Rumour GFC 2025 Player Trading, Drafting FA, Rumours and Wish lists Pt 1

[Pure_Ownage]

Agree, but I was replying to a post that said Worpel is currently a better player, not true.

Worpel is not a better player than Oliver but the gap thesedays isnt much and Worpel on say 800k is miles better than Oliver on 1.4mil and rising.

 

[Oisin_the_Goat]

Don't know if anyone else is seeing it this way but Bailey is kind of becoming the club. When he stuck up for the captain and the way he gets around other players and consistently put his heart into the game. Wears his heart on his sleeve. He genuinely loves the Cats to bits. It's not just a job for him. There seems to be a genuine deep belonging there.
He could have learnt the song a bit quicker but other than that

 

[Interdimensional Bigfoot]

Worpel alone probably doesn't gives us enough grunt in the middle, the vibe I get he's the Hawks version of Atkins sad if he goes but not the end of the world. Worpel and Oliver gives us two starting mids that are upgrades on what we have, if we have no hope of Reid or Butters, and can get the MFC to pay some of his contract, maybe risk it. While we still got Danger, go hard, we can build some depth with the picks we keep.

 

[cats_09]

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Nothing story.

Everyone knows Clayton wants out and to Geelong.
This was never the issue and still isnt now.
The issue is whether melbourne are prepared to eat probably 500k a year to get him off the books.
They werent last year, i doubt they are now and unless they are the rest is irrelevant.
But Morris likes to sell clicks.

 

[FootyLad0]

Nothing story.

Everyone knows Clayton wants out and to Geelong.
This was never the issue and still isnt now.
The issue is whether melbourne are prepared to eat probably 500k a year to get him off the books.
They werent last year, i doubt they are now and unless they are the rest is irrelevant.
But Morris likes to sell clicks.

In the Clarry thread, they’re talking like he’s worth a first round pick lol
Don’t think they understand how bad that contract is.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

In the Clarry thread, they’re talking like he’s worth a first round pick lol
Don’t think they understand how bad that contract is.

As in they are paying a first rounder to get rid of the contract?

 

[FishGutz]

Don't know if anyone else is seeing it this way but Bailey is kind of becoming the club. When he stuck up for the captain and the way he gets around other players and consistently put his heart into the game. Wears his heart on his sleeve. He genuinely loves the Cats to bits. It's not just a job for him. There seems to be a genuine deep belonging there.
He could have learnt the song a bit quicker but other than that

Fully agree. He seemed to be a little emotional talking about it. The club must have got around him so much after being cast aside with some serious bitterness from the Dogs.

It’s interesting as well that a lot of my mates who are neutral fans are saying they like him now. Thought was a soft c**k before and a pretty boy and now his imagine seems like he’s an alpha and fierce competitor.

He steps up to the moment, much like Danger. Loves the limelight. And that’s going to help guys like Holmes who seem super modest and go about it in a different way.

I love the fact the club isn’t afraid to allow players personalities to shine. Even Harry Taylor and the ham incident. Still one of the funniest things a footballer has done lol.

Aaaaaaaand this all leads back to me believing Harley Reid and Butters (mostly Reid for this factor) will be watching on thinking, “I can be that aggressive guy and show my true character and be supported and loved for it rather than criticised.” Oh, and TDK… Voss looks like a deer in the headlights all the time.

I am feeling more hopeful about these next two off-seasons than I ever have. And that includes the years of landing Danger, Jezza and Bailey. This is so defining and we have set ourselves up for this perfectly.

 

[FishGutz]

I actually think a bit sorry for McClure because he was correct. Had the same news as me coming in. Once Oliver made his mind up, he was locked in. He must be regretting he didn’t go nuclear. But there must have been a reason, Green must’ve been beyond stubborn. It is mind-blowing how the whole situation has played out.

Struggling superstar player wants to stay.

Pert says look around mate, we are done.

He looks around and finds a home.

Green publicly burns him.

He tries his best to suck it up.

Form is suffering.

Back to square one.

Imagine if Melbourne took a future first and paid 500k of his contract. And even went all out with Petracca when he asked to leave.

Instead now they’ll have to pay 40% of his contract and maybe give a second rounder and bunch of pick swaps to get rid of him.

Would we bite on that now if it’s offered?

