Red But Mostly Blue

Tim Lamb saying "Reporting on Oliver meeting last week not necessarily correct, but we did not direct him to explore options" is interesting, isn't it? Going by reports he's a pretty emotional guy, and let's be honest, not always making the most mature of decisions (everyone matures at different rates, not a dig), is it entirely possible that the alternative reports are true, in that we have suggested he will need to play a different role next year, and he has not reacted well, and has stormed out, and we have said this is what 2026 looks like, you are welcome to find a new home if this does not suit you? He's taken some calls and met some people, no different to the last 2 years really. Could he still play in the red and blue once the dust settles a bit? Personally, I would rather keep Clarry, a club legend, and someone I think is primed for a really good 2026, especially after a solid preseason (and I would have said no more drama, but that horse has bolted), than pay a chunk of his salary - lose him AND Clarry, and experience etc, and have him play/tear it up for the Giants, and have nobody really to replace him.

Copy and paste, yes please.

Absolute goose.

I don't think Cameron gets out much, or reads the news/talks to anybody... ever.

I think this is 100% being forgotten by some. Issues or not, the guy was a flat out superstar. I personally think this was a transition/bridge year to his best footy again, as it was his least interrupted for 2 years . With another preseason and no distractions, I think he'll have a great 2026 - but it's a pity it won't be for us. And in return we are not going to get someone of his quality/potential. People happy to offload/adopt a clear slate approach thinking kids will step up (they're great, but generational? We'll see) or we will get guys to plus and play. Unlikely. We need to nail these 2 trades because if we don't, it's going to be a hard year.

Happening as in generally, or as in right now? I need to know so I can grab a hat to hold onto.

Josh Jenkins saying this has me thinking Trac will be in the red and blue next year. What a peanut.

Hamill is not instilling much excitement or confidence, sorry.

Can circle back and touch base later?

Would be great to land Humphrey if he chooses to come home. Feeling a little less optimistic than usual/I'd like. As much as it looks like we will have the $$$, the guy's a jet, and I can see him taking a haircut on whatever we offer to win games and perhaps a flag. We're back here - the dark old days in terms of enticing people to come across. For a while we could argue the lure of playing alongside Maxy, Trac and Oliver, now it's just Maxy (and Kozzy) - and Maxy won't be around too long. We need guys like Humphrey to buy in on the kids and the future, and that does not look as exciting as playing for the hawks, who were not far off a GF appearance - and on the rise, with lots of good years ahead. Bug crowds. No Casey (sorry), etc. Hard sell. Getting rid of Trac and Clarry is good for $, but not so much for prestige. They are generational midfield pillars. Without them, we have an ageing (but still the best) ruckman, question marks over the last few years and potentially another stint at the bottom for a while. Can't believe we are here again.

haha YES

Wow, typical of trac to want his own stage. Look at moi.

A King standing tall in the ruins is still a King, and can command such power. (I am hoping haha)

Post of the pre-trade period 'trade talk' um, period, change my mind.

8K at Metricon. Enjoy!!!

Certainly must have some truth to it. I am just concerned a. who we're going to play b. how we will attract serious talent and c. avoid another decade in the doldrums.

Saw that. Pretty intense situation now if I am reading that strange post right. He is contracted after all, so he could just say nah and live the rest of his footy days at Casey??

Let's just say we lose both Trac and Oliver, which now looks to be the most likely outcome. Fine - I imagine the decision (at least insofar as it applies to Oliver, as Trac has told us he wants to go...) is for our own good. But, wow, I mean if we just pause for a second. We lose our two pillars of generational talent. Still in good years. Plus May and McVee (not our doing, fine). In one year. That's really... umm, bad. We don't have to cattle to replace those 2 guys. One, we'll make do. Both?? We don't have anyone special screaming out to come to us. St Kilda are getting everyone with their bottomless money pit. It's not as if we lose those guys and we're linked with a KPF, key back and a mid, for example. Just Flanders (maybe) and Mihochek (he's ok but what's the point if in full rebuild?). And that's fine, again, you say we have some good kids, and we play them. Yeah, we do, but NOT THAT MANY. And (worse, yet) then you have the cyclical effect of these kids, say Langford for example, who will want to win games, rather than just be stuck rebuilding in a rabble of a club notorious for endless rebuilds and doldrums. How do you think they will feel about it?? Max does not have many years left. Ditto Viney at top level (despite his contract, sigh). They won't want to lose every week. I can see one of the current (and seemingly evergreen) crop of contenders grabbing them from us. If we lose Langford and/or X in 2 years. How do we all feel about the 'burn it down' sentiment? Still raw and exciting? Dunno about you, but I don't want to revisit the doldrum days getting pantsed by everyone every week. It took FOREVER to turn it around in 2021, and just 4 SHORT years later, it's fire sales and 'play the kids'?? WTH???!!! Nobody does implosion like the Dees, I will give us that. Sigh.

Same. I hope, and expect, this noise to be sorted soon.

Ah, another totally normal and not shambolic, depressing offseason.

Thanks all! Not an easy gig at the best of times, and particularly so given it's not been smooth sailing for a while!

Heart and soul ❤️ Imperfect, sure - as we all are. He's been one of the greatest players of the last decade while growing up in front of thousands every week. Some take longer than others. But I know he tries his guts out every week, you can see it. This was a transition year from a tumultuous period. The bridge from his past to his future. Another solid preseason and Clarry will be an absolute beast in 2026. And I have a feeling without Trac, he will shine even more. Sam above says Brownlow 2026. Definitely possible, what a great story. All in on Clarry 2026.

All of this.

Hear me out. If Trac gets to the Suns (better for us trade wise), and JUH also gets there (reports he has travelled there to 'reignite' his career - which is a somewhat good move, although I am not sure the Gold Coast is the best place for him, but certainly interstate is best for a fresh start)... ... then that means Trac will have to play in a team with a culture/standards issue FOR SURE. Something it he has been grappling with. The Suns can do the funniest thing right now.

Kid's gonna be alright I reckon.