hemingway

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.

A good analysis. the comparison is a useful exercise and provides perspective. Also agree that "as we get better we'll have other players keen to join."" In any negotiated outcome, there are differences of opinion. A good outcome is one where both sides feel they have had a win or gained something from it. in order to get the outcome we wanted (get Lever) we had to trade. It could be better or worse, only time will tell, but to criticize Mahoney and the club for their efforts is unreasonable. If the Lever deal had fallen through, no one would have been happy.

We may have a national league, but it is interesting that we seem to be getting more and more players wanting to return home. I guess it's always been a factor but it seems on the increase. I don't know if the stats confirm this. The go home factor is strong and all clubs take a risk in taking a boy/young man away from their home state. Despite the best efforts of footy clubs, family ties, the familiarity of home and the different culture between states and capital cities make adjustment difficult. It is no different relocating people interstate or overseas in business circles except that the executive is more mature, stable and often has a contract tenure with the understanding that the the move will be only for a certain period of time such as 2 or 3 years. The point I am making is that moving a person away from their home city/state is a difficult adjustment and whilst many make that adjustment, many don''t. I remember years ago some felt that taking Watts over Nick Nat (have I got that right?) was the safe choice. I remember talking to a senior decision maker at MFC at the time and he commented that many within the club were concerned that the club would not be able to keep the big chap from going back to Perth due to his family ties. Watts was the safe choice. Clubs and supporters have to accept this will always be the case, whether it be a Lever or a Hogan.

Indeed. That is for judge and jury. Fortunately, if BBO does require representation, Red or his barrister will not be required to make any moral judgement or establish whether he is telling the truth. However, his legal representation might have a breakdown sifting through the evidence and attempting to establish a defense. However, I have know barristers like Rake, perhaps paler imitations, that sleep very well at night.

Sounding more like Rake every day Redleg. Soliciting for clients like BBO will not help your reputation unless you are changing your line of business. Although everyone mellows in old age, so BBO might not be so bad as a client but getting the truth from him may be difficult. Still better than the Melbourne underworld.

Highlights the nature of the sausage factory. Its only a few who go on, the elite players and those who bring value or versatility. If it was your son being drafted, you would make sure the boy was developing his skills and future away from AFL. Like most professional sports these days, it has become a dog eat dog world. Something to be said about not giving up your day job, and why famous old coaches like Smith, Kennedy, Parkin etc insisted that players had day jobs or were studying.

That is my concern. Watts reaction at learning that he could explore other options obviously came as a shock. So he has either misunderstood or misinterpreted what was being communicated or the club was not upfront or clear in its communication. In any event, the way this has played out in the public domain has been unfortunate.

Agree, we never know the full story. Like the decision of a Court. We may read the judgment and take a view about it, but rarely sit all day in Court listening to the evidence.

Just don't know why folk can't accept there are a range of different views on an emotional and rational level. Why is it that some of us simply cant accept these differences? We should be able to treat one another respectfully without the dismissive comments? What we view as right and wrong is influenced by one's own personal perspective. Most of the reasons on"keep versus trade"' Watts are equally valid. What weight you give to those reasons may bring us to different conclusions but most of the reasons expressed on this thread are accurate and fair.. Personally I would keep Watts on the basis of his 2017 season and because of his skills and what those skills bring to the team. I also think there are other players that I would trade before Watts. However, I also recognize that his lack of intensity and failure to chase is infuriating and at times, soft. I am as critical as anyone on this aspect of his game. His lack of defensive pressure does impact the team. We all have our differences but no one on this site is smarter or better than anyone else.

The relationship between club and player is completely fractured and despite the public posturing by Mahoney, the relationship is beyond repair. I'm sure both sides have this view. Its just a matter of the process and the name of the recipient club.

Hawkins for Watts. Straight swap. Now that would be enough for me to walk away. What a shambles. Disgusted how this has played out.

Well put Sue. From a people management viewpoint the clubs handling of this matter has been apalling and shameful. Sends a terrible message to other players that they can also be humiliated and hung out to dry in the public domain. Respect is a word that comes to mind and players need to be treated respectfully otherwise the club will whither.

It's an insane world don't worry. It was me anyway. I'm not the full two bob you know.

Yeah of course but I regarded that as an aberration.

Yeah that's a scary and indigestible thought. If there is one totally unpalatable position it is the possibility that EFC will be leapfrog the Demons next year. It stirs up all the worst possible feelings.

Bliclavs had a stand out year but a poor one this season. My Geelong friend says that he lost a lot of mobility when he bulked up. He was previously a talented middle distance and steeplechase athlete. My friend feels his natural athleticism was sacrificed for bulk with a negative result on his game.

Very good point. Keep posting my friend.

Yes, a good iteration. I can see your logic. My dislike of Hawks and Bombers is line ball but a lengthy period at the bottom with much club infighting would be character building for the participants and good theatre for the rest of us.

Clarkson and Kennett. It won't end well. A mistake to go back to the past with Jeff. He should have had the good sense to say no.

As a general principle, its about supporting the club, We are not going to agree with all decisions made by the coaches or club thats just life. There are decisions made by players and club that may rock the foundations of the club and damage support. Barassi leaving Melbourne to go to Carlton probably the best example. And you can imagine what would have happened if Robbie Flower had left the club or been treated badly by the club. However, it is not just the decision. Often its about how the club has behaved, how it has communicated or gone about the decision. Has it behaved ethically or fairly in the eyes of its supporters, players and those involved with the club. I may not buy a membership if I thought the club or coach had behaved badly or acted in an unprincipled or unethical way. An example, would be if the club supported a player that had acted illegally or in a criminal manner. Or a coach. Will I buy a membership this year? Yes.

Would trade Kent. Despite the carry on about Watts, I would be less concerned about Kent going. At best he has only shown patches of form. He always looks half fit and runs hard in only short bursts. Does not have a tank. Sure he has had injury issues but inconsistency and poor form has been predominant over his time at MFC. On occasions he looks dangerous with the ball but only on occasions. He also can butcher the ball badly. People talk about Watts being lazy, however Kent is not exactly an example of a guy going hammer and tongs. In terms of value for each possession give me Watts over Kent any day.

First and third paras are correct. Like Gawn, he clearly struggled after doing his hammy. Gawn was an ordinary ruckman with little presence around the ground after his hammy. In the last game, Grundy dominated the game. Prior to the injury Watts showed us how good he can be when fit and the team playing well. After his injury, Watts may have been no better than his teammates but he was certainly no worse. Very disappointed how this is playing out.

No not weird. Tells you he has totally disconnected from the club and will announce his new club.....or retire!