Tolstoys Nudge

Many around Mitch and the club hold genuine hopes of a return. Mitch retired to ensure the media scrutiny on himself and the club would be dissolved for a considerable time period to enable Mitch the best possible hope of a full recovery, as if he did not retire the spotlight would have only grown weekly - a brave and brilliant move orchestrated by the club. All going well, There is absolutely no donut that should Mitch feel his body is right and his mind is in a better place - that Mitch Clark will be wearing number 11 in the red & blue in 2015 - and likelihood of this has only grown by the day with the positive beginning to Mitch's recovery.. I'm expecting to see Mitch return to spearhead the Attack next year, but the fragility of this horrible affliction means that no one, including Mitch - can be resoundingly certain! So let's just wish Mitch the best as many of you have, and hope that his position is strong enough come September to enable him to return! September being the true deadline - to enable the Dees to ensure Mitch returns to the active list in 2015. If you contact the club - I'm sure they will happily explain that if such a circumstance "somehow" came to fruition, the Club could re-instate Mitch on the list with no risk of him falling elsewhere what so ever! But don't expect them to even admit its a remote chance, as they absolutely would not compromise Mitch's recovery by adding unnecessary media scrutiny.

Id guess that there would be plenty looking at Weller! Patrick also will end up rookie listed imo. But I heard a few weeks ago - that depending on how his knee is recovering, Horsley will be a potential target for the Demons and Blues. Dont rate Wilkinson at all - but who knows!

Hi level humor there boys, loving your insightful contributions! You forgot to mention random tweets by searching"demons trade", my very favorite resource! Feel free not to read anytime I don't know how many times I need to clarify that all I do is type the things I hear in my workplace, using a min 2 source rule as the only filter. It seems while many appreciate the info, (of which many were never mentioned in any media before here & have afterwards mind you, not that I really concern myself with that but its accurate) & have the adequate IQ to both understand how to take it, whilst also being fully aware of just how many deals/swaps/players/picks etc get mooted about by AFL clubs, Managers, players etc at this time of year - thus knowing that at best, 1-2% of all discussed deals will ever get past mild discussion, let alone actually be submitted - thats just how it is! So that'll do from me, as I said when I returned this year - I wanted to give some info to those who would enjoy it & being a mad Demons man, I know how much I like hearing all the random football scuttlebutt from people in the business. So, Iam done reading snide remarks from members of this board (albeit few) & wasting my time responding - so Its time I bid farewell! cheers

The 3 way deal is done Announcement within 2-3 hours just a few details to iron out such as Dawes signing contract alteration etc Well done Dees, a nice deal indeed imho

Neeld loves his pace & rebound from defensive 50, may be added as the final piece instead of the late pick GWS has been asked to add to complete the deal. Will know by midday tomorrow we hope!

CONFIRMED

Pick 13 is gone & is now Pick 20. Dees expect another top 25 pick to come their way via other deals in coming days also! Draft wise, Dees confident of Toumpas @ 4 with Wines & Macrae rumored to be GWS pref choice at 3 & even Grundy has come into contenion at that pick if they lose Giles. If GC had #2 Toumpas would be gone, but now they dont, dees have a shot!

Most likely to draft Jimmy Toumpas with big man Grundy our 2nd choice.. close but Toumpas will likely be our man! Bennell, Cook & Morton habe been nibbled on, but no sale yet.. far from it I hear! Morton will find a home I suspect..

I am only guessing, however I beleive the intent would be Pederson as a utility to replace MArtin & extra cover for Rivers shoiuld be leave. Also, Dees may target 15 KPP players, but obviously they are not going to sign them all, should they get lucky enough to lure mutiple, I assume they would simply choose by their ranking/priority list.

