Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance ....

[LuvMyHawks]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Pick 9 is not on the table for Gibson.

Nor it should be..

 

[Willie_Rioli]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

given the nature of what's supposed to be an average draft, i reckon hawks offering their second and third round draft picks is a reasonable swap for Gibson

 

[noosa hawk mad]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

What we have to remember is that a trade requires the agreement of the other party.

Therefore, you need to give something of value.

Its pointless going after Lake, Gibson, Tarrant etc if we aren't going to put up something reasonable in return.

Hence I would give pick 9 for Gibson.

I would personally like to see a competitive Hawthorn back line next year and in 2010. Pick 9 wont give us that.

The aim should be to get the list we need - not to "win" the trade battle.

Pick 9 would be for a player the caliber of Lake Gibson should be pick 25 that's just IMO Hope we some how land both??

 

[hawks_time]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

How do you know?

Well, if it is then we won't accept and we don't exactly lose anything. We might not gain anything but we haven't lost any ground.

 

[thatswhatimtalkinabout]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

given the nature of what's supposed to be an average draft, i reckon hawks offering their second and third round draft picks is a reasonable swap for Gibson

Interesting that everyone has just accepted this being an 'average' or 'poor' draft and run with it.

An alternative view was put on the North board.

This was described this morning on SEN, by "Shifter" Sheahan, as a fallacy. He said he had a list of at least 15 picks as good as top picks of past years, mostly midfielders, and an expanded list of 40 players who would/could be as good as any equivalent picks in past years.

He went on to explain where the negative thoughts on this years draft come from. The fact the draft age has risen by 4 months! End of story.

He said that ruled out a small number of players who could've been drafted otherwise.

The other factor was of course the fact the GC17 have already loaded up on youngsters who would've been around as bottom age picks this year. He said they usually constituted one 3rd of the total draftees and they were usually later picks taken as project players.

He concluded by stating that this year's draft was as rich in talent as years past but it would be the later picks where the recruiters would earn their money. He rattled off a lengthy list of rookie selections who are now considered stars, and said there's no reason whatsoever that players like those just mentioned can't be found with clubs' late picks this year.

He reckons anyone with first round picks will find themselves a very good player.

They were his thoughts, not mine. He knows the players available as well as anybody.

 

[Langford4FBOTC]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

Interesting that everyone has just accepted this being an 'average' or 'poor' draft and run with it.

An alternative view was put on the North board.

Interesting post TWITA. I guess the poor draft perception could be one of those things that if you say it enough, people start to accept it as the truth.

 

[Horace]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Unfortunately, I think he may have a point.

We have not been successful in landing a big trade during Pelchin's tenure. What disappoints me has been the fact that there have been leaks linking us to trades in previous years which failed to get off the ground - eg O'Keefe & Thornton. We are getting a reputation similar to Collingwood several years ago failing to seal a trade deal in which we land a big name player.

Because of the healthy state of our list, our draft picks and our aggressive approach - the other clubs are less likely to trade with us unless they see a real benefit in committing to the trade. In this draft, I expect that other clubs will have have a preference to deal with Port rather than us, although we have similar picks!

Over time we have gotten offside with a number of clubs with regards to trades including the Kangaroos (hay), Carlton (thornton) and Sydney (ROK) and they have long memories.

For those reasons I expect that there is no likelhood of getting Lake and very little prospect of getting Gibson. The deal for Gibson won't work unless it provides value to the Kangaroos.

As an aside to get the deal accross the line would you consider trading picks 9, 41 and a player (say Morton or Thorp calibre) for Gibson & Goldstein

What we have to remember is that a trade requires the agreement of the other party.

Therefore, you need to give something of value.

Its pointless going after Lake, Gibson, Tarrant etc if we aren't going to put up something reasonable in return.

Hence I would give pick 9 for Gibson.

I would personally like to see a competitive Hawthorn back line next year and in 2010. Pick 9 wont give us that.

The aim should be to get the list we need - not to "win" the trade battle.

