Red But Mostly Blue

Are there no other clubs that can hit the news re trades/non trades? Are we the only club? Clarry is not going anywhere. And those willing to sell him down the river for a couple of speculative 1st round picks - I will look out for your supportive comments when he's tearing up the midfield again, like his normal self after a big preseason. Poor guy - building up to be, if not already, in the conversation as one of our best EVER. He has 1 average year (average, not 'bad' - just 'bad' to some according to his ridiculously lofty standards) and suddenly he's expendable. For unknowns. I've read, and it seems to be the case, that he's an emotional guy. I think it would mean a lot to him that we have his back, and don't just want to give him the old heave-ho for a bag of beans. Ridiculous!!!

I am still yet to understand why we can't thank Nibbler? HE NEEDS TO LEAVE, THE CLUB HAS BEEN HUMAN ABOUT IT, END OF!!! We'll miss him 100% - and I wish he could stay, but he obviously can't. Family always comes first. Given his dedication over the years, that's not in dispute. You guys are legends - LOVE YOUR WORK. Thank you!

I took a couple of days off to breathe (in the middle of which Trac made his statement). Jumped online to see case closed, but nah just a million more pages and fewer answers than before... 🤣

This is what I was thinking, too. If you were to hear all of this (over the last several years) regarding an unnamed team - you'd rightfully assume it was a bottom 4 rabble. But nope, it's been a team who won a flag, and finished top 4 three years in a row. And could have had another flag if not for devastating, worst-timed injuries. The vision of our success is now being clouded by all eyes on these perceived issues. And worse yet, these issues, and that discussion, may impact our ability (through mood of the club and players, and inability to attract essential trades to fill big gaps) to properly challenge again next year, in what may be our last chance at a flag. It's just a game, etc. But it's also really sad :-(

Board member with zero EQ. Who'd have thunk it? 🤷‍♂️ Worst thing is these board-types are completely unaware. She's probably high-fiving back at the office now for a job well done. Funnily enough on her Victoria University page, it says: "Kate is also a sought-after media and public speaker". lol

What's the point of this interview? It's not uncommon for a President to give 'Board-type' answers, but then why bother? If you're going to do an interview like this, you know they'll want SOMETHING - and if that something (the only thing so far, I guess) is that you say you have not spoken to Trac it means there are only two scenarios: - She hasn't spoken to Trac. But if that's the case, WHY NOT? Jump on the phone, be proactive. Do something. - She has, and she's lying. Again, what's the point? This is the most likely scenario. These things are pointless, and do not help us at all.

SO conflicted on this one. I don't like how Peter has done this, and there certainly seems to be (despite assertions to the contrary) an element of ego here. I also am not happy with Peter taking us the court following a pretty turbulent period for the club - with other court time during this period - and the board/coach/culture noise... ... but, I am also not happy with how the year went, and there are obviously a multitude of reasons for that - of which bad luck is no doubt a part - but certainly not the sole reason for the poor season. Maybe there is a culture thing, maybe there isn't. Maybe the Board is great, maybe it isn't. Maybe the answer is, as it usually is, somewhere in the middle, and there are things we could do differently, or better. But we won't know until there is a review. A proper review, not one conducted internally, which isn't worth even the digital comms it will be contained in. I am also against the establishment remaining the establishment because they prevent outsiders, non-establishment, folk - the peasants - from being a part of these boards - which are usually appointed due to who you know/where you studied/worked etc. So there's that. The whole unopposed/unelected thing is a little off for me. Anyway, there's no final view in my post if you're looking for one. Just wanted to unhelpfully point out that this is a real pickle. But, yeah, super annoying to have our details shared under operation of the law. But I get it (both sides). Kind of. Unhelpful post over.

I know this will have been expressed here numerous times, and likely better, but this outcome has really got my goat. I appreciate Kozzy has been a little reckless from time to time - he plays at the edges etc, and honestly I think he has done well to reign it in a little. But seriously, this punishment is BS!! You can't leave the ground, fine, but now you can't legitimately engage in a bump (which is what Kozzy tried to do, no question), because the other guy may slip/fall to the ground, causing an unintended concussion?? Are we just full outcome mode (depending on player, of course - I won't go into that), regardless of intent or context, because that's what it looks like. What was Kozzy supposed to do? That move is performed dozens of times a week. A legitimate footy act. The chances of a concussion, or having regard to the possibility of a concussion while performing it, are so remote you can't possibly ask Kozzy to turn his mind to it while in the moment. Moore fell, Kozzy's legitimate bump accidentally caused injury - it's an unfortunate reality of a contact sport. If you punish this, there's nothing left. On a side note, it's bemusing that Moore/Maynard have both engaged in 'footy acts' and ended/possibly ended/impacted careers, and have received ZERO weeks COMBINED> WHAT IS GOING ON?????

You had one job, freo… Port didn’t even need to win this (just not lose by much) 🤣 Blues in the finals, gross. Hope they get smashed by the lions.

