PaulR

The cold reality is Freo’s list is average, one of their best mids wants out, and to get guaranteed talent in (Hogan) they’ll need to trade out of the first round of this years draft, further exacerbating their list issues. Theyre between a rock and a hard place, and I scratch my head wondering why Jesse might want to join them there.

Reality is that Freo need Hogan now, delay, and the Eagles loom as viable alternative. And Freo need this deal more than MFC, we’re now top 4 irrespective and perhaps capable of acquiring May even with Hogan on the books. Freo’s Picks 5&6 gets it done, any less and we wait. Commentariat proposing less are afraid of how strong we’ve become, and how we only become stronger with two top ten picks to “rebalance” our list.

Off your high horse Pro, if his coaches want to trade him for a third round pick then they don’t rate him, despite your superior wisdom. If we pick him up our coaches are backing themselves to get value where Dees crew have failed or given up.

I put KK in same category as Ports acquisition of Mr Watts last year... a bet against exposed form based on pedigree (draft pick, “talent”, etc)... and Jack was getting games in a middle of the road team, whereas Kk struggling in a cellar dweller...

I’d have thought until the Eagles finished finals we (and other suitors) would have been told to “stay away”... now it’s time to mak e our play, as if he’s leaving the West as seems evident, it’s fairly likely he’d consider us a good option, assuming the numbers at North are not too insane...

As we well know, bad teams breed the best back men, we’ve exported 3 quality backs in the last decade. So now the tide has turned we need in back, and May having played at the lowly Suns knows how to defend to the oft bitter end. Get him!

I think the MFC is playing a dead bat to the Gaff discussion as we have bigger fish to fry, with finals looming. There’s logic to Gaff to Dees, we need his type, have traded out of first round in draft so free agent seems our next move. Gaff himself won’t flag his real intention till Weagles are out of finals, and if he nominated a finals team (ie us) he’ll delay till we’re done. Did Gaff win a flag out west? If not which team in Victoria is most likely, and need his type..? ?

It was an abberation, that he’s taking full responsibility for. These things happen sometimes to all of us. I recall arguing with my now ex-wife while playing tennis (I was playing, she’d walked onto the court to berate me). I was frustrated, at the far end of the court from her, she finished speaking turned to walk off through gate... and I hit the ball in frustration back over net, opposition and straight on to the top of her head as she walked through the gate... did/didn’t mean it and was cringing before the ball hit her. But it did. She wasn’t happy (understandably), I apologetic and ashamed of losing control like that...

Maybe it’s mentioned elsewhere, but Gaff’s punch and subsequent 8 week ban has put a huge hole in the second placed Weagles attempt at winning this years flag. Equivalent to us losing Oliver. Given it was Gaffs fault/decision/impulse, there’d be many at West Coast seething at their star midfielders course of action... again, I’d be p!ssed at Carry if he’d done the same, and cost us a tilt at the flag.

In terms of keeping the current group together under the cap (and adding Gaff), what’s the value of a Premiership medallion or two to a player? Financially post-career? Emotionally?

Tulip mark II

I think that the MFC did he deal now (early) rather than stretching it out, because it has plans for the picks it gets from Adelaide. So probably need to wait and see what they now do with the picks. Also, I get the sense with the addition of Lever, the build of a team capable of attacking the top end of the ladder is almost complete.

Goodwin has from the outset been primarily focused on building a team and game style that will win finals. Physical, tough and aggressive players would rank highly under this criteria. Love that Lever is an in-your-face sledger of opponents, who also doesn't shy away from physically following it up.

Aside from what Lever brings directly, bringing him in may also pay big in allowing TMac to morph into a tall forward/2nd ruck role while also being able to go back when required.

Might go easier if the Crows have just won the flag!

The Adelaide back line is great at holding the ball up while their mids get reorganised (defence to offence) and then feeding it in...

Watched him closely last night and like his composure, aggression and smarts directing play in and out of back line. He'd be a significant addition. We pay what the market requires.

"He's the best fister in the game!"

I want this to be true... so shall believe it for a while. How exciting is this!!!

Aren't the reigning premiers generally favourited the next year anyway?

My brother (who's a Dons tragic) plays footy with a Don's bigwig, reckons it's been a lock for months...

Heard a strong rumour that Kelly is deal done to Dons. For what that's worth.

Herald had Kelly to Dons today.

I take Jobe at his word when he says "he feels like his wife cheated on him". And have sympathy for his plight, loss and disenchantment. As someone who's (ex)wife did cheat on, sometime you can "know" but refuse to take it on. Time to move on. Good luck outside footy Jobe!

I reckon the Swans are developing a reputation of overlooking their own talent's development and compensation needs (Tom Mitchell) in preference to buying in big name talent (Buddy, Tippert), which might erode the loyalty of players like Zac, especially if the Swans are actually looking to acquire someone like Dusty...