UPDATE: Dawes Deal finally completed this afternoon, expect many chips to now fall including Pederson & potential other club deals will flow freely tomorrow Dawes & Lick 58 to Demons Pick 20 & 45 to Pies Other updates (coded - Hot, Luke warm, scuttlebutt) -------------------------------------------------------------------- - Pick 58 may be sent to Roos for Cam Pederson (Rivers compo pick may be offered however Roos may not want to wait for announcement its holding up Macintosh Deal (H) - Jared Rivers has told the club he will join Cats once offer sheet comes through (H) - Demons inquire what Dockers are seeking for Broughton (H) - Farren Ray still in picture after Saints can secure M.Brown from Eagles, may look to Stef Martin for swap with Farren unless other cards fall. Expect update once Cripps deal done (H) - Neeld may get his dream Fwd lineup as Gumbleton to either Dockers, Dogs or Demons (H) - Martin & Gysberts both linked to a complex deal involving 4 teams, more to come on this one as details are sketchy at this stage however it's believed to involve Bombers, Demons, GWS & 1-2 other clubs - 4/5 Clubs have met with Demons to feel out offers for Stef Martin, Demons holding out for word on Ray and above deal to become clearer (H) - Melbourne putting in yards to convince Geelong to part with George Burbury or Jonathan Simpkin Both are Rookie listed & Demons rate them VERY highly (H) - James Strauss has been put on table as potential lure for players with outside speed, after some inquiries early on from Hawks & Pies were initially rejected (SB) - Dylan Roberton's management has mentioned Demons have been in contact (LW) - WCE have met with Cale Morton's Management, Bombers & Swans also showing mild interest (LW) - Jordan Russell has met with 3 VIC clubs & it's clear he will receive an opportunity, Dees seen to hold him as a reserve option if unable to secure another experienced utility type - Matthew Bate back on Bulldogs menu, Lions & GC also keen & potential packaged deal for Ben Jacobs with PA also gaining momentum late today (LW) - Jesse White an interesting topic as it seems Dogs may prefer him to Gumbleton opening door for Demons & Dockers to battle it out should he decide to leave. Neeld not keen on White due to perceived "Lazy" training & prep habits (LW) - Demons have no interest in M.Campbell after seeking word on C.Garlett earlier in Trade Period (LW) - Melbourne have been ruled out of any deal involving Andy Otten (H) - Dees, Swans & Hawks have reportedly entertained the idea of speaking with Dan Connors about a rookie list opportunity, although reports are its long odds at this stage (SB) - Proposed Lucas Cook straight swap with Roos for Garlett and/or Part of Pederson deal now seems unlikely as Lachie Hansen agrees to stay at NM (LW) - Lions & Dockers have reportedly minor interest only as it looks Lucas may be delisted & have to settle for a rookie spot at best (LW) - Ricky Petterd may be traded for a pick in range of 35-45 with up to 6 teams declaring some level of interest, may come done to fitness tests (LW) Believe it or not, barely half the info floating around atm, by far most hectic & openly negotiated trade period in AFL history - Well done AFL for insult getting time frame & addition of FA right to ensure players & teams can finally look to improve their list & find new opportunities! Much more to come when I get some time to digest all the numerous reports, since Dawes deal & Mcintosh deal have been agreed upon, the flood gates are well & truly alive! PS - Mark Neeld, the man walks what he talks - Well done Dees! HOT (more likely) Picks 3 & 13 to GWS for Jesse Hogan & Pick 20 Stefan Martin to Saints (Dogs, Pies, GC also keen in which any pick they send would likely be on traded to saints) for Farren Ray 4th round pick to North Melbourne for Cam Pederson (may be part of bigger deal) Pick 20 to Collingwood for Chris Dawes (likely to include swaps of later picks also) Brent Moloney to Lions as FA Luke Warm: Ben Warren to demons via trade or PSD Cale Morton to WCE for Koby Stevens or to Bombers for David Myers Stefan Martin to pies for Sharrod Wellingham (unlikely due to SW reluctance to stay in VIc) Jared Rivers to Geelong (luke warm now as Cats eyeing Delaney & Jacobs thus have no solid offer to Riv as yet) Ricky Petterd to Collingwood/GC for mid range pick Adelaide making a play to demons for Jordie Mckenzie which will most likely go nowhere Lucas Cook to Bulldogs for Christian Howard (mooted about late today) Neeld has rumoured to have met with the agent of blues Rookie Bell Pick 4 to GC for Josh Caddy (very unlikely as Caddy hasnt met with Dees to date, Dees want live pick with 3 now gone to GWS) Clinton Young to Demons via free agency (will depend on how hard Dees go once observing what other pins drop) Docker Dylan Roberton has met with Demons as has teammate Jay Van Berlo Jesse White's management have sought out demons for a chat, seen as potential Dawes contingency plan Melbourne expected to meet with cut Swan Jared Moore & PA's David Rodan in coming days Scuttlebutt: - Semi-serious talk rumored to have taken place today from 3-4 different stories between dees/blues re: Kane Lucas & Jack Watts Word has it Demons played hands off approach with Watts, to which Blues responded with "fair enough". Tom Bell also discussed with blues still confident of retaining as a rookie - WCE mildly keen on Cale Morton, with bombers & Blues also mentioned - 2 Clubs still making inquiries for Garland, may be entertained if Rivers remains - Lucas Cook has garnered only very light interest, with Saints & Dogs amusing offers - Jamie Bennell has been discussed as potential swap to both WA clubs for a late round pick - Demons to delist up to 11 players depending on trade period success: Macdonald, Bate, Bennell, Cook, Evans, Jetta, Batram, Petterd, Davis & more may go if trades cannot be facilitated with Jetta/Bartram considered to be 50-50 calls. - Despite reports, Demons have no interest in Lachie Hansen or J Giles - Melbourne looking to discuss potential of GC being open to trading Hall, also sussing out GWS' Rhys Cooyou - David Armitage keeps popping up as yet another Demon target WATCH THIS SPACE.. 2012 has begun at breakneck speed & a record amount of trades will be completed! **Disclaimer - All data above is a collated mix from information I come across via many mediums in my corriders at my workspace, I only post things I hear from 2-4 different whispers & for those who dont yet, im sure most understand the AFL trade period is a crazxy time & with the window small only very few mentioned deals get completed.. even deals clubs agree on after days of intense talks can go un-done**