You had one job, freo… Port didn’t even need to win this (just not lose by much) 🤣 Blues in the finals, gross. Hope they get smashed by the lions.

Never said this before and will likely never say it again… LET’S GO, FREO!!! 🔥🙏

It won’t make me feel much better about out our year, and it has come at the cost of us finishing 14th (eek), but we are very close to a final series without the blues, pies or bombers. Still the cats, but that’s a grumble for another day. It’s not a bad side quest win!! LET’S GO FREO!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Lame. Not the boost we wanted to instil some confidence in 2025 but I guess we’ll just have to do with reassurances in the offseason that we’ll fix everything that need fixing and go again next year. Until then, it’s just a game…it’s just a game… it’s just a game… it’s just a game… it’s just a game… it’s just a game… (I say as I rock myself to sleep after being belted by the pies, again).

lol billings 🤷‍♂️

Lame way to end our season.

Here we go, last time for the boys to run out this year. It’s not been the year that we all wanted, but we can end on a high and bury the pies. They say dress for the job you want, not the one you have - so let’s play like the team we want to be next year. GO DEES ❤️💙

LOL That's already a lot going on for the banner! Can't wait to see it :-) Gonna miss Nibbler :-( But fam always comes first. Hope he gets picked up for a really good #pick for us haha, but importantly plays a blinder every game, even against us (as long as his team still loses lol).

Grab some fries, smoke the Pies

Whether you were happy with Staff or not, and hand on heart, I think it was probably time for him to move on - and that's ok - that's not a dig - sometimes you just need change and that can be said for both parties. Our forward line/approach needs a fresh set of eyes and it's time (perhaps a little late...but again, just me) so it's a good decision and I wish him the best. To those potting the guy, it's easy to do so from the couch, but the reality is that we won a flag with him there, and very little was said about that. It should be acknowledged. Thank you. All the best, Staff!

#BringBackMac

Terrible, gut-wrenching news. Condolences to Sam's loved ones. So young, carrying out the everyday task of traveling to work - which always brings these things too close to home :-( A reminder that this is, after all, just a game. The (overlong) hoo-ha in the Tracc thread, our disappointing year, the 2000 GF, Tom Scully (*shudder*), the Neeld era, etc. - doesn't truly mean anything of substance (as much as some of that still burns). We cheer at games, united by a sense of adventure, shared adrenaline and hope for a taste of glory, we hug our loves ones, and every moment is at the whim and grace of the universe. Nothing is promised beyond now. Going to hug my better half + little ones now (I returned to my laptop to finish some work - which, also, doesn't truly matter).

Awww that's sweet. I am sure they are, you and the rest of the DA invest a lot of time each week. Treasures - all of you. Thank you :-) (I was a member of the cheer squad some moons ago. When my littlest one (18m) is a little older and I start bringing him to games - I will very much look to bring him and my eldest (5yo) into the cheer squad to take part as well. Great times with lovely people, for the best club in the world).

We have now lost two leaders this year, which is a big hit. I wish ANB the best. A true clubman. Played his heart out every game. Unfairly a whipping boy for many years. Always had a dip and did the 1%ers. Played his role and helped us to win a flag. He will be missed. But, this situation now provides an opportunity. Who will stand up amongst our group to fill these leadership positions? Who will be hurting in the guts that last year it got away (for some valid, and some not valid) reasons? Who is gutted that this year has been a disappointment? Who will stand up and take us into 2025 to win a flag?

Great news. Clarry has been hampered all year, and persevered despite an unideal preseason. I have never questioned his commitment or ability to return to his god-tier status on the field. And I maintain that. The problem with Clarry is everyone will judge him based on his lofty heights. It's not fair. He was good this year, and sure, maybe not what we have come to expect for various reasons. He is not alone in this respect! Our success in 2025 will require Clarry to return to his usual form. Provided we make the necessary adjustments to our midfield and overall game plan (which was a mess this year) - because it's NOT all on him as much as people want to pot him for not winning us games, that's not how it works - I am certain he will return to the Clarry we know and love. He looks happier and healthier, and with a few tweaks to his body and our game plan - boom, watch out 2025. Rest up, Clarry - you did your best this year considering all circumstances, look forward to seeing you firing in 2025. I also look forward to those asking for him to be traded/sold down the river to own their mistake next year.

Pretty bummed about this. Nibbler is a leader of the club and always has a dip. Has improved over the years with plenty still to give, but understand his reason, as a father of little ones myself. But I gotta say, this, together with the Trac malarkey today (not that I believe it - although his silence is a little worrying, he doesn’t have to say anything of course but geez it would help), doesn’t give me great confidence right now, as I worry we’ll spend another offseason batting away trade rumours/ defending our culture, when we should be finding players who will plug the holes we have, and solving the issues we have so we can give our last year or two to win a flag with Maxxy and May etc a real crack. The distractions don’t help. Anyway, Nibbler will be missed - wish him all the best, hope we do right by him as he has been good for the club, but it is another hole to plug, just not sure who can do it. A very important offseason ahead. Get players/get right for 2025.