Thank goodness, a bit of common sense showing through. Rightly or wrongly the general perception is that Hawthorn cannot be trusted. Going out and openly and actively targetting players before the trade period begins, does not enhance the club's reputation.

As Jayd19 has stated picking a kid at number 9 is not going to solve the Hawks immediate defensive problems, hence the need to get a player of the calibre of Lake and to a lesser extent Gibson.

With September free this year and a much better injury outcome next year, the Hawks will be right in the mix for another flag so you need to recruit an experienced defender to help shore up the defence in the short term.

Pick 9 is not enough for Lake, a bit much for Gibson but why wouldn't our recruiters aim for 9.

And if he does delist himself and go in the National Draft, assuming he is still around at Pick 21, we can redraft him and if you don't get Lake, your recruiters have failed to solve the clubs major playing deficiency.

 

[Splodge15]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Damian Barrett knows little about football. Case closed.

 

[Off The Couch]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Thank goodness, a bit of common sense showing through. Rightly or wrongly the general perception is that Hawthorn cannot be trusted. Going out and openly and actively targetting players before the trade period begins, does not enhance the club's reputation.


Pick 9 is not enough for Lake, a bit much for Gibson but why wouldn't our recruiters aim for 9.

And if he does delist himself and go in the National Draft, assuming he is still around at Pick 21, we can redraft him and if you don't get Lake, your recruiters have failed to solve the clubs major playing deficiency.

What a load of crock, it happens all the time, just ask Chris Judd and Carlton. Do you think he/they waited until the trade week to put the feelers out - it is the nature of the beast.

Managers would be doing a disservice to their players if they weren't putting out the bait and making enquiries to clubs as to the value of the player they have coming out of contract and clubs would be no different in putting the word out as to what they were looking for and what they thought it was worth.

So to put the question fairly and squarely back in your court Horace, why wouldn't have Pelchin played hard ball with Carlton (Thornton), Sydney (Rok) and now Kangas - it's his job and if he wants to give the impression that he is a tough nut to deal with, then so be it and to date hawk supporters have had very little to complain about when it has come down to the stances he has taken in holding onto our draft picks.

Redraft him - waste a pick for a player who doesn't want to be there. Go right ahead - no skin off the hawks nose either. Surely even North wouldn't be that stupid as to forgo a pick in what could be a long time between drinks just to spite another club.

 

[Davo23]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Damian Barrett knows little about football. Case closed.

QFT

Would everyone please ignore his articles, and posting links here is counter-productive. By doing so, you actually increase his circulation and encourage him to continue writing his crap.

Don't post links to his articles here.
He will be reading BigFooty, and will be rapt at all the attention.

Just ignore him and he will evebtually go away.


Actually, I prefer his non-speaking part on "Before the Bounce"



.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

I honestly don't know why people keep reading crap articles from rag journalists, or watching idiots on the tv just massaging their own egos.

These peoples' opinions are worthless and only serve to annoy and upset people. I stopped reading articles in papers and watching panel football shows on tv because they simply gave me nothing.

I get all of my information from the net, as well as contacts from inside the club, and that is really all I need. Newspapers know people can get this information, so they've turned football reporting into a tabloid soap opera, which may be of interest to the mentally unstable, but not to me.

I also stopped listening to SEN about 2 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. When I think of the hours I wasted on that dribble, waiting for something of value

Do yourselves a favour people, if you don't want to read crap about your club, don't buy the papers, don't read them, and as someone else said, stop posting links. Easy as that really. The only opinions on the Hawks I listen to are those from Hawthorn people because no-one else's opinions are worth a damn. And stay away from Bay13!!!

 

[Horace]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

What a load of crock, it happens all the time, just ask Chris Judd and Carlton. Do you think he/they waited until the trade week to put the feelers out - it is the nature of the beast.

Managers would be doing a disservice to their players if they weren't putting out the bait and making enquiries to clubs as to the value of the player they have coming out of contract and clubs would be no different in putting the word out as to what they were looking for and what they thought it was worth.

