List Mgmt. Aisho Going Elsewhere

[Jasper84]

I don't think Ward or Treloar were available or wanted to come to the lions last year.....we can't kick a gifthorse in the mouth - particularly when after all the players that wanted out, when some actually want to come north we really need to take advantage of that.

I'm not going to argue semantics about Rocky or Leppa with you - they're more opinions or any factual evidence. I will however point out that other than Aish, all the blokes from his draft class and beyond (i.e. those that have worked with Leppa) all signed extensions. Thus outside of Aish, we must be doing something right.



Again....this has pretty much been done. The board that sacked Vossy have all been pretty much removed and replaced. I'd say the AFL had a hand in getting Swan and Schwab up north. The final pieces to the puzzle are the sorting of the welfare team with the Lamberts returning to their role (which given previous experience will be a massive boost in retaining players).

As for your last line, I'm not going to rebut points I've made previously in here. But ultimately, we can't bleed first round picks (essentially a far greater likelihood of getting a good player) and expect to ever move up the table. Whether its longer initial contracts (those that seem to get through the second season seem far more likely to hang around for a sustained period), protected trades for 1st and 2nd round picks etc, hopefully we'll see some action from the AFL before the trade period of 2016

Let me preface this with it's nice to have an intelligible conversation with an opposition supporter without the usual digs that get us both thread banned.

I'm confused. So since Leppo has come in, all bar Aish have signed extensions? Have you turned a corner in respect to creating a healthy club environment with Mcrae etc on board? If that is the case, why the need to complain to the afl about player retention and all the posturing?

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

Let me preface this with it's nice to have an intelligible conversation with an opposition supporter without the usual digs that get us both thread banned.

I'm confused. So since Leppo has come in, all bar Aish have signed extensions? Have you turned a corner in respect to creating a healthy club environment with Mcrae etc on board? If that is the case, why the need to complain to the afl about player retention and all the posturing?

Because we can't consistently bleed first round draft picks. I think its positive that Aish's draft class have all signed extensions, but at the same time, Aish is the silk. He's that extra bit of quality, that further down the line would have been drilling it into our forward line. Bare in mind, having Polec on 1 side, Aish on the other, Yeo in the guts, Longer knocking it down to Yeo, and Docherty hitting polec and aish on the wings. Don't get me wrong, I think we got a great bunch out of the hand we were dealt, but bear in mind it has set us back 3 seasons.

You could argue that academies will help with that and I agree, but I highly doubt we're going to develop the sort of top level talent each season (in comparison to VIC/WA/SA) that we would need to sustain us. I see the academy (long term vision here) as providing solid B graders and fillers, but we'll always have a need to recruit the top level talent from the traditional footy states.

 

[ClaytonM]

Aish is being somewhat punished for seemingly following a template that was previously used. I stated earlier in this thread, had Aish been far more forthcoming rather than springing this on us just prior to trade week, I think you'd see a far more inclined club to help him out. Bear in mind our seasons been over for ~ 5 weeks now, he also hasn't played since round 17 - plenty of time for some introspection and to make a decision about his future.

These guys (aish, freeman et al) should be given a choice of city, surely that's enough. If any team wants them hard enough, they will go the extra mile to get them.



I suspect Lethals approach is all posturing (similar to a certain deadline last trade period ). I highly doubt, if we're given a good enough deal from your lot, that after going through some AFL mediation (we've got to have some theatrics about it), that inevitably Aish will get to the Pies. We'll make him sweat, think that everything is off, send him off for talks with Carlton (just for shits and giggles) during the process but he'll get what he wants.

However, at the same time, it will just further emphasize to AFL house that for a competitive Brisbane Lions team, we can't continually, keep developing top line talent for Victoria teams only for them to leave after 2 seasons. As a club that just isn't feasible. In all honesty, we've been the elephant in the room for some time, now that we're kicking up so much fuss about a player on the back of an awful season, things in the Vic media are just being noticed. I think its come time for us to be somewhat aggressive in getting what we want, its 12 years since that lovely day in 2003 , we've been pretty god-damned awful for near on 10 years now - something needs to change in regards to us and our relationship with AFL house

So you are happy to decide where you live but have someone else tell you who your boss is?

