Rumour Bluemour Discussion XLI

[Aphrodite]

#BUMP from February


Re: 'Alleged' rumours resurfacing ...

Folks, this is the way things are here.

Posters are responsible for what they post. Moderators can not attest to the accuracy or otherwise of any rumour posted.

Moderators will intervene for a couple of reasons.

1. If a thread is threatening to be derailed because of a post.

2. If invested parties request the removal of material.

None of this draws a conclusion as to the accuracy or otherwise of the original post.

There is no need to further speculate. What will be will be.

Also, you need to remember that this thread like all parts of this forum is bound by the rules of poster conduct. If you want to express skepticism towards a rumour that's fine, but having a crack at posters who are contributors to this forum is simply not on and will be acted upon.

Simply put, don't be a dick.

Thanks all!

 

[ctwenty1]

anyone else thinkl the draft is too far away?

 

[Juice030103]

anyone else thinkl the draft is too far away?

It’s for kids to finish their year 12 exams before

 

[ctwenty1]

It’s for kids to finish their year 12 exams before

damn kids and their priorities other than footbal

 

[Crippa#9]

Humphrey may try again next year, but we will be in a tough position as we cant trade high draft picks due to Cody Walker. So unless we trade a good player or they accept future picks, it will be a bit tough.

We do also have in our kitbag TWO x 2027 1st Rounders which of course can be used in trade period next year...

 

[ferrisb]

Weren't the AFL meant to give a ruling on that before the trade period?

Weren't the AFL supposed to be a competent world-class competition?

 

[Soapy V]

Love this, thanks mate.

Any word on how Newman is going? Need him fit and firing.

about a month ago he was all good.

 

[Bfevola]

Off topic. Where is C4. Hope he is still posting. Come back. Dont worry about the trade period. We know things change.

 

[Blue_Fusion]

Off topic. Where is C4. Hope he is still posting. Come back. Dont worry about the trade period. We know things change.

Why would he be worried about the trade period? He was right about everything except Khamis which I'm sure no one really cares about too much anyway.

 

[HarryFlashman]

Off topic. Where is C4. Hope he is still posting. Come back. Dont worry about the trade period. We know things change.

Last check he was replacing the “bugs” in the team boxes before the draft.
He had some connection/clarity issues over the trade period so he’s swapping everything out - it was good enough the get the crux of the deal right, he’s trying to step it up for draft night

 

[lily of laguna]

Just speculating here but on Elijah, I would anticipate that if we delist him he would get an opportunity elsewhere even as a sign on trainer for the off season.
No point expending draft capital when the likelihood of getting him for nothing is on the cards.

I have said it before let’s hope he has turned the corner enough to see out his contract. I know we don’t know what he’s done and the club will make a call and I trust those making the decisions but I’m allowed to dream!!!

 

[gbatman]

Humphrey may try again next year, but we will be in a tough position as we cant trade high draft picks due to Cody Walker. So unless we trade a good player or they accept future picks, it will be a bit tough.

Unless swans absolutely bomb out or we do. There is something about Sydney that makes me unsure about them going into next year and I feel it's a possibility.

And we will have two future first round picks next season as well. I also think we could end up with trade currency. As in players to trade out. Not sure who yet but I suspect if our youth in the onball group really come on it will be from there.

Humphrey I think has stirred the pot more than what Curnow did with his intentions to leave if you look at his instagram activity and the amount of rumours pumped out into the wilderness. Fair chance end of next year is is offside with GCS and gets himself out of there.

It's going to be interesting.

 

[gbatman]

If Elijah Hollands is not going to be on our list next season then why has he not been delisted yet?

It would be in the best interest for him now to become a DFA would it not?

I am still of the opinion that he will play out the season on our list and either be traded at the end of next season after repairing his reputation or he will be retained for a very short contract.

Elijah Hollands pulls his head in, plays the best to his ability in 2026, what is his trade value going to be? How does this influence our ability to land a Humphrey or work a trade for someone like Butters?

Not sure what we are doing here and what the tactics are.

 

[Stamos]

If Elijah Hollands is not going to be on our list next season then why has he not been delisted yet?

It would be in the best interest for him now to become a DFA would it not?

I am still of the opinion that he will play out the season on our list and either be traded at the end of next season after repairing his reputation or he will be retained for a very short contract.

Not sure what we are doing here and what the tactics are.

We just haven't announced any of our post trade period delistings yet.
There's going to be 2, probably 3 to come.

 

[Soapy V]

100% - Crippa, Walsh, George & Cerra does not work!
We’ve seen it for years now, when it’s on our terms they win clearance - but move it poorly and it amounts to SFA.

Cerra playing fit is a better footballer than George & significantly more damaging, Walsh/Crippa isn’t a question who better more/damaging.

