Rumour GFC 2024 Player Trading, Drafting FA, Rumours and Wish lists Pt 3

[D BRIDGE]

I think their midfield to forward connection is off and I think close would improve them dramatically.

I think they asked for the wrong guy though. Should have asked for Mannagh

Mannagh >>> Close IMO.

But still... imagine saying a year ago we'd turn Mannagh into Smith (straight swap that is).

I do think Close is just about the regular B22 player I'd be almost happy to give up for Smith... but picks should do it.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Mannagh >>> Close IMO.

But still... imagine saying a year ago we'd turn Mannagh into Smith (straight swap that is).

I do think Close is just about the regular B22 player I'd be almost happy to give up for Smith... but picks should do it.

You say that but close has been consistently top 10 in the bnf since his second year and in his first year won best young player off 8 games. Whatever your opinion on him he does things the coaches like and they aren't going to trade him.

 

[Klink]

I am in the 'I want Oliver camp'. But I still think the Dees won't trade him. Clearly they would if they got a FR1 and the entire salary tab picked up by us. But I just can't see us doing that. It's not how we operate; we value the salary cap, like trade capital, as a valuble asset that requires careful and strategic management. It's been a big part of our success over the years.

I also genuinely believe rival clubs are sick of us competing year-after-year and Melbourne don't want to give us a big leg up for another opportunity at a flag. They'll be concerned our culture and environment will get the best out of him and make them look like fools. Just my gut feel, I could be very wrong about that.

I am very happy for us to roll the dice on this one- but I can't see it happening, even if he does agree to a pay cut. No doubt lots of talks will be happening this weekend; I think we will have a clear idea come Monday morning whether this actually has any legs or not.

But regardless, I love the fact that we continue to push the envelope in the pursuit of further success.

 

[Klink]

You say that but close has been consistently top 10 in the bnf since his second year and in his first year won best young player off 8 games. Whatever your opinion on him he does things the coaches like and they aren't going to trade him.

Very underated IMO. The very definition of a valued role player who plays his role within our structure to perfection.

 

[D BRIDGE]

You say that but close has been consistently top 10 in the bnf since his second year and in his first year won best young player off 8 games. Whatever your opinion on him he does things the coaches like and they aren't going to trade him.

I agree he won't be traded.

I'm just saying if I had to pick Mannagh or Close to go... It would be Close.

Close is a very solid little player and we all rate him.

I am not having a go at Close here btw.

 

[Strange Cat]

I am in the 'I want Oliver camp'. But I still think the Dees won't trade him. Clearly they would if they got a FR1 and the entire salary tab picked up by us. But I just can't see us doing that. It's not how we operate; we value the salary cap, like trade capital, as a valuble asset that requires careful and strategic management. It's been a big part of our success over the years.

I also genuinely believe rival clubs are sick of us competing year-after-year and Melbourne don't want to give us a big leg up for another opportunity at a flag. They'll be concerned our culture and environment will get the best out of him and make them look like fools. Just my gut feel, I could be very wrong about that.

I am very happy for us to roll the dice on this one- but I can't see it happening, even if he does agree to a pay cut. No doubt lots of talks will be happening this weekend; I think we will have a clear idea come Monday morning whether this actually has any legs or not.

But regardless, I love the fact that we continue to push the envelope in the pursuit of further success.

They may not have much say in it in the end, if Oliver wants out then he will do his best to get out of there

I’m firmly in the he’s will be traded to us

 

[Reg Hickey]

I agree he won't be traded.

I'm just saying if I had to pick Mannagh or Close to go... It would be Close.

Close is a very solid little player and we all rate him.

I am not having a go at Close here btw.

Yeah I’m not so sure.

Love Mannagh, he’s dangerous, he kicks goals, he causes headaches for the opposition.

But I think Close is a guy who doesn’t do as much of the flashy stuff, doesn’t kick as many goals, but does a hell of a lot of work that goes unnoticed by your average punter and would leave a massive hole if he wasn’t there.

