DistrACTION Jackson

I'd say it will be done with relatively little fuss. I reckon the Hawks know they've [censored] up and they have no choice when a champion of their club decides he is off.

Probably should've re-worded that. Potentially high quality player.

It will be confirmed in no time I'd say.

I see Ahern has gone to North for pick 69! Could be a good deal for North if he can get his knee right. GWS just need to get rid of cap space- ridiculous situation created by the AFL where high quality players are traded for next to nothing.

Of course Hawks fans are going to talk him down when he is leaving, it helps ease the pain. People on here were talking up every one of Hogan's faults when they thought he would be leaving. I understand what you are saying, however we are talking about a guy who has been ultra consistent and is a genuine leader. No offence was meant.

It's amazing people are questioning where Lewis fits in our best 22. He finished 2nd in the B n F of a side who finished the regular season in 3rd spot and missed a prelim final by a kick. He's played in 5 grand finals and won 4 of them, while also winning a B n F in a premiership year and also getting All Australian honours. I will tell you where in the best 22 he will be, most likely in the first 5 picked.

I'll go one further- Lewis goes on to become a 7 time premiership player.....

So Free Agency ends today? Looks like we aren't planning to take any free agents then I guess? Hasn't been a lot of movement in free agents this season.

My take on the events that occurred & what will happen: - Lewis goes for meeting expecting one thing and then being told to look at other options. - Lewis approaches Melbourne and a deal is worked out- Hawthorn then decide to back flip due to Mitchell 100% leaving. - Lewis becomes annoyed with the Hawks as they told him to look elsewhere, then once he had made up his mind they said no. - Pickering speaks to the Hawks to advise Lewis still wants to leave. Hawks realise what has occurred and advise they will get the deal done, however it needs to be less public regarding the conflict to appease the majority of members- Pickering comes out saying Lewis isn't angry but they are looking at options. - Monday/Tuesday Lewis will be traded, along with a press conference about how he felt he needed a fresh start and there was no bad blood between himself and the club. - 5 years time- Lewis is on the show 'On the Couch' with Mike Sheahan to discuss what 'really' went down.

People who think Lewis is too slow, or finished as a player only have to look at the Dogs for inspiration. Matty Boyd: 34 years old Dale Morris: 33 & 9 months Liam Picken: 30 years old They didn't think they would win a flag a couple of years ago and could've got rid of these guys. I'm sure they would be pretty happy they didn't! Smart players find a way.

Very true. I remember reading about how certain people at the Dogs wanted Boyd and Morris moved on because they 'wouldn't be in the next premiership'. Beveridge said he didn't believe in 'premiership windows' and if he felt they could offer something to the club he wanted them playing. I agree with this theory.

Where was this from?

Have a watch of this video I found of a few Footy shows discussing Lewis. Talk about him as the next captain, Dunstall also says this with a stupid smug look on his face. I really hope this all goes through.

Totally agree. Stevens is an inside mid who would be a long way behind Viney, Jones, Tyson & even Oliver by the start of next season one would think. Hibberd is a gun kick and decent defender who will be playing in a part of the ground where I think we had an average age of about 21/22 all season.

Are you saying the Hawks and Dees have agreed?

If that is the case I just don't see how he can come back from that position. And if he says he wants to leave it also won't be a good look if the Hawks say no so it would likely get done on good faith.

Losing Vanders or Global Warming..... I wonder which is more likely.

I think we also mentioned he would likely get his 5th flag as well.

Imagine! I would be livid if I had been working in my role, built this incredibly successful work team, took less money than elsewhere to make sure we succeeded.... then once we had done it my employer went out and employed peanuts on more money than me. I would leave without a doubt.

Haha very true. Unless the Gold Coast are willing to chuck a heap of money his way (doubt it), I don't see the benefit for him to uproot his family and move to the GC.

Which one?

I disagree. He's had probably over a week to think about everything and would have likely already made his mind up. Plus I doubt teammates would get involved in this type of thing as they are all their own man. He will do what is best for himself and no one else.

Really pumped to see this Gibberd guy. Heard he was a bit of a hybrid player in the mold of Gibbs and Hibberd mixed into one player!

Hartung is just not that great a player. Even in one of the best midfield in the competition he still couldn't average more than 20 touches a game.

It does seem really strange that you would go to all the trouble of putting together a contract and discussing particulars, only to just backflip after a conversation in the afternoon? Surely you would go away and give it thought if you were that determined to leave in the first place. Very strange.