Gator

OK. They're penalised substance abusers, who were deemed to have acted inappropriately within a systemic injection regime. How about peptide cheats ?

And you would know that I retracted that comment within 24 hours of making it. You can't retract being a simpleton.

Naturally, you're welcome to it, but your assessment is rubbish. Having taken him at pick 3, clearly the club agrees. Why you don't at hold fire on your views until you have at least some exposed form with the MFC is beyond me.

Why would you question it ? Clearly you don't know, so back the recruiters until you're in a position to make an informed assessment. His footy smarts in congestion look elite to me, albeit not yet exposed at AFL level.

It's nothing to do with pedantry, we obviously disagree.

From Stevens, "Jess Hogan had strongly indicated he didn't want to talk contracts through 2016". I don't believe that's ever been the case. Hogan has never said I'm putting contract talks off until the end of 2016. In fact, I heard representatives from his management company say there'd be dialogue over summer. Then there was subsequent talk that they were in no hurry to enter a contract, which is different to Stevens' statement above. Hogan's manger Matt Bain was quoted in October last year saying, “The club’s had a lot of changes over the last three years but they’re starting to get a lot of consistency through the staff,” Bain told Trade Radio. “He’s obviously open to (a long-term deal). I guess for him it’s seeing the long-term future of the club.” “He’s still got two years left on his contract so it’s not something we have to do overnight,” Bain stressed. “He loves it in Melbourne, if he was to be delisted tomorrow he’d stay here.” So, there was never any "strong indication he didn't want to talk contracts through 2016", as Stevens asserts. Journalists need to report accurately, but I find they often don't.

Please yourself. I suspect it's time to put you on ignore, like Stu.

Where did I tell you what you could or couldn't discuss ? I just highlighted the banality.

To discuss whether he might stay or leave after the 5 years left on his contract ? I think you'd be in a room by yourself.

I'm not sure "whinge" is the right word. Would I look down my nose at you ? Of course. Life has so many things to ponder and that wouldn't be one of them.

By your logic it would be worth discussing if he had 5 years to go. Players rarely want to leave a club they're happy at and I see zero evidence to suggest Hogan isn't happy. Perhaps have a modicum of faith in the character in question, especially when they've already signed an extension. It's called judging things on face value. That said, who am I to deter precious souls.

And this needs answering ?

Why on earth people worry about this when he's contracted for the next 2 years is beyond me.

They're actually very good stats that show clear progression.

He might, but not as a footballer. Two four hour flights every second weekend for a big bloke with a back to manage is hardly conducive to a football career. Especially when you didn't debut until you were 20.

Gysberts

Thanks Baz.

What was the quote ?

What's the link ?

Where has it been reported that GWS knew he had serious "issues" (other than wanting to be traded back home) during or before last year's trade period ?

Hogan has the chance to be the difference. He knows it, the players know it and the coaches know it. I suspect he's the type of character to see what this evolving group can deliver. Will he take ownership and responsibility for what he can contribute ? Champions usually want to put the team on their back and show the way. If Hogan goes post a premiership so be it, but for him to leave before the club has made significant inroads it would be a disaster, because he's the type of player that will help make us a destination club. But I suspect he'll stay. And if he ever does leave I think he'll remain in Melbourne, which is why I'm confident he won't.

(Re-post, as I responded to the incorrect poster) The following is from an article linked at the bottom: “The thing that stands out for me is his competitiveness. The club wants guys who have a crack and compete for 100 percent of the game. He’s certainly one of those blokes,” Brayshaw told aflplayers.com.au at last week’s AFLPA Induction Camp. “The guys have already given feedback that he’s a super competitor and we want to play with him because of the way he goes about it on the training track.” I'm not sure what you expect from an 18 year after 10 weeks on the training track, or why you think he'd be "starring", but it appears the players and club are happy with his progress. http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/new-demon-oliver-at-home-with-the-brayshaws/

Why is this in a Hogan thread ?

He's had a vastly superior career and he's certainly more talented. Right now they're on about par, which is why they've got the same present rating. I'd still have Cotchin ahead. Hope that helps.

He does everything better. That's not a slight on Jones, btw. He also kicks more goals. The most Jones has kicked in a season is 16. The most Selwood has kicked is 30. I highly rate goal-kicking mids. He especially reads the game better, is harder and makes better decisions. And no, it doesn't mean Jones isn't hard too. Viney is as hard as Selwood, Jones isn't.