These are kids not slaves. They should have every right to determine who they play for, who their coach is, and the players they have around them when they come out of contract.
This applies to Aish, Freeman or any other player. Clubs need to create an environment that players want to join.

Aish and Freeman had no choice over who they played for originally. Under current rules if Brisbane's approach is applied Aish will have no say over where he plays for most of his career. I say that is unacceptable.

At what artificial point in time do you propose a player should get control of his own destiny? I think clubs get two years. They will win some and lose some.

For example we picked up Seedsman at 76 and look like trading him mid 20's to 30's. Conversely, we will lose on the Freeman deal.

You picked up Stefan Martin for two very late nothing picks. If you wanted to trade him now you would get significantly more for him now.

Clubs and the AFL need to stop thinking of their players as property they can freely buy and sell. It is unacceptable in this day and age.

 

[thetruth000001]

Because we can't consistently bleed first round draft picks. I think its positive that Aish's draft class have all signed extensions, but at the same time, Aish is the silk. He's that extra bit of quality, that further down the line would have been drilling it into our forward line. Bare in mind, having Polec on 1 side, Aish on the other, Yeo in the guts, Longer knocking it down to Yeo, and Docherty hitting polec and aish on the wings. Don't get me wrong, I think we got a great bunch out of the hand we were dealt, but bear in mind it has set us back 3 seasons.

You could argue that academies will help with that and I agree, but I highly doubt we're going to develop the sort of top level talent each season (in comparison to VIC/WA/SA) that we would need to sustain us. I see the academy (long term vision here) as providing solid B graders and fillers, but we'll always have a need to recruit the top level talent from the traditional footy states.

You can't say who has left is gonna be like that in that case we have Freeman in the middle, Heath Shaw of half back, wellingham on the wing, lumumba on the other flank, Thomas in the forward line, beams in the middle, the difference between collingwood and Brisbane is we are looking at this year and next year and the year after, while Brisbane still wonder what could of been

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

So you are happy to decide where you live but have someone else tell you who your boss is.

These are kids not slaves. They should have every right to determine who they player for, who their coach is, and the players they have around them when they come out of contract.
This applies to Aish, Freeman or any other player. Clubs need to create an environment that players want to join.

Aish and Freeman had no choice over who they played for originally. Under current rules if Brisbane's approach is applied Aish will have no say over where he plays for most of his career. I say that is unacceptable.

At what artificial point in time do you propose a player should get control of his own destiny? I think clubs get two years. They will win some and lose some.

For example we picked up Seedsman at 76 and look like trading him mid 20's to 30's. Conversely, we will lose on the Freeman deal.

You picked up Stefan Martin for two very late nothing picks. If you wanted to trade him now you would get significantly more for him now.

Clubs and the AFL need to stop thinking of their players as property they can freely buy and sell. It is unacceptable in this day and age.

Why do you keep cherry picking and going the slavery route? I've never stated that they shouldn't have a choice, I just don't think that they should get a club of choice. In all honesty, I think Aish wants to make a name for himself in the AFL. He's realised he can't do that in Brisbane due to the anonymity that it provides. Some players thrive on that anonymity, whilst others want to be noticed walking down the street. No one's really certain what is actually motivating Aish in this move.

