I spoke briefly to Silvers on Sunday. He is a good guy and I rate him highly. I promised him another email as he knows me as 'the email guy who pointed out inequitable draw stuff to the AFL'. I am OK with that label lol. The following just sent to Silvers, Nicks and Reid. Will see what the response is
Hi Gents
In summary, a 7 minute ish read with hopefully well considered constructive views and how to best ‘sell’ future prospects to long suffering crows fans (and I don’t say this lightly) to ensure ongoing hope and support for the club.
Firstly, I hope things are well for you all personally with a no-doubt challenging year professionally. Nice seeing Tim again briefly at the pre-match and fans do appreciate leadership in challenging times. I understand its not easy but is certainly appreciated for Adam, Jack and then Tim speaking to your passionate QLD supporter group.
Firstly, the following is purely from a passionate fan (from the first trial game in Feb 1991) who is hoping and wishing for the best going forward and hopefully providing some insight from long term supporters/members. We all understand its been a difficult year – the ‘non-linear’ year that often comes along in our situation (but admittedly normally after a higher base level of success beforehand). These are my hopefully well considered thoughts after months of thought and gaining information from others who are seemingly able to glean information from Crows insiders (players or their partners etc). There are forums focussed on footy chat you would be aware of (inc the sometimes toxic BigFooty with a core demographic of 18-60 year olds) where the Crows are the clear number one ranking have 20% higher posting levels . 4m posts by many thousand supporters in recent years inc many by long term professionals, corporates and posters who seemingly have some form of inside connection to the club) than even compared to behemoths like Pies, Blues, Dons and Tigers. In summary, we have a massive supporter base out there, perhaps somewhat latent, but feel its important to understand core themes and opinions.
Acknowledgment / maintaining Hope
Clearly its been a difficult year for everyone that hasn’t met anyone’s expectations. Performance is worse than last year after a difficult first month with a game style change. Some key player injuries and continuing close losses with a number of players regressing – but its not all bad. Players are still playing for Nicksy (from my humble outside perspective), we are consistently around the mark and only 2 real poor losses (Hawks and Tigers in my view). But we need a few more core talented elite players – whether that’s TT, Rachele, Curtin and others (Pedlar/Murray/Worrell?) or future draft picks/trades and less injuries.
But I do feel publicly owning this to relate to fans that are starting to feel disenchanted is important. I can honestly say many long term supporters are for the first time reconsidering memberships (many premium) and/or corporate dollars spent going forward. The economy is tough. Discretionary expenditure is already down and likely further pressures going forward. But to acknowledge we are confident it’s a non-liner year in our trajectory. This can happen but next year therefore becomes particularly important with a material bounce needed (11-13 wins). Crows fans (members/supporters) have had a relatively successful 30+ years since inception with only 4 periods previously of 2 years of non-finals plus one 1 period of 3 years of non-finals (1994-1996). We are now entering our 8th year (2025) of non-finals and bookmakers I have called don’t have us in the top 10 teams for a top 8 spot for 2025. Therefore, waiting possibly 9-10 years for a finals berth is unprecedented and I believe having empathy and thanking our very loyal supporters for hanging in there and keep showing up in great numbers overall.
Revenues / memberships / crowd numbers
I am fearful, and wanted to communicate, we may see a deterioration in this regard next year. Supporters need hope based on real action and for that to be fulfilled at some point soon. We are seemingly struggling to attract quality non SA talent to the club (which is the norm for both Power and us with I think only Ryder and Dixon even becoming AA after being traded to a SA club). It all comes down to success and this years regression will erode confidence. Our crowds have been excellent (until the last home game) and I feel its important for perhaps Tim or John Olsen to address this issue over coming months. But more is also needed – see next
Attracting inbound talent
I do rate Justin and his team highly. Our various pick swaps have been possibly league’s best (certainly top quartile performance) since their inception mid last decade and Rankine and Dawson are exceptional ins (our 2 best players - one for a bargain and one for fair value perhaps) in the last 3 years. But after missing Day, Oliver, Redman and (thankfully in hindsight) Petty last year I am fearful we will again miss a decent name target where all decent FA’s have signed and Perryman at 800k seems a ridiculous stretch but not sure if Cummin is an option?
