bing181

I don't see that any clubs, yet alone Melbourne-based clubs, have the trade capital, not to mention the A-grade player to throw in. Apparently Hawthorn interested (though who knows ...), but they only have Pick 12 and ???

Some disturbing revelations on this thread. If even half of it is true, with so many younger players at the club you would think that the FD would be looking to move Trac on in the same way they did golden boy Jack Watts.

The remark earlier here that Trac isn't himself post-injury trauma is something that I can confirm on a personal level (to some extent, not comparing my experiences to anyone else's). You see the world differently, small issues get magnified out of all proportion, you lose sight of the big picture and it takes good people and support to keep you on the straight and narrow and restore some measure of equilibrium. No idea of anything re Trac, but wouldn't surprise me if he was struggling, nor that he might not fully grasp that he was.

HS in on this, working through the Carlton side of things. Conservatively, the Blues are much more likely to keep their man. But in the wake of this season the Blues need to consider whether the balance of the forward set-up remains suited to modern day footy, how it can lighten the load on inspirational captain Cripps, and improve its defensive flaws which hindered it in 2024. When De Koning is back, and Jack Silvagni returns from his ACL, and Moir pushes up, plus Marc Pittonet in the ruck, Carlton have more marking options forward than they need to partner dual Coleman Medalist Curnow. McKay signed a bumper seven-year deal last season to stay with Carlton until the end of 2030. Petracca’s deal is similar, and Melbourne said they don’t want to lose him. But there are still grumbles. If there is a deal which could potentially work for both clubs, this is it. It is bold, but is that what the Blues have to be after blowing its chance to seal a top-eight spot on Sunday? https://archive.md/YLZfy (https://archive.md/YLZfy)

Care factor close to zero, but given that I still have a soft spot for Hogan and Bedford, would have to be the Giants.

Carlton are currently pick 11, but that could move lower depending on results plus Academy etc. But with Petty re-signing, and Turner, JVR and Jefferson a year older, Trac has a LOT more value to us than another KPF, even a good one.

Take whoever has the most footy smarts and best disposal.

And ... gives us an easier fixture next year. 2 x North, 2 x Richmond, 2 x West Coast, here we come.

Wouldn't disagree, but the upside is that they're nearly all still young. We had a lot of players out there who are only just getting into double figures, and then even the slightly more experienced younger brigade playing in unfamiliar positions.

So many positive attacks breaking down across half forward through turnovers. Tholstrup the worse offender, OK he's a kid, but plenty of others not much better, Billings for one. No idea how to fix it or where the improvement is going to come from, at least in the short term. Windsor back would help, but otherwise?

Adam Tomlinson, thanks for your services and we wish you well.

Experience vs a bunch of kids.

Yes, just when our forward line starts showing a bit of coherence and effectiveness let's pull it apart and bring in the kid who some weeks can hardly get a kick in the VFL.

Not sure what options they had to cover a mid?

Can't see us winning this, too undermanned. Also Collingwood have been playing well of late, this isn't going to be like GCS. if they turn up and give it a crack it'll be enough for me. Hopefully see the 3 Musketeers up forward continue to build cohesion and effectiveness.

Leb?

As someone who's neurodivergent myself, I'd be careful about making too many assumptions along these lines, though I understand both what you're saying and that you mean well. The vast majority of neurodivergent kids have a horrendous time growing up and are bullied from pillar to post with long-term consequences, some of which can be insurmountable. Similar comments on being "childlike". A wonderful quality to have - but one that exposes you to manipulation and abuse. Understandable and wonderful to hear that Clarrie is profoundly appreciative of the support and understanding he has received. Anyway, great win yesterday on the back of some strong leadership onfield and off.

Leadership.

The whole backline goes up a notch with May as the anchor and driving standards.

I can't imagine Viney going to North. He spent years and years playing in a rubbish side where the season was over before it had begun, I can't imagine that's how he would want to spend the twilight of his career.

Selectors' decision to stick with Petty & Turner forward rather than bringing in Jefferson is starting to bear fruit. Starts to give us a glimpse of what next year could look like. Big Turner fan.

May for Tomlinson? Can't see Jefferson getting a cameo, much as it will pain some here.

Nibbler is going to be a big loss ... especially after losing Brayshaw. Heart and soul players and onfield leaders both. Even if both Clarry and Trac get back to their best, some big shoes to fill.

Also now losing ANB. Will be a bigger loss than people realise. Agree re Melksham, not so sure re Tom McD in terms of leadership. But I'd give him another year anyway, he's not exactly disgracing himself out there. As for leaking and Trac, we don't know where it came from, and it could well have come from outside the club.

Childish nya nya nya post. The change is pretty obvious if you think it through.