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!

 

[Dramoth]

I think he can push forward at times and be a bit of a difference

Issue is with Cripps he needs to be fully fit or he can be a liability. Personally, I would try and play him 15-16 games a year with some breaks in between to stay fresh and recover from all the knocks he gets. A fully fit Cripps for 15 games is a lot better than a 80% fit Cripps for 23 games IMO. He's bull and that's it

I'd say play Cripps and Lord together as our extractors, then for the games when we rest Cripps, play B. Campo off the bench and make Hewett and Lord the main mids. In the 15-16 games we play Cripps, give him 75% mid time and 25% forward time when he's on the ground. If we can find a way not to continue to let Cripps get beat up, we might extend his career by a year or two. Wins all round for Carlton.

 

[The Bighouse]

Hayward is A grade at his role. Aleer is actually not a good footballer and makes up for it with athletic ability. And wants half the cap in pay.

Not sure Aleer chased the big bucks but was approached by a club who was offering absurd money which couldn’t be denied in accepting (until STK did the dirty on him and withdrew their offer).

 

[Stig O'Hara]

Dunno what side you guys are watching.

A 90% fit Sam Walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

makes us 3 goals better.

He’s played 3/4 of the most outstanding individual quarters as Cripps/Judd.

Get this boy anywhere near 3/4 pump & he will smack sides.

 

[Moon]

With the fresh beginning in 2026 ... Sam Walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

as Captain would be the go I reckon.
This would take the pressure off Crippa to lead the team out each week as Captain and give him some much needed time off during the season knowing that the team is in good hands.

 

[Dramoth]

I read somewhere that Walsh was pushing his case but not sure if there is any truth to that?

Id be very happy if he stays but understand if he doesnt. Will trust the club on that one.

I do wonder how this is all affecting Ollie. Whether Lij getting delisted would damage our relationship with him or actually be a relief.

I've heard that Walsh is one of those speaking up to keep Lij. Even going so far as to offer him a room at his place.Shows the sign of a good leader there.

 

[Dramoth]

You people spend too much time typing in the same room.

Grow your hair long.

Smile every now & then.

Eat some fruit.

The world is good.

My hair is long halfway down my back now. But I need to get it lopped off to donate it to wigs for cancer

 

[bmaurizio]

I've heard that Walsh is one of those speaking up to keep Lij. Even going so far as to offer him a room at his place.Shows the sign of a good leader there.

Yes absolutely Sam Walsh exudes leadership form the first moment he wore the Navey Blue.
Our coaches too should be setting a good example and pushing for EH to be given a final opportunity to redeem his miscreant ways of the past and help himbecome a cohesive and productive team member. Wish him well.

 

[Jimmae]

Fairly clear that we’re missing:
1 more explosive small forward
1 more dynamic midfielder
1 more key defender
Another key forward.

With 4 key pieces needed, I’d say we are out of the running for Butters and we may be looking like another offseason like this one.

Perhaps a throw at the stumps at Bailey Humphrey and then collecting a few b-graders.

Moir
Jagga + Walker
Dean + Hof
HoK

I think all we need is a time skip tbh

While I wouldn't call Moir explosive, you can also grab all of those from DFA at the moment really:

Schoenberger
Shiel
Frost
Derksen

Possibility of players like Phillips, Coffield and Harvey being available as well. We clearly don't have the list space for all of them, but they are potentially available. We'd also probably have to forego delisting Elijah in order to wrangle the cap space.

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...

We also have 2027 father-son and academy selections to think about. It's a big run of players coming up.

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!

I don't blame Hewett for what's happening at all, as it's usually him and Walsh left to close down the spread. We need variety, and more than just Jagga, but it's not about the quality of the personnel, it's about the overall attributes as a regular configuration at the centre bounce.

Looking forward to more looks in 2026, with Moir, Smith, maybe Kemp, Williams, Ainsworth, and perhaps a top 5 draftee...

 

[tragic]

I've heard that Walsh is one of those speaking up to keep Lij. Even going so far as to offer him a room at his place.Shows the sign of a good leader there.

