Rumour GFC 2025 Player Trading, Drafting FA, Rumours and Wish lists Pt 1

[cats_09]

I just don't think the Venn diagram has any overlap. What we would want Melbourne to pay versus what Melbourne would be willing to pay aren't in the same postcode.

People throw the word liability around like confetti and it's usually untrue, but on field he is genuinely losing them winnable games. On merit he would not be getting a game at West Coast

I can't find the info and am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't North pay a good chunk of Shaun Higgins contract when we signed him - though his move was more about North opening a list spot while still meeting minimum salary cap payments


The hardest thing for Melbourne in terms of trading Oliver is that they'd need to somehow sell it as a positive & win for the club after turning down trade talks with Adelaide in 23 & Geelong in 24

If they're paying only a small - less than 30% portion of his contract, and can get a early second round pick for him then they may be able to sell it as a win depending on how he runs out this season

But if they're having to pay somewhere between 50% -> 70% of his salary for him to play elsewhere, while likely not receiving more than 2nd round pick (doubt anyone would pay a first round pick for him), then it would be a much harder sell to the fans as being a good outcome

I also struggle to see any clubs board signing off on a deal that would see them paying over 50% of a players salary, at the levels Oliver is on, for that player to be playing at another club

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I can't find the info but sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't North pay a good chunk of Shaun Higgins contract when we signed him - though his move was more about North opening a list spot while still meeting minimum salary cap payments


The hardest thing for Melbourne in terms of trading Oliver is that they'd need to somehow sell it as a positive & win for the club after turning down trade talks with Adelaide in 23 & Geelong in 24

If they're paying only a small - less than 30% portion of his contract, and can get a early second round pick for him then they may be able to sell it as a win depending on how he runs out this season

But if they're having to pay somewhere between 50% -> 70% of his salary for him to play elsewhere, while likely not receiving more than 2nd round pick (doubt anyone would pay a first round pick for him), then it would be a much harder sell to the fans as being a good outcome

I also struggle to see any clubs board signing off on a deal that would see them paying over 50% of a players salary, at the levels Oliver is on, for that player to be playing at another club

The way I remember it was we took the whole contract and then split it over 2 years but could be wrong

Agree Oliver's performance is the major issue. His contract is a massive negative, but even if uncontracted he would still not be worth anything

 

[Kitcat]

The major, major issue with blowing big bucks on a ruckman is that renders Edwards and Conway both immediately obsolete if they happen to come good, medically speaking.

If we bring in a star ruckman, then if Conway and Edwards come good and stay fit, we will get a reasonable trade result from one or either of them. The mobility of Edwards would likely make him the backup and potential forward.

 

[My Tilly]

De Koning is so athletic you can play a second ruck like Conway in the same side. It would be similar to Melbourne with Gawn & Jackson.
De Koning looks a natural forward too.

 

[Johanpetro]

If we bring in a star ruckman, then if Conway and Edwards come good and stay fit, we will get a reasonable trade result from one or either of them. The mobility of Edwards would likely make him the backup and potential forward.

Problem with that theory is, how can Conway and Edwards even play and “come good” if we bring in a star ruckman. They both can’t play any other position on the field.

 

[Footy Smarts]

Eh that's if you rate Hawthorn. I don't.

They've won 20 of their last 27 games. The league quality might be shit but somebody has to make finals and they're going to do that to years in a row.

On the weekend we had a midfield of Stanley, Holmes, Smith and Atkins and ?. That is objectively an awful midfield.

Are we talking about now or the future? Holmes and Smith both have a heap of development in their inside game still. And the other two are very replaceable. It's hard to see how our midfield is worse in 3 years.

Butters would be unbelievable good, Reid is a fantasy. Both is delusional, we need both or equivalents.

Lots of players move. Why can't we bring in a couple of gun players when we should've been banking masses of cap space in the last couple of years?

Every decent team has 2-3 highly paid recruits now. We just need to make sure their output is more the Dangerfield, Smith, Rankine type than Zac Williams or Tim Kelly.

 

[iameviljez]

then if Conway and Edwards come good and stay fit, we will get a reasonable trade result from one or either of them

You don't usually get trade value out of players who don't play AFL football.

IMO there's better shopping available in Butters, Rowell or Reid, than in TDK.

 

[D BRIDGE]

Are people saying we shouldn’t look to bring in TDK because we have Conway/Edwards on the list or am I missing something?

 

[Kitcat]

You don't usually get trade value out of players who don't play AFL football.

IMO there's better shopping available in Butters, Rowell or Reid, than in TDK.

First of all Conway and Edwards (who is a few years away from regular AFL) have to play consistently well in the VFL. They will then get chances in afl through injuries, management and playing two rucks sometimes. Other clubs will see their value, and without having to develop them themselves.

 

[Kitcat]

Problem with that theory is, how can Conway and Edwards even play and “come good” if we bring in a star ruckman. They both can’t play any other position on the field.

First, they have to play consistently well in the VFL, and then opportunities will arise in the Afl through injuries, management and playing two rucks occasionally. Other clubs will see their potential and be very interested. I am not talking about first round pics for them, but we rarely trade players out and some second round pics would be useful. Don’t forget, neither player is even a certain back up ruck to the main ruck at this stage.

 

[iameviljez]

First of all Conway and Edwards (who is a few years away from regular AFL) have to play consistently well in the VFL. They will then get chances in afl through injuries, management and playing two rucks sometimes. Other clubs will see their value, and without having to develop them themselves.

Conway is obviously more than good enough at VFL level and won't prove much more by being stuck in the 2s.