George is the weak link - has been for years, yes he’s a good player but provides zero damage - football isn’t picked on “who’s a better player but what provides a better result”,
I give zero ****s he won the B&F!

The fact he’s the “best” in club explains how poor our game plan, style and season was.

I will take Lord & Smith over George every single day, we need to evolve - another season of the same slow, crash, bash, exit backwards, no chase, no burst will be a disaster.

George is where we can improve thru evolving the game style.
His skill set is the exact opposite of what we actually need - not saying he doesn’t do what he does well, just saying it’s not what we need to get better!

It's a fair discussion.

Our midfield mix has always been a concern. George is a very good player who has had a great year BUT we have been poor and can't compete against good sides. The modern game is run and spread. Things need to change

Having Cripps & Hewett in the one side makes us vulnerable especially if we don't win the ball first. Neither are great kicks either. This isn't helped by Lord and Cerra who aren't quick. All individually good (or potentially good) players but as a mix there is a bit of sameness. Ben Campo more of the same. Walsh has some dash

Jagga will help but he is 19 coming off an ACL and hasn't played a game yet. Walker is a year away. Names like Chesser Wilson Florent will help with run but are more wing/HB types. Motlop Ainsworth Moir Williams will hopefully get mid minutes. Will we add another mid type at the draft?

The 5 man bench may help. I expect Cripps to spend some time forward next year as well

I'm not sure the answer but things need to change

 

[Bluebag13]

No one sees this as a rebuild.

This is the best part! Keep the expectations high, its a high performance industry we need to set the culture up right, no relaxed attitudes or excuses of a rebuild for poor performances. Winners mentality

 

[ctwenty1]

If Elijah Hollands is not going to be on our list next season then why has he not been delisted yet?

It would be in the best interest for him now to become a DFA would it not?

I am still of the opinion that he will play out the season on our list and either be traded at the end of next season after repairing his reputation or he will be retained for a very short contract.

Elijah Hollands pulls his head in, plays the best to his ability in 2026, what is his trade value going to be? How does this influence our ability to land a Humphrey or work a trade for someone like Butters?

Not sure what we are doing here and what the tactics are.

maybe we are still deciding on him within the context of the whole list strategy?

plenty of time for him to be delisted and paid out

feel more for Flynn and Walter tbh

 

[The Bighouse]

Just speculating here but on Elijah, I would anticipate that if we delist him he would get an opportunity elsewhere even as a sign on trainer for the off season.
No point expending draft capital when the likelihood of getting him for nothing is on the cards.

I have said it before let’s hope he has turned the corner enough to see out his contract. I know we don’t know what he’s done and the club will make a call and I trust those making the decisions but I’m allowed to dream!!!

Indeed. He’s out there training and said through his manager that’s he’s in ripping nick.

Some team will get an opportunity to get a seriously talented AFL player for very little via train-on viewing, which we could have had under our support of EH vs offloading under contract (if we plan to follow through).

 

[bmaurizio]

I’m hoping EH is given an opportunity to reset his life and footy career.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to develop into the best version of oneself. The Club is being transformed, no matter the past indiscretions and whether he was a miscreant, he deserves a chance to redeem his mistakes.

 

[FlowersByIrene]

I really hope both the club and Elijah suck it up, put int he effort and get him playing. He's a real difference maker to our side. As excited as I am about Ainsworth coming in and shaking up our forward mix, Elijah offers potentially more promise if he plays a full season. Just get him in the side and keep him straight and narrow.

 

[swuzzlebubble]

Not sure what we are doing here and what the tactics are.

Probably some deep discussion about who we keep, who we can bring in and how to get them.

 

[Mondyboy]

It's a fair discussion.

Our midfield mix has always been a concern. George is a very good player who has had a great year BUT we have been poor and can't compete against good sides. The modern game is run and spread. Things need to change

Having Cripps & Hewett in the one side makes us vulnerable especially if we don't win the ball first. Neither are great kicks either. This isn't helped by Lord and Cerra who aren't quick. All individually good (or potentially good) players but as a mix there is a bit of sameness. Ben Campo more of the same. Walsh has some dash

Jagga will help but he is 19 coming off an ACL and hasn't played a game yet. Walker is a year away. Names like Chesser Wilson Florent will help with run but are more wing/HB types. Motlop Ainsworth Moir Williams will hopefully get mid minutes. Will we add another mid type at the draft?

The 5 man bench may help. I expect Cripps to spend some time forward next year as well

I'm not sure the answer but things need to change

Why not be bold and play Crippa as a permanent forward who rotates through the midfield when we need it. I know his goal kicking isn't great, but he's a very good mark and he'll provide pressure when the ball hits the ground.

And his body must be cooked.

 

[SkyhorseTamer]

Charlie had been saying he was gone nearly all year. Gave up on season early. Geelong was preference over Sydney and GCS. As TDK & Jack gone we were happy to let him go for right price.

