Matsuo Basho

To quote Paul Keating 2019 is “the recession we had to have”. From 4 to 7 to 10 to 12 wins under Roos, then on to 14 wins and finals victories under Goody, our upward trajectory had been remarkably linear. Almost unnaturally so. I think it was inevitable that we’d hit some pot holes and encounter a few glaciers prior to making our ascent to the summit of Everest. This season is a disaster on the surface but if we make the right tweaks, adjustments and recruitments heading into 2020, we can bounce right back into contention. The nucleus is there.

Sorry didn’t see those threads. I just think the playing futures of both players comes into even sharper focus now. Particularly a great opportunity next weekend for Lewis to bow out with style and dignity. Has to happen.

Lewis is running in concrete boots and needs to announce his retirement after the Hawthorn game next weekend. It’s sad and embarrassing to watch sides with dashing half back flankers cut us up while Jordan moves around our back half like he’s on tranquilizers. It’s done mate. Over. You’re cooked. Time to bow out with dignity and a guard of honour from players of both clubs at the MCG, honouring the 4-flag star of the comp you’ve been. Digging your heels in and denying the development of a youngster is the selfish option at this point. Dislike Kane Cornes all you like, he’s correct about this one. With the season shot Jonesy has to seriously consider his future now, too. An announcement of his retirement at season’s end would give all Demon fans the chance to celebrate his remaining games and send this champion bloke and player off in style. Father Time has come knocking. Leadership and selflessness is also knowing when to hang ‘em up for the good of the team.

https://coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/afl/afl-2019-gws-jon-patton-heading-to-us-to-work-with-knee-guru-who-helped-tiger-woods-kobe-bryant-and-peyton-manning/news-story/a5e97209ea378e746231666aa2196e01 “I don’t have the mindset to just come back and play, my mindset is to come back and win a premiership and potentially be an All-Australian forward. I feel if I fulfil my potential I can be one of the best forwards in the league.”

Anyone the Hawks are interested in, we should also be doing our due diligence on. “The General” was on an upward form curve prior to his knee injury last year and word is his prospects of a full comeback at AFL level are better than good. And he’s coming out of contract. A genuine tall marking target who can kick 50+ goals, bust packs and straighten up the side must be recruiting priority number one heading into 2020. With this type of player and some quick classy mids in the draft I believe we can bounce right back into contention in 2020. Watch Weid, Tracc, TMac and the Melky Bar Kid walk a foot taller with a fit Jonno Patton commanding the forward 50. Risk v Reward is massive with this guy. What would it take in trade to get him? Start the bidding at our 2nd round pick? https://m.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-06/cashedup-hawks-linked-to-recovering-giants-forward-patton

Just joshin’ guys. Always knew he’d go. Been fun. Range Rover out! ????

I can’t see either Bell or Mahoney backing down so it’s a standoff and Jesse stays.

Freo haven’t officially pulled the trigger on Lobb because they’re waiting/hoping for the Dees to cave on pick 11. Think about it ...

Clear as mud GCDee. Tick toc tick toc...

So if this is the case I guess the domino of Hogan should also follow very quickly. But .... it hasn’t. Yet. Hmm ?

Weid is VERY green, WYL. Very promising but only a 20 gamer still growing into his frame.

Josh Mahoney.

What %age of those involve old Bruce Lee here? ?

ProDee Post 9760. Bookmarked ?

GCS have to back themselves. If you’re going to pass up on the opportunity to have a crack at the next Dustin Martin, Chris Judd or Nick Reiwoldt because you’re afraid they’ll leave in two years you may as well shut down the joint now. Unless as I said they receive an offer way too good to refuse. Will the SA clubs do that? Sell the farm to get these elite kids? We’ll know more by 8:30pm tonight. As an aside, watch the AFL increase the initial mandatory contract for all draftees in the top 20 to three or even four years soon. 20yo’s being enticed and lured by rival clubs before they’ve barely laced up a boot is a bad look for the game.

What if GCS see Rankine and Lukosius as the superstars most draft watchers believe they’re going to be? You don’t give up that unless you get a monster offer. You certainly don’t give it up for ‘mid tier’ players.

Lol. Okay Rod ?

*Edit to pick 6. What’s the diff. I have said Freo either aren’t interested or are playing funny buggas to get him next year cheaply. I’ve been totally consistent on this. You seem nervous I’m going to be right. Getting a bit jittery there RGRS? Deadline day can do that to you!

Thanks Tarzan. This confirms what I’ve been saying. Freo and Hogan have a handshake deal for him to return to Perth in 12 months. Unless Melbourne capitulate and accept massive unders now for Hogan (11 & steak knives), Bell is going to keep pick 5 in the superdraft and collect him out of the bargain bin next year. Dees are going to get stiffed here. Freo are going to have their cake and eat it too and we’ve got a wantaway,, uncommitted forward on our hands for another year. Plus we don’t get May. What a bummer!

It’s a solid rebuttal 55. I take my hat off to you as one of the rare posters who actually puts depth of thought into replies and general analysis. Let’s see how it unfolds tomorrow. The drumroll has begun!

It’s been about 20 a day, most of which are spent answering questions and replying to prods, pokes and insults from aggrieved fanboys like you. There was no intention to be guileful or artful in my last reply to you. Was just pointing out your fear and prejudice towards non-conformism. If that hit a nerve so be it.

It’s a contrarian, minority opinion. What’s the problem? Does difference and non-conformity frighten you? That to me actually is sad.

Hogan stays. Circus continues another 12 months. Bell to take the Neale pick 5 to the superdraft, or trade it up for two mid first rounders. Get Hogan in on the cheap next year while adding top shelf young talent to their list now. As a result May to go to a Melbourne based club, just not us. Of course I’m not happy with this outcome as a Dees supporter. But this is the route I believe Freo under Bell and Rosich are taking. They’re not the dills many on here want to cast them as.

There are greater travesties in life to be saddened by, Sue. Lighten up, it’s just a game. Just put me on ignore. Problem solved.

I’m being followed by a Moonshadow, Moonshadow, Moonshadow ?‍♂️?