Further to that, as I've stated that all bar aish from his draft class have signed extensions (having all worked under leppa for 2 seasons)....it can't be that bad, can it. Also worth noting, how we've treated patfull last season, Leuenberger and (probably) Redden this season, hardly the look of a club treating players as 'slaves'

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

You can't say who has left is gonna be like that in that case we have Freeman in the middle, Heath Shaw of half back, wellingham on the wing, lumumba on the other flank, Thomas in the forward line, beams in the middle, the difference between collingwood and Brisbane is we are looking at this year and next year and the year after, while Brisbane still wonder what could of been

Of those, how many were pushed out of the club? Realistically, only Wellingham and now freeman have actually asked to be traded (bo. Of the gome home 5 and now aish, they were all required players and offered contracts. The only one that you really would have kept is Beams

You can't say who has left is gonna be like that in that case we have Freeman in the middle, Heath Shaw of half back, wellingham on the wing, lumumba on the other flank, Thomas in the forward line, beams in the middle, the difference between collingwood and Brisbane is we are looking at this year and next year and the year after, while Brisbane still wonder what could of been

Ok. Let's put some perspective here. The 'Go Home 5' and now Aish, were/are all required players. All were/are 1st round talents. All were offered contracts. All refused contracts, got traded for unders (albeit we can't be sure what we'll get for Aish).

Of those you listed - 2 were pushed out by the club. You didn't match Thomas's wage, thus he could leave after long service (note: this is also happening to us this season in Leuenberger). Only 3 you really wanted to keep - 2 of which you were amply rewarded in terms of trades, and again we have no knowledge with what you'll get for freeman. The context is entirely different. You have also benefitted in that period in terms of trades back in. It wasn't until last season that Brisbane had been able to attract a legitimate top 10-15 afl player (it's been a good trade for all parties really)

 

[thetruth000001]

Of those, how many were pushed out of the club? Realistically, only Wellingham and now freeman have actually asked to be traded (bo. Of the gome home 5 and now aish, they were all required players and offered contracts. The only one that you really would have kept is Beams


Ok. Let's put some perspective here. The 'Go Home 5' and now Aish, were/are all required players. All were/are 1st round talents. All were offered contracts. All refused contracts, got traded for unders (albeit we can't be sure what we'll get for Aish).

Of those you listed - 2 were pushed out by the club. You didn't match Thomas's wage, thus he could leave after long service (note: this is also happening to us this season in Leuenberger). Only 3 you really wanted to keep - 2 of which you were amply rewarded in terms of trades, and again we have no knowledge with what you'll get for freeman. The context is entirely different. You have also benefitted in that period in terms of trades back in. It wasn't until last season that Brisbane had been able to attract a legitimate top 10-15 afl player (it's been a good trade for all parties really)

Really, we wanted to keep all, premiership players don't grow on trees and the circumstances we traded to get the best deal we could...maybe Brisbane should have done the same thing, pushed for better deals, or no deals.

 

[BPikkers]

Of those, how many were pushed out of the club? Realistically, only Wellingham and now freeman have actually asked to be traded (bo. Of the gome home 5 and now aish, they were all required players and offered contracts. The only one that you really would have kept is Beams


Ok. Let's put some perspective here. The 'Go Home 5' and now Aish, were/are all required players. All were/are 1st round talents. All were offered contracts. All refused contracts, got traded for unders (albeit we can't be sure what we'll get for Aish).

Of those you listed - 2 were pushed out by the club. You didn't match Thomas's wage, thus he could leave after long service (note: this is also happening to us this season in Leuenberger). Only 3 you really wanted to keep - 2 of which you were amply rewarded in terms of trades, and again we have no knowledge with what you'll get for freeman. The context is entirely different. You have also benefitted in that period in terms of trades back in. It wasn't until last season that Brisbane had been able to attract a legitimate top 10-15 afl player (it's been a good trade for all parties really)

You guys bang in that you ended up doing well with the players you picked up after trading Polec, Yeo and Docherty. All picks in 20+.

