mo64

Aside from Josh Kennedy, the Swans didn't have a tall midfield. Jack, Hannebery, McVeigh, McGlynn are all of similar height to our mids. Some people are overreacting to Freo's tall midfield. But even they went shorter this year by adding Neale to the starting onballers, and relegating Barlow up forward.

I wouldn't be selling the farm for this kid. He's a "cream on the top" type player. And as Nasher said, if you're good enough, you'll get a game. Billy Hartung was rated higher by the Hawks than Anderson, so talk about him being a "gun" is over the top.

Players of McCarthy's potential don't come along often. Freo's 2 first rounders will be picks 16 and next year 12-18. A great investment for their future. Do you realise that Hawthorn gave up 2 1st rounders via trades for Shaun Burgoyne, who had just come off a knee injury? Clubs like Sydney and Hawthorn have been paying what the media buffoons consider "Overs" to get players that they need. And look at the success that it's brought them.

I disagree. His manager outlined that Howe wants to play in a settled position, whether that be up forward or on a wing, and thinks he would be a more consistent player if he was allowed to do so. I think Howe genuinely loves the club, but doesn't think he can get the best out of himself under the current FD. The money issue is secondary IMO.

Also, the delay in the decision is due to teams being in the finals or he implied new coaches to be appointed. My guess is that the other 2 clubs aside from GC are Essendon and Fremantle.

No he didn't. The TR host mentioned a figure, and his manager just laughed and said it was about half that.

Just confirmed by his manager that he's more likely to go than stay. The money bandied around in the media and Demonland was absolutely ridiculous. Manager stated that Howe wanted to play a settled role, whether that be forward or wing. Manager acknowledged that he was inconsistent as a forward, but mentioned that gameplans and systems may have had something to do with that. As for Dawes, manager again acknowledged that he needed to improve, but mentioned that injuries were a factor this year. Dawes won't require any surgery, and is working with Misson on a rehab program. No truth in trade rumours.

I'm sure we could satisfy GC and Dixon financially, but Dixon chose Port due to his previous relationship with Hinkley.

I actually think that's a rip off for GWS. That's pick 16 this year with shallow top end talent, and probably pick 13-18 next year. KPF of his talent don't come along often.

Yeah, I got the impression that it's not a done deal that he's coming to Melbourne. Even Mahoney's comments suggest that Bugg isn't a high priority.

Could we ban people who post trades without stating whether it's their own ridiculous proposal, or an unsubstantiated ridiculous rumour.

Freo would be planning to use pick 16 on McCarthy. They'll lowball GC on Bennell.

No, because you can't sign with another club whilst you're still under contract.

So in addition to Prestia's manager, Ashcroft has now said that Prestia will be playing at GC in 2016, and yet people still think that GC will trade him. In the words of Harry Hoo, "Amazing".

Swan Lager?

Aren't we waiting for Watts to play the Gunston role? Whilst a lead up forward who can mark would be nice, I don't want Hogan being the sole crash and bash player in our forward line. Casboult can do this and relief ruck. As an aside, I'm not convinced with Frost as a forward. His kicking is on a par with Casboult, and he's not as good a mark.

Spot on. You defend as a team, and attack as a team. We need our backmen to be more creative, and that includes our supporters love children like Jetta and Garland.

But what did the cleaner in the William St. building say? Did he see a scrunched up bit of paper with a Carlton letterhead in Dawes recycle box?

How does Dawes playing a straight bat give your mate the impression he's going to Carlton? Did your mate list every club, and Dawes gave a different facial expression when Carlton came up?

I'd be very worried if he doesn't re-sign by the middle of next year. From what was reported in the article and comments from his manager on Trade Radio, there's nothing to suggest that Hogan is likely to extend his contract long term before the start of 2016. The meeting with Roos etc basically outlined our plans going forward. This suggests that Hogan is keen on success, and if we stagnate or regress in 2016, the jungle drums may start beating.

Not worthy of a discussion topic.

I actually did it today. Click on your user id at the top of the page, and then click on the "Manage Ignore Prefs" option.

My preconceived impression of Kennedy was pretty much the same, and was underwhelmed with getting him. I googled a highlights clip of him in his 1st season, and 2 things stood out: - His first 2 kicks were right footed, including a 50m shot on the run. So I thought I was wrong about him being a natural left footer. - His disposal by left is very neat and penetrating. If Toumpas had put on a display like this in any of his games in his 1st season, we'd be salivating. http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/video/2014-09-15/season-highlight-ben-kennedy

He couldn't have been more definitive that Parker would remain a Swan long term. Jeez.

I seriously doubt that it's happening. I big fish would require significant trade bait, and pick 6 alone would not suffice. There aren't any uncontracted players out there that would qualify as a big fish, and I doubt that any contracted players view us as a destination club this year.