Gator

Oliver is being paid a fortune to be what is currently the shell of his former self. There are mitigating circumstances. For this year, at least. He's supposed to be in his absolute prime years. An important point not to overlook. Either get him fit, or believe that he's fully committed and able to do so, or trade him for a very good pick in what's an excellent draft.

I fully agree. Jon Ralph is one that annoys the hell out of me. On more than one occasion he stated that Petty was desperate to get back to Adelaide. This wasn't true, it was merely Ralph's slant, or added editorial comment, as you put it. Petty would have happily gone home, but Ralph's exaggerations were erroneous. There's no doubt there's joy (and exaggerations) in the reporting of Melbourne's current malaise. But I want to reiterate, I'm only interested in facts, as best as I can ascertain them. I'll let others take the emotive route.

Why are you asking me ?

But it will have been Goodwin's decision. How do you have egg on your face when you're in control ? He simply would say the club and Oliver came to a mutual decision.

I automatically now think less of you than him.

I agree. Petracca has done himself no favours and comes across as a massive sook. Well, to me, anyway.

If I'm Petracca, a leader at the club, and that was erroneously said about me, I'd be correcting the assertion the next day. If I'm Tom Morris, a senior journalist who values his reputation, especially in light of recent events, I'm not running with an inflammatory comment like that unless I know it's true. Now, you can believe what you want, but I have zero doubt it's true and I also believe Morris' responsibity to his employer was to report what he knew. It's a good story if you're in his game. But I also get that emotional supporters who aren't capable of thinking clearly may get upset.

I couldn't care what you believe.

It's childish to attack Morris over a story that is clearly true. Right now, Petracca would walk out of the club if he could. Blaming Morris for shedding light on the story lacks intellect. You should be grateful you've been informed. Now it's in the open hopefully the right changes will be made.

Agreed. Reading between the lines re Jordan Lewis' comments about people ''running their own agendas'' I couldn't help but sense he was taking a significant swipe at Petracca.

He's allowing adults access to information. Adults can then form their own views. Only d.olts want to censor the sharing of information.

I'd call you an [censored], but that's not allowed. As the person who runs the site he's providing all of the latest news re the MFC. He's not endorsing anything he's sharing.

Players are rightfully judged by their output once they take the field. More often than not Oliver has been a liability, not to mention being terribly out of shape. Oliver should have been mothballed by the club weeks ago. They've done him no favours.

I read some comments before I heard Max speak and was expecting a trainwreck doorstop interview. I should've guessed there was nothing in it.

These are the types of opportunities that help force change. Make the most of it.

I'm not concerned about him leaving, just the unwanted negative attention this club has seemingly mastered.

My views contrast with what I've read on here. I have little to no sympathy for Oliver. Clearly, he's an immature, boorish, and disrespectful fellow of the highest order. He's also done his best impersonation of Augustus Gloop over the off-season. I want the club's highest paid player, or close to it, performing on the field. In many games he's been an embarrassment. Every player gets cut some slack when going through tough times, even if it's self-inflicted. But that slack isn't open-ended. I can well understand the club trading him, or considering it, if defined markers aren't being met. Thankfully, it appears he's come a long way and heading in the right direction. But he's certainly not above performance scrutiny, especially with the contract he's on. And no, I'm not endorsing the grovelling Tom Morris. Hopefully, Oliver has a great summer and gets back to being the player we all know and he repays the club's faith. He's paid to perform, which is all that interests me.

Best player: Flower Most influential player: Barassi

Obviously the name has nothing to do with the losses. But I'll be pleased when this sort of utter tripe ends.

He looks as fat as a fool.

You wouldn't drop him, but he's a shadow of his former self. Well, not quite a shadow. He's doing his best impersonation of Augustus Gloop.

Had him in Fantasy last year. Needs to put on size, but very classy mover/left footer. Smooth.

What footy acumen you have, Turbo.

This isn't hyperbole, our midfield is one of the worst in the competition. What was once a strength is now a liability. Big time.