The Jackson FIX

I am struggling to name one small That can play forward with reliable talent. Kossie - perhaps - but that is still potential, think he only kicked one genuine roving goal last year (FWIW I think his long term is in the middle ala Sonny Walters). You get Brown to clunk it (not to bring the ball to ground) and, as you say, send them through the middle from wherever he is.

I think most here assume it won’t happen largely because he is contracted and Melbourne’s demands would be ridiculously high (if they aren’t I would riot) but he is clearly somewhere on the scale of ‘disgruntled’ and ‘requesting a trade’. All I am saying is typically when they’re closer to the ‘disgruntled’ end of the scale there is a puff piece from the club saying ‘he was disappointed but is fired up for a preseason with the boiz’ (ala Merrett)... some vague comments weeks ago from journos doesn’t ease my fears he might be closer to the other end of the scale...

Not suggesting you are wrong, I just haven’t seen his manager or the club rubbish the rumour. I have heard people say his manager and the club have rubbished the rumours, but no evidence they have actually done that. Regardless, nice touch by Merrett. He didn’t need to do that, but I think that strengthens rapport with supporters.

Merrett came out publicly today and said he was staying, which will probably save about 5 million hours of collective sh*t talking between now and the draft. Would be nice if Clayton does the same.

?

I saw a screenshot of a text exchange between him and a friend (can’t guarantee it was real) which suggested Melbourne told him he was no longer required. His tone was positive - suggested he loved the Dees just wasn’t meant to be for him

If we are so good at marking inside 50 why are we prioritising a KPF then? It felt (I don’t have the stats to validate) sides were happy for us to ask for the ball wide and we therefore took lots of uncontested marks on the boundary between 25-50 out from goal. Hitting up a key forward in the slot is of huge value but is a much different game to hitting up an uncontested Fritta on the boundary.

Not sure our midfield would know how to kick to a player on the lead.

He is great value in the market without Neale (about $3). Menegola is the other one to watch tonight - I think he’ll lead Geel and is a smoky at huge odds.

Also, have heard rumours that he has been ‘requested to stay in QLD’ for the vote. No confidence in the rumour but I’ll take any excitement I can get at the moment.

Perhaps I’ve missed it but surprised there hasn’t been much chat about Trac’s Brownlow chances. Hasn’t polled well historically but he just stood out this year. Wouldn’t surprise me if he is in it up to his neck

We seem to be perennially chasing trends and always ending up worse for wear. I am not looking forward to the day Clarko (or some other coach better than ours) or the AFL change the way the game is played and the wingman we finally landed is no longer relevant in the modern game and we’re stuck with his 4 yr contract

2020’s version of Sharrod Wellingham - Collingwood had fun playing with their present for a while but when they realised it wasn’t that much fun they dished it off to the desperate kid down the road

He isn’t going to Geelong. Wild throw at the stumps from Kardinia

I saw G. Pert doing a private inspection of a newly renovated home base in Arden St that might be coming on the market shortly.

Have also heard this from a reliable source. Very sad story.

Wait wha? WE need a net gain of KPFs this trade period (or worst case scenario net flat with 1 elite small forward coming in).

Am hearing his Mad Monday antics on the GC might hasten a possible exit from the doggies. The extent of what a few of them got up to (Bailey Smith, Hunter, Daniel amongst them) ranges from outrageous to mildly expected but given Hunter’s already rocky relationship with the Dogs you would think trade talk will ramp up.

Goodwin and the club consciously got rid of him and it wasn’t just because he wanted to go home. Not going to happen.

Do you mean Jack Trengove?

Seemed to leave Jordan Gysberts pretty quickly... and Jack Grimes... and Cale Morton... amongst others.

This rumour is whipping Carlton nuffies into a frenzy. A popular theory - as relayed to me by my own Carlton nuffy mate - is they’ll flip pick 7 into 2x late first round picks (with WB), swapping one for Saad and one for Oliver. I suggested that appeared a bit unfair and they should ask for Petracca as steak knives.

If there is any truth to this, let’s hope it is our ‘Dusty tours GWS’ moment.

Just maybe, in a gesture of reparation for the infamous ‘Howe robbery’ they take a direct trade for OMac? Just maybe?

Don’t agree with those who claim he has fallen/is falling off a perch. His consistency has been amazing. Their 2nd or 3rd best defender on form in the back half of the year. I wouldn’t get him because it risks upsetting a building dynamic in our back line but form isn’t the reason I wouldn’t recruit him for a year.