old55

Hard to believe that Houston has been put off by recent reported "turbulence" at MFC. If he has then that says we probably don't want him anyway. If it's to go ahead I think 13 from GC for our F1st and 27 from Adelaide for ANB should get it done with Houston and Port's F2nd back. Their first pick is 37 so 13 and 27 is a decent boost. We also retain our current first for this year's draft for a good mid. If it doesn't happen then we take 7, 13 and 27 to the draft. In that case we could trade 13 + 27 to Sydney for 18 + 19 and put us right in the frame for SA ruckman Alex Dodson and the pick of a bunch of talls all rated by Cal Twomey in the 20s: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1173505/cal-twomeys-phantom-form-guide-top-draft-prospects-august-ranking

I think you're discounting the leadership vacuum too heavily. North were no doubt offering 4 years and big bucks.

As @Axis of Bob observed Tom Stewart signed for 4 years at almost exactly the same age as Jack is now at the end of last year. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/1479173/stewart-signs-on#:~:text=Tom Stewart is set to,a three-year contract extension.

Look I agree that 4 years is a stretch but there is such a thing as shoulder surgery and I've long believed Jack could be very effective in the forward 50. With Gus and ANB leaving we're desperately short of off-field leadership - Max, Jack, Lever (who you don't rate) and then daylight, to steward a lot of young players on the rise. IMO we've paid a premium for what Jack can deliver in this area.

McVee attended 22% of CBAs vs Port but I guess you can't see that if you don't want to watch.

I'd be very sorry to see Chaplin go, our defence has been generally great for many years under enormous pressure. He's a gun IMO.

I thought Lingers hasbeen great since he returned to the wing. I think the spot is Laurie's if he wants it enough.

Lawyers think she's doing a fabulous job.

Did you even listen to Goodwin's press conference? Clayton had to have the plate in for 12-14 weeks to allow support for healing and now that times is up so he's had the surgery to have it out.

People will see what they want to see. I see a coach I want at the club in Simon's press conference today. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1627919/rd-23-media-conference-simon-goodwin?videoId=1627919&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1723594756001

Personal circumstances - he clearly iterated that he loves the club and "the man and father it has made him". Clearly the coach has been a big part of this.

Just like how Kozzy went to Port and Petty went to Adelaide eh?

Amazing that, apart from Jackson and Bedford, every single one that we've wanted to re-sign has done so. How do you reconcile that?

I'd prefer Bergman but you can't buy what's not for sale.

I actually prefer the 3:20 Sunday - time to have lunch nearby and then get settled in.

Do you like Saturdays at 1:45, Sundays at 1:10 or 4:40? Because that's what you'll get.

Van Rooyen was subbed because he was ill and Gawn had a decent rest on the bench in the last with Petty rucking.

So the club is not worried about firsts because of the picks they "would get" if they did something that they are not going to do - that's some contradictory logic right there! Keep digging champ ...

Wow, Olympic Gold in back-pedalling there between those two posts - congratulations!

Kane should spend more time worrying about how Kenny and his brother are going to fail in finals yet again at Port.

That's not coming in until next year.

How come they've largely stuck around too then? Chaplin, Stafford and Williams all disagree with you. Only Yze left for a senior position.

Lingers, Leb, Kolt, Disco, Roo and Petts all seem to agree.

We need to give Laurie, Woey and AMW some continuity in the seniors. Hunter for Billings - neither are the future but we're playing enough youth. Petty played well again, he's had a good month. TMac has had a very good season and Hogan is a very good player but I wouldn't be surprised if Tom's last quarter horrors tipped him over the edge to retirement. One of Petty and Disco will play back next year and one will play forward until Jefferson hopefully establishes himself and they can both play back when May retires.

I read the comments on Instagram - so much hate for Simon. Seriously what is wrong with people? Great coach and the players agree.