So to put the question fairly and squarely back in your court Horace, why wouldn't have Pelchin played hard ball with Carlton (Thornton), Sydney (Rok) and now Kangas - it's his job and if he wants to give the impression that he is a tough nut to deal with, then so be it and to date hawk supporters have had very little to complain about when it has come down to the stances he has taken in holding onto our draft picks.

Redraft him - waste a pick for a player who doesn't want to be there. Go right ahead - no skin off the hawks nose either. Surely even North wouldn't be that stupid as to forgo a pick in what could be a long time between drinks just to spite another club.

That is the key, from all reports your club did not approach us in respect of the availability of Gibson. I have no problem with a club making enquiries to another club first before talking to the player. that is how the system is supposed to work. And the fact that it apparently was done the wrong way is the bit that has angered other clubs.

As far as redrafting him at number 21 is concerned, if he is the best available at that stage then why wouldn't we redraft him. If as we are told this years draft is shallow then he is likely to be much better than what we will get with pick 21. Sure we miss the opportunity of drafting a kid, and that's a worry, but if the kid is never going to be as good as him, then we have to make the best of the situation.

I suspect though that if he goes in the National Draft he will not be around at Pick 21. I think he is more likely to fit Melbourne's second round Pick 18, given that they should have picked up the best couple of kids already and will need to balance that with some experience to replace some of the retirements they have had.

As for Pelchen, I couldn't care less how he conducts trade negotiations. I am only concerned about how our club goes about the business.

 

[thatswhatimtalkinabout]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

That is the key, from all reports your club did not approach us in respect of the availability of Gibson. I have no problem with a club making enquiries to another club first before talking to the player. that is how the system is supposed to work. And the fact that it apparently was done the wrong way is the bit that has angered other clubs.

So your angst is based on 'all reports'. Best to actually find out what's going on before you get out the pitchforks and prepare for a lynching. I think you will find however that initial discussions take place between the club seeking the player and his manager. If those discussions prove fruitful then the clubs may engage each other to try and organise a trade.

Best to remember that Hawthorn didn't organise the press release stating that Gibson 'had walked out on North Melbourne'. I think you may find we would have preferred that these negotiations stayed in-house until something could be organised.

Blame the manager or blame the player, because the fact of the matter is this did not originate from Hawthorn.

As far as redrafting him at number 21 is concerned, if he is the best available at that stage then why wouldn't we redraft him. If as we are told this years draft is shallow then he is likely to be much better than what we will get with pick 21. Sure we miss the opportunity of drafting a kid, and that's a worry, but if the kid is never going to be as good as him, then we have to make the best of the situation.

I suspect though that if he goes in the National Draft he will not be around at Pick 21. I think he is more likely to fit Melbourne's second round Pick 18, given that they should have picked up the best couple of kids already and will need to balance that with some experience to replace some of the retirements they have had.

That this draft is shallow is a misnomer, real quality down to 15 and you will get yourself a player down to 40. If you want to redraft a player at 21 who may have 3-4 years at the top level left in him maximum, and wants to move on - it will just show your club has learned nothing and is more intersted in making a show of cutting off it's nose to spite it's face than actual progress. Oh, and Melbourne & Richmond will not be interested, one thing they do have is a bevy of KPD's.

As for Pelchen, I couldn't care less how he conducts trade negotiations. I am only concerned about how our club goes about the business.

Stop dreaming then and start being realistic - 25 would be a bloody good outcome for you, I am ambivalent myself - there a bigger and better fish I'd prefer to fry.

Did you notice at all how much nicer it is to conduct a debate over here where we don't have to resort to pathetic insults if we don't like what you say? Some of your brethren could take note.

 

[Horace]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

So your angst is based on 'all reports'. Best to actually find out what's going on before you get out the pitchforks and prepare for a lynching. I think you will find however that initial discussions take place between the club seeking the player and his manager. If those discussions prove fruitful then the clubs may engage each other to try and organise a trade.

Best to remember that Hawthorn didn't organise the press release stating that Gibson 'had walked out on North Melbourne'. I think you may find we would have preferred that these negotiations stayed in-house until something could be organised. Blame the manager or blame the player, because the fact of the matter is this did not originate from Hawthorn.

