Best of times, worst of times ..

[OldLion]

When the team's actually won the flag, the LAST thing you want to contemplate is the loss of any players from that special group SO SOON after the triumph. For all the other clubs, it provides some hope but for us, only dread. Remember all that Headland stuff last year ?

I can't get my mind around the stories that continually get floated about this player and that player etc .. especially after you've seen them in raptures, swearing eternal love only moments before.

I just hope that everyone involved has a steady nerve and that the players want even more success together. I can't believe that we can even discuss / conceive of the loss of a full back and a B&F runner up - a team is built around these blokes. It's all too much - I'll retreat into the videos of 2003 ( esp. round 19 ) until this is all over.

[pride01]

I'm with you OldLion. I may be weak but I'm cringing at threads discussing trades involving premiership players and it really doesn't bear thinking about for me. Why does footy have to be a business? I hate this time of year (just the trading part, not the premiership success obviously!)

[blackers]

Such a big week for Kinnear Beatson. My view is that now we've won three in a row, this should be the start of our rebuilding phase. The fact that we have salary cap problems should be seen as an advantage. It forces us to make some painful decisions and cut those who are not indispensible to the team and bring in some quality young guys with first and second round draft picks.

I would rather see us make the finals for the next 5 or 10 years than have us mortgage our future for a fourth flag. But that may not be everyone's view.

[jmerino]

I was speaking to my boss yesterday about the loss of certain players.His attitude astounded me, he said if he was a player he would take the money and run.No club loyalty for him.he said they have to set them selves up for life now, and that an extra 100,000 per year was crucial to a young mans future.
I must admit I was astounded. I would hate to think that Luke Power is professing to be a diehard RoyBoy from birth and then runs around in Carlton colours for extra money next year.
I hate this time of year.

[cjwalkley]

It is very tough on players, clubs and supporters at this time of the year. Ideally in the next twelve months Brennan, Selwood, Corrie and Merrett will begin to get a lot of game time, as well as Gram if he is still about. In reality Notting, Morrison, McLaren and Wright will possibly have to leave to get senior opportunities, but that still leaves a battle for some positions. If we are to keep giving Luke Power longer stints in the midfield, fit Brad Scott and Aaron Shattock into the side and give Selwood some opportunities, then as hard as it seems Nigel Lappin could become a casualty. This is not something I enjoy thinking about, however if Carlton offerred the #2 draft pick, then it would be very hard for the Lions to pass up. Lappin is a great clubman and has been at the Lions since he was 17 and it would be gut wrenching to see him go, but practicality has to come nto it, as well as fairness to the playing group.