ManDee

The problem with a straight percentage to each player is that the players earning the most receive the most allowance. I think it should be means tested. If you are buying a property no allowance. If you rent and are on a lower income say under $150,000 you get a rent allowance paid direct to the player from the AFL.

Does it cost $150 pw more to live in Sydney. Do players buy property? If they buy more expensive Sydney property one presumes they will later sell more expensive Sydney property. They have lost nothing. If they rent, there may be an argument, however. If half the players rent then perhaps they may apply for a rent allowance, say $150pw that is less than $200,000 in total for the club. If Melbourne becomes more expensive in the future do Melbourne clubs get the allowance? I think players earning over $150,000 and are buying property they should just suck it up. No allowance. You could argue that if it is more expensive it is more desirable so perhaps they should be paid less.

I also note that 4 of your favorite players have never played an AFL match. I hope you are a better judge of players than of debate..

And that is your argument?

My point comparing Wines to Rich was that they were both mature bodies when drafted, the guys with bigger bodies tend to have less upside than the less mature guys who can build up - I here you saying Cale Morton/Lucas Cook etc- but do you remember Anthony Bannick ? pick 1 in the 1989 draft he dominated junior football was clearly the best junior footballer in Australia played 49 games for Richmond then delisted he was a man at 15 yo. I suspect that Toumpas & Salem won't have mens bodies until 21/22yo.so IMO may have more upside.

Wines is a bit like Daniel Rich, he was ready to go but not much upside. As for MFC having 3 players in the top 15 in the competition, we all wish.

Short memory your highness? All Australian 2010. We haven't had many since. Has had injury issues in last few years.

With negotiation I always ask what the other party wants. Often I am surprised at how little that is. Sometimes what they want is not what I presume. For instance, do they want a short or long contract? Do they want a performance based contract. Do they want a different number, to play midfield/forward. If you don't ask you may be offering something with no value to them but a cost to you. Open and honest negotiation is vital. ie Don't say we cant afford it if you can. Say the truth, you are not our most valuable player so we can't pay you the most. Ask the player where they think they fit in terms of value to the team, discuss your own valuation. If comparable the payment is fairly obvious. I know this is simplistic but it is where it should start. Chip seems to be like many Melbourne supporters, he is sick of being disappointed. If we lift and look like that will continue he will stay. How do you rate Frawley? I say he is in our top five/six.

I think Frawley will stay if we show some real improvement. I spoke to Tom $kully who said to me, "I am contracted to the MFC until the end of the season, I will decide then what I am doing". His answer made me think he was leaving at the end of the season. I now believe he had already done a deal with GWS Chips answer albeit to the media appeared honest and indicated what would make him stay. The MFC are in control of Chips situation, we had no say with TS. PS. Nice to have a midfield Friday night, imagine having a fit forward line too.

I see you race windsurfers, have you ever beaten one?

1998 he was a Carlton supporter. We finished 4th and Carlton 11th or 12th I think, ah the good old days.

Have worn my Melbourne badge today, first time in years, hope its an omen. ( of the good variety ) Years ago I wore a Melbourne bow tie to work after every victory, the boss got sick off it, but I kept doing it. Yes it was a long time ago.

The only swap Freo would entertain for Fyfe would be Hogan.

That would be worth it. Place your bets.

So what do you really think of DumMan BarRat? Thanks for report.

Jack Viney Jack Fitzpatrick Mark Jamar Max Gawn Not injured? Just missing! I think these lists are misleading. Some clubs say they have heaps injured but all of a sudden they are back, other just leave players off lists, a la MFC

What about MFC's chances to lose?

Fair call, but I had heard he may be interested in going home, Adelaide/Pt Adelaide. In that case a swap for Ollie Wines sounds fair.

Clark should be 1st ruck 70% then forward 30%. Fitzpatrick ruck 30% forward 30% then bench, that is providing Hogan & Dawes fit and playing. Spencer to replace Clark or Fitzy if (when) they are injured.. Keep developing Gawn & King. Trade Jamar for some kitchen knives.

I hope the players know the game plan before round 5.

Mansfield, near Mt Buller - PS No I don't drive a Range Rover.

My first post. Thanks guys, really appreciate all the info. I am a country member (yes you remember) and cannot get to training.