Fisher & Thornton - THE AGE

[DIG]

An article on afl.com.au about Thornton and Fisher. Contracts are still in negoiation and both players required next year, however after closing the site I can't find the article anymore.

Here 'tis:

Blues to continue confidential negotiations
3:07:04 PM Wed 20 September, 2006
carltonfc.com.au

Carlton’s General Manager - Football Operations Grant Williams is disappointed that there have been public comments made in relation to private and confidential contract negotiations with the management of Bret Thornton and Brad Fisher.

“We do not believe it is in the best interests of any party to discuss contract issues publicly.” Grant Williams told carltonfc.com.au

Williams confirmed that Carlton is currently negotiating contracts with a number of its players. “We hope to continue private and confidential discussions with several of our un-contracted players in a bid to reach a fair and reasonable outcome for both parties. We have a clear understanding of where both players sit with the Carlton Football Club and within the AFL. We will not be enticed to elaborate on these discussions in a public forum.” Williams said.

“The management of the playing list is vital as we rebuild the Carlton Football Club and decisions we make will be based around our objective to improve the playing list for 2007 with a view to building a successful side in the medium to long term.” Williams added.

“With respect to Bret Thornton and Brad Fisher, we would like to reiterate that they are both very much required players and are certainly in our plans for 2007 and beyond.” Williams said.

 

[Worth the Waite]

I can unforunatley confirm that T Bird has met the hawks and been taken on a tour of Waverly park, hope he stays! I cant state my source but this is fact. Does not mean he will leave though.

 

[mcphee_is_a_gun]

Just thinking would a trade of Laycock for Thornton be an option?

 

[Pafloyul]

Just thinking would a trade of Laycock for Thornton be an option?

Not if he goes to the Hawks but if you add in some sort of sweetener then we'll talk.

 

[Mentallo]

I will be absolutely gutted if Thornton leaves.
Playing FB in a team that has a midfield that stinks defensevly so badly like ours has for the past 5 seasons must be a nightmare. But every week he gives his all and more often than not beats or breaks even with his opponent.
If you gave me a choice between having Kouta or Thornton running out in our colours in round 1 next season i know who i would certainly pick!!

 

[blues4flag]

I will be absolutely gutted if Thornton leaves.
Playing FB in a team that has a midfield that stinks defensevly so badly like ours has for the past 5 seasons must be a nightmare. But every week he gives his all and more often than not beats or breaks even with his opponent.
If you gave me a choice between having Kouta or Thornton running out in our colours in round 1 next season i know who i would certainly pick!!

I agree on just about every you said (not sure about the last setence though). Thornton is too valuable to give up, and will be a very good player if not already. Had a stellar second half of the season and definetly is important to our future - we CANNOT give up one of our very, very few mature key defenders who are up to AFL level.

 

[Blue Boyz]

Without wanting to state the obvious, our defence is so thin we can ill afford to lose our best defender. Now that Kouta has taken a pay cut, who apart from Whitnall, Fev and Stevens would be getting the big bucks that wouldn't allow a pay hike for Thorton?

Surely we can up the anti for Thorton?

 

[Aussie Joe]

Show Thornton the money and show Fisher the door.

 

[DIG]

Show Thornton the money and show Fisher the door.

WTF's wrong with Fisher???!

 

[blues4flag]

WTF's wrong with Fisher???!

Just not long ago everyone loved him. Keep Fisher for sure - if he can get his body right he will be a very good player. Besides, anyone else notice that he was being played on a wing for the last month or so?

 

[bibi01]

WTF's wrong with Fisher???!

his major flaw is his kicking for goal
as a fwd, kicking goals is your primary objective

BTRW he is not the only player on our list that has flaws in his game.

 

[DIG]

his major flaw is his kicking for goal
as a fwd, kicking goals is your primary objective

BTRW he is not the only player on our list that has flaws in his game.

I know that, but give him a good-preseason and work on his kicking over summer and stick with him. He's one of the best contested marks in the team and shouldn't be "shown the door".

I'm not saying he's untradeable if the price is right - but there's no valid reason for people to write him off after such an injury-interrupted season which showed promise towards the end.

I could name at least 20 others on our list who i'd let go before Fisher.

 

[nocode]

Dig i agree with you we have worst players than Fisher, however they are not demanding big bucks, I say let him go but keep Thornton.
Remember we have the best forward in the game but no backline to speak of.

 

[HavUEvaSeenTheRain]

Dig i agree with you we have worst players than Fisher, however they are not demanding big bucks, I say let him go but keep Thornton.
Remember we have the best forward in the game but no backline to speak of.

i agree aswell. what has ever done to deserve anything. 3 or good games thats it. imagine what other teams players would be thinking. he wouldnt get a game in most teams and his wanting more money. don't get me wrong i want him to stay but if he wants more money then get rid of him and pay thorton a bit more.

 

[Aussie Joe]

WTF's wrong with Fisher???!