Not having a go at Mannagh, I’d vastly prefer to keep him too, but I’m not sure I’d turf Close out ahead of him.

 

[Reg Hickey]

I am in the 'I want Oliver camp'. But I still think the Dees won't trade him. Clearly they would if they got a FR1 and the entire salary tab picked up by us. But I just can't see us doing that. It's not how we operate; we value the salary cap, like trade capital, as a valuble asset that requires careful and strategic management. It's been a big part of our success over the years.

I also genuinely believe rival clubs are sick of us competing year-after-year and Melbourne don't want to give us a big leg up for another opportunity at a flag. They'll be concerned our culture and environment will get the best out of him and make them look like fools. Just my gut feel, I could be very wrong about that.

I am very happy for us to roll the dice on this one- but I can't see it happening, even if he does agree to a pay cut. No doubt lots of talks will be happening this weekend; I think we will have a clear idea come Monday morning whether this actually has any legs or not.

But regardless, I love the fact that we continue to push the envelope in the pursuit of further success.

Generally agree with all of this.

The report that he might be willing to take a pay cut is the circuit breaker here IMO. If we could get him on a salary that fits with our overall pay structure - whether that’s him taking a cut, Melbourne paying some, or a combo of the two - then I could definitely see us handing over our FR1.

Whether he is actually willing to do that, how much he might be willing to cut, and whether Melbourne are willing to take any of it are the key moving pieces IMO. But I can see it happening if he (Oliver) wants it enough.

 

[MacStradbroke]

Yeah I’m not so sure.

Love Mannagh, he’s dangerous, he kicks goals, he causes headaches for the opposition.

But I think Close is a guy who doesn’t do as much of the flashy stuff, doesn’t kick as many goals, but does a hell of a lot of work that goes unnoticed by your average punter and would leave a massive hole if he wasn’t there.

Not having a go at Mannagh, I’d vastly prefer to keep him too, but I’m not sure I’d turf Close out ahead of him.

The poor decision by Mannagh early in the third term of the prelim, that is the very play that Brad Close would never attempt. Super important part of the team, Mannagh excellent but a bit to go before he overtakes Close (not that he needs to).

 

[michelzing]

Yeah I’m not so sure.

Love Mannagh, he’s dangerous, he kicks goals, he causes headaches for the opposition.

But I think Close is a guy who doesn’t do as much of the flashy stuff, doesn’t kick as many goals, but does a hell of a lot of work that goes unnoticed by your average punter and would leave a massive hole if he wasn’t there.

Not having a go at Mannagh, I’d vastly prefer to keep him too, but I’m not sure I’d turf Close out ahead of him.

I totally agree with Close being far more structurally important than his stats suggest - I spent a half of a game simply watching Close play (nothing else) - the amount of time he ran unrewarded up and down the wing whilst drawing an opposition player and/or being an option was incredible - he is also very smart and reads the play quickly - sees whats about to unfold and puts in blocks when the I50 kick is coming to enable the leading forward (or foward in best position) to take a clean possession. He is so far more important to us than many realise

 

[cats_09]

I know it's BS, but it's the sort of trade you can see being made

 

[Pure_Ownage]

According to my dogs source, Brad Close was the player they initially wanted included in the Smith deal. Apparently we had absolutely no interest in that suggestion.

That doesn't surprise me given what they need.
We are better off to keep close and see whether he wants to sign or go back to SA in 12months. We will get at least the same trade value for him then.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

I know it's BS, but it's the sort of trade you can see being made

Lol that's no chance is that the fake tom Browne account?

 

[Pure_Ownage]

You say that but close has been consistently top 10 in the bnf since his second year and in his first year won best young player off 8 games. Whatever your opinion on him he does things the coaches like and they aren't going to trade him.

They won't if it's their choice but it depends whether other clubs offer him more money next year and what he wants to do. We will see.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Generally agree with all of this.

