hemingway

No discounts for me. I want to get to the other end safely and whilst this may happen my anxiety levels would be through the roof. As a dry alcoholic this may be a test to great to bear. I have also crossed off, Air Asia despite past patronage. And for Nathan and Jack, consider other options.

Interesting analogy. There are other similarities between Cordner and Watts. Both came from private schools, Cordner from Melbourne Grammar/Geelong Grammar and Watts from Brighton Grammar. Both were very tall schoolboys who dominated school football and in Cordner's case under 19s, kicking over 100 goals and dominating the competition. Both had it easy at this level due to their height. Both had huge wraps on them. Cordner had very high expectations placed on him until Barassi got to him. Both were weak in the air and in contested situations. Both were easily out bodied by experienced tough defenders. Both players played in times when the Club was losing week in week out. Getting thrashed. Both players were nice amiable guys but not contested ball players. With poor form and team weaknesses, neither player settled into a spot or had the confidence of their teammates. Cordner ended up playing as a defender/centre half back or in the reserves at Melbourne. Both were tall enough to ruck but not sufficiently combative. Both were confidence players. They required the team to play well. They required coaches that encouraged but at important times in their careers were left to flounder. Both were poor defensively and struggled to lay tackles. Having said all that, Watts had better all round skills. Cordner was a lead mark and go back set shot player, slow and cumbersome on the ground.

Agree we would have looked silly if we had missed out, and there would have been a lot of clubs lining up. If we had gone into the draft, we could have missed him. Psychologically and tactically, it is difficult when both player and club commit so strongly to one another and clearly had for some time. When there is that trust and commitment, it is natural that the club wants to take no risks, get the deal quickly, and enjoy the satisfaction of pulling off the move.

Agree,

I hope so and you make some great points. I think Hinkley will be the coach that could make a big difference. A much better fit that Scott at Geelong. He will also have some very good players around him, with excellent skills that will draw opponents away. With Port moving the ball quickly forward and across the ground on the wide open turf of the AO, Jack could be a great fit with his handball and finishing skills. Adelaide is a fish bowl and footy mad, intensely so, but there is simply not the same exposure for AFL footballers there, probably greater courtesy and manners from the public and definitely more opportunity to get away from the footy heat.

Well said Lucifer. Everyone needs support and supporters be it business, sport or personal life. We particularly need it when we underperform, make mistakes, or in short, stuff up. It is not unconditional but some folks provide that support because they know that the individual has ability, qualities or good character. Also that that individual will one day justify that support. Jack seemed to have that support but then it deserted him. Did he deserve to lose that support after 9 years? Maybe. We will probably never know the full story and probably doesn't matter. From a playing point of view it seemed a strange time. He had some good games, performed valiantly in the ruck and then got injured. His stocks went down when the stocks of the whole team went down. Clearly the off field, preparation and training issues were paramount. I think also the coaching staff wanted to make a statement and Jack was the sacrificial lamb. With the team playing well, Jack provided something we now lose. Creativity and finishing skills. The last few weeks have shown that Jack has many outstanding qualities. The way he managed the saga was way better than those responsible for dispatching him. A little ironic that the coach himself benefited from the support of the Adelaide Football Club for a considerable period of time when he had problems in his personal life and then again when he was at Essendon. Despite the doping saga, the MFC was prepared to support him with his appointment as coach. He was given the opportunity to continue his playing and coaching career despite making significant errors of judgment. He was given support when he most needed it.

I also have my doubts over whether Max can get through a season without hamstring or knee problems. As we have seen this year, injury hampered his form and nullified his effectiveness against his opponents. In the last match, Grundy showed how effective a mobile big man with contested marking and kicking skills can be, and Max really looked inadequate in comparison. We should not pay mega bucks for Max or lock in a long term contract, not that contracts mean anything anymore. I am probably an old fart but I also dislike Max acting like the club and AFL comedian. Concentrate on your game not the gags. At the end of the day you will get respect on the field not as an all round good guy with a comedy routine.

Agree Norm. Strongly agree on Kent. I am all for setting team standards, but not one for making statements. The measure of Goodwin and the clubs judgement will be played out in 2018.

Tim simply has no credibility or objectivity on football matters. Most of his comments suggest a person who does not do much homework on footy issues or think too deeply on any issue. He reports on footy matters but rarely are his comments interesting or insightful.