Craig Hutchsion reported on SEN this morning that Hawthorn spoke to Gibson before contacting North Melbourne. Of course Hutchinson is a journalist and he may have been lying. Suit yourself how you judge what he said.

If they wanted to operate according to protocol, when contacted by the player and his manager, as you suggest - can you positively confirm that? - then they should have spoken to North before holding discussions with the player and his manager.

Whatever the situation the general perception is that your club has behaved badly. That's not our fault it is Hawthorn's fault.

That this draft is shallow is a misnomer, real quality down to 15 and you will get yourself a player down to 40. If you want to redraft a player at 21 who may have 3-4 years at the top level left in him maximum, and wants to move on - it will just show your club has learned nothing and is more intersted in making a show of cutting off it's nose to spite it's face than actual progress. Oh, and Melbourne & Richmond will not be interested, one thing they do have is a bevy of KPD's.
Stop dreaming then and start being realistic - 25 would be a bloody good outcome for you, I am ambivalent myself - there a bigger and better fish I'd prefer to fry.

Well if we are silly in redrafting a player at Pick 21, then Hawthorn is only marginally less silly if they draft him at 25, especially given your claim that the draft is okay down to pick 40.

Did you notice at all how much nicer it is to conduct a debate over here where we don't have to resort to pathetic insults if we don't like what you say? Some of your brethren could take note.

Based on some of the rubbish I have read in a number of threads here recently, I am reminded of the old adage "people in glasshouses..."

 

[Off The Couch]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

then they should have spoken to North before holding discussions with the player and his manager.

TBH I am unsure what the correct protocol is supposed to be and am happy to be told I am way off base. But I don't understand why the hawks would need to approach North first without chatting to his manager first to see where he is at.

The player in question is coming out of contract, the club talks to his manager to see what his thoughts are on a move and dependent on the feedback act on it OR the player in question is coming out of contract, is unhappy at the club he is at and asks his manager to look at options - manager is aware hawks need a defensive player and puts the word out to the hawks.

Whatever the situation the general perception is that your club has behaved badly. That's not our fault it is Hawthorn's fault.

You mean that is the perception of North and Barrett (a north supporter)
The perception out there is that North were the idiots for doing the deal with Hay - seems every man and his dog knew including your assistant coach and yet still proceeded. No doubt your club thought they could turn him around at a new environment and it backfired and your club and it's supporters have whinged like babies ever since.

Well if we are silly in redrafting a player at Pick 21, then Hawthorn is only marginally less silly if they draft him at 25, especially given your claim that the draft is okay down to pick 40.

I would say Pelchen would go with "if it happens, it happens". The hawks aren't ever going to be the losers in this situation, North and Gibson are.

 

[Brother Noompsi]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

That is the key, from all reports your club did not approach us in respect of the availability of Gibson. I have no problem with a club making enquiries to another club first before talking to the player. that is how the system is supposed to work. And the fact that it apparently was done the wrong way is the bit that has angered other clubs.

Hypocrisy at its finest.....

Dunstall asked Brayshaw if North Melbourne had approached the management of any Hawks players on Tripple M last night, Brayshaw then stuttered, and then declined to answer. Dunstall then said that they had approached two of the players on our list. Brayshaw went fairly quiet for the rest of the segment........... So after his teary eyed effort on the Footy show about Gibson being in North colors for the future and how disappointed he is in Hawthorn for actively seeking its player we then go and find out his club has been actively seeking Hawthorns players, but the difference here is..... nobody wants to play for the Kangaroos while Hawthorn has successfully courted its player........... All I smell is sour grapes.

 

[LuvMyHawks]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

Craig Hutchsion reported on SEN this morning that Hawthorn spoke to Gibson before contacting North Melbourne. Of course Hutchinson is a journalist and he may have been lying. Suit yourself how you judge what he said.

If they wanted to operate according to protocol, when contacted by the player and his manager, as you suggest - can you positively confirm that? - then they should have spoken to North before holding discussions with the player and his manager.

