Balls14

Hawthorn have a problem coming up with not using enough first round picks in a certain period of time I was told. The reason we are in the frame is the Hogan deal. Plain and Simple. Im not saying we will get him or its over the line. But we are the second team that is being reported.

All I will say at this stage is what I was told yesterday morning: 1. Scully was also told the same thing as Dylan Shiel. Scully didnt take kindly to this. GWS still need to clear cap space. 2. Scully's put the feelers out. We were keen. 3. This was discussed by people within the club yesterday with little resistance. Only one person with in management was dead set against the idea. 4. Three way trade involving Fremantle, GWS & Melbourne had preliminary discussions after the initial Fremantle offer for Hogan was declined. Lobb, Scully, Hogan and a flurry of picks have been discussed. Melbourne are trying to get their hands on 5 (which is public knowledge) to get May done and GWS are looking to find a suitable deal to clear Scully off their books. 5. Hawthorn have been deep into Scully for two weeks now and have had discussions with Hawthorn about a trade. GWS dont think Hawthorn have the currency to suffice them.

This is a serious chance of happening. Not naming sources. But this is a very, very serious chance of happening.

Can’t disagree with that rationale. You’re on the money here.

That a fair point you make. But my opinion is based on the fact that our midfield WILL become elite in the next couple of seasons and the ball going forward will be more frequent and effective. Hence, making its easier for players like him.

Reading a lot of differing opinions on here. I have been told this from someone on inside a month or so back, that may help why it has come to this..... When we had T.Mac up in forward line with Pedo, or Watts, or Hogan, etc. it was a commonly held opinion at selection that the forward line lacked the finals like, locked down pressure. T.Mac was a big culprit. It placed pressure on the others to do the heavy lifting of providing such pressure. This is where Jack was really exposed. McCartney believes that Jack doesn’t have ‘finals mindset’ in the way he goes about his business. He also was a big advocate in NOT bringing him back for the final game against Collingwood. Hence, from mid year, there were many discussions about Jack, and would he be a liability come finals. This negative talk about him didn’t help that his form had gone down. From a personal view, he will be a very good player in a very good team. Staying could see him at that elite level. But it’s clear the coaching panel have no confidence in him and this has really got through to him now. The major concern has to be, how he return to the club last pre season. He was content with a good year, previous. That attitude is not that of a great player and It’s time for everyone to part ways. Lastly, we can’t demand too much in the way of a trade. His an average to good player. If we get a 2nd rounder and a player, that would be a plus in my book. Anything better would highway robbery!

Our inability to hit targets going forward was frustrating. We went inside our forward 50, 55-52. When are we going to change our system to include players leading up at the ball carrier? Always seem to either get it on a sideways lead or over the back. Our key forwards need to improve their leading patterns.

I sincerely hope there is no apology forthcoming. Despite Clarry being naive in wearing his heart on his sleeve and engaging the supporter, there no need to play the game of 'morale high ground'. I am informed that the club was seething internally about the medical reports from the blues doctor earlier in the year. Then Murphy wanting an apology after the Carlisle incident, it all points to Carlton being a hyper sensitive club (internally and externally). For far to long we had a group of introverts on the field and now we have a club that is prepared to take on the big moments and stand up for themselves, there is no point taking a backward step now.

Cam Rayner! Jason Taylor's recruiting has been exceptional BUT id love to see Cam in the Red and Blue. He has all the qualities to be an exceptional AFL player

Cam Rayner! Might not be what we need, but by god, he is a serious talent.

I have to agree with dieter. The turnovers, especially early in the game were extremely noticeable. Even before the game, in the match simulation, the delivery into the forward 50 was poor. Qualify this comment by saying, session before Christmas we looked sharp and there was great improvement. The other worrying factor was the older players looking slow. They seemed to be beaten to contest by the younger compatriots. One thing is certain, Salem looks in terrific knick. Would love to see him given the freedom to play on the wing damage teams with his impeccable foot skills. Oliver's clearly got the highest ceiling of potential out of any of the kids. His ability to extract the ball from the contest by hand is awesome. The pleasing part, which has been reported, was his great use of foot skills. Which he has good skills. Hunt is a star and a future All Australian HBF. How he didn't getting a rising star nom is beyond me. The one player that was intriguing tonight was Vince. If I'm not mistaken, he played a deep in defender, almost back pocket sweeping role. Interesting to see how he fits in defence because I'd love to see Frost on Reidwoldt round 1. Vince to Billings and play the heavy tag hence releasing Hunts run and Hibberd's foot skills. Anyway, hopefully we can get a market on most possession for next weeks NAB cup game and clean up on Salem. At the very least, his a supercoach lock!

Long time reader. First time contributor. Too Saty and all the others who contribute to the forum and provide training updates, you are legends! Thank you very much. Always something to look forward to...... On the Oliver situation, I have someone on the inside. Think you might find that Oliver is on deliberate modified program due to his OP flaring up again mid year, last season, which he had before he was drafted. This being the case, it makes you wonder what the ceiling could be considering the levels he reached last season.