bing181

The coach isn't the only person involved in list management decisions.

Or Essendon.

Monday October 12, 10am - NAB AFL Trade Period begins

Will be interesting to see if someone gives Fitzy a second crack. 1-2 year contract on minimum payments mightn't hurt, for a tall he's still comparatively young. Either that or he finds a home in the SANFL.

They're obviously after an experienced coach, and if you rule out one of the four they already have (Neeld, Craig, Sheedy, Harvey), there aren't that many others. It might also be a recognition of the state of their list if the WADA bans hit, as they'll be left with a lot of younger players, McCartney's speciality. He's also worked there before, which would be a consideration, especially at Essendon. Nervous. Hope Worsfold takes it, one year with McCartney isn't enough.

Well, we all get feelings in our stomach from time to time, but they're usually related to food (or a lack thereof), rather than coaching appointments. Still, if it works for you ...

Much of which, in the coaching department at least, seems to be coming from Melbourne: Craig, Neeld ... now McCartney

Make him come back through the Rookie list ...

Perhaps wait for actual trades to go through?

Putting players up for trade isn't all that tough and ruthless if no-one takes them or we have to give them away.

Agreed - though could be a very good get. But he's also rated highly at the Bulldogs, so some work to do. Have read mutterings about salary cap pressure, so perhaps that'll help if the deal is right. If it's possible, this is one that could depend on other trades, especially Stef Martin. If he gets to Footscray, which is what's being discussed, they may have to make some space in their cap. But as always at this time of the year ... who knows what's really going on. Perhaps we'll do next to nothing all trade period and land O'Meara on the last day.

McCartney and Goodwin both coached him at Essendon.

Melbourne coach Paul Roos categorically ruled out the Demons as a candidate for recruiting Bennell. Roos said Bennell did not fit with "where we are at the moment as a club," adding, "we just wouldn't pursue him through list management." http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-to-weigh-up-harley-bennell-dees-and-roos-wont-20150916-gjocyi.html (excuse if old news, finding it hard to keep track of, there's so much cross/re-posting in the press and social media ...)

And some peak later. Perhaps.

I hope I'm wrong! When you watch those finals matches and look at what the likes of a Dangerfield or Kennedy can do, the chances of us landing ourselves someone like that ... can't see it. On the other hand, 5+ years down the track, Brayshaw, Viney, perhaps Petracca, Salem ... who knows. We have good coaches and a good culture in place with lots of upside - but AAA players in the last slab of their career want what Frawley and Rivers wanted.

We won't be getting any AA midfielders until we're consistently up near the top end of the ladder. Unless we get stupid with $$$, which isn't going to happen. Reality.

Anyone have any news of his contract status?

Not just football players OD.

There is no provision in the rules for that. Guilty = banned. The only question would be how long.

That's what has been reported, but whether that's the case or not, we don't know. And never will. I'd be worried about the WADA situation more than anything else. Not going to end well I suspect, and then what?

You would think so.

Given the way ex-Carlton players are currently performing, perhaps we should forget Bennell and just go for Yarran.

Drums beating fairly loudly on this one. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-trade-period-2015-jake-melksham-to-be-either-at-essendon-or-melbourne-in-2016-20150912-gjl0ka.html

Perhaps. But we could also do a lot worse, and given where we are ...

For someone who finished 18th in the Bluey? Would be a miracle.