Moonshadow

I was surprised he finished anything better than 4th last.

I think it's interesting that many here are ho-hum about the prospect of losing Rivers, when Geelong have supposedly sought him out as a possible replacement for none other than Matthew Scarlett. That says Geelong see him as a quality player. If the FD has the same nonchalant view of Rivers many of us do, then we might as well delist everyone except Jones, Clark and Howe. Or easier still, put us out of our misery and close shop. We are crying out for experience and he'll finish top 5 in the Bluey. FFS, he's a keeper and I hope the club does its best to retain him.

The only way he would get a premiership medal is if he was the thief who took Guerra's.

''We like to keep Grant fresh,'' Garry Lyon says. ''He's a unique talent. We like him unfiltered and raw.'' http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/fight-for-declassified-information-20120905-25d5k.html#ixzz25fAlnmIf

But then you do so Rudeboy. I wish LJ all the peace and love that any normal person would. I can only imagine what has happened or lies ahead. We all hope his court case is resolved as quickly as possible. We are aware that his family comes way ahead of his football and that it is a complex family issue. We are also aware that he had a paid contract with the MFC which finishes soon and he can then do what he likes... play football or not. We thank him for his time at the MFC, including many short highlights. However, it would have been nice to hear something from Liam instead of from other people. Even a comment expressing his gratitude or a wish to help out for his loss to the club. Perhaps his manager could have said something if this is not a concern for Liam. A token effort even. Instead, we hear from Port Ad that his manager has had talks with them. This has been handled poorly, and I think that is why many are a little annoyed on here. But life moves on. We found one exciting player in LJ, we'll find another to replace him. Bring on Jack Viney!

As mentioned, Rivers is a FA and will not require a trade. We would get a (measly) compensation pick in return. However, if we pick up another FA and lose Rivers, the swap is deemed sufficient by the AFL and no compo pick is given. The compo pick is to off set the loss, which would be balanced by another FA joining Melbourne. Gys is a different matter. He is contracted and if, IF he wants to leave then a trade will be required. I cannot remember where I read it on the AFL site, but FAs and RFAs cannot be wrapped up in a trade deal. Someone who has the link post it, please.

And a very good spoiler.

Lol! Gotta loathe a bloke who 'likes' his own post.

Good info. Thanks Satyricon. Knew some of that but not that Williams is good at the 1% stuff or that he is working on his body size. Sounds promising. Would be fantastic to pull a good player from relative obscurity, especially since we have not done as well as hoped with high draft picks of late.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he's only gone at this stage according to the Herald Sun. No word from the Club yet. May well go, though. Good opening post, demon3564. Welcome aboard.

From The Hun, June 21, 2012. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/jared-rivers-says-no-one-safe-at-melbourne/story-e6frf9jf-1226403523778 "The club has given me 10 years and it's been great," Rivers said. "I am just focusing on trying to play decent footy for the rest of the year and we will see what happens after that, but I definitely want to be a one-club player.

I reckon that's a shoe in. With some sort of confidential agreement on JV in the 2nd round. GWS happy, GC happy, MFC happy. Three current players into the red and blue next year: D PEARCE A CORNELIUS J RUSSELL Why? Because they represent best available for our needs that actually are prepared to come to the Dees. The big name RFAs or FAs seem to be recommitting or looking for teams within a 'window'. Felix, we're you talking about current players or young draftees as well?

Real quality player and person. We love ya Mitch.

Will finish top 5 in the Bluey (not that there is considerable competition for top 5) Played 22 games this year, should not be on the outer. Would stabilise the back line to have him alongside Chip, TMc, Watts, Strauss, Nico and hopefully Garland and a speedy HBF with good foot skills. Our back line has been a strength for the last few years until Riv and Garland went fwd when Clark went down and we had no other alternatives. Would like to see him signed for 2. Plenty of others should go in the clean out before him. That is, unless he want to go as a RFA.......

Oh no, I just 'liked' it... I'm in trouble.

He's gone to party in Vegas on his end of season trip. Will end up in jail for whacking someone with a long poll.

16 Oh god, I feel like I've just leaped from the Cessna and forgot my parachute.

Actually, I'd like to see our back half stocks settled again, with Chip, Riv, Judy, TMcD, Strauss, Nico and another hard running HBF with good foot skills. Defence has been one of our few strengths going back over the last 3 years. chip and TMcD looking very lonely in your OP.

You would think that Bate, Dunn, Bennell, Joel Mac, Bartram, Gys, Martin, Morton and perhaps Rivers And Davey might also be in the mix to get pushed, want out or be traded..... regardless of value or contract status. Not saying that they should stay, but that's A LOT of players. And we gotta replace them with someone (preferably with experience) who want to come here. No point putting Joe Blow from Manangatang reserves on the list just to fill a spot. We do have to fill the numbers with quality, or it will be much more than Neeld's career collapsing. *queue reply post claiming Joe Blow would be better and put him at CHF*

James Frawley says hi.

TH manages the players list, he worked alongside BP to help oversee the ins and outs of players to the club. He sits in on all the recruiting meetings and contributed to the list strategies under BP and Bailey. He's about the last remaining of the significant contributors during that time, is my point.

Apparently desperate to come back to Vic. His father died a while ago. Strong figure in his life. Wants to be near family.

Interesting thread. I think there may be a variation to the two types of MFC players: players who are unfit and have no tank. This player can have skills and/or attack on the ball, but make a mess of it due to exhaustion. Gys, Blease (early), and Martin have shown to be lacking in fitness and struggle as a result. Obviously fittness can be worked on, but may take 2-3 preseasons to get up to standard.

Mad Monday? We've had a mad season. Furious, in fact.

The top 5 is debatable, but achievable. Try finding a top 10 who deserve to be called top 10. The list of candidates grows thin very quickly.