Geelong Addy - Geelong tells premiership ruckman to retire [Archive]

eliiiiza

11 Oct 2007, 02:12

From the back page preview on the Addy site:

Cats don't need King
Michael Auciello

Steven King's career at Geelong appears all but over, with the Cats requesting the premiership ruckman retire following a decision to re-sign Mark Blake for two years.

The Geelong Advertiser understands the Cats had been willing to offer their former captain a one-year deal but, with salary cap restraints, offered a contract King was unhappy with.

A source said with no interest from other clubs at the table, it left Geelong with little option but to ask King, through manager Ricky Nixon, to retire.

"They were thinking about keeping him for another year, the source said. "After Blake signed, they think they don't need to offer him (King) anything."

He said King's only hope was to "hold his nerve" and wait for the pre-season draft.

Nixon is said to be extremely disappointed with the move.

Geelong football manager Neil Balme last night said the club was yet to discuss the retirement option with King.

"No, we haven't gone down those paths yet," he said.

"There's been significant interest (during trade week), we'll see how it pans out.

"There's already a squeeze on the salary cap, not that that's impacted much by Mark (Blake)."

... continued Page 46

LifeSpan-Void

11 Oct 2007, 02:48

two premierships in a week would be a good way to bow out, you would think. King sounded very keen to play on though, it would be a shame to see him do a Kingsley.

Copernicus

11 Oct 2007, 02:53

I wonder how much truth there is to this. Still think they will end up working something out. Trade week speculation is a little annoying.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 08:42

The Geelong Advertiser understands...
A source said...

Hmm, not convincing.

If true, it's quite a disgrace. If Blake's new contract has priced King off the list then I think we're paying Blake too much.

G.F.C

11 Oct 2007, 08:57

If King wants to play next season, he'll find a home. The guy can still play, and i can think of 3 or 4 teams where he would be an automatic inclusion for them.

Budda 230

11 Oct 2007, 09:29

There must be other options. Surely he deserves to retire on his terms. All Australian, former captain, best & fairest winner, Australian representative and Premiership player.

He'll play on next year on a reduced contract hopefully.

WE Are Geelong

11 Oct 2007, 09:31

Fact and fiction in the media. St Kilda have openly stated in the press they are interested in King...I would be surprised if Richmond werent interested also. Saying there is a contact who says there is no interest in King is rubbish.

Blake signing for more and costing King an automatic contract sounds more reliable. King will have to wait to see how the rest of the week pans out and his fate is now in other people's hands.

If he isnt traded...us telling him to retire sounds pretty silly to me. The end of his season was particularly good and worth pursuing for one more as Bomber has suggested.

Budda 230

11 Oct 2007, 09:32

At the bottom of that article, it states they expect Tom Lonergan to sign a new contract, but said Todd Grima's future remained unsure!!!!

If they don't promote Todd Grima, I'll be extremely pissed off!!!!

darren forssman

11 Oct 2007, 09:43

Hmm, not convincing.

If true, it's quite a disgrace. If Blake's new contract has priced King off the list then I think we're paying Blake too much.

what happened to future? surely you invest in the future.

besides, we were probably so close to the cap that an increase in blakes and others salaries have made spare cash scarce.

Gogeelong

11 Oct 2007, 09:44

Richmond want him for nothing
St Kilda who knows?
Looks like we are not upgrading our picks and we will simply delist 4 players

G.F.C

11 Oct 2007, 09:45

Collingwood, Bulldogs, Kangaroos, Saints and possibly Richmond would all welcome King i'm sure.

G.F.C

11 Oct 2007, 09:46

And i suppose you can add Carlton to that list as well.

thehoff

11 Oct 2007, 09:47

Crock of garbage... he'll be at Geelong next year.

We need him as insurance.

Team Chemistry

11 Oct 2007, 09:54

i hope this isnt true
ive always been a huge fan of King

and if u think that its because we kept blake that King has to go, its a bit unfair seeigns that King obviously DOES want to play for the cats, whereas blake went thru that whole fiasco...

dissapointed

TC:eek:

Reg Hickey

11 Oct 2007, 10:00

Richmond want him for nothing
St Kilda who knows?
Looks like we are not upgrading our picks and we will simply delist 4 players

Richmond won't trade because they know they can get him in the PSD.

