Lord Neville X Flash

I think it's a myth we struggle down back, we were fine against Geelong and Hawthorn in the finals, and suffered when we turned the ball over in the middle of the ground v west coast. PLUS, Our best and most important defender in Lever was out. I think the combo of Lever/Omac, or Lever/Frost, or even Lever/Frost/Omac is good enough to win a flag. If anyone of Tmac, Hogan or Weed was going back, it would surely be Weed as he is the least valuable forward

Hogan a likely multiple coleman medallist, no chance he goes back

6 - 6 - 6 coming in next year = tall forward lines super valuable, as there will be no spare defender to counter quick centre clearances (our midfield will get plenty). Plus Hogan, and TMac are aerobic beasts, we would defs make it work. Preuss is the one who would miss out on games. I say if we have a sniff at keeping him we wrap our arms around him, even if its just for another year, he can get us a flag.

I would be concerned taking Freo's 2019 first rounder. With Hogan and Lobb, they have some real talent on their list and could make a huge jump up the ladder. Fyfe, Hogan, Lobb, Brayshaw, Cerra, both Hills, Walters, Sheridan, Wilson, Blakley, Langdon are all good/great players, plus some i don't know or may come out of no where to have a big 2019.

Of course they would. If he was even a 5% chance of going to freo they would happily try and give him a tour to get him over the line. Same as GWS giving Dusty a tour when he was on the fence. I actually think Jesse may be genuinely on the fence.. or maybe he's just waiting to get out of the country before the announcement is made

Good trades increases the likelihood of good outcomes, however.

Got the tin-foil hat on i see

I pray we don't take it, but its a possible outcome

If TradeRadio was saying 3 first rounders for Hogan everyone would be singing its praises... lol

equal 2) we get a poor deal but take it so as we get May

If he stays for 2019, due to Freo and Melbourne not agreeing to a trade, then what happens? How does trading an un-contracted non-free agent work?

I am not arguing that he is a free agent... just saying why people may assume he is. People on demonland get so salty over the littlest things.

Probably because the way the story is being reported, i've heard trade radio say freo may hold off a year and then Hogan can walk from melbourne.

Is he not a restricted free agent at then end of 2019?

Freo offer pick 5. Melbourne apologise to Hogan and say we are happy to let you go but freo are low balling us. We have a crack at the flag with Hogan in 2019, telling him it's only one more year until he's a free agent. In the meantime, collingwood has no bargining chips for May, nor does Hawthorn, so May probably stays at GC for another year. At the end of 2019, Hogan might leave, or maybe we convinced him to stay. Further May becomes a free agent and there is 0 chance he stays at GC. So we can pick up May for free and have a chance at retaining Hogan. We also come out looking like the good guys, as freo are the ones not willing to pay his worth. Furthermore, Kennedy may retire so WC become a big player. We hold the chips here, for once. Hogan is not at odds with the club at all, and if he had to play one more year here, he would suck it up and even possibly enjoy it.

We need to keep AVB desperately

Pick 5, 6 and Hunt for pick 1?

I personally disagree, in the prelim we gave our defenders 0 chance by turning it over in literally the worst spots on the ground. We made it through to the prelim without our number 1 defender in lever. Plus Omac and Frost will continue to improve, i'm particularly optimistic that lever and the best of Omac/Frost can hold down the key positions. We got destroyed by hawkins that one game, but he was getting perfect delivery, kicking it over his head and from the boundary. I think our team structure/game plan and mental maturity is our area of most improvement. We still need to develop the true ruthless winning habits that the great sides have. I don't think May is the key to our success, i'd rather continue to secure this dynasty by going to the draft, we are in a position to compete for the next 5-8 years IMO.

KK more important than may for mine. Jetta Frost Hibbo Salem Lever KK Omac, Hunt, Smith, Wagner, Petty all improving in the VFL, vying for an opportunity. I'd be super happy with this backline, plus get in pick 5&6 in the "best draft in two decades". Plus with no Hogan and May we will have enough cap space to have a real crack at Gaff or Kelly.

Melbourne may be making freo sweat to ensure we get pick 5 & 6

i feel like everyone has been very specific when talking about picks...

Best case scenario for mine would be, GC hold onto may, we get pick 6 and 10 and get two victorian boys. Then get may for free next year. I trust lever and Omac/Frost to be good enough if the rest of the team show up.

I doubt we would offer 2 first rounders, maybe pick 10 and a second rounder for May and KK

May holds little power in the situation. If GC don't get an offer they respect, they could let him sit out a year and get pick 2,3 or 4 in compo when his contract finishes. Even if he chooses collingwood, its unlikely the pies can appease GC. Furthermore, GC are viewed as a weak organisation, they will be keen to put a line in the sand to save what little reputation they have left, May won't be let go for anything less than a top 10 pick, if not top 7.

I don't think Sydney have a particularly high 1st rounder, so we are more than likely in the box seat for May.