's not the forum where any of the above issues will be raised. The night is purely a forum to recognise the achievements of individual players.

For the same reason Dogs' supporters were happy to see him go. Best to ask one of them, if you know any. As mentioned, our mods will be keeping a close eye on this thread. For good reason.

Agree on both counts. I’ve NFI who polled second most votes for the Blues.

My comment was made tongue in cheek. Nice to see another club in the spotlight.

Geez, I hope the media don't do a similar beat-up story on us.

Correct. Commentary was always that he and Williams had the ability to play midfield but never returned to preseason fit.

Prior to this finals series I would have agreed with you, but players of a similar age at both the Hawks and the Cats are advancing at a more rapid rate. We are lagging behind in our player development. Bedford and Jordan are testament to that. Sparrow going backwards.

No. No. No. We drafted three list cloggers last year, and we still have Hunter. No more

I'm surprised Werridee waited 2 weeks.

I do not want JvR playing as a back-up ruckman. If he's to progress as a key forward he has to play that position 100% of his tog.

Rarely advances the ball. Predominantly kicks sideways or backwards. No

I can tell you for a fact; Stengle would have been fine - if he was a horse.

So you're telling me there's a chance?

I know it won't happen, but I'd love to see Fullarton come in for the two remaining games and JvR played forward for 100% of both games.