Mach5

This is pure speculation and I’m not referring to Jesse specifically at all, but if you consider the circumstances he is in and the events that have occurred in his life in recent times... I can imagine a man of that age might be going through an emotional rollercoaster, that footy might not seem the most important consideration in his decision-making processes, and he might make some poor decisions off-field, with all the trappings that come along with being a high profile footballer. He might indulge in certain things he shouldn’t, possibly far in excess of the odd cigarette, and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that those tendencies might become “open secrets” that would even make it difficult to get a great return for him if you were to trade him. Especially if he were to be careless about who witnessed these indulgences. Compound that with a “go home” tendency, a dodgy injury, and an aloof character, and it’s not painting a great picture. Just imagine for a second that all those things were to eventuate for this hypothetical player; do you think that what Mahoney received in return for Hogan might be actually a great result? Maybe worth considering. We don’t all know the full details at play here, so maybe we’ve done pretty well out of this. Hogan is a cleanskin to my knowledge however. Beware worshipping false idols.

Very happy to have Kade on board. Long & gangly, covers the ground very well, long penetrating kick. Will break lines and gain a lot of metres for us.

If a straight swap isn’t a win, then what is? Tyson for Preuss plus a 4th rounder we won’t use..?

Probably little more to say at this stage, we both know where things sit and we need to work on other avenues before giving Gold Coast our attention.

Yeah, the club really suffered by having picks so late that we had to settle for Fritsch and Spargo as our first couple of selections. Disasterous.

How can Hawthorn possibly trade enough for Shiel? If GWS are forced to offload him due to salary cap constraints, then they have just been very very lucky to be able to exploit GWS’ inability to manage a list properly.

He might reconsider based on offers coming from elsewhere. I’m sure he’d take 4 years at GC at the pay scale he’s accustomed to, rather than 2 years aand a healthy pay cut to stay in Melbourne. I suppose.

Christ, it’s bad enough when they think they’re a bloody expert on anything to do with football just because their team happens to be winning, but do you really need to lend credence to the idea? There was a bit more than just Lake involved with those wins.

Also not sure the top end quality of next year’s draft stacks up well against this one.

Tyson is the perfect surplus-to-needs “asset” in my opinion - quite a capable player in his own right, just not good enough for our already formidable midfield and should be able to be exchanged for an equally capable player who fills a pressing need.

Auto-incorrect mate.

Attempts at shifting goalposts by Bell. We’re just making sure Freo don’t play funny buggers.

They have conceded defeat.

You think? Maybe. I think they have no problem winning the ball, they just need mods who run both ways.

Correct, they’ll want a pick. And they think they’re good for inside ball winners - the Roos want pace.

Obviously we’re happy to move him for the right deal, but we didn’t really need this confirmed, did we? I’m sure it will be offered eventually. No idea who though - which clubs need inside mids? Carlton, Gold Coast...

If they win the flag, that might be pick 19 or 20. They also don’t have the luxury of time. If Gold Coast are forced to turn over stars for early picks, they’ll want to get them in now, get a young group together with the right support around them (guys like Horlin-Smith, not Jared Brennan). They are desperate to break the cycle, not continue it.

I think he’s an aloof character which contributes to that sentiment, but I don’t doubt his commitment. He has just had a lot of other things running through his head (understandably). He has looked distracted because he is.

We were offering the same as West Coast prior to Hogan packing his bags. The difference in cap space with him going out might just be enough to get us back in the race. North offering stupid money, but that has to worry anyone just as much as it entices them. Depends on what sort of character you are. I know what type of person I think Gaff is.

What part are you having trouble with? I couldn’t care less what has been said in the media. Consider it my educated opinion then.

Textbook Saty

I’m sorry mate, but he’s gone. Beyond the point of no return.

Either Langdon is talking utter crap, or Bell is trying to spin the situation in terms of “wait a minute, I’ve just stepped into the role and we’re not even sure we want Hogan, and definitely not at that price” in an effort to get a better deal. Wouldnt be the first time this sort of thing has happened - wait until a player is now mentally committed to leaving, then move the goalposts.

Purely speculation on my behalf, but the Hogan/May developments may have also opened up cap space, letting us back into the Gaff conversation.

There may be unconfirmed media reports, but there’ll be nothing official until a deal is actually done; so unlikely.