Pates

I'm wishing Melbourne had put a non-compete clause into his retirement agreement. Hindsights 20/20 though and I think we felt in good faith if he was to return it would be with us.

I really had to laugh at this. "As an Instagram follower I am entitle to have my questions answered!"I'm sure you weren't bagaring but that comment was just so funny.

It should also be said that this was exactly why he chose to retire, that this sort of talk would be damaging to his health. I hope he's feeling strong enough to withstand the s-storm coming his way if he is looking elsewhere. Footy fans are fickle lot and I wouldn't be surprised if he copped plenty if he returned in different colours.

If he nominates an interstate team, then I'm a little more willing to cop it on the chin. But if he nominates a Victorian club then that is a massive slap in the face to us. We have been very understanding of his needs and his difficult situation, we have agreed to pay him out a massive contract, and after everything we've done for him I would expect the courtesy of us having first right of refusal. That said I understand this is a difficult situation and his health should be the main focus. If it does eventuate that another club nabs him, there is no doubt in my mind we should get compensation from the AFL. We have handled this with great respect and dignity, and should recognised as such.

First obvious question regarding football ability, would he make us better? IMO yes. We have very little speed across half back and he has what it takes to break the lines. Second tougher question, will his issues create problems for the club? No simple answer. The difference between him and say Mitch Robinson is that HL's sensitive to social issues, I would almost say over sensitive. But at least it comes from a good place. What was interesting was hearing responses on SEN when the incident came to to light and some people from the gay community were saying him making a big deal of this wasn't helping the situation. One of the other problems appears to be that the Collingwood players don't take his issues to heart, and someone writing the mardi gras line on the photo tells me they can't be stuffed trying anymore. Dawes would surely be a good one to speak to on whether he's worth the effort. Roos meeting him tells me we're very keen, the next important question is what will we give up?

I found that to be the strangest and stupidest idea,Grimes was making his own name and reputation with 16. It was purely marketing driven and completely pointless.

Robinson is an interesting prospect. He's at a really good age and has shown great ability during games, the biggest concerns are obvious; he is not a smart person and seems to have a bad attitude both on and off the field. He's done some pretty stupid aggressive things on the field (Bail can testify to that) and at times has really let the Blues down. That said, getting the flick from the Blues could be the rocket up his butt to motivate him to change. If we were interested in pursuing him I would suggest the club vets the hell out of him and find out where his mind is at, and whether he is going to adhere to strict team rules. I would say if Mitch Clark doesn't appear to want to return to the club, Robinson is someone who could help cover for Hogan while he develops. I leave it with Roos to decide if he's worth the risk. If he gets delisted we may be able to get him for nothing. Garlett seems like a flashy footballer but gets caught out when he has to raise the bar in terms of effort. His speed and skills could be an asset, but we have had plenty in the past who like to coast on the field.

This is what the EPL does and it works perfectly fine. It really does frustrate that somehow the AFL allow the Richmond "clash" jumper and they only now feel it's inappropriate. If you've signed off on it then it's a done deal. FWIW I think Richmond's clash top + Ports home top would be fine. A home team should NEVER have to wear anything other than their home top, unless it's by choice. That is one of the basic ideas of a home match that is recognised everywhere in the world.

My picks: Nate Jones Tyson Dunn Vince Cross Jetta, Howe, and Tommy Mac the only others I can see possibly getting top 5. Dom Tyson will smash the best first year player, and Jetta most improved (Pederson's quiet end to the year drops him out).

I really feel the Collingwood fitness and coaching staff pushed him to return to early. You could see the moment he went out there he wasn't right. A pre-season and a club taking it easy with him for a while would get his body right (or manageable). I would have him in a heartbeat; he's a [censored] with some poor attitudes but he can play. And Paul Roos has a good track record of turning people's attitudes around. But I am assuming this rumour to be a bit of a load. I'm just surprised that there are so many that would say no to him.

It's a fail with improvement, and a little bit of hope. Dom Tyson has given me a lot of hope for actually landing a future star and with him and Jones leading the group, and Salem coming through maybe we might just a have midfield to compete in the future. We've had a fair bit of luck go against us, particularly with our forwards. It's been said many times but you throw Clark and Hogan in with Dawes, all of a sudden you have a forward structure that would worry the best defenders. But Dawes was the only one we could get out on the park and although he started well, the second half from him was average (although he was constantly double/triple teamed). Really disappointed with the way we finished though and angry with the idea that the players were tired. If that really was the case, get ready for a tough pre-season because we are still so far off the pace.

So I've been watching the replay (aside from the 3rd quarter), some very positive things out of it. Kicking goals! What a concept! I really hope that this was a bit of a preview for next year, turning defense into attack and playing with a little flair. There's still so much to work on though, our skills are still so far off its laughable. But there's hope with the likes of Kent, Michie, and Tyson. All played well and at this stage will be together for round 1 next year. Interesting Fitzy has showed a bit in his last couple of games, it'll be interesting to see if he remains at the club. I personally hope so. Once again, one quarter killed us. It'd be nice if next year we hold teams for 3 quarters and do the killing in one.

