Dr. Gonzo

My issue is the things that were left to fester for years which allowed it to get to that stage. Not the way they reacted to it once it blew up.

Sorry when I said "the way we've managed this" I was talking about the environment that's been created at the club and the issues which have been left to fester (particularly those which came to a head last off season) for a number of years. I wasn't talking about the current Petracca situation specifically. I agree that the club has done OK with how they're managing this extremely difficult falling out with their star player, I don't think it's been perfect but it hasn't been terrible either. My bad for not being clear on what I was talking about.

More likely he would have to re-negotiate a new contract on less dollars of he is adamant he wants to leave.

In 12 months time though?

Indirectly, supporters refusing to hold the club accountable let's it get to that stage. I've been guilty of this so I'm not saying I'm exempt. I'm not saying we are solely or even largely to blame, of course the clubs leaders are those who are most accountable but if the supporters let the behaviour slide and have a "my club, right or wrong" view then the environment can become toxic because there is no accountability. Either we want a member run club or we want a franchise operated by the AFL. Which is it?

Of course not, but if you think the way we've managed this has been acceptable then you've got rocks in your head. Also mental health issues wasn't what I was referring to.

By ceating the environment where that sort of behaviour was tolerated in the first place.

Issues have been swept u der the carpet for a long time but the situation has become untenable with the tumble down the ladder and the Petracca situation. Heads must roll. Pert must go. I am more ambivalent on Roffey, the main reason being I don't really know what she does so difficult to say whether it's good or not. She must live or die by the home base issue, members are owed an update on this if we get nothing tangible in the next few months she should go. I have been a supporter but I think Goodwin needs to share a big part of the blame too. We may need a wholesale cleanout, the place is collapsing in on itself.

The club can't control what Petracca does but can make changes to fix the issues within. And hey, perhaps those issues contributed to an environment that led to Petracca acting in the way he is now. Players that love the "party life" huh? Are people so blinded by loyalty they can't see what's going on here? I'm as frustrated as the next supporter about all this and think Petracca has gone about it in the wrong way and is harming himself and the club in the process but this has been brewing for a long time and the club is to blame for not addressing the issues! Supporters who blindly follow the club and let the club leaders get away with it out of misguided loyalty are a big part of the problem too.

Or the club have their head up their [censored]

I empathise with his frustration at Melbourne's lack of success since winning the flag.

Or he was told things in confidence and didn't want to get too specific as he didn't want to burn his sources.

I recall him clobbering into the Swans earlier this year. Ideally you want a big key forward who plays with aggression but we did win a flag with Ben Brown. If we are going to bring in a big forward id prefer a player who can 1) get on the park and 2) can play back up ruck to Gawn so JVR/Petty don't have to. I wanted Chol last off season but it seems like our recruiters weren't interested, didn't try hard enough or were rebuffed. I don't know who else is out there so if it was between Lynch or Wright I'd prefer Wright as I think Lynch is cooked.

Will we get another email from Gary Pert tomorrow?

It's the AFL. He knows if he gets his wish and goes to a big club those supporters will embrace him. He'll then do a bunch of media with the compliant boys club to repair his image and by midway through next season no one but Melbourne supporters will care.

I take the point but Geelong losing Ablett arguably cost them flags in 2013 and 2016.

That's not my recollection. The club leaked info to the media about Oliver's personal issues as a way to deflect attention from the club when the media was asking "what's going on at Melbourne when a star player on a long term deals may be looking elsewhere". Whether you think it was in his best interests or not it was definitely "tough love" rather than the club wrapping their arms around him.

It's irrelevant, I'm talking about Petracca's motivations. Plus the Cats have been contending for 20 years and have a stable environment.

He wants multiple flags, wants to be a hall of famer with the record to match. He's said it before, I reckon he sees the writing on the wall at Melbourne we missed our chance at a dynasty, haven't won a final since the flag, missed finals altogether this year, key personnel have left/retired or are another year older, our already meagre crowds have dwindled and he wants to move to a big club that can win more flags in the few years before he retires. Personally I think that's the main issue, the other stuff is all just rationalising his decision to the club.

Ideally yes, and any good psych will give that advice to their patients but it's not always how it plays out in reality.

Watts was a no hoper who went missing when the whips were cracking. Complete opposite to Petracca.

Did we though? Didn't we start leaking to the media about his personal issues once it became apparent other clubs were in his ear?

Sure but the club has also been saying for years, trust us we will have the new facilities bedded down soon, just can't say anything specific, have to dot the i's and cross the t's - maybe he took them at their word and now sees it ain't happening before he retires. Not saying this is THE reason but another straw added to the pile.

Pies supporters don't have many nice things to say about Pert. Could definitely see him being shown the door especially if Roffey feels her or Goodwin's positions could be saved by doing so.

Buddy didn't leave the Hawks with bitterness between he and the club though, he left due to the money and contract length plus wanting more anonymity in Sydney. He didn't torch the club on his way out and move to a cross town rival. Completely different circumstances.