I would hope we could upgrade picks with the Saints (#34 for #26) or the Pies (#50 for #31).

Reg Hickey

11 Oct 2007, 10:03

If it has come down to choice between King and Blake, its the right decision, just as dropping Blake for King for the GF was the right decision.

I don't think Kingy has too much to complain about - sure he's basically destroyed his body for the Cats over the last decade, but he did that because he was driven by one thing, winning a premiership. And about two weeks ago the club gave him one of those on a platter, when he did precious little to get us into that position in the first place. If he does retire now he will look back on his career with satisfaction rather than unfulfilled ambition because of that one game, and had he missed out on selection he would have had nothing to complain about.

If he wants to continue I can see him being traded to the Saints or picked up in the PSD by Richmond. The Pies might take him as well, although it looks like they will get Wood so it would probably be as a back up. I would hope we could get a reasonable draft pick or pick upgrade in any trade.

If he does retire, best case scenario for me would be to see him stay on in an assistant coaching role (ruck coach), and play in the VFL as a VFL-listed player. I know its a bit of a come down from AFL captain just over a year ago, but who knows. I think he has a huge amount to offer in the ongoing development of Blake and West (and the young ruckman we are DEFINITELY going to pick up in the draft now).

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 10:04

what happened to future? surely you invest in the future.

besides, we were probably so close to the cap that an increase in blakes and others salaries have made spare cash scarce.

The future is 2008. King is as much a part of the plans for 2008 as is Blake.

We are very close to the cap. That's partly my point. We shouldn't ahve been giving Blake a salary that's making life difficult keeping other players. If Blake's demands were unreasonable we should have stood firm.

Ling Sting

11 Oct 2007, 10:10

Hmm, not convincing.

If true, it's quite a disgrace. If Blake's new contract has priced King off the list then I think we're paying Blake too much.

true but at the same time, King should be happy with any one year deal offered by the club considering the likelyhood that he'll miss much of the season with injury.

If this is true the club have done the right thing.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 10:20

true but at the same time, King should be happy with any one year deal offered by the club considering the likelyhood that he'll miss much of the season with injury.

If this is true the club have done the right thing.

They're not saying one year deal any more. They are "reportedly" telling him to retire. BIG difference.

D0nk

11 Oct 2007, 10:23

They're not saying one year deal any more. They are "reportedly" telling him to retire. BIG difference.

They still offered him a one-year deal, but less than what King was after, due to salary cap constraints, and he is not happy with that.

I wouldn't be happy with the $1000 that's left over either :p

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 10:43

They still offered him a one-year deal, but less than what King was after, due to salary cap constraints, and he is not happy with that.

I wouldn't be happy with the $1000 that's left over either :p

They "offered". Now what are they offering?

Nothing (according to the "source").

Mooney_d'King

11 Oct 2007, 11:11

Hmm, not convincing.

If true, it's quite a disgrace. If Blake's new contract has priced King off the list then I think we're paying Blake too much.

I quite agree. Kingy will be absolutely LIVID too if that's the case.

It would certainly be a pretty shitty way for the club to behave.

rizzo

11 Oct 2007, 12:01

I quite agree. Kingy will be absolutely LIVID too if that's the case.

It would certainly be a pretty shitty way for the club to behave.

He won two premierships in one year. Sat on 500K a year while he was spending more time in the injury room than on the ground. He should be thanking the club for sticking with him. Make no mistake king has been great for the club, and he has proven his worth. But his times up, its footy. Obviously he doesn't want to take a significant pay cut.

I was acutally surprised he didn't retire. I know if i had the same injury history and won the premier ship i would be saying "see you at the G next september. Ill be in the toyata ;)"

Besides the source is Trent West ..... not really but he'd be happy reading it today.