A midfield combo of:

Smith - accumulator and metres gained running freak.
Holmes - versatile outside run and carry with class.
Reid - strength and burst and finishing.
Oliver - clearance beast and another big bodied mid for opposition midfields to hold accountable even if not at his best (if 40% of contract is paid).
Atkins - defensive and tackling beast.

That’s easily a premiership winning midfield and versatile and dynamic.

And then add in Butters for hardness and polish as a free agent in 2026.

I must add… this is why I believe sometimes pulling the trigger on a trade earlier can net you greater value, even in the case of a phenom and potential generational player like Reid.

And we cannot understate how big it is that the meeting with Butters coincides after some real positive talks around Reid. Not sure we have ever gone this all in. The league is going to meltdown lol.

 

[And_ROOS]

Worpel alone probably doesn't gives us enough grunt in the middle, the vibe I get he's the Hawks version of Atkins sad if he goes but not the end of the world. Worpel and Oliver gives us two starting mids that are upgrades on what we have, if we have no hope of Reid or Butters, and can get the MFC to pay some of his contract, maybe risk it. While we still got Danger, go hard, we can build some depth with the picks we keep.

Worpel this season has been similar to Atkins but he is 3.5 years younger and taller. But right now if he was available that would put him ahead of a player like Banner Truhn for example who isn't available, last year was producing less than Worpel (yes I know its a 22yr old vs a 26yr old) and likely will be gone end of the season.
Availability is the best ability though.

Worpel would be very useful especially since atm we have CGuth who can't get on the park and Bruhn who is goneski.

 

[foxdog50]

I'm so glad Geelong don't do any of these ridiculous long term contracts like alot of these other clubs do... Anything more then a 5 year contract is right you back on the ar&se

 

[Catattack20]

I actually think a bit sorry for McClure because he was correct. Had the same news as me coming in. Once Oliver made his mind up, he was locked in. He must be regretting he didn’t go nuclear. But there must have been a reason, Green must’ve been beyond stubborn. It is mind-blowing how the whole situation has played out.

Struggling superstar player wants to stay.

Pert says look around mate, we are done.

He looks around and finds a home.

Green publicly burns him.

He tries his best to suck it up.

Form is suffering.

Back to square one.

Imagine if Melbourne took a future first and paid 500k of his contract. And even went all out with Petracca when he asked to leave.

Instead now they’ll have to pay 40% of his contract and maybe give a second rounder and bunch of pick swaps to get rid of him.

Would we bite on that now if it’s offered?

A midfield combo of:

Smith - accumulator and metres gained running freak.
Holmes - versatile outside run and carry with class.
Reid - strength and burst and finishing.
Oliver - clearance beast and another big bodied mid for opposition midfields to hold accountable even if not at his best (if 40% of contract is paid).
Atkins - defensive and tackling beast.

That’s easily a premiership winning midfield and versatile and dynamic.

And then add in Butters for hardness and polish as a free agent in 2026.

I must add… this is why I believe sometimes pulling the trigger on a trade earlier can net you greater value, even in the case of a phenom and potential generational player like Reid.

And we cannot understate how big it is that the meeting with Butters coincides after some real positive talks around Reid. Not sure we have ever gone this all in. The league is going to meltdown lol.

Reid is our main target with Oliver picked up on the cheap? Sounds good to me! The wild card of TDK is also intriguing but seems too amazing to be true…

 

[bulletproof]

Not that I want to get too far into supression order matters but the Jack De Belin case is an obvious one here. Not that I'm saying it will drag on for as many years as that did or that he will be acquitted the same way. But De Belin was stood down on full pay the whole time and is now back playing. This is one of many examples of why the club wouldnt move to rip up the contract now (and the AFLPA wouldnt allow this anyway) in case there isnt a guilty verdict-the last thing it wants is being sued.
As other posters have pointed out the AFL would likely be telling us quietly not to play him. But at the same time working with the PA so he gets his base contract wage. He still would be getting less than his full earnings due to not triggering B and F clauses etc.
The only possible change at the edges would be if the club asks the AFL to let us make him inactive on full pay and allow us to have an extra SSP/MSD spot but as cats_09 points out it wouldnt be until after the initial court hearings that we would look at that.

