Older demon

I know Brad, and he has had every treatment known to man on that knee. In his own words, the knee is no good (he did use a different adjective, but you get the idea). He triggered a clause for another year on his contract, which is why he may be moved to the rookie list, but his playing career is under extreme doubt.

There may be a subplot to this. It wasn't that long ago that it leaked out that Draper was not keen on the Crows after the way they treated Rochelle. Of course, he came out denying he said anything, but Houston was never going to leave Port and how did that end up? Maybe he doesn't want to go to Adelaide, and they are looking at Langford instead.

The latest from the Age is Richmond doesn't want to trade their pick-six and is less likely to do a pick swap with North. Most experts believe the Tigers will take Lalor at one, and the North will take Tauru. Carlton traded up to get FOS, and I cannot see Adelaide letting Draper go. Come on down, pick and go for the best Langford, Smith or Smillie. In Taylor we trust.

Can I remind everyone that both Bomba Thompson and Dimma survived external reviews at their respective clubs prior to winning flags? They weren't sacked, but changes were made around the existing coach. I expect the same with us. Whether you like him or not, Goodwin is a good head coach and man manager, but maybe not the best tactician. Yze admitted on his departure that he was coaching from the box, and Goody was on the boundary line managing the players. This was a transition year with, at times we had five new players in the lineup, some in their first season and others having less than ten games under their belt None of us has any idea what the board has set the coach to do. His job description, tasks, KPI's and performance skill set. He reports to the GM or board monthly, so I don't think they will be sacking him now, given they have followed his progress all season. Already, two assistants have gone, and the dynamic will change. Stop worrying about things that we have no control over. The external reviews will challenge the club, but I cannot see mass sackings. Are there ready-made replacements for the incumbents who cop so much vitriol? NO. It was stated elsewhere that Brisbane lost three senior players to ACLs and their ruckman for the granny. This is where they are better than us. Their second side played deep into the VFL finals, and they have great depth. Would Lohmann, Morris and Ah Chee have got the opportunity if not for the injuries? It worked out better for them, and they introduced new blood that lifted. The injured players ( McCarthy, Coleman & Gardner) probably aren't in the best 22 any more. Darcy Fort is an experienced ruck who played his role on Grand Final day, limiting the effect Grundy had on the game and covering McInerny's absence perfectly. Sydney got smashed in the midfield by Neale, Ashcroft, Berry, McCluggae, Dunkley & Bailey The return of Ashcroft mid-season also bolstered Brisbane. Having a Coleman medalist join the midfield mid-season was a pretty handy acquisition. As we saw, the cupboard was bare in our midfield at Casey, and there was no one to replace Trac and later Windsor and Oliver. Brisbane has a much better and deeper list than us and mids who kick goals.

Without checking the list update with Marty Hore signing on for another year staying as a rookie and Melk going back onto the main list. I think that makes 5 rookie spots. I believe AMW has to come off the Cat B list so maybe he is the 6th rookie. Not sure if that influences how many we can draft.

No, this is a few pages back where one of our posters keeps a list of the contracts, their length, etc. It is the most up-to-date synopsis of the club. Lucifer's hero used to manage it, but she handed it over to Red and Blue forever.

I checked the latest list after Tomlinson went, and it is 32, and Joel Smith's name is not on the list. So, 32 seniors, six rookies & 1 Cat B rookie. On the latest list Mcvee is already upgraded. The 6 rookies are Melk, Sestan, Kentfield, Brown, Hore & Verrell.

But it is what we all want to hear! The club and manager smoke the peace pipe and the leaking stops. I am amazed but not surprised how much conjecture and rumour are treated as fact. Why are we all so impatient when there is a deadline soon when we will all know the outcome? I don't like the way the media shake the tree and try to be predictors of the future. I cancelled my HS subscription years ago because of the opinion pieces rather than researched facts, and I am trending the same way sick of McClure and his fortunetelling. I spoke with Clayton at the BF, and we didn't discuss any of this trade stuff. I asked about his hand as the last time we spoke at a club function, he was fresh from an op, and his hand was so swollen. The good news is that he can now shake his right hand; it is still swollen, and he had a very long metal plate in there all season. I am amazed he could play! The club prefers he plays as he doesn't cope well without the structure and training. Listen to Gus and how much he has struggled when he no longer had his ordered highly planned football career and loss of his sense of purpose.

Ollie is coming along nicely. Spoke with him at the B&F. On Insta you can see a group photo with Kolt, Howes, Windsor, Woey & Brown, the young Brigade. He is as tall as Howes. He had a monster pre-season this year and shredded all the puppy fat. He is doing all the right things and, after a European holiday, will be back into it. He certainly has the passion and desire to make the grade. The team manager at Casey speaks highly of him and agrees that Ollie is a natural footballer who needs to improve his tank. He ran 4th in the Casey B&F and when in the midfield at Casey was great at clearances. He is one of WCW's favourite young players

What role? He was on the GWS board. Is he looking for a post on our board? Is he a possible presidential candidate? If Green is pres then does Bartel fill Green's old board role by looking after all of the club football?

I suspect, given the timing, that the last straw was his disastrous interview with Fagan and potting David King. King responded and wasn't happy, and Fagan was a gentleman and could have had a red hot go at King. King denies the accusation and called Robbo a liar.

I read this as well, and now the club regrets doing so, as Clarry has been happy to exercise his rights to look elsewhere. If Pert did do this, I would like to know on whose authority. Any wonder MaClure stated that Clarry was feeling like he wasn't wanted anymore. It will be an interesting B&F Friday night. Pert wasn't there last year. I wonder if he will attend. If he shopped Clarry around he should be sacked on the spot.

This goes back to Andrew Mackie stating earlier in the year that Geelong had a list of targets, and Clarry was one of them. In his day, Mackie was the best sledger and mischief-maker going arouns. He isn't much better as a list manager hoping to be the new Dodoro. This will almost certainly have emanated from him designed to excite the press. A simple solution is to tell him to go away or ask about the availability of Holmes and/or De Koenig.

Surprised the Cats delisted Mitch Hardie. made the VFL team of the year is young and has some talent. Maybe they will rookie him.

It is the only portion of the night worth watching. So much emotion, which I am sure is shared by the other medically retired players. I am looking forward to the B&F and hearing him speak. I noted that Riv got BOG in the next two games after the speech.