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

[CatToTheFuture]

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 wouldn't need the afl to intervene to cancel the contract, you just need Oliver to agree to leave millions of dollars on the table. Don't see it happening

 

[MacStradbroke]

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

Agreed Oliver not the same player he was a few years ago, but he is still performing to a comfortably higher level than Worpel on whatever stat you look at.

Worpel 19 disposal ave, 85 CD rating
Oliver 27 disposal ave, 97 CD rating

Cost differential is significant but don’t try and talk yourself into thinking Worpel is the better player. Oliver might be blowing up his career but he also just may hate where he is employed, plenty in that boat.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Agreed Oliver not the same player he was a few years ago, but he is still performing to a comfortably higher leverage than Worpel on whatever stat you look at.

Worpel 19 disposal ave, 85 CD rating
Oliver 27 disposal ave, 97 CD rating

Cost differential is significant but don’t try and talk yourself into thinking Worpel is the better player. Oliver might be blowing up his career but he also just may hate where he is employed, plenty in that boat.

The more disposals Oliver has the worse it is for the team he plays for. Ignore the stats and watch him play. He is offering nothing on offence and creating defensive holes his side can't cover. He shouldn't be playing at afl level on current form

 

[MacStradbroke]

The more disposals Oliver has the worse it is for the team he plays for. Ignore the stats and watch him play. He is offering nothing on offence and creating defensive holes his side can't cover. He shouldn't be playing at afl level on current form

Agree not a great kick, but we are comparing to James Worpel here, not Nick Daicos.

 

[Turbocat]

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.

Logically you are correct .. id also say that … what the cost of mental happiness. The AFL is somewhat negligent I feel allowing these super long contracts.. and Oliver has brought this on him self but whats the figure of marriage and divorce. Thats a contract for life. In that situation does one fight in a Wrath of Khan like grapple to the death or does one seperate and try to live on and be reasonable with each other…even if you a technically the loser finacially? Im not sure what the right answer is…but if you are earning 700 to 1 M…. could you mentally get to a stage of feeling the extra money is not worth it?

 

[D BRIDGE]

Agree not a great kick, but we are comparing to James Worpel here, not Nick Daicos.

Oliver has been impotent this year in terms of effectiveness.
He is a shadow of his former self.

 

[Turbocat]

Our second NGA starting to get noticed ...

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/afl-draft-2025-scouting-notes-from-young-guns-v-vic-country-as-sam-toner-jesse-mellor-excite/news-story/023f0a47b0c02c095ab1c07ebc29ab24

#14 Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons/Geelong West)

This six-goal haul will see Mellor shoot up draft boards as his eye-catching start to the season continued. Unfortunately for rival clubs, he is tied to Geelong’s Next Generation Academy. The game was up for grabs in the final quarter and Mellor took it by the scruff of the neck with four last quarter goals – and it could have been more with a couple of other misses. Mellor kicked two goals in almost as many minutes, one from a low mark and the next an excellent crumb and snap from 30 metres out.

Mellor leaps for a mark. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

 

[Strange Cat]

Agreed Oliver not the same player he was a few years ago, but he is still performing to a comfortably higher level than Worpel on whatever stat you look at.

Worpel 19 disposal ave, 85 CD rating
Oliver 27 disposal ave, 97 CD rating

Cost differential is significant but don’t try and talk yourself into thinking Worpel is the better player. Oliver might be blowing up his career but he also just may hate where he is employed, plenty in that boat.

I don’t think anyone is arguing otherwise , but would you be prepared to pay $1.4 mil a year for that ?

Would MFC be prepared to pay the 40-50% it’ll require to get off the books considering they are still paying out Gawn?

That’s the real discussion points …and that’s where Worpel starts to look like a bargain in comparison to Oliver

 

[Strange Cat]

Logically you are correct .. id also say that … what the cost of mental happiness. The AFL is somewhat negligent I feel allowing these super long contracts.. and Oliver has brought this on him self but whats the figure of marriage and divorce. Thats a contract for life. In that situation does one fight in a Wrath of Khan like grapple to the death or does one seperate and try to live on and be reasonable with each other…even if you a technically the loser finacially? Im not sure what the right answer is…but if you are earning 700 to 1 M…. could you mentally get to a stage of feeling the extra money is not worth it?

It’s $1.4 mil that is being reported , to tear up the contract to play under the Geelong system I can see him maybe pushing $900 k …that’s a lot of money over a multi year contract for a cut to go to a different club

Effectively he could keep playing for Melbourne and eventually get a payout if they want to cut him …why would you give up millions for doing the same job?

 

[Cataholic]

Our second NGA starting to get noticed ...