So, you now would rather lose that opportunity in having Aish go to the draft? If this is not all about posturing to get a higher pick, then it is a decision which harms your club. I still don't understand what u will get out of this. Is it to tell future draft picks they will have no choice in their careers until they provide longer term service? Who is that going to attract? In fact, Brisbane will be the only club young talent will not want to go to (unless they are from QLD)

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

Really, we wanted to keep all, premiership players don't grow on trees and the circumstances we traded to get the best deal we could...maybe Brisbane should have done the same thing, pushed for better deals, or no deals.

What's the difference in doing that then and now?? Would you have lambasted us then as you are now??

You guys bang in that you ended up doing well with the players you picked up after trading Polec, Yeo and Docherty. All picks in 20+.

So, you now would rather lose that opportunity in having Aish go to the draft? If this is not all about posturing to get a higher pick, then it is a decision which harms your club. I still don't understand what u will get out of this. Is it to tell future draft picks they will have no choice in their careers until they provide longer term service? Who is that going to attract? In fact, Brisbane will be the only club young talent will not want to go to (unless they are from QLD)

Read all of what I've written over the course of the last 2 pages, you'll get my answer in that.

Schache doesn't seem to be too perturbed about things as they stand currently, we're also hoping the academy will redress the issue of players wanting to leave to go home. The moral standpoint of the club seems to be some short term pain (i.e. Aish leaving for nothing) for some long term gain. You're only basing your assumptions on supposition rather than hard fact. Maybe it will make top end talent more open about wanting to stay. I've said all along, had AIsh been more open and honest about his intentions, only nominated Melbourne as a city, he'd probably find us more accepting (albeit begrudgingly)

 

[FIGJAM]

Ok. Let's put some perspective here. The 'Go Home 5' and now Aish, were/are all required players. All were/are 1st round talents. All were offered contracts. All refused contracts, got traded for unders (albeit we can't be sure what we'll get for Aish).

The underlined is what confuses the shit out of me with all this posturing!

When has Hine ever gone into trade negotiations with a win-lose mentality? He's a pro. We won't be offering a single second round pick FFS.

What's most staggering is that by arbitrarily throwing one of the aforementioned kids under the bus, you'll somehow improve your culture. It will no ifs, buts or maybes, do the exact opposite! You can't build culture based on fear.

 

[lenny&carl]

I can't afford to have girlfriends keep on walking out on me - it's ruining my life! - ...so this one I'm gonna keep locked in the cellar.

 

[ClaytonM]

Why do you keep cherry picking and going the slavery route? I've never stated that they shouldn't have a choice, I just don't think that they should get a club of choice. In all honesty, I think Aish wants to make a name for himself in the AFL. He's realised he can't do that in Brisbane due to the anonymity that it provides. Some players thrive on that anonymity, whilst others want to be noticed walking down the street. No one's really certain what is actually motivating Aish in this move.

Further to that, as I've stated that all bar aish from his draft class have signed extensions (having all worked under leppa for 2 seasons)....it can't be that bad, can it. Also worth noting, how we've treated patfull last season, Leuenberger and (probably) Redden this season, hardly the look of a club treating players as 'slaves'

Because a choice of town in my opinion is not enough. Beams wants to play for Brisbane not in South East Queensland. I say fair enough.

Players should have the right to choose their Club. Otherwise Brisbane and GC might as well pool their players at the start of each season and choose one at a time like a school lunchtime footy match. It would be more equitable.

After their initial draft players should be able to decide where they ply their trade. Regardless of which club and where they came in the draft. The system should facilitate this equitably. We should not punish the players becuase management has not been able to manage the transfer of talent equitably.

Put yourself in the players shoes. They are the ones with the most skin in the game.

ps. Enjoying the debate. Sorry if a few have a need to include unnecessary digs.

 

[ottoman]

I can't afford to have girlfriends keep on walking out on me - it's ruining my life! - ...so this one I'm gonna keep locked in the cellar.

I recommend it. Has always worked out well for me.
Ohh and if you install a kitchen in the cellar it makes your life even more satisfying.


Only joking ladies.