Whatever the situation the general perception is that your club has behaved badly. That's not our fault it is Hawthorn's fault.


Well, well, well, what absolute,utter bull crap!! I see YOU nor that idiot Barrett have mentioned the fact that NORTH MELBOURNE approached TWO of our players about a move!! How convenient of you both.
It's time Barrett became an UNbiased football reporter, if he EVER wants to become a good one. I doubt that will ever happen, he is far too one eyed.
Don't you DARE come over to OUR forum and throw crap at us about trades!! Get some facts right first..
He is such a hypocrite in today's article, first he complains about no trades happening in trade week, (poor man, must be short of news) and then he complains that player managers and clubs are talking to players about trades before trade week!! Well, I never!! How unsportsmanlike!! Do you honestly believe that we are the only club approaching other players about a move?If you and donkey Barrett think that, then it's time you both got your head out of the sand!! It's been going on for years!!I am very happy that we are an aggressive, forward looking club, if we weren't we would not have won TEN cups in FIFTY years..
As the song goes, "I Should Be So Lucky" to see NM win so many!

GO HAWKS!! Got get 'em!!

 

[LuvMyHawks]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

That is the key, from all reports your club did not approach us in respect of the availability of Gibson. I have no problem with a club making enquiries to another club first before talking to the player. that is how the system is supposed to work. And the fact that it apparently was done the wrong way is the bit that has angered other clubs.


Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

 

[Willie_Rioli]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

With that said, hypothetically, if the situation was reversed, and North was poaching our players, we wouldn't be thrilled either. Though from reports on MMM, it sounds like they are. So screw you North and your aggressive trading!!!

 

[mpal6]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Seriously - how can Pelchan 'burn' a club?

Its not about Pelchan burning the club - its the reputation that he has built over the last few seasons thats concerning.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24472573-2722,00.html

From day 1 of trade period, swans were clear about first pick+player for ROK or a player swap. You came up with the highest possible offer, atleast verbally, so swans continued squatting around you without talking to other clubs.
If Pelchen was not even remotely interested in trading the first pick, he could have made it clear on day 1. Posturing all the way till day 5, and then taking the pick off the table just means no other club could negotiate with swans regarding O'Keefe. According to that article, Hawks didn't bother even offering the player list whom they are prepared to swap for ROK, which is surprising as they were talking about it for the previous 4 days.

from the same article,
"We recognise that Ryan is worth pick 16, but we've made a philosophical decision as a football club that we don't want our first selection in the draft to be pick 34," Hawthorn list and recruitment manager Chris Pelchen said

this was on day 4 of the trade. Why even bother then?? Its not like he suddenly woke up to the fact that trading pick 16 will leave you with pick 34 as your first pick.

I will be surprised if clubs get into this slugfest with Hawks/Pelchen during this trade time. If they did, they have only themselves to blame as there is history on how hawks deal.

There is nothing wrong in it either, every club tries to look after themselves and I will be glad to have a Chris Pelchen on our team table too.

 

[eldorado]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

Well, why is that Pelchen's fault?

There would have been other irons in the fire which, if successful, may have allowed Hawthorn to spend their first pick on ROK.

When these didn't pan out, the Hawks would have decied their first pick was too much to ask.

"The Hawks playing hard ball is killing tradeweek ZOMG111"

The essential problem is that heaps of trades are up in the air; no-one knows who they have clinched until late in the week, so they can't abandon any talks until then. They don't know what cards they have up their sleeve until every other club, agent and player has played their hand.

It's completely mutually interdependent. To blame Hawthorn for it all is just propaganda.

It's just an easy line to trot out, without actually knowing what is going on behind closed doors.

EVERY teams tries to do the best deal FOR THEMSELVES. Every team.