Walsh wants to win

 

[Earls Smother]

I get the argument, and many were calling for us to "move beyond" Hewett this time last year also. But like I said back then... nobody else can play the defensive mid role like he can. Every team has at least 1 gun mid that you need to (try to) clamp. Vossy at his core loves the contested side of the game. And while we have traded in a manner that suggests we are (FINALLY) looking for more "run and gun" to embrace the modern game, Im sure Voss will still want a level of brutality in the contest. Hewett provides that dependability in that defensive mid role. So while you can go head-to-head, it is fraught with danger. And yes, you can have the best of both Worlds (brutality in the contest with outside run). Brissy have this! And Hewett is to us what Dunkley is to Brisbane. This is why I still believe Hewett will be integral to any new game plan(s) Vossy and Co are working on.

The comparison to Dunkley is interesting. Is Hewett our Dunkley, or is it Cripps?

For a few years, Brisbane had a similiar midfield problem to us - slow to spread and chase. They had Jarryd Lyons who finished 2nd in their 2020 B & F, then 3rd in 2021. Then won a Liston Trophy in 2023 when he was being phased out. The point is, he could play, but the balance was wrong.

Brisbane knew they couldn't play Dunkley and Lyons. Ashcroft effectively replaced Lyons. We are going to have the same issue, fitting in Jagga and then Walker. Something has to give.

 

[HarryFlashman]

Given where there list is at and how they are looking it’s probably worth it.
Trac is a straight out difference maker, the bloke can win a game thru sheer will & a 10 min burst.
He’s pretty much unstoppable when he’s in the zone, obviously they think his body can hold up when it counts, thru smart management it’s pretty likely it will.

We’ve all seen Crippa go full beast mode, Trac can do the same & is more dangerous forward.

There only a handful of players that can single-handedly turn a game & they never come cheap.
GC have the depth where they don’t need him to be Superman every game

 

[HarryFlashman]

The comparison to Dunkley is interesting. Is Hewett our Dunkley, or is it Cripps?

For a few years, Brisbane had a similiar midfield problem to us - slow to spread and chase. They had Jarryd Lyons who finished 2nd in their 2020 B & F, then 3rd in 2021. Then won a Liston Trophy in 2023 when he was being phased out. The point is, he could play, but the balance was wrong.

Brisbane knew they couldn't play Dunkley and Lyons. Ashcroft effectively replaced Lyons. We are going to have the same issue, fitting in Jagga and then Walker. Something has to give.

Dunkley is a much better footballer than Hewett, he is significantly better at everything, when he’s on he’s elite

 

[Blue__Balls]

Yes absolutely Sam Walsh exudes leadership form the first moment he wore the Navey Blue.
Our coaches too should be setting a good example and pushing for EH to be given a final opportunity to redeem his miscreant ways of the past and help himbecome a cohesive and productive team member. Wish him well.

It's an interesting one. You'd love for the incumbent captain to do the same, but as a parent I could absolutely understand Cripps not wanting to bring someone with Lij's issues/history into his family home with young kids around. Might be good for Lij, but as a parent it's a risk that you almost cannot responsibly take.

 

[blue healer]

I've heard that Walsh is one of those speaking up to keep Lij. Even going so far as to offer him a room at his place.Shows the sign of a good leader there.

I know nothing about the EH situation and neither do I care too much, will trust the club to make that decision.

But I'm not so sure that Walsh's support for him shows the sign of a good leader. It does show the sign of a good friend but if his opinion differs from the majority of players and coaches he may not be the leader we want.

Just a counter thought based on nothing but a hypothetical.

 

[HarryFlashman]

I know nothing about the EH situation and neither do I care too much, will trust the club to make that decision.

But I'm not so sure that Walsh's support for him shows the sign of a good leader. It does show the sign of a good friend but if his opinion differs from the majority of players and coaches he may not be the leader we want.

Just a counter thought based on nothing but a hypothetical.