I cant see how we go about attracting 2-3 additional absolute elite (normally top 5 type players) like Callaghan, Anderson or Philippou without offering 1.25m for 7/8 years and shaking the tree so hard that a couple of them demand to be traded (and also fully acknowledge the difficulties this creates when re-signing the current elite batch like Rankine who will then say pay me 1.5m+ on a relative basis). I just see the ‘SA factor’ as such an insurmountable structural disadvantage and I am genuinely not sure there are any rational responses to this issue besides over-paying (and the corresponding issues this creates) or drafting which will then take another few years. I hope you have more ideas than I do..
Clearly elite mids (this was acknowledged by Tim last year) and also a developing / back up ruck seem glaring list holes. Also, unless Pedlar returns to form (and stays focussed and fit/healthy in the off season..) another quality small forward is needed and perhaps the Powers NGA player before 40 is a goer.
I imagine we have an unprecedented war chest and after a number of low finishes and long term contracts likely pre-paid (Rankine, Dawson, Soli and Rachele) we may be struggling to meet the minimum 95% floor. Problem is we are in a high inflation environment and many other clubs seemingly in a similar position and understand/agree in not paying ridiculous overs in the current environment.
Current list
One of Mattys N huge ticks has seemingly been culture, players buying in and playing for him and player retention. Listening publicly inc todays radio interview.. (and some private comments received) Keane wants out back to MLB. Please do NOT ROLL OVER here. Pies MUST pay a F1 if they want him for their rapidly aging squad with the last chance of a flag with so many 30+ and in desperate need for a KPD. Very happy to keep this very talented lad but if our demands aren’t met as we need to ensure we play hard ball as so many clubs have towards us over the years. Otherwise, he stays on our list in 2025 and may change his mind (Keane and Butts as KPD, Worrell as 3rd tall also allows potential N Murray – as per junior years? - swing forward option in my view)
We seem to have many potential outs this year (possibly 8+) which I wont comment on but please prioritise playing both Taylor and Curtin in an appropriate position (most games) and Ryan / even perhaps Edwards for 2-3 games each by the end of the year. There are seemingly some obvious players that can be rested Smith (Ryan) and Murphy (Taylor – even if not exactly like for like).
We should be preparing the squad for a big tilt in 2025 and there’s nothing like a few games of experience and it gives hopes to fans to see glimpses of future talent. We also don’t want to ideally finish above Saints if they get a ridiculous tier 1 FA pick for Battle moving us back to pick 6 (before academy/FS picks)
Recruiting
Contentious, heavily scrutinised and in my humble view does need enhancing. A good first few years by Hamish (CC, Lever, Mc Govern, M Crouch) with then a poorish 5 ish years from 2015 (whether Pyke overruled Galluci over English as per Phil Bunn I will never fully know) to a seemingly well above average last few years of both first and second rounders (plus Murray, Hinge, Keane etc for free and Nank in the PSD). He needs to get the next couple of drafts right – we cant bugger up here as, in theory, only more successful clubs can generally take higher risk picks.
Coaching / Support for M Nicks
Balme effectively made a public plea for a role with us going forward. I don’t understand why this wouldn’t be accepted after initial reluctance to get Senior coaching support. Look at his history inc Tigers and Cats. I am not on a witch hunt but do question Adam Kellys elite footy acumen (relative to SANFL admin) before joining the club in a crucial role. I see Chris Davies every year pulling off (often, not always) remarkable trade deals and other benchmark clubs like Swans having Leon Cameron with 25-30 years elite experience in a similar role. I just feel we need as much elite support as possible around Matty Nicks. Besides Kelly is our development team as good as possible? TT (at least equal best) and Rachele both played their best ever game in their first games of AFL – that’s not normal.
My dream scenario – Balme (Head of Football ish type overseeing role), Brett Ratten (Footy Manager) and Rahilly back as Senior Assistant (after feedback and results from our previously elite forward line this year) . Sounds like Montgomery might be back also.
We need elite assistants here. We perhaps haven’t always had them in recent years.
This years schedule
You pushed after Keays-Gate and were rewarded commercially but its seemingly unlikely to be repeated next year. I would be asking for 3-4 winnable games (inc home game first round) instead early next year to allow the team to start in a positive manner which hasn’t been the case in recent years always playing catch up.
Crows jumpers /merchandise
Consensus is you have nailed this years offering, inc Indigenous Round and ANZAC Day, and hope you are happy with feedback and sales. Well done guys – looks great as a suite of products.
Guys, Crows are one of my greatest passions in life. As a Stockbroker, one of my key driving aspirations is developing a sustainable model delivering 30%+ returns each year that I can ultimately offer (after club sign off) to any player you wish to help with retention going forward (watch this space – actually getting close). I would do anything to help the club and I hope any information sent a couple of times per year is taken in absolute good faith as it is intended.