The report that he might be willing to take a pay cut is the circuit breaker here IMO. If we could get him on a salary that fits with our overall pay structure - whether that’s him taking a cut, Melbourne paying some, or a combo of the two - then I could definitely see us handing over our FR1.

Whether he is actually willing to do that, how much he might be willing to cut, and whether Melbourne are willing to take any of it are the key moving pieces IMO. But I can see it happening if he (Oliver) wants it enough.

Agreed. I wouldn't trade a future 1st at all no way but the club is not me and I can see them doing it..only if he's on say 800k Max and I can't see him taking that much of a pay cut. I doubt Melbourne will wear his wage.

 

[Play it Sam]

The Hun: "Young midfielders Jhye Clark and Mitch Knevitt were floated as a potential deal" (for Oliver)
Very funny Tom Michell, what's your source?
Never, ever, let it be said that these journos, desperate for info, don't stalk Big Footy. That was us.
What's the bet- Next minute it will be Close and Mannagh appear in print. Not floating, drowning.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

The poor decision by Mannagh early in the third term of the prelim, that is the very play that Brad Close would never attempt. Super important part of the team, Mannagh excellent but a bit to go before he overtakes Close (not that he needs to).

It's pretty line ball between them. I think any strong opinions against Close feel like a bit of recency bias

 

[Kitcat]

I am in the 'I want Oliver camp'. But I still think the Dees won't trade him. Clearly they would if they got a FR1 and the entire salary tab picked up by us. But I just can't see us doing that. It's not how we operate; we value the salary cap, like trade capital, as a valuble asset that requires careful and strategic management. It's been a big part of our success over the years.

I also genuinely believe rival clubs are sick of us competing year-after-year and Melbourne don't want to give us a big leg up for another opportunity at a flag. They'll be concerned our culture and environment will get the best out of him and make them look like fools. Just my gut feel, I could be very wrong about that.

I am very happy for us to roll the dice on this one- but I can't see it happening, even if he does agree to a pay cut. No doubt lots of talks will be happening this weekend; I think we will have a clear idea come Monday morning whether this actually has any legs or not.

But regardless, I love the fact that we continue to push the envelope in the pursuit of further success.

Good points but I think Melbourne should be looking at improving their own team and culture in order to get better results, and not worry about what might happen if Oliver joins Geelong.

With Oliver leaving, they free up cap, get a pick, keep Petracca and others happy, and start on improving their culture.

 

[MacStradbroke]

Dees offering up their future first to a few clubs, hopefully they are planning to add another in return…ours.

 

[Mattlock]

Brad Close is not a superstar, but he is integral.

You need both.

Do. Not. Trade.

 

[Play it Sam]

It's pretty line ball between them. I think any strong opinions against Close feel like a bit of recency bias

Agree. His role may have changed somewhat, doesn't kick as many goals as previously, but absolute integral part of our system. Unless he's gagging to get out, he's still our tested gold. Mannagh ain't going anywhere, so forget that.
Can't believe these names even enter the mix.
If they can't find another way with dollars, Oliver at the moment, is not worth it.

 

[allrighty]

Good points but I think Melbourne should be looking at improving their own team and culture in order to get better results, and not worry about what might happen if Oliver joins Geelong.

With Oliver leaving, they free up cap, get a pick, keep Petracca and others happy, and start on improving their culture.

FWIW I don't think CO is the problem with their culture, he was an outcome.

The place stinks like a sewer, and all roads lead to Rome IMO.

 

[Sticksman]

Where has Close ever said that he wants out and is prepared to accept Melbourne as his new home? People do realise (I hope) that a player can't be forced to go to a club against their will.

 

[Interdimensional Bigfoot]

Waiting for today's Oliver news

 

[nohairandfair]

Dees offering up their future first to a few clubs, hopefully they are planning to add another in return…ours.

Trade machinations possibly in play. If Clarry has stipulated he wants out then his management team will probably get it done. Fresh contract and all.