 

[thetruth000001]

What's the difference in doing that then and now?? Would you have lambasted us then as you are now??



Read all of what I've written over the course of the last 2 pages, you'll get my answer in that.

Schache doesn't seem to be too perturbed about things as they stand currently, we're also hoping the academy will redress the issue of players wanting to leave to go home. The moral standpoint of the club seems to be some short term pain (i.e. Aish leaving for nothing) for some long term gain. You're only basing your assumptions on supposition rather than hard fact. Maybe it will make top end talent more open about wanting to stay. I've said all along, had AIsh been more open and honest about his intentions, only nominated Melbourne as a city, he'd probably find us more accepting (albeit begrudgingly)

The difference is you were happy to accept what was offered then (which was stuff all), now all of a sudden you don't trade. Have the nerve to ask for priority picks yet willing to let players walk to the draft.
#brisbanelogic

 

[Gone Critical]

What's the difference in doing that then and now?? Would you have lambasted us then as you are now??



Read all of what I've written over the course of the last 2 pages, you'll get my answer in that.

Schache doesn't seem to be too perturbed about things as they stand currently, we're also hoping the academy will redress the issue of players wanting to leave to go home. The moral standpoint of the club seems to be some short term pain (i.e. Aish leaving for nothing) for some long term gain. You're only basing your assumptions on supposition rather than hard fact. Maybe it will make top end talent more open about wanting to stay. I've said all along, had AIsh been more open and honest about his intentions, only nominated Melbourne as a city, he'd probably find us more accepting (albeit begrudgingly)

From the mods can I say to yourself and the Collingwood posters contributing to this conversation, good stuff. Great to see valid discussion from either side of the fence without the vitriol. Enjoying the posting.

 

[joff]

The underlined is what confuses the shit out of me with all this posturing!

When has Hine ever gone into trade negotiations with a win-lose mentality? He's a pro. We won't be offering a single second round pick FFS.

What's most staggering is that by arbitrarily throwing one of the aforementioned kids under the bus, you'll somehow improve your culture. It will no ifs, buts or maybes, do the exact opposite! You can't build culture based on fear.

Exactly figjam it's a case of "the beatings will continue untill moral improves"

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

Because a choice of town in my opinion is not enough. Beams wants to play for Brisbane not in South East Queensland. I say fair enough.

Players should have the right to choose their Club. Otherwise Brisbane and GC might as well pool their players at the start of each season and choose one at a time like a school lunchtime footy match. It would be more equitable.

After their initial draft players should be able to decide where they ply their trade. Regardless of which club and where they came in the draft. The system should facilitate this equitably. We should not punish the players becuase management has not been able to manage the transfer of talent equitably.

Put yourself in the players shoes. They are the ones with the most skin in the game.

ps. Enjoying the debate. Sorry if a few have a need to include unnecessary digs.

Players do get a choice, but they shouldn't be able to restrict themselves to a single club. If returning home is what they ultimately want, why then restrict yourself to a single team, surely you'd be happy with just returning to melbourne/adelaide/perth etc rather than a specific team (more options leads to ultimately better compensation).

The whole point of free agency was to give players more choice, which is great, but only after you've served a certain amount of time with said club. I've no issues with that whatsoever. It's the self-entitlement of those whom are relatively fresh in the AFL system that think they get to dictate where it is that they get to play. This in part has been bought about by free agency, thus players thinking they have far more freedom. Personally, I'd love if initial contracts were lengthened, gets us over the second year blues, at 20/21 years of age, they are that little bit wiser, not as needy, and we may end up with a proportion more that will hang around.

The difference is you were happy to accept what was offered then (which was stuff all), now all of a sudden you don't trade. Have the nerve to ask for priority picks yet willing to let players walk to the draft.
#brisbanelogic

Again, I've covered all of this previously.