Thanks for reading and all the best.
Regards
119 others
Hi Gents
In summary, a 7 minute ish read with hopefully well considered constructive views and how to best ‘sell’ future prospects to long suffering crows fans (and I don’t say this lightly) to ensure ongoing hope and support for the club.
Firstly, I hope things are well for you all personally with a no-doubt challenging year professionally. Nice seeing Tim again briefly at the pre-match and fans do appreciate leadership in challenging times. I understand its not easy but is certainly appreciated for Adam, Jack and then Tim speaking to your passionate QLD supporter group.
Firstly, the following is purely from a passionate fan (from the first trial game in Feb 1991) who is hoping and wishing for the best going forward and hopefully providing some insight from long term supporters/members. We all understand its been a difficult year – the ‘non-linear’ year that often comes along in our situation (but admittedly normally after a higher base level of success beforehand). These are my hopefully well considered thoughts after months of thought and gaining information from others who are seemingly able to glean information from Crows insiders (players or their partners etc). There are forums focussed on footy chat you would be aware of (inc the sometimes toxic BigFooty with a core demographic of 18-60 year olds) where the Crows are the clear number one ranking have 20% higher posting levels . 4m posts by many thousand supporters in recent years inc many by long term professionals, corporates and posters who seemingly have some form of inside connection to the club) than even compared to behemoths like Pies, Blues, Dons and Tigers. In summary, we have a massive supporter base out there, perhaps somewhat latent, but feel its important to understand core themes and opinions.
Acknowledgment / maintaining Hope
Clearly its been a difficult year for everyone that hasn’t met anyone’s expectations. Performance is worse than last year after a difficult first month with a game style change. Some key player injuries and continuing close losses with a number of players regressing – but its not all bad. Players are still playing for Nicksy (from my humble outside perspective), we are consistently around the mark and only 2 real poor losses (Hawks and Tigers in my view). But we need a few more core talented elite players – whether that’s TT, Rachele, Curtin and others (Pedlar/Murray/Worrell?) or future draft picks/trades and less injuries.
But I do feel publicly owning this to relate to fans that are starting to feel disenchanted is important. I can honestly say many long term supporters are for the first time reconsidering memberships (many premium) and/or corporate dollars spent going forward. The economy is tough. Discretionary expenditure is already down and likely further pressures going forward. But to acknowledge we are confident it’s a non-liner year in our trajectory. This can happen but next year therefore becomes particularly important with a material bounce needed (11-13 wins). Crows fans (members/supporters) have had a relatively successful 30+ years since inception with only 4 periods previously of 2 years of non-finals plus one 1 period of 3 years of non-finals (1994-1996). We are now entering our 8th year (2025) of non-finals and bookmakers I have called don’t have us in the top 10 teams for a top 8 spot for 2025. Therefore, waiting possibly 9-10 years for a finals berth is unprecedented and I believe having empathy and thanking our very loyal supporters for hanging in there and keep showing up in great numbers overall.
Revenues / memberships / crowd numbers
I am fearful, and wanted to communicate, we may see a deterioration in this regard next year. Supporters need hope based on real action and for that to be fulfilled at some point soon. We are seemingly struggling to attract quality non SA talent to the club (which is the norm for both Power and us with I think only Ryder and Dixon even becoming AA after being traded to a SA club). It all comes down to success and this years regression will erode confidence. Our crowds have been excellent (until the last home game) and I feel its important for perhaps Tim or John Olsen to address this issue over coming months. But more is also needed – see next
Attracting inbound talent
I do rate Justin and his team highly. Our various pick swaps have been possibly league’s best (certainly top quartile performance) since their inception mid last decade and Rankine and Dawson are exceptional ins (our 2 best players - one for a bargain and one for fair value perhaps) in the last 3 years. But after missing Day, Oliver, Redman and (thankfully in hindsight) Petty last year I am fearful we will again miss a decent name target where all decent FA’s have signed and Perryman at 800k seems a ridiculous stretch but not sure if Cummin is an option?
I cant see how we go about attracting 2-3 additional absolute elite (normally top 5 type players) like Callaghan, Anderson or Philippou without offering 1.25m for 7/8 years and shaking the tree so hard that a couple of them demand to be traded (and also fully acknowledge the difficulties this creates when re-signing the current elite batch like Rankine who will then say pay me 1.5m+ on a relative basis). I just see the ‘SA factor’ as such an insurmountable structural disadvantage and I am genuinely not sure there are any rational responses to this issue besides over-paying (and the corresponding issues this creates) or drafting which will then take another few years. I hope you have more ideas than I do..
