BLWNBA

Hey may not have made it up, but it’s not true.

Bingo.

It was reported on Gettable that Adelaide had some preliminary interest in McVee (they didn't state any offer had been made - at least from what they said last week). It was spoken in the context of NWM re-signing with StK and suggested that this may mean they have their interest reignited in McVee, should they turn their attention back to him.

I've never said a new coach wouldn't want Jackson, but I don't necessarily think it would be a certainty we'd go in this direction. The personal connection and affinity which was a two-way street did (does?) play a big part in this. Would Jackson make our side better? I absolutely think so. Would I want any incoming coach and list management team to pursue Jackson? Overall, yes. But depending on where a new coach thought our side was, what areas for improvement were identified, and what we needed to be competitive and play the game style that the new coach desires, would dictate the decision (amongst list management considerations). If I was providing analysis based on an admiralty rating, with so many unknowns at this stage, I'd say it's possible (50%~). To some this will sound like I'm sitting on the fence, and maybe I am. This part of the conversation is based on my interpretation of events and my own views, it's not based on facts or knowledge as we just don't have those at the moment. The flip side is if we could accommodate a trade for Jackson, it would almost certainly occur. What I would say, based on the current situation (without knowing intentions regarding outgoing trades), is that it's remote and highly unlikely that Jackson would be at the club next year as it stands.

I'd look at it more that the personal connection of Goodwin being coach, increased the affinity of the Club wanting Jackson. There was an emotional connection there by virtue of Goodwin being his coach from 2020 - 2022, that is no longer present. I have no doubt that if Jackson were to declare his intention to seek a trade to Melbourne we'd look to facilitate it, but there may be less of an inclination from the Melbourne side to pursue this actively, now that that personal connection is gone. A new coach may not have this desire to drive this.

There's probably some truth to this too, and I'm not seeking to bash Trac or Oliver. I actually think there's a spot for them both under a new coach and I'd rather have them playing with us, than against us (unless there is a decent return of draft capital). Interestingly, CD rated Petracca as the 74th best player in the competition this season (his lowest return since 2018), with Oliver ranked 232 (last year he was ranked 244).

Jackson still wants to get back to the MFC. Immense difficulties with it occurring, diluted by the fact that there is an incoming coach who (obviously) isn't Goodwin.

I think this is very flattering and a bit of a stretch. Based on the kick rating stat (note: this is not kicking efficiency) which takes into account expected hit rate and degree of difficulty, Clayton Oliver and Trac were ranked as third and fifth worst midfield kicks in the league (Viney was the eighth worst). It's fair to say that neither of these two have ever been elite, but in a season when our disposal was one of the major reasons for our demise (read: multiple reasons exist, but disposal was a significant contributing factor), to say that Petracca and Oliver were back to their best is a gross oversell of their seasons. Personally thought Oliver came on in the last 6 weeks or so (and I think he had a better season than Petracca), but still if we're saying their 2020 - 2023 form was 'A grade', they were both a fair way off. Positives? Lindsay, Langford, Gawn, Melksham, Turner, Pickett (though he definitely tapered towards the end of the season). I'd probably throw McDonald in there too. Kentfield's recovery and VFL form is also a massive positive, hoping we can get some continuity and see this translate into the AFL next season. I'll be in the minority on this, but I thought there were some positive signs for Jefferson too. Yes, they were momentary, but maybe he'll come on. I'm probably more on the agnostic side with this, and maybe I'm more seeing something in hope more than anything else, but I'll carry this into the 2026 season before making a definitive judgement. At times our ball movement started to look cohesive, but I'm still extremely concerned about the lack of genuine elite users in our side. I'd also agree that Goodwin's departure was a positive. Regardless of what you think of him, the constant commentary was a distraction and this definitive decision allows us to move past him and the situation without it dragging on for another year.

What I understand from this thread is that Buckley has no autonomy at all, and is influenced via clandestine messaging which is directly driven by the New World Order, World Economic Forum, Bill Gates, the Illuminati and Lizard People as part of a vindictive, direct and highly capable media campaign, backed by the AFL and in particular, Andrew Dillon.

That would be extremely Melbourne.

Fair points, although a signed contract and affixing a signature is a type of execution which will then create a legally binding agreement (and an indication of the agreement of terms), executed contracts indicate all parties have competed their obligations under the contract.

I miss the real Heath.

Take it to the bank, he'll be at Melbourne.

I heard this too, I didn't really think it was tongue-in-cheek though. I felt he was definitely posing the question as to whether we'd look to take him.

@roy11 Sorry mate, I thought we were talking about Duursma and not SOS here.

Unsure why there is talk of no compensation, but suspect it's based on the assumption that the net value of player(s) North would lose in the trade does not outweigh the net gain of incoming players. As a general statement, based on Duursma's age and potential contract at a new club, the baseline would be satisfied.

I can't really say I've seen much of him substantively to make a call either way, but definitely agree to an extent with the on-paper similarities. Upside being forward craft, strong hands and marking ability, and an ability to finish with high upside and athleticism, but questions over his endurance and midfield craft.

Yeah I agree, although I will say that I'm agnostic as to whether we would be able to develop and get the best out of him (on historical grounds). Personally would see him as a big upgrade on Kolt (on potential). We've been tracking him for a lot of this year, it sounds like the interest since has draft year has been enduring. Personally not too sure how we'd get it done, especially if Lever isn't going anywhere.

Read it this morning, was an absolute waste of time. Very little analytical value at all and it just rolled with the status quo. Not saying it's altogether untrue, but yeah - nothing ground-breaking or overtly insightful.

We've got some preliminary interest in Zane Duursma, could give some legs to the mooted Norf interest in Lever.

I'm not trying to railroad you with this, it's a genuine question. But is your understanding on this that he has signed and the announcement is being held back, or is he unsigned for some specific reason? Personally see the second option being concerning at this stage of the year.

@spirit of norm smith are you familiar with Charlie Abbott (St Kevin's)? I haven't seen a lot about him, but he seems a promising selection. Ranked in the top 50 APS prospects, but doesn't seem to have much reporting outside of that. I'm also unable to determine if he's currently playing in the Coates Talent League or just in the APS. "Charlie Abbott (St Kevin’s College) Abbott is an imposing key forward who put together some great school footy performances this season, headlined by a five-goal haul against Carey Grammar. Not only was he a strong mark, but Abbott had a thumping set shot and could slot goals from distance as well from difficult angles."

It's one of the mooted changes for the 2026 draft. Essentially, the first round will be 'open', so if a club elects to utilise their first round selection on a player, clubs will be unable to match their selection. Therefore, the first round would be open slather; however, F/S and Academy selections will be able to be matched from Round 2 onwards.

Hit the one year extension this season, contracted for 2026.

I think you need to work some more intersectionality into your post. Christian? Tax payer? Confused on MSN though, I thought that was decommissioned in 2014?