damienjr

To be fair, do you have any idea?

Good article by Robbo in the HS. Mark Robinson: In the professional era, Clayton Oliver needs to accept he’ll be a Demon in 2025 The Dees have walked a tightrope with Clayton Oliver and he can whinge and moan if he wants about a failed trade, but he must be ready to give his best to the Dees in 2025, writes Mark Robinson. Footy changed for many of us when Alastair Clarkson handballed two club greats – Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis – to other clubs at the end of the Hawks’ dynasty. The four-time premiership heroes became commodities and they were no longer needed by Hawthorn. With comforting words from Clarkson, it was basically off you go lads, thanks for everything. Professionalism has grown year-on-year in this billion-dollar industry, but this was a different kind of professionalism. This was a ruthless business decision from a club looking after its best interests. The romanticism of being a one-club player, and all those lovey-dovey words such as loyalty, camaraderie, integrity, respect and trust, didn’t mean much in the end. Clubs do what they have to do – in their best interests. Which brings us to Clayton Oliver. I’m bored of the Oliver headlines generated by certain media people – presumably having spoken to Oliver’s management – wanting the football world to feel sorry for the Melbourne midfielder. Oh, Oliver doesn’t want to be there and wants to go to Geelong. He will take a pay cut. And he’s cleaned out his locker. All because he’s upset because the club decided to shop him. Well, boo hoo. I find it difficult to feel sorry for Clayton Oliver. He’s got mental health woes, sure, but find someone in this world who hasn’t. That’s not being dismissive of Oliver’s issues, but it is the reality for everyone, for mental health is a national epidemic. Oliver’s may be extreme, but at the same time, he has extremely high-level care and assistance available to help him. For sure, Melbourne has had its challenges dealing with real-world problems in the cocoon world of AFL, but those challenges, in part, have been delivered on a platter by Oliver. That’s not sheeting home all of Melbourne’s off-field drama to him, but there is a question to be asked: Did the bad culture influence Oliver or did Oliver help bring the bad culture? The Demons have walked a tightrope with the 27-year-old for some time. Stupidly, they put him on a bumper deal that pays him $1.3 million per year when they were aware of his mental distress. His volcanic off-field behaviour may have come later. For at least two years now, Melbourne has tried to help him. Medically and psychologically. They have cuddled him and cared for him. They have forgiven him and they encouraged him and they have also eyeballed him. In turn, Oliver has let himself and the club down, although it must be said the Demons are thrilled with the maturity of Oliver throughout the year. Clearly, there’s people at Melbourne who wanted to trade him. And to think chief executive Gary Pert went lone wolf is laughable. And there’s people at Melbourne who don’t want to give up on him and they include the club’s stand-in president Brad Green. The fact is Melbourne shopped him. They let it be known that he was gettable if the price was right. As yet, there are no takers. And there won’t be this trade period. Is it any surprise that the Demons were open to the idea? They fluffed it by telling pork pies at the start of trade week, but other than that, they haven’t done too much wrong. Everyone lies – that’s another national epidemic – and they got caught out. So, it looks like Oliver is staying, which brings us back to professionalism. Football is a business, players are a commodity and, right now, Oliver is signed to a $1.3m-a-season contract. He can whinge and moan until the cows come home, but the expectation is that he returns for the 2025 season fit and energised to fulfil his contract at the Demons. To be fair, Melbourne people say that despite the past 10 days of headlines, Oliver understands the situation. And he hopes – and the Demons hope – and footy hopes – that he rediscovers the form that had him rated as a top-10 player in the competition for many years. Which brings us to Bailey Smith. He also has his mental health issues and also wants to get to Geelong. At 23, he said recently: “There’s a level of when you outgrow a place, or you just need a fresh change for whatever reason. I won’t get too deep into it. I feel like I’d be doing myself a disservice for the player I want to become and the person I want to become by staying in the same environment.” We’re all for self-discovery, but the Bulldogs, who spent years managing Smith’s complex world, are all for looking after their best interests. They want a pick better than Geelong’s No. 17, but that doesn’t look like eventuating. Don’t send him to the draft. Take the pick and run. It’s a business, after all.

You are most probably right. Do they think it's worth a day's sugar hit? And what if Jonesy declines the offer? More egg on our face.

