Jaded No More

Quite seriously I don’t know why anyone in the middle of their career would go to Geelong. They are at the edge of a cliff. I get being close to 30 and wanting a quick shot at success. But Gus would be waaaay better off going to Carlton or Freo and pushing for success for a long time to come. But he would be best off staying in Melbourne where he bloody well belongs.

I also find it weird that he’s seriously thinking about leaving but his socials are always covered in Melbourne news, he’s playing his heart out, celebrating with passion and seems really engaged in the club. I am sure if he does leave it will be with a very heavy heart. There is nothing to suggest he will love Freo or West Coast the way he loves Melbourne. Leaving a fantastic work place is a big big risk, because they are far and few between.

And not to jinx him, but he’s been remarkably resilient. Has he missed a game since debut?

Best player in the AFL. I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. Well done Clarry. Forever a demon legend.

Neither will Goodwin. Has gone on record saying it was a bad decision. Fritta is a lot of things, but he is not a defender.

If Cox can get approval for his glasses, surely Tmac can get approval for a medical scooter.

Ben Brown leaving North had absolutely nothing to do with money or length of contract. He is getting paid significantly less at Melbourne than he would have been paid at North. He also did not leave for success (although anything is an upgrade on North). He left because he was treated appallingly during a very difficult personal time and particularly his wife wanted a change of scenery for their family. Melbourne presented really well to them and offered them the sort of family club culture they were after. Edit: and because Brown is such a decent guy, he never wanted to come out and speak badly about North so the conversation in the media was about length of contract, when in reality it was about their crappy culture. I mean JHF has had a gutful of the place and he's 18 with 8 games under his belt, not 29 with a young family.

So the hold up is deciding if he is going to sign for 2 years or 10? I assume the club said to him "here is a contract for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years". Pick one and mail it back.

As his parents I would absolutely advise him to stick it out. There are no guarantees in life. He might hate Freo. He might struggle to fit in. His mates at home might distract him the way Hogan's did. He might go to West Coast and never win another flag. Sometimes when you have something good right in front of you, you have to grasp it with both hands. If he was my son I tell him to get over it and have it in your contract that you can spend your off season in Perth every year. Done deal.

One of my favourites. I love the way he goes about his football, and what he's achieved as a mature aged recruit with a dodgy back playing on defenders twice his size most weeks is unbelievable. Few players will ever kick 6 goals in a grand final again. Absolute star.

I really don't get it either. You're 20. You're living in the best city in Australia. You are making lots of money. You have lots of friends. Borders are open. You are winning and winning well. What is the lure to come home? You have your whole life to live a boring life in WA, but only a short time to learn from the best ruckman in the competition and play with the best midfield in the competition. I understand players with kids, partners etc who might have pressure from their spouse to be closer to family for the sake of the kids. Jackson is 20. He will never have a better life than he does now. Young people have no idea how good they have it sometimes. I swear!

This is just about the only deal I would agree to with Freo. It also keeps Gus at Melbourne for life, which is a win win. Andy Brayshaw alongside Clarry, Trac and Viney.... who cares if we don't even have a ruckman?! In all seriousness, this feels a lot like the Hogan situation and I am convinced beyond doubt that Jackson will grow to regret this decision.

Said the latest injury setback just made him realise he doesn't have it in him to go through the recovery. Has some good opportunities waiting for him outside of footy. He seems at peace with the decision and I am sure the club will continue to support him through the transition this year.

Actually you can thank the concrete dump that is Marvel for that. He landed badly and hurt his foot. Nobody did anything unusual to him and he would do the same motion 100 times a season at the G. His season is definitely over. His career might be too, as many players never come back from this injury.

Gawn aside, Thursday's team was the best we have fielded all year. Rolling into finals we will do our outmost to keep the side really settled with minimal changes, injuries aside of course. I can't see us doing anything radical now, other than obviously bringing Gawn back, and potentially making the call on Hunt vs Bowey and deciding on whether we keep Weideman in and drop Bedford or continue to pursue a small forwardline strategy once Gawn is back.

Please see my comment above. I was responding to the poster complaining that Majak didn’t do this earlier so we could pick someone up on the mid season draft. I have nothing but respect for Majak and what he’s overcome.

What? No I meant he clearly wasn’t injured or contemplating retirement prior to the mid season draft. I was responding to the assertion that he should have done this beforehand.

Ben Brown is very sad.

He clearly wasn’t injured and contemplating retirement. It’s more unfortunate that we didn’t get Tmac’s diagnosis a few days earlier as he could have gone on the long term injury list. Anyway wishing Majak all the very best in the future.

He came with plenty of baggage. Geelong is a great place for him culturally to go and get the most out of himself.

Scott went on and on about what a good guy Stewart is and not once did he say "we all hope Prestia is ok". Shows you exactly what kind of club Geelong is. Putrid. You want to see remorse? Have a look at Chandler's reaction to his tackle. He was almost in tears and he reached out to the opponent to check he was ok. That is true remorse for a far less intentional act!

Anyone who can’t see that this guy is a once in a generation unicorn is kidding themselves.

Viney is a big game player. Thrives in finals and when the heat is on. It’s why he’s so valuable.

Best midfield game we’ve played all year. Not having Gawn there forced us to read the tap, be less predicable and lower our eyes going forward. Could be a blessing in disguise. But I want him back ASAP.

No change