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/afl-draft-2025-scouting-notes-from-young-guns-v-vic-country-as-sam-toner-jesse-mellor-excite/news-story/023f0a47b0c02c095ab1c07ebc29ab24

#14 Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons/Geelong West)

This six-goal haul will see Mellor shoot up draft boards as his eye-catching start to the season continued. Unfortunately for rival clubs, he is tied to Geelong’s Next Generation Academy. The game was up for grabs in the final quarter and Mellor took it by the scruff of the neck with four last quarter goals – and it could have been more with a couple of other misses. Mellor kicked two goals in almost as many minutes, one from a low mark and the next an excellent crumb and snap from 30 metres out.

Mellor leaps for a mark. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

It looks like the impact of the ball has knocked him back a metre or two

 

[cats_09]

Here's a comparison of Worpel's vs Oliver's season to date, and there's not too much on the right that's screaming out "pick me"

Oliver is getting more of the ball, but is he actually doing more with it or having a bigger impact for him team with his disposals?

Averaging 8 less disposals per game, Worpel is still managing to:

• average greater scoreboard impact, both directly and in terms of goal assists & score involvements, plus more inside 50s
• higher disposal efficiency with less clangers & turnovers
• also averaging more metres gained
• yes Worpel averages 1.2 clearances less than Clayton, but I'm not sure that's a major deficit in terms of the overall picture

When one is likely to be somewhere between 50% -> 66% of the salary cost of the other, surely it's a pretty easy choice as to whom should be the target, if we are to be targeting one

 

[cats_09]

I don’t think anyone is arguing otherwise , but would you be prepared to pay $1.4 mil a year for that ?

Would MFC be prepared to pay the 40-50% it’ll require to get off the books considering they are still paying out Gawn?

That’s the real discussion points …and that’s where Worpel starts to look like a bargain in comparison to Oliver

I'd want Melbourne to be paying for to 60% minimum of the wage - they be the ones who signed the deal and they shouldn't get out of that responsibility

 

[Strange Cat]

I'd want Melbourne to be paying for to 60% minimum of the wage - they be the ones who signed the deal and they shouldn't get out of that responsibility

And like you had previously mentioned if their sticking point is that we take all or a very large portion of that stupid contract we should get some high picks.

 

[moond0g]

Agreed Oliver not the same player he was a few years ago, but he is still performing to a comfortably higher level than Worpel on whatever stat you look at.

Worpel 19 disposal ave, 85 CD rating
Oliver 27 disposal ave, 97 CD rating

Cost differential is significant but don’t try and talk yourself into thinking Worpel is the better player. Oliver might be blowing up his career but he also just may hate where he is employed, plenty in that boat.

I'm not saying Worpel is better. But Worpel also got subbed off injured in opening round which impacts those averages bit.
If you take out the game he was subbed, his averages rise to 22 disposals, 94 CD. This is in the same ballpark.

 

[PzBlinky]

Our second NGA starting to get noticed ...

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/afl-draft-2025-scouting-notes-from-young-guns-v-vic-country-as-sam-toner-jesse-mellor-excite/news-story/023f0a47b0c02c095ab1c07ebc29ab24

#14 Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons/Geelong West)

This six-goal haul will see Mellor shoot up draft boards as his eye-catching start to the season continued. Unfortunately for rival clubs, he is tied to Geelong’s Next Generation Academy. The game was up for grabs in the final quarter and Mellor took it by the scruff of the neck with four last quarter goals – and it could have been more with a couple of other misses. Mellor kicked two goals in almost as many minutes, one from a low mark and the next an excellent crumb and snap from 30 metres out.

Mellor leaps for a mark. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

I'm sure if he starts looking too promising there'll be a rule or boundary change or something to make sure we don't finally get an advantage from our NGA.

Yes, I'm being quite cynical...and it would be fantastic to start seeing some return from our zones, but I wouldn't be totally shocked if they fiddled with the rules to make life harder not just for the Cats, but for everyone...just so happens it's in a year where we have a couple of good prospects.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Agree not a great kick, but we are comparing to James Worpel here, not Nick Daicos.

I'm not even saying Worpel is good. He'll never have a season that comes close to any season Oliver produced between 2018 and 2022. But neither will Oliver.

I look at the afl teams running out this week and the only one i can make a case for Oliver being best 22 in is west coast, and even then I'm not sure.

 

[dazbroncos]

Our second NGA starting to get noticed ...

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/afl-draft-2025-scouting-notes-from-young-guns-v-vic-country-as-sam-toner-jesse-mellor-excite/news-story/023f0a47b0c02c095ab1c07ebc29ab24

#14 Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons/Geelong West)

This six-goal haul will see Mellor shoot up draft boards as his eye-catching start to the season continued. Unfortunately for rival clubs, he is tied to Geelong’s Next Generation Academy. The game was up for grabs in the final quarter and Mellor took it by the scruff of the neck with four last quarter goals – and it could have been more with a couple of other misses. Mellor kicked two goals in almost as many minutes, one from a low mark and the next an excellent crumb and snap from 30 metres out.

