Deeko2

His family lives in Mildura. Don't worry bluey, we're all proud Victorians and he doesn't have any 'go home factor' about him. All the people from Mildura follow Victorian teams, very rare for anyone to follow a NSW or SA team. We just more frequently travel across to Adelaide to watch the footy as the drive is two hours less. I'm an MCC member but have probably seen the dees twice at the G over the last 3 years where as I haven't missed us as Adelaide Oval. The advantage of Melbourne however is the direct flights in however that's getting pricier and pricier. But back on point, he's definitely not what I'd classify an interstater. Geographically rpfc - you're correct - however we don't really refer to them northerners as being from the same place. Wentworth/Dareton area..... well..... she's pretty rough there.

He's got a higher ceiling than Tommy Sparrow in that he has a great leap and a bit more flexible in that he can impact up forward with his marking. On his stats, he was rotated a lot more up forward during the year hence he's not just racking up 25+ in the midfield each week. I have no doubt if we was playing as a pure mid then he'd have far more attractive numbers but he was impacting up forward well so he was always going to be a hybrid. On the comparisons with Heeney, yes they play a similar role but Cumming is nowhere near the quality of Heeney. I have Heeney in one of the best dozen in the comp. Hopefully Sam gets to a similar level and he has so many positive aspects but Heeney was a jet and remains so.

I know Sam and the family well. Outstanding club people (mum and dad are both Life Members at Wentworth FNC) and he's just grown up with a footy in his hands. His old man, was not only a long term wonderful player (well before I moved to Mildura) but his mum was a great netballer. They run the largest commercial landscaping business locally and were the contractors who completed the three immaculate ovals AFL level ovals at the $40m + Mildura Sporting Precinct. So if Sam isn't getting a kick in the ones, we can get him and the family on the tools at Caulfield. The project also included 4 outdoor netball courts and 6 indoor basketball courts and offices. On Sam, he's an exciting talent and would like to have him but I have never seen much X factor that makes him a high end pick. I've always thought of him being a really solid mid fielder. I see him more of a James McDonald type.

Interesting thought. Surely they wouldn't have the cap space for both would they? May be a silly question, but do they have the same cap space as all clubs or is there some kind of advantage to GWS/GC as nepo babies still? Not sure how they're fitting everyone in anymore.

They may increase the trade currency if we increase our contribution of his contract. Might be an opportunity for us to snag P12 if we throw in some more cashola. Not sure who else we'll be paying if we don't get BH, Trac going and what, 50% of Clarries contract gone. I wouldn't be against 'buying' our way up the draft if there is something there we like.

The optics aren't necessarily bad in terms of value vs the results you presented above. The biggest issue I have is the so called low quality of this draft that people continually throw around in the media. Also - personally, I never rate draft picks. The risk is just too high with not getting a full return when you're losing a known star player. We must get a known player of high quality in return,. Out of your list above, Cameron, Danger and Neale - all known stars at the time - went on to win premierships at there new clubs. Shiel was just a horrible trade all around for the Bombers and the Judd trade broke even solely due to Josh Kennedy becoming a superstar. As the old saying goes, 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' which is especially prevalent around how the Cats traded Danger and Cameron noting: The giants return of draft picks ended up being Conor Stone, Ryan Angwin and Brayden Cook. The crows return of draft picks ended up being Wayne Milera, Dean Gore and Troy Menzel Could the Crows have won the 2017 premiership with Danger running around for them? Maybe. Would the Cats continued being a powerhouse without Cameron/Danger? Unlikely. Would the Lions have done as well without Lachie Neale? Unlikely Could GWS pinched a flag with Cameron still there? Maybe. Anyways, you're probably right that it looks a good deal and the draft picks above aren't as high as above obviously, but I just wanted to get my point across about how draft picks can really suck.

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.

I still think he'll stay if the stories are on here are true that he has a local girl and is enjoying his time in Melbourne. I have wondered if the Eagles have approached us and potentially looked at bringing him back closer to home. Maybe Judd's management team are wanting an increase in term or value but we've been made a decent offer for his services. If we got the Eagles second round pick (most likely early 20's) would you take it? Potentially frees up say another $400k - $500k to land a decent midfielder via free agency whilst bringing end some more relatively high end talent. I'm a no personally as the old saying goes, 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' but it would be interesting to see what he's worth.

It seemed as if teams whole planning going forward the last two years was just to bomb it long forward, aiming at territory and then locking it in. Landing the ball on top of Fritsch in the middle of a giant pack is just a complete waste of a forward entry. Sadly, no other tall forwards have been able to perform at a decent enough level to give him a chop out. With more players lowering there eyes on the weekend, we see how dangerous Bailey still is and to me is a must keep primarily on the idea that what we get in return (late second rounder) is hardly worth it in what looks an average draft. Imagine him roaming forward for Collingwood, Geelong or Brisbane. He'd be kicking 40+ a year still. 100% agree. 100% agree as well. I always back his finishing and don't even get upset when he takes it on himself to finish the play instead of passing it off. At times I see people calling him selfish which it can look that way but still, I'm always happy for him to take the ownership as he's a great finisher.

I normally agree with this thinking but with finals out of the equation, I think we're better off playing him and getting games into him in prep towards next year. I'd have him in and send Rivers back to the midfield group as he was down back a fair bit more than expected today. Out: Sparrow, Lever & dunno... In: Windsor, May, Howes I would have said out TMac as I keep thinking this will be his farewell year but all year the bloke has been proving me wrong and looking the goods. Definitely playing better footy than Lever as who knows what's going on there with him. If he isn't 100% - just stick him in the fridge until next preseason. Windsor must keep playing minutes and developing. I don't see why we'd play him or any of the other young talent in the twos as the drop off in quality is just far too much for my liking. Everyone always has the extra half a second in the VFL. Mind as well get used to not having it in the ones if we think they're going to make it. Watching Spargo pass it off from 40m directly in front and Sharp shank kick after kick is enough for me to pass on them for now.

Melksham. Kicking 5 whilst having someone wear you all day is an amazing effort. The man is like a fine wine and continues make fantastic leads into space and importantly, clunking some high quality contested marks. Petracca. I'm probably judging him harshly as on paper his game was fantastic and he looks nearly back to his best. He just had a couple ordinary kicks today that would have seen him get BOG in my world. Just still not quite lacing them but some of his bullocking work was top notch and I think his body nerves from previous injuries are just about over. Look out 2026 Fritsch. Like Melksham above, I always rate forwards impact higher than mids who can get cheapy touches all day. This bloke today was absolute class in both his goal kicking and his delivery in. I feel he gets treated harshly sometimes here as he's a pure finisher who will always look poor in a poor team. With Melksham owning the space deep and giving us a half decent target, its great to see him get on his bike and show some more of his skills Salem. Another who I think gets some harsh feedback at times here as he has a bit of the Mark Waugh vibe that looks like he's not trying. A few great intercepts today but more importantly, his delivery inside 50 a few times was just magic and something we haven't seen for a while. Was great seeing him getting some touches forward of centre Langford. I wanted him if we had pick 1. Have always rated him as he is absolute class with the ball and owning the wing at present. The only shame about him playing so well there is that we haven't seen much of him running straight through the guts where I think he'll be even better. Have really enjoyed his spacing and not getting sucked in and within 3 years, I think he'll be our best player. TMac. Was by far our best key defender today. I get why he's been out of team with the combo of May/Lever/Tuner being preferred on paper, but we're all aware that right now on form, he deserves to be there over Jake and looks far more assured attacking contests and rebounding well. Unlucky to Gawn as didn't quite have his usual impact and Kozzy who if he kicked his other two opportunities he would have polled.