And given we know basically no details about the issue, seems very presumptuous to say he is finished.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I get why many don’t want Oliver, but you chop his fingers off and he’s still better than Worpel.

Have you watched Oliver play this year? Switch the names and it's closer to the truth

 

[stac]

too much noise around Worpel for it not too be extremely likely
likewise with Oliver

I actually think a bit sorry for McClure because he was correct. Had the same news as me coming in. Once Oliver made his mind up, he was locked in. He must be regretting he didn’t go nuclear. But there must have been a reason, Green must’ve been beyond stubborn. It is mind-blowing how the whole situation has played out.

Struggling superstar player wants to stay.

Pert says look around mate, we are done.

He looks around and finds a home.

Green publicly burns him.

He tries his best to suck it up.

Form is suffering.

Back to square one.

Imagine if Melbourne took a future first and paid 500k of his contract. And even went all out with Petracca when he asked to leave.

Instead now they’ll have to pay 40% of his contract and maybe give a second rounder and bunch of pick swaps to get rid of him.

Would we bite on that now if it’s offered?

A midfield combo of:

Smith - accumulator and metres gained running freak.
Holmes - versatile outside run and carry with class.
Reid - strength and burst and finishing.
Oliver - clearance beast and another big bodied mid for opposition midfields to hold accountable even if not at his best (if 40% of contract is paid).
Atkins - defensive and tackling beast.

That’s easily a premiership winning midfield and versatile and dynamic.

And then add in Butters for hardness and polish as a free agent in 2026.

I must add… this is why I believe sometimes pulling the trigger on a trade earlier can net you greater value, even in the case of a phenom and potential generational player like Reid.

And we cannot understate how big it is that the meeting with Butters coincides after some real positive talks around Reid. Not sure we have ever gone this all in. The league is going to meltdown lol.

Worpel sounds like it is almost a done thing
Oliver is tricky because of his existing contract and the complexities of a deal for him if we are in the race for Butters/Reid. Also not sure we would want Worpel and Oliver.

 

[Heckler]

Nothing story.

Everyone knows Clayton wants out and to Geelong.
This was never the issue and still isnt now.
The issue is whether melbourne are prepared to eat probably 500k a year to get him off the books.
They werent last year, i doubt they are now and unless they are the rest is irrelevant.
But Morris likes to sell clicks.

Oliver wants a fresh start at a new club...Easy!
Both parties need to agree to end the contract.
Oliver traded to Cats. Demons don't pay a cent.
Cats make small trade : negotiate new contract.
Demons gain trade + unencumbered salary cap.
Oliver shows: not playing for Money but the Game
Cats gain Oliver on a fair contract and trade.
Oliver gets his Fresh Start at club of his choice.

Everybody Wins.

 

[D BRIDGE]

I wonder if WC will put there hand up for an assistance package/priority picks.

They are and have been absolutely terrible for a while now.

I won’t be shocked if they get band 1 for Oscar Allen

12

Oscar Allen

Age

26

Ht

196cm

Wt

96kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.8

2star

K

6.6

3star

HB

3.2

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.1

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.6

3star

K

5.8

3star

HB

2.8

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.2

4star

… which will end up pick #2 in the draft.

As much as I want to get Reid for draft picks (if we get him at all) I think WC will be more interested in players… or picks + players to help them be more competitive.

Just thinking out loud here.

 

[stac]

Reid's form this year doesn't look like he's worth giving multiple firsts for.

apparently he has had a calf issue all season (hence not doing preseason)
and not happy with the way WC medicos have handled it.

 

[Strange Cat]

Oliver wants a fresh start at a new club...Easy!
Both parties need to agree to end the contract.
Oliver traded to Cats. Demons don't pay a cent.
Cats make small trade : negotiate new contract.
Demons gain trade + unencumbered salary cap.
Oliver shows: not playing for Money but the Game
Cats gain Oliver on a fair contract and trade.
Oliver gets his Fresh Start at club of his choice.

Everybody Wins.

Oliver gives up millions and millions

Can’t see it happening

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I wonder if WC will put there hand up for an assistance package/priority picks.

They are and have been absolutely terrible for a while now.

I won’t be shocked if they get band 1 for Oscar Allen… which will end up pick #2 in the draft.