Clearly elite mids (this was acknowledged by Tim last year) and also a developing / back up ruck seem glaring list holes. Also, unless Pedlar returns to form (and stays focussed and fit/healthy in the off season..) another quality small forward is needed and perhaps the Powers NGA player before 40 is a goer.
I imagine we have an unprecedented war chest and after a number of low finishes and long term contracts likely pre-paid (Rankine, Dawson, Soli and Rachele) we may be struggling to meet the minimum 95% floor. Problem is we are in a high inflation environment and many other clubs seemingly in a similar position and understand/agree in not paying ridiculous overs in the current environment.
Current list
One of Mattys N huge ticks has seemingly been culture, players buying in and playing for him and player retention. Listening publicly inc todays radio interview.. (and some private comments received) Keane wants out back to MLB. Please do NOT ROLL OVER here. Pies MUST pay a F1 if they want him for their rapidly aging squad with the last chance of a flag with so many 30+ and in desperate need for a KPD. Very happy to keep this very talented lad but if our demands aren’t met as we need to ensure we play hard ball as so many clubs have towards us over the years. Otherwise, he stays on our list in 2025 and may change his mind (Keane and Butts as KPD, Worrell as 3rd tall also allows potential N Murray – as per junior years? - swing forward option in my view)
We seem to have many potential outs this year (possibly 8+) which I wont comment on but please prioritise playing both Taylor and Curtin in an appropriate position (most games) and Ryan / even perhaps Edwards for 2-3 games each by the end of the year. There are seemingly some obvious players that can be rested Smith (Ryan) and Murphy (Taylor – even if not exactly like for like).
We should be preparing the squad for a big tilt in 2025 and there’s nothing like a few games of experience and it gives hopes to fans to see glimpses of future talent. We also don’t want to ideally finish above Saints if they get a ridiculous tier 1 FA pick for Battle moving us back to pick 6 (before academy/FS picks)
Recruiting
Contentious, heavily scrutinised and in my humble view does need enhancing. A good first few years by Hamish (CC, Lever, Mc Govern, M Crouch) with then a poorish 5 ish years from 2015 (whether Pyke overruled Galluci over English as per Phil Bunn I will never fully know) to a seemingly well above average last few years of both first and second rounders (plus Murray, Hinge, Keane etc for free and Nank in the PSD). He needs to get the next couple of drafts right – we cant bugger up here as, in theory, only more successful clubs can generally take higher risk picks.
Coaching / Support for M Nicks
Balme effectively made a public plea for a role with us going forward. I don’t understand why this wouldn’t be accepted after initial reluctance to get Senior coaching support. Look at his history inc Tigers and Cats. I am not on a witch hunt but do question Adam Kellys elite footy acumen (relative to SANFL admin) before joining the club in a crucial role. I see Chris Davies every year pulling off (often, not always) remarkable trade deals and other benchmark clubs like Swans having Leon Cameron with 25-30 years elite experience in a similar role. I just feel we need as much elite support as possible around Matty Nicks. Besides Kelly is our development team as good as possible? TT (at least equal best) and Rachele both played their best ever game in their first games of AFL – that’s not normal.
My dream scenario – Balme (Head of Football ish type overseeing role), Brett Ratten (Footy Manager) and Rahilly back as Senior Assistant (after feedback and results from our previously elite forward line this year) . Sounds like Montgomery might be back also.
We need elite assistants here. We perhaps haven’t always had them in recent years.
This years schedule
You pushed after Keays-Gate and were rewarded commercially but its seemingly unlikely to be repeated next year. I would be asking for 3-4 winnable games (inc home game first round) instead early next year to allow the team to start in a positive manner which hasn’t been the case in recent years always playing catch up.
Crows jumpers /merchandise
Consensus is you have nailed this years offering, inc Indigenous Round and ANZAC Day, and hope you are happy with feedback and sales. Well done guys – looks great as a suite of products.
Guys, Crows are one of my greatest passions in life. As a Stockbroker, one of my key driving aspirations is developing a sustainable model delivering 30%+ returns each year that I can ultimately offer (after club sign off) to any player you wish to help with retention going forward (watch this space – actually getting close). I would do anything to help the club and I hope any information sent a couple of times per year is taken in absolute good faith as it is intended.
Thanks for reading and all the best.
Regards
119 others