 

[thatswhatimtalkinabout]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Its not about Pelchan burning the club - its the reputation that he has built over the last few seasons thats concerning.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24472573-2722,00.html

From day 1 of trade period, swans were clear about first pick+player for ROK or a player swap. You came up with the highest possible offer, atleast verbally, so swans continued squatting around you without talking to other clubs.
If Pelchen was not even remotely interested in trading the first pick, he could have made it clear on day 1. Posturing all the way till day 5, and then taking the pick off the table just means no other club could negotiate with swans regarding O'Keefe. According to that article, Hawks didn't bother even offering the player list whom they are prepared to swap for ROK, which is surprising as they were talking about it for the previous 4 days.

from the same article,
"We recognise that Ryan is worth pick 16, but we've made a philosophical decision as a football club that we don't want our first selection in the draft to be pick 34," Hawthorn list and recruitment manager Chris Pelchen said

this was on day 4 of the trade. Why even bother then?? Its not like he suddenly woke up to the fact that trading pick 16 will leave you with pick 34 as your first pick.

I will be surprised if clubs get into this slugfest with Hawks/Pelchen during this trade time. If they did, they have only themselves to blame as there is history on how hawks deal.

There is nothing wrong in it either, every club tries to look after themselves and I will be glad to have a Chris Pelchen on our team table too.

Damn right - just as you trade, you can block trades as well - I thought it was very astute actually, I mean seriously Carlton could actually have become a threat if it happened.

The benefit of hindsight, with O' Laughlin (sp) and Hall retiring shows we did you and ROK a bloody great favour - don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

[mpal6]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

Damn right - just as you trade, you can block trades as well - I thought it was very astute actually, I mean seriously Carlton could actually have become a threat if it happened.

The benefit of hindsight, with O' Laughlin (sp) and Hall retiring shows we did you and ROK a bloody great favour - don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

exactly.

I am guessing if hawks are not involved in a trade, they'll be the innocent bystander just there either to drive the price up or see if their empty bidding would make the deal collapse between the two parties involved.

Its a nice little ploy, especially against the teams who are trying to address key areas to be a genuine premiership threat. I am sure Hawks interested in Barry Hall, which popped up a few weeks back is just there to keep Bulldogs in check during trade time.

I am just waiting to see if Clubs adopt different approach when dealing with Hawks, or if they are still greedy enough to chase that pick 9 which, I have a strong feeling, wont be traded for anything. Buts its just there on the table, just to make it a bit more confusing for others.

 

[thatswhatimtalkinabout]

Re: Damian Barrett f#$@wit extraordinaire

exactly.

I am guessing if hawks are not involved in a trade, they'll be the innocent bystander just there either to drive the price up or see if their empty bidding would make the deal collapse between the two parties involved.

Its a nice little ploy, especially against the teams who are trying to address key areas to be a genuine premiership threat. I am sure Hawks interested in Barry Hall, which popped up a few weeks back is just there to keep Bulldogs in check during trade time.

I am just waiting to see if Clubs adopt different approach when dealing with Hawks, or if they are still greedy enough to chase that pick 9 which, I have a strong feeling, wont be traded for anything. Buts its just there on the table, just to make it a bit more confusing for others.

At a local level I know a coach who has the phone numbers of most of the cashed up clubs in Victoria - when he has spent his budget he has been known to ring some of these clubs and suggest the names of opposition players that might be susceptible to an offer of more coin to even up the competition a bit.

It's win-win really, he gets rid of the headache without having to pay said headache the $800-$1000 a game.

 

[Horace]

Re: Damian Barrett: Clubs will refuse to trade with Hawthorn because of aggressivness and arrogance

Well we will see how it all pans out won't we in trade week. Craig Hutchison also said that your mob have offered him $350000 a year for 3 years. he is currently on $220000 a year. You can hardly blame him having a look at that.

Thank goodness they didn't target Scotty Thompson who is developing into an absolute gun fullback.

If we do some rough numbers, say 40 players by $350000 per annum = $14m. Now I am not sure what the salary cap is nowadays, but I am pretty sure it is less that $14m. Your elite players such as Mitchell, Hodge, Sewell, Rioli, Bateman, Franklin, Roughead will surely demand much more than this, which means that there are going to be a few boys down there earning a fair bit less than Gibbo.

Let's hope they don't start to get restless and look to maximise their chances elsewhere.