CatmanForever

11 Oct 2007, 12:10

Mondebello

11 Oct 2007, 12:30

I hope Collingwood offer a pick for him, Surley you guys would rather take a third round pick than let him go for nothing.
We could really use him too, wether or not we get wood we need another ruckman as fraser will be injured for the majority of the preseason and possibly the start of next season.

BigCat1

11 Oct 2007, 12:54

rizzo

11 Oct 2007, 13:04

Kingy's time is up. Are you F'ing insane!!!!! King fully fit is vital for us. Who cares if it is only for the last month of the season. He destroyed Lade when he was up against him. His worst game for the last 6 weeks was the VFL GF and he got elevated from that game. He was outstanding leading up to that and in the AFL GF

Mark Blake is an out and out spud! Let's not beat around the bush. Yes it's funny watching him kick like an under 10 or when he ducks his head like a turtle or when he gets the ball and it's like a rabbit shooter has just put the spotlight on him but nobody will be laughing when he costs us finals. If we had lost to Collingwood it would have been as a result of us letting 2 goal leads slip everytime Blake went into the ruck.

We put up with it because we had a good year and he is a favourite son. I'm no longer laughing now b/c if King goes our chances for next year have been dented

And as for his dad coming out and saying he was harsly treated. Pls Rod! Were you in Iceland since rd 20??

200K a season is a lot for insurance. And that's what Blake is for next year insurance for Kingy

If king wanted to take a big enough paycut he would still be kept on the list. He isn't. What would happen if because we signed king we couldn't afford to keep Jimmy, Corey and Chappy? What would you be saying then? Blake with another 12 months under his belt will be an even ebtter player. He will be breathing fire from the GF and be looking to prove a lot of people at the GFC wrong.

I for one am happy if king leaves. We have a highly talented ruckman sitting in the VFL, who once he gets his chance is sure to be a very good player. With king *possibly* gone, trent west will step up to the plate for senior football next year.

I dunno about everyone else, but I put up with blakey because he has enormous potential. He will never be a star around the ground. However his tapwork is top rate. He can be very damaging in that role.

BigKegs

11 Oct 2007, 13:10

A fit King will keep Blake in the magoos but nobody knows if King can last an entire season or not. Blake is probably hoping He will get the no2 job in the ruck and King still thinks he can play in the 1s. I'd like King to stay on but his medical history is against him. Give King a 2yr contract with a significant pay cut. He can help develop the magoos and not cost a fortune.

Hoffy95

11 Oct 2007, 13:35

I think King still has something to offer as a player. If the club don't want him he should just take his chance in the PSD and I think someone else will offer him a contract. Other clubs are gagging for a ruckman so he should feel confident of getting a gig. The only thing against him is whether other clubs are worried about his injuries or him being injury prone.

Like Steve Johnson! Injury proneness was the only thing that kept him from being picked up by another club last year. He ended up getting a...well another lifeline with the Cats, and the rest is history.

If he stays at Geelong and keeps fit, it could be a blessing in disguise and he might really turn it on next year like the golden AA days.

kendall_cedric

11 Oct 2007, 13:42

I really hopes he takes the pay cut and stays on. It's not everyday you have an opportunity to win two premierships. I'd rather play for minimum wage than get drafted to a cellar dweller. Ricmond might pick him up and then instigate a youth policy in Round 12.

Cheshire Cat

11 Oct 2007, 13:47

Hoepfully this isnt true. It would be stupid. We NEED three ruckman, to have three that can actually Ruck is a blessing. As Danny Frawley said 'its not a matter of if ruckmen get injured, its when.' What happens if Blake goes down? Or heaven forbid, Ottens? If salary cap is such a big issue, ask King to take a pay cut, otherwise move on he wants to, but he is still a very much required player at the GFC.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 13:50

Rockford

11 Oct 2007, 14:17

Can you imagine if the Pies did trade for him, then we face them in the Prelim final again next year with Ottens and Blake coming up against a fit Fraser and King? :eek:

gus17

11 Oct 2007, 14:29

' What happens if Blake goes down? Or heaven forbid, Ottens?

IMO we will be able to cope without King. and the desicion to resign Blake a terrific one.

