Wiseblood

That's fine mate, no knocking your views or your freedom to post them. The 'Goodloss' stuff just seems so out of character and childish for you.

Goodloss? You're better than that, OD. Be critical as much as you like, but no need to pull this five year old stuff out.

If we got him for nothing, or a late pick which we wouldn't use, then there are no complaints from me. But he doesn't look like much of an upgrade, if at all, to me.

I agree with this, and I think it is why we are being linked to players like Smith, Brown and Phillips. I think the club identifies this aspect and will do what they can, in the current landscape, to rectify it. Much will also depend on who we can move on as well. If we can flick both McDonald brothers then I'd say it opens up further options for us, especially getting Tom off the books.

I just can't see us turning over the list that much. If we're letting players go like the McDonald brothers, then we need to bring in some talls as well. And hey, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe we go out there and get all three to add to the list, as well as someone like Brown. I'd be shocked if I did, but happy to eat my words if we do. Edit - also, I don't see Hind as someone any different than Hunt. Both bring pace, both don't find the ball all that much and both can hit the scoreboard. We can't fit both of those types in our forward half.

We won't be getting Smith, Hind and Phillips. I'd say we will get one, maybe two at the absolute most. Hind goes okay but I think I'd rather Smith or Phillips.

Neither do I, and I think the club share your that sentiment by chasing Smith. I think they can see the potential in Baker, but understand that he will still take some time, hence us getting Smith for a few years.

I think Baker showed enough in those last two games (and yes, it was only two games) to suggest that he is worth persevering with over the next few seasons. It's why the addition of Smith could be terrific on so many levels. Not only would he slot in perfectly on another wing opposite Langdon, but he would also help to develop someone like Baker and show him what is really required to play on the wider areas of the MCG.

Absolutely no chance. Not even 0.0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% of a chance.

If we get him, I'd be telling Baker to shadow him for two years. He could learn plenty about playing on a wing and then be ready to take over from him when Smith's contract comes to an end.

Didn't think of that part. Obviously it wouldn't be a straight swap, but if they're keen then it could definitely be done.

Makes even more sense if the club allows Jetta to chase more playing time at the Pies. He would replace everything in terms of experience and professionalism that you would lose with Jetta, and he is also going to give us better on field service than what Jetta could in the next few years (and that's not a criticism of Nev either). Hopefully we can get this over the line!

This is a tough one. On one hand, is he going to be part of our next premiership? On field you would say no. But off field you could say yes. He is highly respected by the playing group and the supporter base, and if he has shown the capacity and talent to be a coach, then I'd love to see the club offer him something in that area going forward. The problem is his position in the side. Others have gone past him and he isn't he player he was two years ago, although it was hard for him to get a good run at it this year. I'd like to keep him around for another year and then transition him to an off field role, but if the Pies push really hard then I wouldn't blame him for leaving and I wouldn't blame the club for letting him go either.

And I'm one who is in the 'not believe' camp, but that's not a knock on you dazzle. As you said, you're just the messenger here from the chat. And when I say 'not believe', I can believe that he is potentially frustrated after missing finals. But the B&F thing is strange. So what happens if he were to leave and finish 7th in the B&F at his new club. Does he crack it and move on from there as well? I can buy the frustration, but I don't buy the 'wanting out' part. It just doesn't add up to me.

If he thinks they don't value him highly enough because of where he finished in the B&F, and that's if we believe that rumour, then I'm not sure I want someone so childish at the football club. I mean... really. Everyone who finished above him, with the possible exception of Viney, had a better year than he did. It's not as if Jake Melksham finished Top 5.

Good enough for me.

He looked destined to be a terrific player for us after a great 2018 season but, like others, injuries and some really poor form have held him back. If we go after and get someone like Brown, I don't think there is a spot for him in our side. So if he decides to seek further opportunities then I'd say good luck to him.

Still a non issue. It sounds as though this Beveridge bloke has taken three blokes who have been mentioned online and run with it. Still nothing to see here.

Unless you're up the creek without a paddle, you should always be recruiting to play finals.

If there is some truth to the notion that his value has fallen (and it makes sense in the context of how North have basically pushed him out the door), and that we could nab him for a pick in the second round, then I'd go for it. I don't think he is the greatest fit for our forward line, but the bloke has plenty of runs on the board and you could argue this season was an aberration. The big thing will be getting Tom McDonald off the list - do that and we're in the box seat.

Sorry mate, but with you and others, I'll agree to disagree. I'm just not buying it right now. None of the rumours stack up for me. Again, if we fail to play finals over the next few seasons then we don't have a leg to stand on. Cheers.

I would understand him being frustrated by missing finals, but let's be honest - it's not as if he is 28-29 years old and in the Nathan Jones category just yet. I'm just not buying it, Doc. If we don't make the finals in 2021 or 2022 then yes, you could understand the impatience and potential willingness to move on. But not yet.

I agree with all of that, dazzle. I guess the point I was trying to make was that some supporters are quick to call him spud, useless etc (not saying that was you), yet they then turn around and think others will pick him up and have him on their list. He can't be that bad if that's the case. And I think the re-signing of Smith for another season might be the final nail in the coffin for Oscar. I think it would be beneficial for both parties to move him on during this off-season. I'm not too fussed what we get for him either. A third or fourth rounder (or a swap of third rounders that sees us move up 5 or 6 positions, for example) will probably be the outcome.

Which is what we can do. If that is good enough for other clubs, then it is good enough for us. He is probably better off going elsewhere for a fresh start, but I don't understand how some can write him off as no good but then expect other teams to take him off our hands. If he was that bad then clubs wouldn't touch him.

But if we all think he sucks, why would those teams take him on as a potential best 22 player? We've 'gifted' him 80 odd games, but then a potential Grand Finalist are happy to have him in their back line? I'm not denying that it is time we moved him on, but we can't say he sucks in one breath and then expect other teams to slot him in their back line as if they wouldn't notice themselves.