Deeko2

I agree and it's quite clever by the selling club to let the market 'woo' there player first and basically make the club commit. It's rare they back out once they've made the effort to meet with the player and manager and promise them the world. I always wonder if there is a scale the clubs use (or an industry standard) to judge the currency of trading for picks. For example, does a $900k player being traded equal a pick 6-10? Does a a $650k player (McVee) equal a pick 19-25? Clubs would need some of knowledge on the cost they'd have to stump up if they're going to woo a player with contracts in excess of $1m wouldn't they? It's what I don't with 'the filth' entering the chat for Humphrey.

I missed the first quarter of the last match of the year vs 'the filth' getting the kids ready for bed and dialed in at quarter time. I thought May was outstanding and was in so much shock to log into Demonland post the game and read the criticism he copped, wondering what people were seeing that I had missed. The answer was clear when I went back and watched the first quarter as he did [censored] the bed a little. Clutching at straws for a positive there but he still has the confidence to bounce back after a poor start so that's maybe something? I have a theory on why we've told May there may not be opportunities and it revolves around a young Harrison Petty. HP would surely be desperate to go back to where he was once looked upon in the competition as a high quality and sought after key defender. Much more atrractive then a stop gap, highly ridiculed key forward who averages less than a goal a game. The defensive line to me looks fairly sound without Steven FB: Lever Petty AMW HB: Salem/Rivers Turner Bowey Leaving some depth players in Adams, McDonald, Howes, Woey loitering around waiting for a chance.

I have a large amount of anxiety about this also Macca that he's going to go full 'Jesse Hogan' after leaving Freo and return to an absolute beast. Still, I don't think it will happen. He has had multiple wake up calls over the last few years and still just churns out solid B/C grade games. He's not going to get better with us - so cut him loose.

I get your point Luci but I'd still much rather the ND12. I haven't followed the draft at all this year to be honest with our lack of top end capital but with the constant talk of it being a little bit soft, I'd much rather be at the pointy end. I don't mind the concept of the points when discussing later trades or future trade scenarios but I'm still always happy to burn some point value to get the better pick.

One of the lads I know who played with Kingy for a few years at the catters thinks we got an absolute ripper as coach. Very intelligent and respectful guy who loves a laugh with the lads but was the ultimate professional. So far, I think he's doing the right thing. We won stuff all with CP & CO really not exactly setting the world on fire or adding anything overly great. They also never took control of a game or single handedly got us a win like we should be expecting of our superstars. With so much drama about the two, I'm sad to see them go but 100% back the decision and think it's the right move for the club. I also respect King for making a tough call that could put additional pressure on him if the team doesn't perform - just shows he's backing himself in for the long run.

As much as I love this kid as a player, really can't see happening. I have no doubt this is just a cash grab to extend his current GC contract for some more dollars. Along with his manager, he'd be watching the Flanders contract offers at present and be completely aware it's a sellers market after signing his first contract extension fairly early in his career. Obviously Trac coming in would put a squeeze on the cap however they will trade out a few, delist a few and pick up some incredible high end talent on smaller deals through the draft. So they will have cash to play with. The meeting with other clubs/coaches is really just eye candy to put more pressure on the Suns IMO. There was a really good post in the Derksen thread about how clubs can just burn players so easily and just like that, a career can be over and you're on the scrap heap. The days of staying loyal and wanting to repay/reward your club are diminishing each year with clubs just as likely to cut you or put you on the trade pile.

Sadly this is pretty much what happens. Agents are talking with anyone and everyone to maximise there clients return and would 100% be saying a "certain Vic club is offering X/Y/Z" for sure to create other opportunities We won't have offered an official contract but I can guarantee we've gone to his manager with some numbers written on 'the back of a napkin' so they know exactly the term and structure. Would be something like: 2026 @ $X 2027 @ $X 2028 @ $X 2029-30-31 @ $X