It is widely accepted that it was a 50 50 decision as to whether King or Blake would play in the GF, A big preseason by a determined Mark Blake is guaranteed to bring 10 or 15% improvement in his performance from this season. Whereas Steven King will not improve.

So i don't think to club is prepared to pay King a decent sum of money to play a whole season in the reserves and only be used as a back up in the case of injury. (if Geelong are in the GF next year and another decision has to be made King will be the unlucky one)

With King in the reserves WEST (who the club has also resigned) will be deprived of match time in the ruck.

So lets get rid of King.. (will however need to draft a young ruckman)

And Cheshire Cat if injury strikes Blake then West will get an opportunity in the firsts.

darren forssman

11 Oct 2007, 14:37

CatmanForever

11 Oct 2007, 14:41

the story says King has been told to retire, then they quote Blame saying that that isn't the case. so it is a question of who do you believe?

darren forssman

11 Oct 2007, 14:54

The future is 2008. King is as much a part of the plans for 2008 as is Blake.

We are very close to the cap. That's partly my point. We shouldn't ahve been giving Blake a salary that's making life difficult keeping other players. If Blake's demands were unreasonable we should have stood firm.

if king can get himself on the park in 2008, he is perennially injured and a shell of his former self at the moment. he cant even contest centre bounces these days.

and do you stunt blake's progress by playing king over him?

geelong could have won that grand final with you or i in the ruck.

he really should be happy with an incentive based contract for one year.

Reg Hickey

11 Oct 2007, 14:54

I think some people are getting confused.

The article in the OP isn't suggesting a contract has been offered with a pay cut and King has said no.

The article is suggesting that by signing Blake, the club is now of the view that King should retire (i.e. there is no contract offer to King any more).

In fact, that is exactly what it is suggesting. How else can you read this:

"... the Cats had been willing to offer their former captain a one-year deal but, with salary cap restraints, offered a contract King was unhappy with."

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 14:56

In fact, that is exactly what it is suggesting. How else can you read this:

"... the Cats had been willing to offer their former captain a one-year deal but, with salary cap restraints, offered a contract King was unhappy with."

Just emphasised the key words there.

The whole premise of the article is exactly that he's been told to retire. That implies that they're not offering him a new contract anymore.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 14:57

he really should be happy with an incentive based contract for one year.

I agree. But by the sounds of the article, that offer is no longer there.

Lingy Rox

11 Oct 2007, 15:05

We have had valid points raised in these posts…

two premierships in a week would be a good way to bow out, you would think. King sounded very keen to play on though, it would be a shame to see him do a Kingsley.
- This is the last thing that we would want to happen to King, a stalwart of the club, and “dual” premiership player.

its a bit unfair seeigns that King obviously DOES want to play for the cats, whereas blake went thru that whole fiasco...
- We cannot believe all that is said in the media and on here. For all we know there was no fiasco, and Blake just wanted time to think about this huge decision, you cant blame the guy for that.

I don't think Kingy has too much to complain about - sure he's basically destroyed his body for the Cats over the last decade, but he did that because he was driven by one thing, winning a premiership. And about two weeks ago the club gave him one of those on a platter, when he did precious little to get us into that position in the first place. If he does retire now he will look back on his career with satisfaction rather than unfulfilled ambition because of that one game, and had he missed out on selection he would have had nothing to complain about.
- Spot On!

A fit King will keep Blake in the magoos but nobody knows if King can last an entire season or not. Blake is probably hoping He will get the no2 job in the ruck and King still thinks he can play in the 1s. I'd like King to stay on but his medical history is against him. Give King a 2yr contract with a significant pay cut. He can help develop the magoos and not cost a fortune. – IMO This is exactly what should happen

I see no difference then between what Blake has done, and what seems to be the case now happening with King. If what has been reported in the media and here is true, the only way we were going to keep Blakey (someone the club has nurtured, and brought up through the 1’s and 2’s, and got to a good standard as a ruckman) is by up his $$ and give him a long contract or send him to Footscray or Collingwood, where we watch him for the next 5-7 years kill us after King retires mid 2008 after an injury prone first half, and we are reduced to having “inexperienced” ruckmen play with backup from Ottens, and Mooney, taking them away from their positions up forward where they are needed..