He now has FIGJAM disease. If he wants to play the Campo game then he can p!$$ off. Does he think we will pay him Kouta style money? How about you play 22 games in a season first, kick at least 30 goals and maybe be a match winner once or twice. Then we will give you the money.

 

[jj1978]

I guess we don't 100% know the circumstances, but Pagan has constantly said these 2 and many other are the kids of the future..

If I was a player manager, hearing that all the time... Kaching Kaching.... player managers are happy to look after their pockets... so hearing the comment of these 2 being part of a big future makes a manager see these two as very valuable commodities.

Let not necessarily blame the players on this one, most times the managers are more to blame.

 

[blues4flag]

I guess we don't 100% know the circumstances, but Pagan has constantly said these 2 and many other are the kids of the future..

If I was a player manager, hearing that all the time... Kaching Kaching.... player managers are happy to look after their pockets... so hearing the comment of these 2 being part of a big future makes a manager see these two as very valuable commodities.

Let not necessarily blame the players on this one, most times the managers are more to blame.

Agree completely - a story is run in the paper and people straight away believe everything that is said. You'd think they'd have learnt from a fortnight ago - not everything the media says is true. Don't worry, I doubt either of them are going anywhere.

 

[pumped]

Haven't followed all of the threads but would think Thornton is a must keep unless we get something amazing in trade for him. Would think in the current market he is worth 300k per year. Played off half back he is highly skilled and very hard at it.

 

[audas]

Haven't followed all of the threads but would think Thornton is a must keep unless we get something amazing in trade for him. Would think in the current market he is worth 300k per year. Played off half back he is highly skilled and very hard at it.

not words I would use. Hard at it, tries, effort, but highly skilled ??

 

[DIG]

I guess we don't 100% know the circumstances, but Pagan has constantly said these 2 and many other are the kids of the future..

If I was a player manager, hearing that all the time... Kaching Kaching.... player managers are happy to look after their pockets... so hearing the comment of these 2 being part of a big future makes a manager see these two as very valuable commodities.

Let not necessarily blame the players on this one, most times the managers are more to blame.

That's so true, and i don't think we should be calling Fisher the new "Campo" based on one speculative article and a player-manager trying also to just increase his own profile.

 

[pumped]

not words I would use. Hard at it, tries, effort, but highly skilled ??

Thats cool Audas, it seems rare for us to agree. I see Brett's only flaw being pace. When he has been released away from fb his skills have been very good. Very good judgement and hands in marking contests and very good composure under pressure. Also has good foot skills on both sides when in his zone. Further, when confident he has a Rhys-Jones ability to not be hurried in his decision making and to find space. An ability that Kouta and Ryan Houlihan also possess.

 

[AndSmithMustScore]

I can't believe the Fisher knockers are out in such force.

You can't blame him for getting a serious knee injury that's out of anyones control.

The kids tall, mobile, great on a lead,excellent contested mark, his kicking can be wayward at times but how many top line forwards also have suffered that problem from time to time, reiwoldt,richardson etc.

Until Kennedy shows he can hold down CHF permanently we need as many good forwards options as we can to help ease the load on Fev and ensure teams aren't just defending againts one dangerous spearhead but multiple ones in Fev,Waite and Fisher.

As for Thornton he's not our answer to FUB.

CHB possibly, 3rd Tall defender most deffinately as he could be the AFL's best 3rd tall defender if he could take that role every week.

With so many duds about to get cut that would be on ok money, and so many young recruits to be added that are on much less money i'm sure that the money that's freed up can be used to ensure both stay at the club long term.

 

[cs61]

What are the chances of Thornton leaving. Do you reckon its just usual trade week speculation? He'd definately be a player we'd look at. We went after Fergerson from Melbourne last year, but Thornton is youngter, little stronger, and has shown he can play AFL so you'd think we'd look at him very closely?

We'd probably be able to compensate you with some decent picks as well. Couple of draft picks. Any chance or will he stay?

With the rumoured strength of the draft if you could get another early second round pick, that'd be almost like having 4 first rounders in a normal draft year. Plus maybe a later pick or a young player like Little or Young who are decent young prospects. Brennan, Thurgood, etc are crap but those two Little and Young have good futures and we can afford to let slip due to having other options in their position.

Its all just hypothetical though.

 

[deluxeman]

What are the chances of Thornton leaving. Do you reckon its just usual trade week speculation? He'd definately be a player we'd look at. We went after Fergerson from Melbourne last year, but Thornton is youngter, little stronger, and has shown he can play AFL so you'd think we'd look at him very closely?

We'd probably be able to compensate you with some decent picks as well. Couple of draft picks. Any chance or will he stay?

I can't see him leaving. Carlton know that we are in no position to lose our best defender and will eventually meet his demands, which they should have done immediately. 3yrs @ 280-300k, he is worth it.

 

[trueblue_91]

according to channel 10 apparently the hawkers are after thornton. I didnt see it but can someone tell me if this was on channel 10