Lord Nev

TBF it could be that the AFLPA are making it difficult for them. They're in negotiations with them.

I know mate. I wasn't arguing your point, I was bringing up something else.

Yep, that's why I didn't say his disposal issues were the only reason he was moved forward. The point about the back half turnovers is we've actively changed the backline, moved and removed players, to make it more reliable from a ball use perspective. Think we all agree TMac's disposal out of the backline was poor yeah? Hence, I doubt we would move him back there as it goes against what they've worked so hard on changing over the last few years. Our backline is stronger because of who we've moved out and who we've replaced them with. We're going backwards if we start inserting those poor users back in there again. IMO he'll play forward or he won't play. In saying that, I still think he won't be with us next year anyway. If you want to go back to see how his disposal in the backline was perceived have a read here:

A big part of the reason we moved him forward was his horrendous disposal. The last few years there's been a big focus on making our backline more 'safe'. In 2018 and 2019 our points conceded from back half turnovers was a massive issue. I very much doubt that we would move TMac to the backline again given that.

Hypothetical: Clubs may have more of an idea of what's happening than what has been reported in the media. Mahoney, for all his faults, is quite often ahead of the curve with trading/drafting changes. What if we're finding a way to get ourselves 2 higher picks because the AFL will reduce the 3 draftees minimum rule?

Bizarre, isn't it?

Maybe. But let's remember we've got reduced staff on reduced hours, probably working from home, and there's a fair bit going on at the moment for them to deal with. I'm not too worried about the coaching info on the website not being instantly updated.

Just guessing, but I think maybe they just haven't updated that part yet.

Haven't heard this one specifically, but this is definitely in line with what people are saying we'll try to do.

Yeah that makes sense for sure. Just have a sneaky feeling a few clubs are holding off on TMac while holding out hope on the Cameron situation. Once that domino falls I think the door opens a bit more for TMac, which then lines up what you're talking about there.

Personally I would have thought we'd have it high up the list, but going by Mahoney's comments yesterday it doesn't seem like the club feels the same way. Bit baffled by that tbh. Phillips might be a chance, but that's me guessing, not rumour etc. Pies have a bit going on obviously, and I still think they may consider TMac but are holding off for now with a few better options still potentially in play for them.

Not yet mate, sorry! Seems pretty quiet atm. Apparently the plan was Brown and Smith as the main focus, then a few free agent forward line options, then focus on getting up the draft this year and next year. Hoping for something more exciting, but no rumours at this stage.

Looks like Egan will stay in charge of development, which means the likely vacancies still are strategy and Casey senior coach. Sounding like no more 'big names' and probably a few part time roles to come. Burgess seems likely to stay now, which is great, but that's the main reason we can't bring in any more big name assistants as his salary is enormous (likely the reason the Crows backed out). https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/afl/coaches

Has signed up as Norwood's (SANFL) coach for 3 years.

Says a lot doesn't it.

Same here. Knowing (second hand) how hard he's tried to play through pain has given me a bigger appreciation for his work ethic. Deserves a bit of luck now.

Same mate. To me, history says TMac is not a bloke that is afraid of hard work. His form drop has been massive, you can either believe that's due to injury or due to lack of motivation. I know which side I sit on. Burgess would want to earn his very very considerable coin this year given how much of the soft cap it takes up.

Has had major ankle issues. Played in pain all year this year. Reckon it's a bit harsh to say motivation is lacking given that.

I don't think we're looking at Treloar. Haven't heard anything to suggest it. You'd have to ask Dr Evil about that one.

Sure was ;)

I agree making him forward coach might not turn out great, but to be fair, he added goal kicking coach to his role, he didn't 'migrate' to it as a different role.

I hear you mate, I just don't agree yet given we don't know what other roles will be filled. We may have a strategy coach come in yet. My guess is a strategy/oppo analysis coach and a development coach of some sort are yet to be announced. That would strengthen it for mine, especially if they're highly rated coaches.

I agree it's underwhelming to this point, I'm just holding fire until I see the final lineup. Don't agree that any other additions will be peripheral given we don't know who/what they are yet.

Don't know unfortunately, they've kept it pretty hush hush. There's been rumours around here and other places that Kingsley and Leppitsch were being chased by us, but haven't heard enough noise about them to think it's a chance yet.

Hold tight mate, there will be more coaches coming in from what I've heard. This isn't the final setup.