Ron Burgundy

Jack Watts wanted to stay at the Dees. For his entire career. Plainly, he was exited from the club. He handled it with class. Whatever people’s views here about his on-field performances, he (and Trenners) we’re without doubt committed to the MFC. He deserves our respect for this. To now rubbish him shows lack of class. Clearly, he has to make comments such as the comments reported in that article. In fact, I expect he actually needs to believe it himself from a psychological perspective - to not think this would probably prolong the disappointment of having been exited from the club. I also expect that, confirmation bias here aside, the betting odds will reflect the accuracy of his statement as to which club is closer to the flag.

I know an ex girlfriend of his. Despite the fact that I continually protested that he's a massive talent etc, she pretty well said he's a dumb scumbag. It's possible I was wrong. That said, I've been wrong about a lot of stuff in recent years.

Lewis finished equal third in our B&F this year. And, as everyone knows, he missed games through suspension. Had he played in those, I reckon we would've won some of them, especially the Fremantle game, and those games would've translated into more votes. In short, Lewis is not past it. He remains a super important player for us. I will be stunned if he does not (at the very least) play out his entire contract at the Dees i.e. barring serious injury, he will absolutely play next year. Like Hibberd, such a valuable pick up for this list.

All first round draft picks that we on-traded for steak knives, or delisted.

Destination club ...

Needs to eat a lot of chicken this preseason. That said, I've always thought Taylor would nail his first pick this draft. Second and third round picks are where really good recruiters shine.

Just watched the Cal Twomey interview on afl.com. Interesting to know if Jaiydn Stephenson were to slip to the second round whether we'd put our foot on him prior to Geelong with pick 35 (even though he could go as high as pick 6). Seems ridiculously open.

I can't see one of Hogan or T Mac playing in the forward pocket to allow Weideman to play CHF. Surely it's Hogan as FF and T Mac as CHF (or vice versa) before Weideman as CHF.

Just listened to the segment. I thought Wallace was absolutely spot on, but for some slightly curious inclusions and omissions in the best 22. Interesting that he said 'Jack Watts? I personally would've kept him, but it won't hurt the club long term'. Despite the 1 billion posts on that topic here, I think that pretty well sums up that trade perfectly.

Too many emojis ...

They'll all go in the first round.

What is that photo?! He looks 10 years old. That said, Lever could quickly become my new favourite Demon (although he has a bit of competition these days, unlike in years gone past). Starting early is the perfect way for him to commence at this club. Would like to see him announced in the LG at the start of next season. And also for him to toss the coin in our first game against the Crows before marking up against Tex at the opening bounce, and then throwing a few Glenn Archer-style feints in his direction just to let Tex know what he's in for for the next few hours. That'd probably elevate him into new favourite Demon status of all time.

I kinda like Port now.

I reckon Jason Taylor will nail this pick.

Happy to back Jason Taylor in the draft. He could weave some magic with so many second rounders.

Critical extension. Key figure around the club. Loved his comments too. And the fact that he agreed to the contract extension so quickly, rather than string out negotiations (which may have allowed the media to generate some noise, however misguided). Now time to extend Petracca's and Oliver's contracts. Until at least 2030.

He seems to be quite clearly stating that the deals that we ultimately agreed to didn't reflect the terms that Mahoney stated very publicly prior to each trade that he regarded would represent reasonable terms in each case. That said, I like the fact that the club doesn't play North Korean brinkmanship and seeks to execute the deals quickly and efficiently and within an acceptable range (from the club's perespective).

Petracca is clearly number one. Jetta two. Jeffy three. Then Hannan. Don't know why exactly - just kind of works. Pedo is good too, particularly after a few beers and he does something special when the game is in the clinches.

Stand corrected. I actually knew this to be honest. Point still (kind of) stands though.

Do not know a single thing about this Liam Ryan kid. But if, as described, he's an indigenous Robbo, he simply must be drafted. By us.

His name is Tex. Says it all really.

You're a good poster Wise. In my observation, using the word 'pal' tends to fire people up. In this thread in particular, it'd be kind of be good to take the oxygen out of the fire, rather than add to it. As an aside, I have found the arguments put forward for trading Watts to be absolutely compelling. In between the 'lols' and the other stupid posts, there is actually some interesting and informative discussion on this thread. To those posters, thanks.

In respect of a discussion in which there are plainly competing, but relevant and reasonable viewpoints on each side of the debate, this is the sort of comment that unecessarily personalises and inflames the issue. Why bother with making such a remark? The one thing I take out of this trade is that Jack Watts is an exceptionally well mannered individual. He has class. Class in adversity. His parents should be proud. Manners show respect. And it is never unattractive to see people display courtesy and respect for one another. I wish some posters here would try to adhere to these standards. We all support the same team.

The real skill in this negotiation was not in dealing with the Crows, it was in convincing Lever with absolute clarity and certainty that his long term future will be at the MFC.

In fairness, at least he executes i.e. he gets the deals done. No use being Captain Scrooge only to see some rival club land the player we wanted. We're probably seen as being a reasonable club to deal with too, which has its benefits.