Gator

I don't often subscribe to the view that a player "owes" a club, and I'm not even sure I do in this instance, but vandenBerg was plucked from the NEAFL and there's no guarantee he'd even be in the AFL system if not for the Dees (rookie draft pick). I could be wrong and @rpfc may be able to clarify. I doubt he was on any other club's radar. Anyway, it's great that he's staying.

Jayden Hunt was lucky May backed off before the finish line. Where does this BS groupthink come from ?

There's a propensity on here (and elsewhere) to denigrate every journo who utters something that supporters don't like. It's very childish. And even the most clueless journo knows more than just about every individual who posts here.

Yes, his information is that Gawn took an injury into the prelim. It has been widely reported that Gawn doesn't wear a shin guard and that it does get extremely sore. Most ruckmen wear them, but he doesn't like them. I don't know if that's the injury, but it's a possibility. And, if so, perhaps he should get used to wearing them. I doubt it would have been his calf, which also was a niggle late in the year.

The bloke you're quoting spends his life making these sort of declarations, but they are based on nothing more than his fanciful imagination. It's very disingenuous, but he's rarely challenged.

May turns 28 in 2020. You mean we're already there ?

Is Gaff still coming ?

Yes, some can read the tea leaves.

Firstly, it's "they're". Secondly, I have no clue why you directed this silly post at me.

You're not reading the tea leaves here very well.

Forget the points. They can't be used to value every trade.

Lobb isn't going to get a top 10 draft pick.

We spent the weekend trying to convince the uncontracted vandenBerg to stay. We haven't been trying to talk the contracted Hogan into staying. The difference is palpable. We want May and are happy to say goodbye to Hogan.

You're either confused or unhinged. What lies ? And what leader at our club had no idea about what ? Everything I reported was true. Even down to it being a 50/50 decision between Gaff staying or going to North. The Dees were ruled out weeks ago.

There was zero reason for him not to be honest in the forum he was in. But look mate, believe what you want.

Clearly I rate Hogan more than you. We can agree to differ.

Nick Bowen reporting on Twitter Gaff is in the process of telling the appropriate people he's staying. Story up soon on AFL.COM.AU

In an injury interrupted year last year Hogan kicked 3 against both Port (finalist) and the eventual premier Richmond. Key forwards reach their peak at 26, not 23. It's self-serving nonsense to suggest Hogan can't perform against top 8 teams.

At the end of the day it matters little. He's either read the writing on the wall or the club has been very honest at his exit meeting. What's the difference ?

It's obvious Tyson has been told by the club to check out other options. Tyson isn't driving this. When your club suggests you seek out other possibilities it makes it pretty hard to stay. His manager will be doing all in his power to get a reasonable deal elsewhere.

Harmes is only going to get better. Imagine training all summer with the inside mids. Jones is ordinary out on a wing. I think 2019 could be his last. I'd be amazed if 2020 isn't. Tyson is hopeless out on a wing. I'm happy for Tyson to stay as depth on the inside, but if I'm Tyson I'm not staying. But if Tyson is a stupid person he may be happy to.

Hate to be in the trenches with old Cell.

I think things have shifted.

I disagree on Melbourne's desire. In my view it's crystal clear that Melbourne are driving this. They could easily quash any talk of a trade, but it feels like to me the Dees are almost encouraging Hogan to explore his options. They've decided May is the missing piece that could secure a flag in 2019, they rate McDonald and Weideman as a forward combination, and think they can get adequate compensation from Freo. Just my take, but I think Melbourne are more 60-70% in their desire to do a deal on Hogan.

My take is that May wants the Dees, but can't show his hand until Hogan confirms he's seeking a trade to Freo. We'll know nothing about May's intentions until we know Hogan's.