I don't know. I am all for going after a ready made star or at least a player that has proved himself over a full season or two. Lever obviously. However, after some of our trades over recent years, I am not overly enthusiastic about players with limited games that have not been able to show consistent form or secure a regular place. Likewise those that have had issues off the field. I would rather go for a young draft player with the necessary attributes including a desperation to succeed that wants to prove himself. Not someone found wanting.

Agree. The arguments on the merit of whether he stays or goes has obviously been done to death. It has got to the point of needing resolution but presumably it will be resolved in the next few days. My angst is not with his merits as a footballer but the way the club has handled the affair. First, it makes the club appear totally incompetent and inefficient. In short, very bad management. Second, it makes the club look very bad from a "values" perspective. Like any organisation, the club should have a strong emphasis on people management and one that incorporates transparency in its dealings with its players and staff, and one that treats both those groups in a respectful manner. In this case, the player despite not fulfilling peoples expectations has been at the club for 9 years, played 150 games and has been recognized for his loyalty to the club. Football is a business and a business that craves success, but loyalty should still be be valued. We supporters are loyal and we like loyalty in our players. What does the club do? It is willing to break a 3 year contract with the player and treats the player who professes his love for the club like an outcast. I wonder how Bartlett, Jackson, Goodwin or any of the other coaches or staff would feel if they were treated this way? I think the Clubs handling of the affair has been shameful and it sends a very bad message to others not least the remainder of the playing group. Not one of the Clubs best moments. And not one likely to be forgotten quickly. Sure we will move on, but it leaves a very bad taste in this supporters mouth.

However, it has been very therapeutic for Demonlanders particularly those who need to grieve. Demonland plays an important role in the mental health of its poster tragics. Never forget it's therapeutic benefits!

Interesting theory, but too much damage done to relationships. Irreparable I would have thought.

Post Flag year has become difficult for the Premiers. The let down has always been a factor but now you have an even competition and the intensity of the game has increased significantly. We have seen how dropping off intensity by only marginal levels can affect match results. So the Tigers will have to bring the same intensity to their game next year as well as keep their match winners free from serious injury. No easy task. However, they have developed great depth and replacement players. They have also a group elite players that are as good as any team going around. I can't see them dropping off like the dogs but I cant see them going back to back.

Adelaide Oval will suit Jack. Lots of space and quick ball movement will help so that he can use his pin point kicking to advantage. Not sure about living in Adelaide. Fishbowl place and not great for the social or business side of things.

Think I am just getting old and irritable with the lack of courtesy and respect for others.

I would prefer under your wing than in your hands Uncle. We would not want him exposed to any undesirable influences that may distract him from the main game.

Please. Show some respect and decency. The trashing of OMac is as tiresome as it has been of Watts. He has his moments but he has also shown that he can develop into a very good player. He is still a kid and deserves support.

I notice with some concern that young Lever comes from Romsey. Perhaps we should be suggesting to the club that they keep him in close reach and only allow brief chaperoned visits back home. One would not want our star recruit wandering up any alleyways or country lanes. He is not in need of any distractions or introductions to the local fauna.

There are not heaps of top line players available each year. When they are, most clubs want them. When you have a top liner like Lever with proven ability and attitude you have to go for it. We have all seen the difference one top grader can make to a team. Draft picks can be hit or miss. Oliver is a beauty but the field is littered with the bodies of the failures irrespective of the wraps on them prior to drafting. So far this season, Lever is the pick of the bunch. A proven track record and still developing. There is no guesswork or luck involved in the choice. We may need another forward, midfielder or ruckman but the young man is a champ. The only risk is serious injury and that can be said for all players that step onto the turf. Despite the debate about what we have given up, the risk is worth it. All success requires risk. You have to be in it to win it and watching his highlight reel is bloody well exciting. And it is a credit to the Dees that he has chosen us. And those involved in his recruitment should be given a big pat on the back and not receive criticism.

Fair comment. However, the nature of social media means that most posting is selective. That's the way it is. Just don't like the personal attacks and criticism when folks don't like what they read. The one hand clapping syndrome.

Its a point of view. That is what this website is worth reading. Unless we are on the inside it is difficult to pass judgment on Mahoney. Even those on the inside can make wrong judgments about executives/employees. However, I don't think Peter Jackson is going to put up with under performers. So I would trust Jackson's judgement on performance management and measurement in the Club.

Agreed. Like the Watts debacle, it was the way the Club managed or did not manage Juniors departure. He needed to be treated as a valuable asset and with respect, and given the opportunity to remain with the club in some capacity.

This would be sensible but cant see it happening.

Crazy to trade the Weed at this stage. Young developing forward and needed as a back up for Hogan, and replacement for Watts.