Lucifers Hero

Thanks for that. All good points. Two extracts from above: "II do think that he needs to replace one of Sparrow or Viney in the team though. And it does reduce opportunities for Rivers et al in the midfield" You've verbalised what I was alluding when I said there is competition for midfield spots. At times posters have noted those guys aren't too happy to not have the opportunity to show what they can do: . "I also note he has been a regular winner of and high finisher in the St Kilda 3km time trials over recent years. That extra running capacity helps replace the ANB role too". That sounds like a good role for him. It seems more and more likely that we will lose contracted senior players.

Why do we want him when we have so much competition for mid spots by established and aspiring players. Can't see his point of differentiation to what we have. Surely, we won't throw dollars for a tagger!!! Viney, Sparrow and Oliver have shown they play that role quite adequately when required.

We don't have B-Rookie spots for next year. Mentha and Berry have them; Berry till 2027

Hence my question in the OP! I can't see the complete list in the HS article. I would expect most captains to be in the top 10.

The links work but a subscription is required to read the HS article.

In recent times elite players have toyed with the idea of of being traded but their long-term, lucrative contracts are like handcuffs to their club. Most recently Curnow and Merrett. I wonder how long before players realise that all those millions aren't worth giving up a chunk of control over their career. Youngsters like NWM and Reid may be wiser by signing short (two year) deals similar to Bontempelli throughout his career.

From the article below there is a list of 'notable' player salaries taken from the Herald Sun's Rich List which attempted to estimate/ compile a list of the highest-paid players in the competition for 2025. https://www.zerohanger.com/revealed-the-100-highest-paid-players-in-the-afl-167756/ Those that can view the HS article might fill in some of the gaps especially related to Demon and other leading players. The Notable Names 100 - Jason Horne-Francis ($650-$750k) 97 - Harrison Petty ($650-$750k) 96 - Tyson Stengle ($650-$750k) 94 - Riley Thilthorpe ($675-$775k) 85 - Liam Baker ($700-$800k) 79 - Griffin Logue ($700-$800k) 77 - Jesse Hogan ($725-$825k) 75 - Bailey Smith ($750-$850k) 72 - Daniel Rioli ($750-$850k) 63 - Harry McKay ($750-$850k) 58 - Darcy Fogarty ($800-$900k) 55 - Harry Perryman ($800-$900k) 52 - Jack Sinclair ($800-$900k) 44 - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan ($800-$900k) 39 - Dan Houston ($850-$950k) 34 - Jack Lukosius ($900-$1m) 26 - Rowan Marshall ($900-$1m) 14 - Tim English ($1m-$1.1m) 10 - Nick Daicos ($1m-$1.1m) 9 - Marcus Bontempelli ($1m-$1.1m) 8 - Brodie Grundy ($1m-$1.1m) 7 - Connor Rozee ($1.05m-$1.15m) 6 - Tim Kelly ($1.1m-$1.2m) 5 - Shai Bolton ($1.1m-$1.2m) 4 - Errol Gulden ($1.2m-$1.3m) 3 - Christian Petracca ($1.2m-$1.3m) 2 - Clayton Oliver ($1.2m-$1.3m) 1 - Tom Lynch ($1.45m-$1.55m) These are best guesses and don't account for front/back loading etc. The only Geelong players are Tyson Stengle and Bailey Smith but the others may be in the full list. The comment for him is: Bailey Smith's figure isn't as intoxicating as his football prowess, but sponsorship deals and outside commitments would likely see him dominate off and on the field. imv, that is a virtual admission Geelong is using off-the-books means to reward players to stay under the sal cap!!! Lots of captains missing in the top 10!! eg Cripps ... maybe Carlton have uncovered more brown paper bags and their sponsors are being very friendly to players ala Geelong sponsors/3rd parties and actual $ payments are kept low. It would not be unreasonable to think sal cap rorting is widespread. We seem the outlier to have two players earning plenty of cash sitting 2 and 3; perhaps we don't have that type of sponsor 🙅🏻‍♀️

That was an emotional read. I've gone from being neutral on who we trade to wanting Clarry to stay!