It’s a really good question u raise.
If Walsh is about to be named captain you would think his opinion carry’s significant weight, he’s about to lead the team, the easiest thing would be for him to cut the losses.

For him to back in EH could show he really see’s something that will benefit the team.

Could also be him being a good mate, I’d back Walsh to be looking at what he believes is the best thing for the club - will be interesting to see what happens

 

[marcmurphy3]

I know nothing about the EH situation and neither do I care too much, will trust the club to make that decision.

But I'm not so sure that Walsh's support for him shows the sign of a good leader. It does show the sign of a good friend but if his opinion differs from the majority of players and coaches he may not be the leader we want.

Just a counter thought based on nothing but a hypothetical.

Not saying Lij should be kept, but I wouldn't say disagreeing with the majority is the sign of a bad leader. More often its the opposite. Much easier going with the crowd, then challenging them.

If Walsh is pushing for Lij to be kept and is willing to do the hard yards, Id be taking him seriously.

 

[onesilop]

If Walsh is pushing for Lij to be kept and is willing to do the hard yards, Id be taking him seriously.

If you are another player observing this you would have your confidence built that your captain (if Walsh becomes that) has your back, He will fight for you!

It should make the players trust him and want to fight for their captain.

 

[Stiffler's Dad]

Just assuming I’m an out of the loop halfwit.

POD???

Possible Outstanding Dude!

We are of similar vintage Stig but even I've smashed this one.

 

[Stiffler's Dad]

Jack left for the money.

Period.

Let’s see how committed he is per game at 50% fit next year in the middle of winter.

Stig goes BANG!

 

[sosos]

With the fresh beginning in 2026 ... Sam Walsh as Captain would be the go I reckon.
This would take the pressure off Crippa to lead the team out each week as Captain and give him some much needed time off during the season knowing that the team is in good hands.

Got my welcome back membership email yesterday. I don't know if this really points to anything future captaincy related but I thought it was interesting the graphic included Cripps and Weitering, but not Walsh.

 

[T2B_]

Just assuming I’m an out of the loop halfwit.

POD???

 

[agro]

Got my welcome back membership email yesterday. I don't know if this really points to anything future captaincy related but I thought it was interesting the graphic included Cripps and Weitering, but not Walsh.

Probably for the same reason that Charlie features in our 2026 Calendar.

 

[katmanblue]

But we haven't replaced them with like for like have we. We haven't addressed our deficiencies from this season. Again you haven't answered the question while taking pot shots.

How have we improved after trade period.
We still have the same coach who has failed the past 4 years.

Are we expected to improve every single off season? What do you consider improvement? Sometimes a recalibration isn't an improvement in the short term, but is a stepping stone to being better in future.

It's also difficult to improve when 3 senior players leave at their peak or close to it.

We have done fairly well so far with the hand we were dealt. What we do through the draft period will also effect the result. Although draftees won't help in 2026 but may do so after that.

 

[Benaly28]

I agree. Jack left because of frustration. Culture was bad

However, Wright has come in, admitted to issues and is addressing them. Look at changes to coaching , development and our new HOF

I see significant changes happening. At the moment I couldn’t ask for anything more

As you said, time will tell, but things are definitely happening

I agree to an extent however I believe Jack left for other reasons as well that benefitted him and him only.

 

[Moon]

I know nothing about the EH situation and neither do I care too much, will trust the club to make that decision.

But I'm not so sure that Walsh's support for him shows the sign of a good leader. It does show the sign of a good friend but if his opinion differs from the majority of players and coaches he may not be the leader we want.

Just a counter thought based on nothing but a hypothetical.

I differ on this one with Walsh.

As a leader of Men and possibly Captain ... Walsh needs to take responsibility, control .. and be confident to back both himself and his players to get the job done.

If the Club is going to make Walsh Captain ... then they should also show Faith in him with the EH offer and allow him to wield his positive influence on the Players. Walsh needs and should be given that opportunity imo.

Carlton showing Faith in Sam may also come into play when the big offers for him are made next season...?