We haven't played 2 rucks since 2017 and nobody has been able to really make it work since. Teams keep trying to do it with Luke Jackson, and it keeps failing because he doesn't have a good second position.

TDK is a fairly durable footballer already and will only get more so.

 

[dont stop me meow]

I wouldn't call either Edwards (19) or Conway (22) currently obsolete - they're both young, and developing into 206cm+ frames which isn't exactly easy

Both are also being integrated back into training and I'd say the hope is to see them in the back half of the season

Acquiring a player like TDK wouldn't exactly render either obsolete, though they could look at their options

Was that Conway I saw in the training photos yesterday? Looked to be up and about. Anyone have eyes of the last training session and have any info on how involved he was or was it closed to the public?
P.s. god I miss CHAWKS

 

[michelzing]

Was that Conway I saw in the training photos yesterday? Looked to be up and about. Anyone have eyes of the last training session and have any info on how involved he was or was it closed to the public?
P.s. god I miss CHAWKS

I'd say it was - When the Geelong Advertiser reported that Stewart, Henry and Miers had all been ruled out of the Collingwood game, they also reported that Guthrie and Conway did some drills and running and I think I also read that they would be integrated back into training with the main group in a few weeks
From there I'd say they would do the usual "Training Block" before getting some VFL time - total estimated time from this nuffy would be 6-8 weeks (Pure Guess)

 

[iameviljez]

Are people saying we shouldn’t look to bring in TDK because we have Conway/Edwards on the list or am I missing something?

Personally, I'm saying that we should be cautious about it. If we have the option of, say, TDK and Butters or Rowell, I'd prefer the midfielder and backing in the big investment we have made in younger ruckmen over the journey.

 

[cats_09]

This was the last paragraph in an article from the Geelong Addy yesterday/last night

Jack Henry

38

Jack Henry

Age

27

Ht

192cm

Wt

96kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.3

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

2.9

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.2

4star

MG

142.6

2star

D

8.6

2star

K

6.7

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.1

3star

MG

142.6

3star

D

9.6

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

2.6

3star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.0

4star

(hamstring) did not take part in the session, while ruckman Toby Conway and forgotten midfielder Cam Guthrie completed some drills and running.

No Cookies | Geelong Advertiser

No Cookies

www.geelongadvertiser.com.au

 

[D BRIDGE]

Personally, I'm saying that we should be cautious about it. If we have the option of, say, TDK and Butters or Rowell, I'd prefer the midfielder and backing in the big investment we have made in younger ruckmen over the journey.

We used a pick in the 20s for Conway and 30s for Edwards… imo that is hardly a big investment.

And yep I’d love a Butters, Rowell or Reid… but it’s not a candy shop where we can just go in a pick the one we want the most.

We will be lucky for one of these elite players that we have been mentioning to actually say “get me to Geelong” so I’ll take anyone that does so… especially if it’s TDK and we can somehow make it happen as a FA.

Best case for mine would be TDK as a FA and then one of Reid, Butters kr Rowell… I do have a feeling Reid is a chance, but that’s just my gut.

Worst case we get nothing.

I’d be happy enough with one of them… 2x would be champagne popping stuff.

 

[Aura]

And yep I’d love a Butters, Rowell or Reid… but it’s not a candy shop where we can just go in a pick the one we want the most.

Why not all 3?

 

[Catattack20]

I see that George Stevens is an emergency again and Scott mentioned him in the press conference. Could he be a potential solution to the stoppage weakness?

 

[D BRIDGE]

Why not all 3?

Hopefully you are just joking with that comment.

 

[D BRIDGE]

I see that George Stevens is an emergency again and Scott mentioned him in the press conference. Could he be a potential solution to the stoppage weakness?

I think he will eventually get a crack purely because of his size and clearance winning ability if one of Clark or Knevitt don’t take a big step forward very soon.

Not saying Stevens will be the answer or even do well… but I think we will get a look at him soon enough.

 

[Aura]

Hopefully you are just joking with that comment.

I’m only joking—but honestly, I wouldn’t go near Harley Reid until he hits free agency. He’s still got a lot of maturing to do, and we need to see whether he can truly live up to his potential. Right now, the risk of him ending up like another Jake Stringer, Jordan De Goey, or worse, Cam Rayner, is just too high for my liking.

 

[cats_09]

 

[Heckler]

Not sure if rumours re: Rowell and Worpel are credible
Cat's have sent out feelers... where there is smoke???
Happy to have both these mid's playing in the hoops

Reliable source said... "my big bro wants to be a Cat"
Restricted Free Agent in 2025 may complicate things.
Also: Stewart is struggling, can't run or jump ATM
Cats assessing if he, needs surgery? now or later?

 

[Kitcat]

I think he will eventually get a crack purely because of his size and clearance winning ability if one of Clark or Knevitt don’t take a big step forward very soon.

Not saying Stevens will be the answer or even do well… but I think we will get a look at him soon enough.

Exactly. You never know how a player is going to take to AFL until they are given a go. A lot is in the head. I didn’t expect Tom Atkins to be anything more than serviceable but he did well. Then he was moved to midfield and what a pleasant surprise.

 

[Gee Class Loco]

Are people saying we shouldn’t look to bring in TDK because we have Conway/Edwards on the list or am I missing something?

Nah i think it's the 1.5 mil price tag per year... and the domino effect it will have.
No Butters No Rowell No Reid... that sort of thing.
Big picture stuff if u will.
I can see it as it will involve offloading some quality depth players that are actually needed to achieve the ultimate success.