As much as I want to get Reid for draft picks (if we get him at all) I think WC will be more interested in players… or picks + players to help them be more competitive.

Just thinking out loud here.

They were the premiers like 4 premiers or so ago. Doubt that convo gets far with saints in the room

 

[moond0g]

If he wants to go, Eagles would want Essendon who have 2 top 10 picks already.

We have likely one in the first round depending on where we finish. There’s slim to no chance Reid will come to us.

Honestly, I think picks 4 & 9 (as they currently stand) still doesn't get it done this year unless Essendon threw in something else. So I can't see a world where WCE agree to a trade with us for picks alone.

 

[Turbocat]

Oliver wants a fresh start at a new club...Easy!
Both parties need to agree to end the contract.
Oliver traded to Cats. Demons don't pay a cent.
Cats make small trade : negotiate new contract.
Demons gain trade + unencumbered salary cap.
Oliver shows: not playing for Money but the Game
Cats gain Oliver on a fair contract and trade.
Oliver gets his Fresh Start at club of his choice.

Everybody Wins.

Can they? Are there Salary Cap complications? Would the AFL say .. Sure cancel the contract but you must keep the numbers in the cap? Who knows as the AFL sometimes appear to rule as if they are the Vatican and they are their own country.

Technically if Oliver was in the last year of his contract right now …he would be about to become a Free Agent. That would change things substantially id have thought. I highly doubt the AFL would give any FA comp.

I wonder if both Melb and CO were able to petition the AFL to cancel the contract based on mental issues if it would be could be done. As a straight player id not have CO above Geelong top 5 players atm. …it would cost Oliver millions but how much is peace of mind worth?

 

[D BRIDGE]

Oliver gives up millions and millions

Can’t see it happening

Agree, it won't happen.. maybe a couple of dollars but not enough to move the needle.

Oliver and his management would have done backflips when they got Melb to offer him that deal, and they wouldn't have been able to sign it quick enough.

In the end, that stupid contract is going to cost him (not financially, but emotionally/mentally) because it's so bad that even if he wants out, a club wants him and the dees want him to go to that club... the contract makes it almost impossible to happen.

Players and their managers need to take some accountability for pushing for such a deal... although who is going to turn down money if given the chance.

This situation is somewhat self-inflicted due to greed.

 

[Strange Cat]

Can they? Are there Salary Cap complications? Would the AFL say .. Sure cancel the contract but you must keep the numbers in the cap? Who knows as the AFL sometimes appear to rule as if they are the Vatican and they are their own country.

Technically if Oliver was in the last year of his contract right now …he would be about to become a Free Agent. That would change things substantially id have thought. I highly doubt the AFL would give any FA comp.

I wonder if both Melb and CO were able to petition the AFL to cancel the contract based on mental issues if it would be could be done. As a straight player id not have CO above Geelong top 5 players atm. …it would cost Oliver millions but how much is peace of mind worth?

You’re retired for a long time , the people around Oliver would be rightly pointing out what a few millions given up would impact on his retirement.

I can’t see Oliver or anyone in this situation giving up millions just to swap to a different club.

 

[Turbocat]

I wonder if WC will put there hand up for an assistance package/priority picks.

They are and have been absolutely terrible for a while now.

I won’t be shocked if they get band 1 for Oscar Allen… which will end up pick #2 in the draft.

As much as I want to get Reid for draft picks (if we get him at all) I think WC will be more interested in players… or picks + players to help them be more competitive.

Just thinking out loud here.

IMO...They need to change the way they help sides in need of help. IF they deem they need help… they can affect the draft and then ask all the other clubs to move back. The draft has lost a lot of its ability to be a balancing affect…too many players taken out of the pool . Even if given a player from R1 … if its a player like Clark …probably does little to help them for years. Not all R1 picks help. Not all R1 picks succeed.

What alternative would help? Its probably hard to get anyone to go there at the moment but could dollars turn their heads. Could they give them sal cap relief for a period of time on a number of Free Agents 50% discount for 4 years or something like that. If Stk can offer 1.7 for Tdek… waht would happen if they could offer 2M and only add 1.0 to their cap. Would tehy get three or 4 FA’s to go there?

With all the money that WC have …I wonder what would somone like Trumpet Palmer would do… probably take the whole system down by taking the sal cap to court.