I'd definitely rate him as an A-grader. An A-grader can be a combo of different things, biggest thing for me is his consistency. He rarely has a bad game and you'd guarantee any team in the comp would take him in a heartbeat. Not a star, but they are a class in own right.

For what it's worth I'll give my two cents on training. My main reason for going was to see Jesse Hogan and how he was progressing. He seemed good, although there's something about the way he jogs that seems weird. I'm not a bio-mechanic but it just appears he slumps to one side. Anyway on actual training, Fitzy for me today seemed really up and about, perhaps they've had a chat to him about 2015 and he's got a little confidence on the back of WC game. Nate Jones and Tyson w're stand outs in the skills department. They did a few match sim drills where they had to translation from the backline. Pretty scrappy at times. I really hope we are able to recruit some players with skill.

There's a thread in the trading/drafting forum, and in there it was mentioned if he were to return to AFL it was indicated he would most likely give Melbourne first look in. I would say his chances of playing AFL next year are only slightly better than Jurrah's.

I have a mate that plays at Coburg, his words were; "very quick defender, good left footer, and good decision maker. Best aspect is his closing speed. Could play AFL but may need time." Sounds like he could be worth a rookie spot.

If he's going to get traded, VALUE! If he's going to be delisted, I'd imagine minds will be already made up. I didn't watch the match and haven't really tried to see a replay (why would I?) but I'd definitely look at getting Riley and JKH back in there, they both are a part of the future and played good games on the weekend for Casey. Salem was again the sub, I think he should finish the year with a full game, whether that's VFL or AFL I'm not sure. Remember the years when bottom sides actually found an extra gear for the last game, when all that was on the line was pride? Both teams can't shift from their position (unless we get into record winning margins), can't we just for once show some heart, some desire, just something?! I get really annoyed when I read that our players are "tired", well there are 8 teams that are going to be playing at least an extra week and they don't seem tired. Richmond had a woeful first half but they are finishing with a flurry, there's no sense of being tired there. The players aren't tired they have packed it in (again), but they have one more chance to give something. I don't even care if we lose, if the Kangas have multiple players with concussions due to bumps and tackles I'll be happy. Bait them into stupid situations of suspension. Make Brad Scott sook again! Give the fans a bloody reason to come back for more next year!

If Fitzy was being considered for the trade table, his game on the weekend did us no harm. I'd be up for holding on to him though, I think this year has been a being learning year for him in the ruck at Casey and that is a key reason why he hasn't played a lot of games, as a forward I think he still has potential. I would love for him to get more muscle on him though. I've been a fan of his in the past but that set shot miss vs Lions told me it's time to try to move Jordie Mckenzie on, I reckon there might be a couple of clubs interested in him given some of the jobs he's done on the likes of Ablett and Goddard, and I would be comfortable seeing him go for a 3rd rounder or a young player (19-22). Tapscott, Blease and Strauss will struggle to get us anything, we should have a go at trading them but if we can't get anything they should be delisted (jeez that was a terrible draft for us). Blease has the most potential to hurt us, his speed and livewire abilities could be seen as an upside but he he's only played a couple of games where he's actually had an impact. Despite the calls for him to be traded, I think we'll keep Watts. My biggest thought on it is we won't get any value, and in the back of my mind I feel he would be a good player for us if we were a better side. I know he should be striving to make us better but he's the only player that can do the damaging release kick from half back.

The question I would pose to him is whether he'd be interested in coming on board as a playing coach in the Junior McDonnald style. We would say to him that his spot in the 22 isn't a shoe in and that he's there to help push the younger players and mentor them into becoming better. A potential for him taking on an assistant coaching role for 2016 should be a part getting him in. I would definitely be on board with that. If he simply wants to add another year to his career then I'd pass.

About 3-4 weeks ago I would've said I can see an upset, now I'm back to praying for under 50 points. Biggest thing is first quarter the players have to at least look like they give a s---. These guys are getting paid very good money to do what they do and last week they performed like amateurs.

Waylon is the obvious thought with such raw talent, but seems to go to water when the going gets really tough. His thoughts on the "stupid paddle board" challenge emphasised this, it may well have been stupid but at the end of the day it was another opportunity to show how much he wanted to player AFL. He gave up, which tells me he doesn't want it as much as the others. I reckon the Jackle has a bit of something to him, he's pretty quick and seems to tackle and go hard with intent. Will be interesting to see who wins it. (Spoiler) I was glad the American dude got the axe, super arrogant and confident about his athletic abilities. Never showed it, the Irish guy has a lot more potential as an international recruit give his Gaelic Football background.

That is a ladder I don't want to be up there on.

Honestly I would accept that, we lost Mitch Clark for nothing who we gave up a first round pick for. You want to talk about extraordinary circumstances surely he's the perfect example of that.

Every player is expected to condition themselves during the break anyway, you would hope the fitness staff would be able to tailor programs that would allow the players to go another level without killing themselves. I would really like this to happen and for it to be totally player driven with no coaches having to push players into it.

Just watched the news story, very typical Neal Daniher! Constantly laughing and seeing the positive, but jeez it's a terrible disease. Being a passenger in watching your body shut down is just a horrible way to go. This ice-bucket awareness trend has been interesting to see take off, hopefully it'll lead to prevention or a cure.