It looks like (at worst), we've got 2, 21, 22 (leuey compo), and possibly WC's 1st rounder as well going into the draft. Each of which will amply cover for Schache, Keays and hipwood (even if both academy boys get sub 10 bids). With Aish, we're likely to see some short term pain. Yes it will be at a detriment to the club. But it does send a message, that you can't use Brisbane as a stepping stone (i.e. that with the lottery of the draft, you don't always get to where you want, but can use the situation if you're recruited by Brisbane to get to exactly where you want). His (aish's) seemingly under-handed tactics, have perpetuated us into this decision. (bearing in mind, I think a trade will get done, the AFL will step in - but it will speed up some positive changes in terms of post drafting contracts etc - which is ultimately what we really want)

 

[Anzacday]

It looks like (at worst), we've got 2, 21, 22 (leuey compo), and possibly WC's 1st rounder as well going into the draft. Each of which will amply cover for Schache, Keays and hipwood (even if both academy boys get sub 10 bids).

You will also need a pick for Bell and whoever else you wish to trade in.

 

[thetruth000001]

Players do get a choice, but they shouldn't be able to restrict themselves to a single club. If returning home is what they ultimately want, why then restrict yourself to a single team, surely you'd be happy with just returning to melbourne/adelaide/perth etc rather than a specific team (more options leads to ultimately better compensation).

The whole point of free agency was to give players more choice, which is great, but only after you've served a certain amount of time with said club. I've no issues with that whatsoever. It's the self-entitlement of those whom are relatively fresh in the AFL system that think they get to dictate where it is that they get to play. This in part has been bought about by free agency, thus players thinking they have far more freedom. Personally, I'd love if initial contracts were lengthened, gets us over the second year blues, at 20/21 years of age, they are that little bit wiser, not as needy, and we may end up with a proportion more that will hang around.



Again, I've covered all of this previously.

It looks like (at worst), we've got 2, 21, 22 (leuey compo), and possibly WC's 1st rounder as well going into the draft. Each of which will amply cover for Schache, Keays and hipwood (even if both academy boys get sub 10 bids). With Aish, we're likely to see some short term pain. Yes it will be at a detriment to the club. But it does send a message, that you can't use Brisbane as a stepping stone (i.e. that with the lottery of the draft, you don't always get to where you want, but can use the situation if you're recruited by Brisbane to get to exactly where you want). His (aish's) seemingly under-handed tactics, have perpetuated us into this decision. (bearing in mind, I think a trade will get done, the AFL will step in - but it will speed up some positive changes in terms of post drafting contracts etc - which is ultimately what we really want)

Send a message, send a message, send a message really that's what ur club comes up with, that's what they are telling there fans wow I'm impressed, player managers if the player isn't happy encourage them to come and and ask for a trade it ain't stopping anyone from leaving ahahah

 

[PicaBoo]

We won't have cap space for him by then or bargaining power due to lack of draft picks.

Wouldn't we? Witts and White coming out of contract . Don't see them staying.
Draft picks we will be OK. Can’t see us doing a massive cleanout next year again. We got 2 druggies coming back. Doesn't costs us anything. There's always room for 1 big fish

 

[BPikkers]

What's the difference in doing that then and now?? Would you have lambasted us then as you are now??



Read all of what I've written over the course of the last 2 pages, you'll get my answer in that.

Schache doesn't seem to be too perturbed about things as they stand currently, we're also hoping the academy will redress the issue of players wanting to leave to go home. The moral standpoint of the club seems to be some short term pain (i.e. Aish leaving for nothing) for some long term gain. You're only basing your assumptions on supposition rather than hard fact. Maybe it will make top end talent more open about wanting to stay. I've said all along, had AIsh been more open and honest about his intentions, only nominated Melbourne as a city, he'd probably find us more accepting (albeit begrudgingly)

Schache has a history with the Lions. That's the type of person you need to recruit.
can you remind me what the long term gain is in letting Aish not go to his club of choice when he is out of contract? You think young talent with no connection to QLD are going to want to play with the Lions? They would rather go to the GC. And these kids cannot be upfront. Henderson was persecuted for doing so. Imagine a kid with only 2 years in the game? Dillusional. GC are the big winners here. In my opinion, what the Lions have just done is made the GC the go to team in QLD. The Lions will continue to flounder as GC gets more years, success and better players into their club.