Any more as to why he just pulled up stumps and said **** it I'm out

 

[gbatman]

It's a fair discussion.

Our midfield mix has always been a concern. George is a very good player who has had a great year BUT we have been poor and can't compete against good sides. The modern game is run and spread. Things need to change

Having Cripps & Hewett in the one side makes us vulnerable especially if we don't win the ball first. Neither are great kicks either. This isn't helped by Lord and Cerra who aren't quick. All individually good (or potentially good) players but as a mix there is a bit of sameness. Ben Campo more of the same. Walsh has some dash

Jagga will help but he is 19 coming off an ACL and hasn't played a game yet. Walker is a year away. Names like Chesser Wilson Florent will help with run but are more wing/HB types. Motlop Ainsworth Moir Williams will hopefully get mid minutes. Will we add another mid type at the draft?

The 5 man bench may help. I expect Cripps to spend some time forward next year as well

I'm not sure the answer but things need to change

This is our final piece of the puzzle to put into place when it comes to dragging this team into contender status. One really high quality player to add to the onball group with pace and agility.

End of next year we are going to be all about rectifying this and no doubt we have put our our feelers.

I feel we are going to be happy with our defence and pretty happy with our forward line and probably happy with our wings however the onball group as you said is weak.

Our onball group was clearly designed for when football was a rolling maul (Pre 2022), big numbers around contests and stoppages. The big deal back than was that because the player who got first hands on the ball nearly always got tackled, they had to be good at getting arms free and a handball off so strong shoulders, preferably tall and big bodied. Cripps, Kennedy, Hewett etc. As for run and pace, the ball was often kicked up the line, play was slow so not as important. Pressure was applied by getting numbers to contests, now it's applied by how fast you can run to where the ball/opposition is. The ability to run away with ball in hand is also a key part of offensive play now things are open.

I still blame Voss for our lack of pace and agility and modern footballers. He was far too slow to notice the change in the game and the change in athletic qualities needed for midfielders. This is something which is linked to his tactical flaws as a coach and something I have been pointing out about him since 2023. Red flags in his direction to our recruiters and his team selection and the game plan which did not and should have revolved around pace.

So what do we do? Walsh is going to be a huge part for us and I feel worried he will be targeted heavily because every team in the game knows this. Smith will be good but too light to have a massive impact playing on the ball. Walker is a year away and will need time to develop.

My worry is we are killing Walsh because he's the only mid opposition sides worry about and they target him. We could potentially kill Smith and Walker with too much time on the ball as well.

What we need is a mature body to come into the side who has pace agility and is equal or better than Walsh and take the heat away from Walsh and allow Smith and Walker to spend time on the wings and flanks as their bodies mature.

In the short term I think we will spend a lot of time rotating players through the middle like Hayward, Ainsworth, Chesser, Motlop, Williams, Florent. This is not ideal as we need them more in their primary roles but in the short term it probably gets us out of trouble.

For a genuine fix we have to land a high level midfielder who is quick, nimble and has good skills end of next season. That for us is non-negotiable, it's our highest need by a country mile.

In an ideal world we use our open salary cap to land Zak Butters, bring in Cody Walker, have Smith going as a third year player, offload some of our excess midfielders if need be and trade for Bailey Humphrey end of next season. That to me gives us a great opportunity to win a premiership/s from 2027-2030, protect our up and coming youth and take the attention away from Walsh which sees his career prolonged and allows him more freedom to impact games.

If we are unable to achieve this goal of landing a mature modern mid, I feel it will cause our progress to stall and that could easily lead to another failed list build.

I am with you though, I think our list looks in great shape and has progressed but we do need to finish it off. A lot of sides build a list to the level of a 10th-5th placed side, stall, then fail to finish it off. We are there IMO. Ratten failed to finish his list build off. Voss failed to finish his list build off and is getting another go at it. This midfielder is the finishing piece that IMO will take us from a 10th-5th side to a top 4 contender. The last pieces are always the hardest to fill. It's about our ability to get the players we need.

I trust us a lot more with Wright and Davies there, something has changed.

 

[SkyhorseTamer]

Why not be bold and play Crippa as a permanent forward who rotates through the midfield when we need it. I know his goal kicking isn't great, but he's a very good mark and he'll provide pressure when the ball hits the ground.

And his body must be cooked.

I think there's room for him to be a true centre liner. Provide a target out of d 50 on a wing. Hand off his mid opponent after stoppage and patrol that exit kick range. Take some contested grabs and push forward when the ball exits the opposite wing to the one he provided an exit option on. Would keep Harry as a target next kick along as well instead of clearing d50 to Harry and having no where to go.

 

[TeamofRiddles]

sure, but what's he done for us lately

Fly is thinking about changing our voting system