Mellor leaps for a mark. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

oh they will lose their shit if we finally get value from a NGA selection...
and im here for all of it.....

Go Catters

 

[bulletproof]

Our second NGA starting to get noticed ...

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/afl-draft-2025-scouting-notes-from-young-guns-v-vic-country-as-sam-toner-jesse-mellor-excite/news-story/023f0a47b0c02c095ab1c07ebc29ab24

#14 Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons/Geelong West)

This six-goal haul will see Mellor shoot up draft boards as his eye-catching start to the season continued. Unfortunately for rival clubs, he is tied to Geelong’s Next Generation Academy. The game was up for grabs in the final quarter and Mellor took it by the scruff of the neck with four last quarter goals – and it could have been more with a couple of other misses. Mellor kicked two goals in almost as many minutes, one from a low mark and the next an excellent crumb and snap from 30 metres out.

Mellor leaps for a mark. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

What sort of player is he? Medium forward?

 

[CatToTheFuture]

oh they will lose their shit if we finally get value from a NGA selection...
and im here for all of it.....

Go Catters

Good to see some representation from the Thai community in our academy!

 

[Turbocat]

What sort of player is he? Medium forward?

Id love to see some vision from the game ..showing his ability >Maybe on gettable? I have read him be labelled as a hybrid forward so ..I suspect he is yet another in and variation on Meirs/Stengle/Close/Mannagh etc. guys who can kick goals close to goal but play minutes up the ground. The combine data will be the clincher. If he shows he can do good times in the 2 k and 20 m then we may have a real draftable talent

 

[Turbocat]

I'm sure if he starts looking too promising there'll be a rule or boundary change or something to make sure we don't finally get an advantage from our NGA.

Yes, I'm being quite cynical...and it would be fantastic to start seeing some return from our zones, but I wouldn't be totally shocked if they fiddled with the rules to make life harder not just for the Cats, but for everyone...just so happens it's in a year where we have a couple of good prospects.

I have no doubt that change will be discussed but as with the points last year ..difficult to do it in the year of the draft. I would not be surprised if we miss on Steinfort.

 

[dudusmaximus]

Whoever we are chasing,

Performances like last nights must make the player stand up and take notice

Especially if you are 25+ and an almost- Superstar. The best work-life balance with that young & upcoming family. We are the elixir that prolongs your effective years (witness Hawkins, Danger etc.). Maybe also scratch that Corporate or Farming itch..

 

[Turbocat]

It’s $1.4 mil that is being reported , to tear up the contract to play under the Geelong system I can see him maybe pushing $900 k …that’s a lot of money over a multi year contract for a cut to go to a different club

Effectively he could keep playing for Melbourne and eventually get a payout if they want to cut him …why would you give up millions for doing the same job?

Maybe he wouldnt and he stays at Melb. Maybe he will not but still wants to move and keep his contract. Wants his cake and eats it etc. Maybe he is prepared to alter his contract to some degree to get the move he wants.

In the end Im very glad we have not taken him last year as.. he looks like a fading light. Maybe a few of these clubs need to be left to cook on their own fire to put some care into sign such excessive deals… I feel the issue often though is those who sign it are gone by the time the rooster comes home to roost.

 

[D BRIDGE]

Id love to see some vision from the game ..showing his ability >Maybe on gettable? I have read him be labelled as a hybrid forward so ..I suspect he is yet another in and variation on Meirs/Stengle/Close/Mannagh etc. guys who can kick goals close to goal but play minutes up the ground. The combine data will be the clincher. If he shows he can do good times in the 2 k and 20 m then we may have a real draftable talent

If we rate him... we make sure he is "injured" come combine season.

If it is a stage where you need combine data to see if he is worth a list spot or not... you know he is nothing crazy.

 

[And_ROOS]

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.

Demons will want to make a stand and ask for a lot for him, and it will depend on what our other trade goals are.

Agreed Oliver not the same player he was a few years ago, but he is still performing to a comfortably higher level than Worpel on whatever stat you look at.

Worpel 19 disposal ave, 85 CD rating
Oliver 27 disposal ave, 97 CD rating

Cost differential is significant but don’t try and talk yourself into thinking Worpel is the better player. Oliver might be blowing up his career but he also just may hate where he is employed, plenty in that boat.

I mean just look at Smith, he wasn't producing to this level at the Dogs before he did his knee. And with Treloar and Macrae gone they would love current Smith smashing the midfield for them like he is for us.
I have no doubt no one at Melbourne is really enjoying being there.