Ok, for the last time - this is not even supposed o remotely consider Melb land ALL of these targets. The hope is to lad a speedy mid or 2, a small forward & a KPP all with some hardness & experience. The post is a a target list of which ALL teams have & are far bigger than 19 players. Can't blv I need to explain that! If try land 3-4 Dees would be happy indeed! Posting to add Gysberts to Geelong for Brown deal that has been mooted all day! Cheers

Updated: Demon Trade Bait/FA: Rivers (Cats, Saints, Hawks very keen, Lions now also upping the ante) Petterd - (interest from 4 clubs blvd to be Pies, GC, PA & Bulldogs) Martin - (interest from Pies, & Saints) Cook - Seems likely to stay but Roos & Blues have interest Bate - Seems certain to move North most likely to Lions potential swap for Karnezis or to GC for Toy Bail - 2 Clubs making enquiries, Lions blvd to be very keen Garland - Fate will depend on Rivers but Dees keen to use as bait for a speedy mid such as Pearce Morton - Small interest from Swans & Cats, most likely to stay a Demon Moloney - Seems Brisabe or Bomber bound with PA trying hard still. Gysberts - Cats keen but Demons playing hardball & asking for Brown plus a mid pick or an established player w/pace, Motlop mentioned. Demon Targets: Shannon Byrnes - Good as signed - may be announced today/tomorrow Sharrod Wellingham - In talks this week with pies but potential Martin trade appears a long way off, will either be a Demon or a WCE. Angus Monfries - Had talks with Management, waiting on PA to finalize offer & Demons may match depending on other pieces - most likely ends up @ PA Patrick Karnezis - One of many clubs with medium interest, potential trade for Bate or Bail Danyle Pearce - Not far off if mail is right, she blv he will be in red & blue by next week,firming by the day! Chris Knights - Demons very confident, blv they are ahead of Tigers offer - Tigers win out & will announce probably today he has signed! John Butcher - Hearing more today, Demons going HARD. Could be part of Caddy monster deal. Gaining momentum in many circles =, that demons may be his home if a deal can be agreed on with PA Levi Casboult - Inquiries made & may be an easy get if others don't fall Dees way - Now looks close to re-signing with Blues. Tom Swift - Early days but discussion has occured Ben Warren - Most certain Demon among the lot, could even be PSD Christian Howard - Potential trade for Petterd Steven Salopek - Dees fighting it out with Dogs & Bombers. Aaron Cornelius - Seems to be available & Demons watching closely Cam Pederson - Now appears to be a Done deal according to many. David Myers - Seen as a key target with much more to come on this one, hearing it more & more! David Rodan - One of 6 clubs thinking about signing him, some feel Demons may even announce him today also, Dees see his pace a real plus for them! Quinton Lynch - Dees & Pies now in box seat, Demons offer far better will depend on how much Q wants immediate success. Nathan Lovett-Murray - Demons again like his pace, seems to be a back up plan but interest is noted. I'll update if I can be bothered later as I have a few more from this arvo.. For those who enjoy just knowing & understanding its all just talk & to make even simple trades happen can be tough.. ENJOY!!!

Would make a good bail out target. the exact type we need. He is not a game breaker, but he fits our structure and the hole we curently have, plus competes to get the ball down and takes a big defender. If cheap, get him in I say!

Wont happen, especially with Jacobs gone! Would be a decent deal though, Hampsn Id have over JAcobs easily.. Good hands, Strong and knows how to get the footy.

Hale in my eyes is the PERFECT recruit for us. We need a tall option up forward like a cay needs a litter! He gives us the bail out option which will give confidence to spped up our transistion and bring ball to ground for our smalls well. THEN he adds the 2nd ruck for 6-9 mins a quarter meaning we do not ned another back up, thus giving us another runner on the bench! he is not a star but we dont need nor really want him to be! 35-45 goals, lots of contests and an extra runner are better for us than a star anyway. Thats just my opinion. Yours is a valid one also. Glad ppl are enjoying the info, it means I can keep updating without worrying about annoying those ppl who forget that 98% (actual figure) of proposals amount to zip. To re-iterate, WE WONT be getting both Walker and Mckinley, or Sherman AND Hill, teams know what they want and generally target 3 or 4 of that type hoping to maybe land 1 of them.