D0nk

11 Oct 2007, 15:07

Just emphasised the key words there.

The whole premise of the article is exactly that he's been told to retire. That implies that they're not offering him a new contract anymore.

The contract that they had offered him after there were salary cap constraints was not liked by king, so if he isn't happy with that then they are now asking that he retires.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 15:09

The contract that they had offered him after there were salary cap constraints was not liked by king, so if he isn't happy with that then they are now asking that he retires.

I'm not saying this couldn't be the case. But by the sounds of the article it's not.

If it were the case, the article would say something along the lines of, "King has been told that if he doesn't accept the offer on the table, he should retire." There is no mention of any such current offer.

Partridge

11 Oct 2007, 15:21

the story says King has been told to retire, then they quote Blame saying that that isn't the case. so it is a question of who do you believe?

Well I wouldn't believe anything in the media until it's clearly and officially confirmed by the club. It belongs in the realm of fiction (or fantasy) otherwise.

WE Are Geelong

11 Oct 2007, 15:31

I doubt Geelong has told King to retire entering day 4 of trade week...I imagine Nixon is upset with preliminary discussions on a revised offer for significantly less. I doubt Geelong has put that offer in writing because it might look insulting so in other words tread carefully with an ex captain, AA and now a premiership player as far as his legacy is to the club...

I would prefer King to stay for 1 year...if that is not to be the case definitely try get something for him via some trade to upgrade one of our picks.

King's last 2 months of the season, his VFL finals and GF form suggest to me he has value. Otherwise this has Richmond PSD written all over it...and I am getting sick of them pretending like we owe them something for the Ottens deal.

nananana catman

11 Oct 2007, 15:55

Will get offered significantly less than previously paid for obvious reasons. We have far better players now and he has deteriorated very badly since then...

Could end next season as our regular number 2 ruckman, or could slip behind West and Blake.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 15:56

Well I wouldn't believe anything in the media until it's clearly and officially confirmed by the club. It belongs in the realm of fiction (or fantasy) otherwise.

Sensible.

Reg Hickey

11 Oct 2007, 17:05

Just emphasised the key words there.

The whole premise of the article is exactly that he's been told to retire. That implies that they're not offering him a new contract anymore.

Don't be an idiot. The article is VERY clear that he has been offered a contract on significantly reduced pay, and he's knocked it back. Whether its still available or not right now is pointless - he's not accepting it anyway. The key point is that they wanted him to stay and did offer him a contract.

Stoney

11 Oct 2007, 17:08

two premierships in a week would be a good way to bow out, you would think. King sounded very keen to play on though, it would be a shame to see him do a Kingsley.

Yeah except Kingy has talent...

rizzo

11 Oct 2007, 17:15

Yeah except Kingy has talent...

What are you talking about? Kent had talent.

Stoney

11 Oct 2007, 17:23

What are you talking about? Kent had talent.

Kent HAD talent... Kingy HAS talent... its amazing how one letter can make all the difference.

Hoffy95

11 Oct 2007, 17:31

Kent HAD talent... Kingy HAS talent... its amazing how one letter can make all the difference.

Although Kingy has played one really good senior game in god knows how long.

You could argue he HAD talent just like Kent.

When was the last time (bar the one-off in the Grand Final) that King played anywhere near his AA days?

Realistically, his form over the last few years suggests that he HAD it as well, just like Kent, although personally I still think King can find IT again consistently, whereas when we cut Kent, I never thought he'd recover.

catempire

11 Oct 2007, 17:31

Don't be an idiot. The article is VERY clear that he has been offered a contract on significantly reduced pay, and he's knocked it back. Whether its still available or not right now is pointless - he's not accepting it anyway. The key point is that they wanted him to stay and did offer him a contract.

Hey idiot (now we're square ;)), of course it's relevant whether there's a contract on offer now.

It looks like what has happened is that he was offered a 1-year deal, but said "I want to stay but I'll see what else is on offer" (and who can blame him for that.

