After almost 7 years (from TAC Cup back in 09), seriously questioning as to whether or not I still want to support this club.
Drug, culture, leadership problems as well as medical staff issues. First they sack McKenna and now want to trade Dixon and Bennell.
Dixon, the first player to sign with the club, a Queenslander, one of the best key forwards in the comp now wants to leave the club. I always knew we would have retention problems, but not with local players. Even coaching staff such as Shane O'Bree, Stephen Schwerdt, Shaun Hart, Ken Hinkley walked from the club (and are all still coaching at other clubs)
Bennell, all be it he has a few off-field problems, he is still arguably our 2nd best player, if not at least in the top 5. He is one of the most talented players I've ever seen. Although he does have off-field problems, at least he's loyal. But the club all of the sudden decided get rid of him. How are we ever going to grow as a club when we shy away from problems instead of actually trying to work through and fix the problem?
I know for a fact that both players love the club and they are both among the popular players in the playing group. Players like Bennell are the glue that holds the group together, and now that two of our most popular players are leaving, I can only fear that more will follow.
Had this incident occurred during the season then fair enough, but the season has only just ended. Surely you can let this one slide, given it's only been 2 days since the end of a very very tough season for him, especially when you consider what he's gone through this year.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very disappointed in Bennell's actions, but i'm extremely disappointed with the club. I really think the club could've tried harder to keep Dixon and they gave up too easily. The club is being to harsh to Bennell given the circumstances, just like how they were to McKenna.
What's even more disappointing is that I know that both Dixon and Bennell will become stars, and the club will regret this in years to come. I really don't think our list is as good as what everyone makes it out to be anymore. Probably not even the top 5 most talented list anymore.
Just in case you're all wondering, I'm not gone yet, but very close. I will only re-new my membership if we get nothing short of the best out of both trades. If we don't get the best result possible in the trade period and don't make finals next year, then you can consider me gone (ok maybe not, but you get the point)