Nowhere. I post during the year and visit alot! Juast this time of year last 3 years due to work I get info worth starting a topic. Some small developments today. Didnt hear anything on JOnes, still same word he is in limbo but most likely will stay and that remains my mail but you never know. Sherman has inked Demons as one of his top 3 teams but am yet to hear if demons reciprocate. Only other thing I was told today is that Djerrkura is also a target. Cheers.

Here are a few pieces of scuttlebutt hovering around Demons. Please remember that 98% of mentioned deals do NOT eventuate, but a fact is that over 25 deals a team get proposed through this period. it is best to try and limit the ones posted to those that seem to have some momentum and generally more than one source. If you don't like what you hear, relax, it most likely will not happen. I'm reporting what I am lucky to hear through my job with my news publication with three sports management offices also in the building. I post them not becuse I think they are going to happen, but simply I have heard them mentioned directly from numerous people. Most importantly, I post them because its interesting to know and as Demon fans you deserve to know and enjoy the mystery/intruige of it all! Here you are: - Warnock highly sought, Demons playing hardball (some feel to simply increase value, some think we genuinely will not trade). Proposed offers from Carlton (Setanta, Fisher & Grigg mentioned), Hawks (Muston, Dowler, picks), Dogs (Hill, Everitt). Saints also believed to be keen. - Jones close to a deal, Bombers still hunting as are GC. Houli a mentioned possibility if he leaves. Also murmours of a swap with Stanton. Most likely to re-sign. - Kyle Cheney being shopped around. - Clayton Hinkley likely to be a Demon. Trade for a pick appears most likely at this stage. - David Hale now appears most likely to be part of Jacobs/Walker trade. Latest word is Demons may give Warnock away as part of the deal (Carlton) - Jesse White a priority, Swans playing hard ball. Very unlikely! - Taylor Walker being shopped by Crows, demons baulking at asking price. Appears dead in water. - Ben McKinley looking likely to land at either Demons or Tigers. Will depend on Walker/Hale. - Andrejs Everitt high on radar if cheap. - David Armitage has spoken with 4 clubs, Dees one. - Cam Bruce still very much in limbo - Alwyn Davey has reportedly requested trade to Demons. Hird appointment may change this though. Also with Stanton. - Addam Maric has requested a trade. Possible swap for Davey - Delisted Roo Josh Smith likely to do pre-season with Demons. Possible Rookie. Thats about all I have heard. Only ones that are looking more than just minor discussions ar this stage are Hale, Maric, Davey & Warnock. As They are coming up in numerous peoples info. Ensure your salt grains are handy, Trade week is sheer craziness people. Try to remember that.

I can verify this one. Just asked around at work. Most likely to be cheap trade or PSD.

Not big enough. We need a TALL target as a bail out option when going long and create a contest for smalls. Anthony not the player we need. Hale is a far better option even purely as a FWD, let alone as Jamar's relief. ANother target who hasnt been mentioned publically is Setanta. Sure he isnt a saviour but he would be a target. But I beleive he is on the list at least, as is Minson. But HAle is the one who is as close to done as can be at this stage pending is medical results from this week and the GC offer.

Hale would be an option! The Pick 14 and Thronton for Taz is complete utter silliness but good crack at some deals there, love the Maric 4 Davey! Dees pretty quiet in rumours atm! Normally at work I hear a few but not many at all as yet, which could actually be a GOOD sign! Hpwever, one thing I can say is that picks are not on the agenda, Warnock to Blues is on, but far more likely to involve another club as well or be a player swap for say Setanta or Hampson etc

6 - Frawley 5 - Jurrah 4 - Dunn 3 - Macdonald 2 - Davey 1 - Watts Chip showing the dees picked the right man. LJ presented all day and could of bagged 7. Dunn continues his amazing rise from the abyss.Macdonald again goes about his busness of hard work with no fuss! Davey hit taqrgets in key links all day.Watts had some great ball use and set up alot of attacks.

6. Sylvia 5. Macdonald 4. Garland 3. Jamar 2. Mckenzie 1. Watts Anyone who did not have J MAC are seriosuly kidding, surely??

You are wrong my friend. The club has made the offer, its not rumour at all! He is a star, and well done dees for doing it! He creates the spine solidarity we need! Our window will come with Lake playing the last line, hes got alot of footy left!

Beautifully said. Some ppl dont get it! Well done dees! PS: apparently the offer is HUUUUGE!