It's always interesting hearing about the Gawn/Grundy comments on the board. I was lucky enough to have a great chat with Brodie a few months back at an event with Sydney. He's an absolutely fantastic bloke for a yarn. I told him I was a Dees supporter and he opened up a bit and had nothing but positive stories about his time with us. He did have a laugh saying that neither Gawn or himself were "Carey like" as forwards and was well aware from the beginning that he'd always be the one making way if the forward/ruck system wasn't working out. I really didn't get any impression from him that we didn't deliver on what was promised or planned to him. He seemed very at peace with his time in the red and blue. He said he was still very close with Maxy but said something like "I'll always pencil in the dees game each year to try take the big fella down" with a big grin on his face. He clearly had no hard feelings. He seemed to be the unofficial mouth piece of the club every time there was any disruption. Whether this was board level, executive changes, coach sackings etc. Everyone seemed to gravitate to him for his opinion as he does speak well to the common folk like myself. A few times when an issue seemed to be bubbling, he was able to deflate it quite quickly which is why people's opinion of him is even far more glowing than that of just a good player. He is great and will be remembered as one of the greats but I agree he still has a major flaw around his goal kicking. I get confused how players cannot improve such an incredibly important skill - especially one that can completely sap the momentum out of the play. I have no doubt Max has an ego and was probably incredibly driven (some might think selfishly) to go hard for his Eighth AA blazer. All I know is that we're a far better team when he's playing well so if the things to motivate him to greatness than so be. I only wish a few others had the same motivation looking after themselves the same. Back on topic - clearly this is a no. As if anyone who's 'one wood' as a ruckman is considering coming to the dees.

I didn't think players particularly enjoyed heading out to Casey but was surprised by the straight forward whack delivered by Goody today in the outgoing press conference. I never really believed Casey was a really sore point but clearly it does frustrate the players/footy department a lot. Would love an update from the club on this one. Obviously Pert was moved on recently as a consultant on this project and the club has prevented any work to be completed by Guerra on this project until he's officially in the chair in September. Is this because of his current role or current directorship at Victoria Racing? So the 'Business Case' that was promised in mid 2025 obviously won't be able to be submitted/viewed until Guerra has signed off on it. I would imagine this would be close to being completed anyway but how long until we expect it to be finalised - supported by Guerra? Would really love an official update from the club on this also.

I'd be surprised if it was leaked from the board. Could have very easily been Goody himself who leaked it out? Maybe even accidentally. His family would be aware straight away obviously, then it wouldn't take a great deal from then on. Also, Gawn knew from 7.30am this morning. He might have messaged a few mates and then its basically out and about in the world. Bad news travels incredibly fast.

Very challenging for Brad Green there. On one hand he has to sell the message that Goody isn't the man going forward and justify the decision to sack him. Basically he's not good enough. On the other hand he has to do his best to thank him for what he brought to the club and be grateful for the positive memories. Goody handled that very well. Surely a Football Department Leadership role somewhere awaits.

Great post binman. I have a little theory on Burgo as well in that he somehow keeps the players up and going for a longer by communicating with them more and reminding them how much more they can really give. I think I can recall footage of the 21GF where he was with the playing group (maybe on the bench) just telling them that they're all good and heaps more to give. There is obviously physical restraints to all players fitness levels but there has to be some percentage of mental blocks at times preventing the extra 10-15% which can see teams improve incredibly. Looking at the Crows this year and I see some resemblance to us in late 21. Players giving there all for longer and longer.

I hate so much that I believe this as well that he'll be out of the Dees at the end of this season. What I'm going to hate more is that he'll probably find his motivation again getting back to his best keeping the cats in the top 4 for the next 6 years while we debate whether the P20 +/- we receive should be in our ones or twos languishing in 'no mans land' on the AFL ladder of 10-15. Watching Bailey Smith average career highs in possessions, I50s, R50s and tackles is just an example of how much players can find the extra when needed. It does frustrate me that professional athletes getting paid a fortune aren't always 100% committed but they are human beings who do go through the motions. Just a shame he hasn't found that with us, dropped the extra kgs and got the power back in his game.

I'm more confident if he was living in Vic then it would be a done deal. By living up north and, well, 'sitting on the fence' he gets the chance to continue to develop with the Suns lads in all their top notch academy programs. At least that's what I'm telling myself

It was a long shot but I didn't think it was horrendous. We clearly tried every key forward available - and some not - and seem to be continuing to do so even now. I would much rather us try something like Grundy and at least attempt something new (which clearly didn't work) rather than try nothing at all. It would be far worse to wonder to ourselves what could have been and why the hell didn't we at least try it. We (MFC) did some serious work with the Reid's before the draft and no doubt stayed in touch to keep the relationship warm. We have quite a few connections around the area with former players. I played a bit with his old man and I really doubt he'd ever come out and say what Caro quoted. They're just not that type of person. I still doubt he'll ever leave the Eagles as from all accounts he is loving life over there.