Happy to accept that title! 🙂😁🙃!

We got our revenge on Kelly and Geelong when we spoilt Corey Engright's 300th party, and twice in 2021: Max's goal after the siren to claim top spot and the shellacking we gave them in the 2021 PF. Let bygones, be bygones!

Very happy with that if that premiership is with the dees!!! .

I would say that is the reason. I was in the area on Friday and noticed it is about 2km from the Neerim Rd end to Caulfield station end. For those that don't know the area the Neerim Rd end is quite suburban. The station end has a pokies/sports type club (The Glasshouse) on the edge of the course and it is a short walk to various eateries on the NE side of the station. The club won't need to provide a social club/gathering place on site. Also, various tram lines are nearby. The station end will make it easier to keep admin and FD staff (and attract new ones) if using public transport otherwise they would face a decent walk. Ditto for fans. A home at last! Can't wait to congregate there on the day after another premiership ❤️💙 btw, thanks for keeping us updated.

You might like to transfer the discussion to this similar thread as discussion will most likely duplicate

Not sure which you are referring to. Its worth remembering AFL rules are that if a player wears club gear for a sponsor or ad, his payments are included in that club's sal cap. Not sure if there are AFL restrictions on when a player can wear club gear at public appearances. Practically the only real freedom players have to wear/post in club gear is training and games. To be fair to Tracc context should be relative to other high profile demons club/teammate related social media. And maybe he and other players want to keep communications with teammates private.

The dilemma for me is how to compare eras! Flower and Gawn have claims to the Best Demon but I've concluded it is Barassi! 6 x Premierships, 2 as captain 2 x Premiership BOG ie Norm Smith Medal equivalent 2 x BnF 2 x Leading Demon goal kicker (Somehow, I never knew this😲) 5 x Demon captain Widely recognised as the best player in the league and maybe GOAT. Never won a Brownlow most likely because teammates 'took' votes and probably not the fairest player. As an aside, there were no Demon winners during those glory demon days. AA and Coaches Awards weren't invented then. Would have won a few. Forgiven for leaving because he came back and to his last days was red and blue through and through. Can't split Flower and Gawn for a close 2nd spot. Both special, different talents. Both not recognised enough in the wider AFL community. Both brought joy in some not so successful years.

Kudos to Bailey Smith. Firstly, for opening up about his time in a psych clinic and getting through a dark time. Not an easy thing to admit anytime let alone before a national audience. Secondly, for winning the Coaches Award with Noah Anderson, having played 3 less games. Could take out the Brownlow but maybe the missed games will work against him.

Maybe Tracc congratulated Kozzie and Gawn via sms, phone, Whatsapp etc. We don't know so people shouldn't be so quick to criticise lack of instagram stuff. tbh, sms, phone or Whatsapp are more pesonal than instagram or other social media.

Mr D, I prefer your quizzes! 🙃 But I'll play along anyway. Geelong to win 😟😭 Giants preferred (go Jessie ❤️💙, Captain Toby and Toby B)!

Radford going opens some soft cap space for a new assistant coach!

Thanks for the name. I agree it didn't work. But Shand and Crowe are very highly regarded, hence my rhetorical question whether the issue was internal resistance to change rather than the change agents.

Didn't we have a 'mind coach'/psyche join mfc as part of/after the Shand review. Can't recall the guy's name. Maybe he issue is our FD and players have resisted change rather than the change agents: 'mind coach', Shand, Rendall

fwiw our current list spots are: Senior: Zero A-rookie: 3 B-rookie: Zero

We can draft him with a natural pick. We just need to select him before anyone else! If above is correct that he is ranked in the 40 to 80 range there should be no problem having a late 2nd/early 3rd round pick available. In that range it makes little difference to matching a bid as an NGA with points.

The AFL already protects some players from missing finals eg: HWSNBN Mark 11, Cripps, Cotchin and back a little while Barry Hall. I'm sure there are plenty of others. We don't need any more distortion of the MRO/Tribunal 'magic herbs and spices' decisions.

I like the romance of Bruce but would rather it be 'best available' regardless of who that person played for. Reckon the new coach will choose someone he has a relationship.