praha

I actually think that comment was more influential on the decision that the result itself. I couldn't believe my ears when he said that. I think it was pretty clear he was done at that point.

It's all a big conspiracy! 🙄

Sorry, where in the letter does it specifically tell us who to vote for?

I am far more optimistic going in 2026 than I was 2025.

Stuff that. AFL Membership. Wait 20 years for Gold. Get access 40+ games a year, essentially guarenteed access to Prelim and GF if your team makes it, BUT be surrounded by opposition supporters AND use the worst facilities in the MCG.

I fully expect him to have great 2026. He will definitely end up as one of the Dockers' all-time greats!

He share two stories attacking Tom Morris for his comments about Steele being a better character than Oliver, and then shared an image with Harmes, Ugle-Hagan, and some randoms. The photo with Ugle-Hagan I don't mind, but the posts about Tom Morris were in poor taste. If I were GWS I'd definitely be telling him to tone it done. He's been a bit unhinged lately. He's definitely turned me off a bit during the trade period.

Just give us the flag now.

They're not offering more because we've publicly stated he will be playing VFL. No one else is prepared to take on 800k in their cap for a player that can't break into a side that finished 14th. We publicly diminished his value and are now going to actually get way below what he is actually worth. Behaviour aside, he is still worth a late first round pick at absolute worst. GWS is laughing at us. It tells you that we showed our entire hand to the poker table and still went all in despite having a 72 off, expecting others at the table to tap out.

Just makes my decision to suspend my membership next year all the more logical. Gobsmacked at the stupidity of this club. Tell the world he is a VFL player. And then get an offer for a third round pick, while still paying half his salary. Just an absolute shambles.

You new here?

Clearly Bailey is being held hostage by GC. Only one person can negotiate his release.

You can't blame them though. Equalisation was tracking well before COVID hit. Richmond, for as big as they are, proved that you can build a Dynasty through strong draft and player development. The Bulldogs won, Hawthorn had fallen... COVID really brought the league to the brink and they'll be looking to crawl it back for at least another decade. This means ensuring the big clubs are at the top, helping teams in smaller markets outside of Vic grow the game's footprint, etc etc. This leaves smaller clubs in established markets to fend for themselves now because the AFL is focused on getting back to what it was. COVID has played a big role in the current focus of the league.

Is the reason the deal hasn't already gone through for 7 and 8 because we are still trying for Humphrey? It doesn't make much sense to me that the deal wouldn't already be done if it's just for picks. Are there other dominoes we need to fall before doing it?

I volunteer as tribute.

It's not so much the pick itself in isolation. It's that we would effectively be giving up McVee and Trac for picks 7 and 8 in a compromised draft. It's ultimately too much and we are treading towards being swindled here.

Let's not forget that we managed to attract Lever, May, Grundy, and were front runners for Houston before all hell broke loose. If you run your club well from the bottom up, you will attract talent. Let's not forget that the AFL essentially nudged both Roos and Jackson to set us up, which they did, before we Melbourne'd it. As much as I hate Geelong, they do something right and make the most of their location and coterie. They are definitely pulling shifties though. As for Brisbane they are just super appealing to talent. Get out of the Melbourne bubble, and get to live in sunny Queensland where your dollar goes much further.

Almost as good as a centre square with Gawn, Petracca and Ol.... oh wait.

I agree. But it should never have got this bad. The club is not an innocent party in this.

I am so sad. One of our most decorated players of all time. Was well on the way to being one of our greatest ever. Set to be traded for a second round pick. AND we'll be paying him to play elsewhere. You'll never convince me that we aren't the most self-destructive club in the league.

He's not immortal.

Is he in the Swiss alps?

Melbourne's ability to openly and willingly trade with contending teams needs to be studied. I reckon other clubs pull their hair out when they see some of the trades we do.

Him ending up at Collingwood is another trigger for me to not renew my membership, unless we get something substantial in return that is overs, which isn't happening. This off-season, Trac for 2 first rounders, and/or Oliver to the Pies are the two triggers that would see me skip football for at least 2026. We absolutely should not be dealing a 4 time B&F winner to [censored] Collingwood. I know some people might think it's petty and just silly rivalry talk, but your club has to bloody stand for something. He CANNOT end up there.

Pretty sure it was Ben Cousins' gut that said that quote.