Ouch!

I know who his Grandfather is, but I swear I saw somewhere that Sam was a Richmond supporter... I could also be completely off my nut as well.

why's that? you hoping for footage, and then staggered that the MFC didn't consider her with pick 3?

http://www.news.com.au/national/afl-phantom-draft-2014-jay-clark-and-sam-landsberger-predict-who-your-club-will-pick/story-e6frfkp9-1227132256899 The HS has also gone with McCartin going at 1, and Petracca and Brayshaw coming to us at 2 & 3.

It's interesting that an article on the AFL site today has a quote with regards to who the saints will pick, Finnis says the only instruction he has for the recruiting department is that they should pick a player with the next 10 years in mind. In terms of the Saints, Petracca will give them an immediate boost in the next few years, but I think that the longer term view would be McCartin for the saints. Also saw that they mentioned that if they go with Petracca then they need to realise that they will need to stump up at least 500k for a quality forward in the future. (Given what happened with Boyd and Franklin over the last couple of years) TBH I don't think we can really lose out here, and neither can the saints really given that they drafted strongly last year with their midfielders and can afford to go with McCartin if they have an eye for the future. Looking forward to how it plays out on Thursday!!

I agree Redleg, I actually think that its a positive thing that Jack has tested the market (as such) and has chosen to stay loyal to us. It says a fair bit about the direction PJ and Roos have put the club upon, and hopefully if we get Sylvia signing too. Bit different than this time last year when we lost/let go several players and most seemed pretty disillusioned. Compare this to what is going on with Brisbane and their players all apparently wanting to leave, do any of us feel remorse/regret for their players given they have no coach, a board in crisis etc. ... if any of you are like me, you are hoping that there is a way we might be able to snag one of their players.

Problem with that strategy is if Mick Malthouse says here is a 3 or 4 year contract. Roos and the club have to show that they want Watts to stay and that he has value here. A two year contract based upon performance doesn't say that... and most performance contracts would be based on numbers of games played... not 1%-ers and tackles etc.

I agree that the AFL needs us to be competitive, but what exactly can they OR their man do? They cannot give us more money to offer these guys, they can't change the minds of the players or the other clubs in expressing interest in them... Only thing is to sell a vision to convince these players to stay...

I think I know where you are going, but a little fuzzy so bear with me. IF GC want in on a 17yr old then they need to keep pick 2 up their sleeve, they don't want to be required to trade that out to secure Tippett. In order to put a deal to Adelaide IF Tippett looks like leaving then they need to be able to put a pick on the table that trumps what Brisbane might have to offer. Finally if Melbourne wants to be able to secure Caddy then they won't want to be spending pick 3 on Viney, however if the cost of Viney looks more like a second round pick then we might be more 'open' to becoming a player to assist facilitating things for Adelaide and GC... Obviously we are not just talking pick 4 here, but looking at some player options still from Adelaide and GC, and possible exchange of picks as appropriate to secure a favourable outcome for all parties. GC is going to find us less willing to assist if they try and force our hand on Viney. Am I close?

Problem with this is that their first round pick will be reserved to take Daniher as F/S. They are going to struggle to get Caddy (If he is available) unless they offload some decent players to secure the necessary picks.

Why did I think of GWS and meat pies when you said this!!!

If there is any truth to that article I love it!! Like others have said it's not really even about the likelihood of snaring Clarkson, but more about the fact that the MFC has the balls to try and rip a bloody good coach from another team in their prime with a compelling contract. Isn't that what we want this club to be seen to be doing???? If this is true then I don't have much doubt (i'd be 98% sure in fact ) that the MFC would be putting something similar in front of Malthouse's management, and others like Roos perhaps as well. Heck Worsfold might have also been sounded out!! We can afford to be bold at the moment, lets try and achieve the impossible, because if it fails then we have other candidates that will very likely to accept a senior coaching (Eade, Williams, Laidley .... and all the other assistants out there)