This is weird. So who talked to Morris? Was Morris there??? Was the conversation overheard by someone else who then spoke to Morris? If so, why would they have Morris' number? Does this get us any closer as to whom the "leaker" is? Probably not. As I said, it's weird.

Yes this is correct. That said, the course is on hold at present and the revamp version will commence in Nov. Does this mean that Jonesy needs to have that certificate if he is appointed as a line coach? The answer I assume is yes. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1135524/coaching-co urse-on-hold-revamped-version-launching-in-november

I'm in the "let's not burn the house down" camp, as a lot on here would like to see. I will wait for the findings of the reviews, and if it comes back recommending meaningful change in personal and methods of operation, then that will be a good thing. That said, if it finds "nothing to see here," then that would cause me great concern.

I believe he should have been prepped before the media interview. I agree he was on a hiding to nothing.

Yeah, maybe I was a bit harsh, but he is speaking on behalf of the club, which according to some, created this mess.

I wonder if we might be interested in trading our P5 for P10 & P11. Freo offers their F1 and P18 for Bolton.

Do you think so? It was awkward and basically admitted that we can't attract players. How many times did he say, 'Oh look, that's a good question'. Half a dozen. We really do suck at comms and messaging.

Boy, the media interview with Tim Lamb came across as pretty underwhelming and awkward. We really do have a communication problem.

Yes. He never bagged the club, even through those dark years.

I recall we had a declared Essendon? supporter posting regularly a few years ago. I think his profile name was Ash something. Maybe someone can confirm.

Does anyone get the feeling that Goody's tenure is on shaky ground? I like Goody and believe he is a very good coach, but this is the first time I feel edgy about whether he will survive the review. Maybe he will see out his contract next year if we are travelling well and we make finals.

Who is accepting it?

Is there a collective noun for you guys?

Don't you just love this time of the year.

How significant is his departure? His area seems to be at the epicentre of everything that is going on. From Ch 7. Plunkett held key roles on the bench on matchday and once ran growth sessions — an idea formed by Goodwin — to help players and coaches create bonds and deepen relationships. Initially the Demons’ general manager of people and culture, Plunkett later stepped up to become head of leadership, learning and development. He has departed Melbourne to form his own leadership performance business, Telos Performance Partners, alongside former Melbourne assistant coach Greg Stafford and Adelaide Crows high performance boss Darren Burgess, who previously worked at the Demons.

The article is insightful as it flies in the face of what some supporters would like to see us play - entertaining, Hollywood type football. He argues this type of game plan will not win you a Grand Final. "Sydney are so talented but not hard to play against" https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-30/afl-paul-roos-sydney-swans-trade-consideration/104414584

From Jon Ralph. Said we could be going after him. Whether it is true or not....

I agree. We are also connected to Leek Aleer from GWS. Maybe with the idea of turning him into a forward ruck. A bit short at 194cm.

Melbourne 2024 record: 14th (11-12). List manager: Tim Lamb. Who’s gone? Angus Brayshaw (retired), Ben Brown (retired), Kyah Farris-White (delisted), Josh Schache (delisted). Out of contract: Marty Hore, Joel Smith, Adam Tomlinson. Current draft picks: 5, 37 (tied to Sydney), 45 (tied to St Kilda), 50 (tied to Western Bulldogs), 61. On the move? Tomlinson could defect after limited senior opportunities. What they need: The Demons need help for key forward Jacob van Rooyen, while the eternal hunt for ruck star Max Gawn’s successor and back-up continues. They could also do with more midfield speed and a young key defender. Trade/free agency targets: The Demons were at the top of Dan Houston’s list before the Port Adelaide star looked elsewhere amid the Christian Petracca drama. Could they try again? Melbourne are interested in untried Giants swingman Wade Derksen and Port Adelaide tall forward Ollie Lord, and may sign journeyman ruck Tom Campbell off the AFL scrapheap. They also had a look at St Kilda’s Tim Membrey. Draft targets: Rivals believe the Dees might snap up Petracca clone Sam Lalor at their first pick, but if not, there are certain to be plenty of good options, including key forward Harry Armstrong. – Jon Pierik

I know it was your point and I was agreeing with you. I was just adding to your post.

Understand but it would be a good get if we could find a way.

Even after a disastrous year, we still were ranked 4th in Score Source Differential from Centre Bounces and 3rd from Stoppages. Not bad for a second string midfield with no skill and one paced.