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

Send a message, send a message, send a message really that's what ur club comes up with, that's what they are telling there fans wow I'm impressed, player managers if the player isn't happy encourage them to come and and ask for a trade it ain't stopping anyone from leaving ahahah

You seem to have some agenda that you continually ignore relative points made to you

You will also need a pick for Bell and whoever else you wish to trade in.

I get the feeling we'll do a pick upgrade with Carlton in this, i.e there 3rd and bell for one of the second round picks

 

[BPikkers]

Send a message, send a message, send a message really that's what ur club comes up with, that's what they are telling there fans wow I'm impressed, player managers if the player isn't happy encourage them to come and and ask for a trade it ain't stopping anyone from leaving ahahah

What they don't realise is that only a strong club can 'send a message'. A pitiful club has no scope.

 

[SgtFloydPepper]

Schache has a history with the Lions. That's the type of person you need to recruit.
can you remind me what the long term gain is in letting Aish not go to his club of choice when he is out of contract? You think young talent with no connection to QLD are going to want to play with the Lions? They would rather go to the GC. And these kids cannot be upfront. Henderson was persecuted for doing so. Imagine a kid with only 2 years in the game? Dillusional. GC are the big winners here. In my opinion, what the Lions have just done is made the GC the go to team in QLD. The Lions will continue to flounder as GC gets more years, success and better players into their club.

Refer to post 867 for the answer.

Henderson wasn't persecuted. He put his hand up, as he thought with Fev coming in, his opportunities would be limited. Actually, we didn't stand in his way, and made it easy for him (we should have found another way to get that deal over the line).

In case you haven't noticed, there aren't that many QLDer's playing in the AFL. IN fact, GWS and GC are also bleeding players, but since they had a glut of 1st round draft picks it hasn't been as noticeable.

 

[BPikkers]

Players do get a choice, but they shouldn't be able to restrict themselves to a single club. If returning home is what they ultimately want, why then restrict yourself to a single team, surely you'd be happy with just returning to melbourne/adelaide/perth etc rather than a specific team (more options leads to ultimately better compensation).

The whole point of free agency was to give players more choice, which is great, but only after you've served a certain amount of time with said club. I've no issues with that whatsoever. It's the self-entitlement of those whom are relatively fresh in the AFL system that think they get to dictate where it is that they get to play. This in part has been bought about by free agency, thus players thinking they have far more freedom. Personally, I'd love if initial contracts were lengthened, gets us over the second year blues, at 20/21 years of age, they are that little bit wiser, not as needy, and we may end up with a proportion more that will hang around.



Again, I've covered all of this previously.

It looks like (at worst), we've got 2, 21, 22 (leuey compo), and possibly WC's 1st rounder as well going into the draft. Each of which will amply cover for Schache, Keays and hipwood (even if both academy boys get sub 10 bids). With Aish, we're likely to see some short term pain. Yes it will be at a detriment to the club. But it does send a message, that you can't use Brisbane as a stepping stone (i.e. that with the lottery of the draft, you don't always get to where you want, but can use the situation if you're recruited by Brisbane to get to exactly where you want). His (aish's) seemingly under-handed tactics, have perpetuated us into this decision. (bearing in mind, I think a trade will get done, the AFL will step in - but it will speed up some positive changes in terms of post drafting contracts etc - which is ultimately what we really want)

underhanded?? Are u just dumb? If a player does not sign all year and still doesn't when the season ends, why would u be surprised? In fact, Swan was of the opinion he was going during the season as he stated that from experience, those that don't elect to sign end up leaving.