pitmaster

Seriously? Looks like he'd need verbal instructions on how to breathe.

Maybe that, but damo is right...Howe left because his manager shopped him around for much bigger money so aggressively that Howe effectively talked himself out of the place. Joined the Pies as a forward..lasted about three weeks there...then returned to the same role he had with us on about the same money. A fiasco on manager Ben Niall's part. Those saying Hogan did not feel accepted need to consider that Hogan clearly was not as invested in Melbourne as some of us invested in him...playing footsies with Ross Lyon 12 months ago FCS. We're better off the next 12 months without the distraction. It seems the refusal to extend is key here to the club's attitude.

Like many others here I am OK with this trade, although 12 months ago I would have been appalled. Hoges has much more to offer but clearly we were faced with a player who was determined to go home. Weideman showed enough for us to take a punt on him and TMac supported by Jake M and maybe Frisch to go back to attack as our forward structure so that we could let Hoges go. We at least got a monster defender for our trouble and if KadeK comes up trumps it's been a pretty reasonable return. Well done to the footy department in difficult circumstances. Hoges farewell message showed some class too. On another note, I don't actually think Hoges has done himself any onfield favours. Ross Lyon is not a coach that fosters much loyalty or confidence. Has all the warmth and charisma of a tiger snake.

Nice try but not enough for the Crows to play along.

Agree with the sentiment, I think. But wrapt? No 'w' in enraptured which is the word you're abbreviating. Here endeth the lesson.

'Did" good things, but otherwise you're right. He was good for Freo and did alright in his first stint with us.

Delighted to keep the big fella, but let's sign him to an extension for three more years asap. Freo, on this display have no trade credibility at all and Hoges should burn his bridges there. They have treated him appallingly and hopefully he will dismiss them in future,

Keeper.

And has two more goal assists by hand...

Thanks for that...here's hoping.

Seeking a considered opinion about the Weid's game at Casey. (Mods feel free to merge this with the Weid thread once KC and other serious Casey watcher give their view.) How has the Weid's game developed this year at Casey? How's his ruck work...his marking...leading...kicking? Give us the works.

As a Pedo fan for a long time I am happy to say now that Pedo's game is too limited for him to take the spot the Weid should logically have this week. The Weid is superior in the ruck to Pedo, and the Weid has a future. His kicking is as good as, if not better than Hoges who was seriously twitchy against the Swans. Sure the Weid has not set the world on fire goal kicking wise but Hoges is on average good for just over two per game. If the Weid gave us that and offered relief for Gawn in the ruck he will have done his job. He must be given the chance for the next two weeks. While his body may not be ready for big pack marks, he reads it well in the air and his hands as far as I have seen them are clean.

It was a deliberate act unquestionably, but Gaff could not have expected his punch to have such a devastating outcome. When we call this a brain fade we mean a spontaneous yet deliberate act with unintended consequences. That's what this is, and it is out of character. That won't prevent Gaff copping eight weeks as he should, but the character assassination around this is over the top. An otherwise talented ball player has a moment of madness. He is not Barry Hall, or Leigh Mathews for that matter. But what does it do for our recruiting plans if he is realistically in our sights? He is cheapened goods, but playing alongside Angus could be problematic now.

Sorry if this is covered elsewhere but The Age is reporting that the Crows are so sure of Lever coming to us that that fact prompted their query about the possibility of trading for Petracca or Oliver. They were told no chance on both counts.

Obst.

Just remember who votes for the Brownlow and you'll have some idea of its worth.

Self serving valueless comments

It isn't. It's an example of a reporter using modern technology to inform himself and his readers. I really enjoyed the article and it was using this site to demonstrate the division among supporters about Cale. Could hardly have been more apt. It was not adopting any of our opinions, simply noting that we are split on Cale's value or prospects. Some people (rpfc included apparently) aren't happy unless they're miserable and whingeing is their way of life.

The Malthouse talk always had the smell of smokescreen for me, with Clarkson clearly the right man for us and that we would have a go. Knows the club from the inside. Has the right level of a---hole that a coach needs, Even with a $5 million five year deal we are an outside chance only. The key is the Hawks won't be able to give him five years - obviously the dough is big but five years in his caper is a lifetime. As to those asking where did we get the money- I suspect that's what the big end of town is supposed to supply and I would not be surprised if some promises have been made assuming we get the right bloke...

PS I had hoped for a big lift from Saturday's game. Let's hope it comes round 22. Say 20,000 members/supporters turn up to see us [censored] the Toygs. Each donates an average of $20 that day. There's $400,000. That's the kind of effort we need. Put it together Jimmy

Going to struggle to get to $3 million - I don't know if Foxtel's $100K is counted in the running tally. If it is, we will be lucky to make $2.5 million. Best hope the club has another big hit up its sleeve but even that might just get us to $3 M.

Just tipped in $250 - keep it going folks...