Then, Blake was chased by other teams who bid up his contract with Geelong. All of a sudden, we no longer have room in the cap for the contract that was on offer to King a week prior.

Now King is pushed into retirement.

This is, of course, all only if the "source" is correct. I have my doubts.

But I think we're all on the same page when we say that the best case scenario would be to keep everyone. The sticking point may be, due to Blake's new contract, we no longer can.

WE Are Geelong

11 Oct 2007, 18:00

It's going to be very interesting to see how this plays out by tomorrow.

If in the end King goes via the PSD that wont be such a good look for the club. It will suggest we failed to sign King in a situation where he was willing to be quite reasonable about it all and was keen to keep playing. I wouldnt like for that to happen.

I think Geelong could well be hinting/suggesting... if we cant suitably trade you ...please retire. Not so sure King should be taking that on as his responsibility if he has done everything he can to be re-signed by the club for one more year.

Stoney

11 Oct 2007, 18:25

Although Kingy has played one really good senior game in god knows how long.

You could argue he HAD talent just like Kent.

When was the last time (bar the one-off in the Grand Final) that King played anywhere near his AA days?

Realistically, his form over the last few years suggests that he HAD it as well, just like Kent, although personally I still think King can find IT again consistently, whereas when we cut Kent, I never thought he'd recover.

Unlike the other quarter of a million supporters I didnt jump on the King bandwagon after the Grand Final... I'd been the sole passenger for the entire 2007 campaign.

His form at VFL level for the last 2 months suggests that he STILL has it... he moved well, he used his experience to his advantage, and he took a leaf out of Otto's book and began throwing himself at the football after contesting the bounce.

How we were playing Blake ahead of him is unbelievable... Blake shouldnt be unhappy that he missed the grand final, King should be dirty he missed the entire finals series bar the GF.

Our time in the sun is now, and King is better right now than Blake. Why get rid of him? The Geelong Addy is a disgrace!

Rosso

11 Oct 2007, 23:03

Unlike the other quarter of a million supporters I didnt jump on the King bandwagon after the Grand Final... I'd been the sole passenger for the entire 2007 campaign.

His form at VFL level for the last 2 months suggests that he STILL has it... he moved well, he used his experience to his advantage, and he took a leaf out of Otto's book and began throwing himself at the football after contesting the bounce.

How we were playing Blake ahead of him is unbelievable... Blake shouldnt be unhappy that he missed the grand final, King should be dirty he missed the entire finals series bar the GF.

Our time in the sun is now, and King is better right now than Blake. Why get rid of him? The Geelong Addy is a disgrace!

Agree totally. Kingy has been a great servant and his finish to the year (AFL & VFL) showed that he still has the ability to impact a game, somthing that Blakey hasn't been able to do as yet. Even in the game against the Tigers when he kicked 2 he wasn't a dominant figure, it was great to see him snag a couple but his impact on the game as a whole was fairly minimal.

In all reality, we cheer and laugh when the bloke kicks the football yet we expect him to carry the no.1 rucking duties if Otto misses?? Imagine Blakey carrying the mantle against Cox in a final, he'd be torn apart. At 22 he will develop and his ealry games will no doubt help but King, at 28, is still instrumentle in our quest for back to back.

passthebottle

11 Oct 2007, 23:39

King is/was a great servant of the club and deserves to be treated as such.

That has been the problem with the club for a long long time in how to treat past players.:mad:

tin can sam

11 Oct 2007, 23:58

Stay with us Kingy, We Love You.

CatmanForever

12 Oct 2007, 12:36

Waverley73

12 Oct 2007, 12:45

It's an awful situation that could end Kings career at the Cats on a sour note. The club has to look to the future, yet an ex-captain could be burned. Situations like this I am glad I am not involved.

It seems though the club can't win. Blake gets burned by not being selected in the GF, allowing King to win a premiership. Now King looks to get burned because the club is again looking to do what's best for it (and rightfully so) for the future.

If King is forced out (either retirement or to another club) it will be sad to see him go. I think though, he will be able to look back on his career over time and know that he was part of a pretty special achievement. It's not every day you break a 44 year drought with a 20 goal hiding.