If we don't perform this year...

[BigBadCam]

It is common knowledge that a number of star players at Geelong are currently taking paycuts as a way of keeping our talented list together. This is most likely because we are in serious premiership contension, and I guess also because the boys love playing with each other.

If Geelong play poorly this year and indicate that they are on a downward slide, will these players continue to take paycuts, or could we see a mass exodous of our stars over the next few years?

We say this every year, but IMO, this season is make or break for this club.

 

[shake_and_bake]

i tend to agree a bit but i think most of the players just love playing with each other and are really good mates. some players could leave in the next couple if we dont perform but i wouldnt expect a mass exodous

 

[JUBJUB]

Gosh ....another doom and gloom thread from the moaners

 

[CF]

if a comet hits the MCG a day before round one......they may want a payrise

 

[SriLankanCat]

I understand what people are saying... a lot of the guys stayed on smaller salaries because they prob thought they could create a dynasty, losing a GF is a massive dent in that plan. And it is conceivable that a lot of the guys will consider leaving if we dont win this year.

But i belive we can do well. I am not worrying about players leaving, i think we should just focus on the current year and enjoy it

 

[The rabbi]

Seriously! When the Cold Ghost comes on line along with West Sydney, then we will probably lose quite a few players. Look at the players that we lost to Brizzy post '89 grand final.

We lost Shane Hamilton, David Cameron, Damian Bourke, and Andrew Bews. O.K we did not lose them all at once but we did lose these players to Brizzy. We also lost Lindner to the new club Adelaide in 1990.

 

[Hinkley29]

If Geelong play poorly this year and indicate that they are on a downward slide, will these players continue to take paycuts, or could we see a mass exodous of our stars over the next few years?

The club has done a good job of staggering the expiry dates of the players' contracts so a mass exodus in any one year is unlikely.

However, if we did slide this year, and were not considered to be premership threats at year's end (which is what I think you are suggesting), then the loss of a few players chasing coin probably wouldn't be a bad thing. If players wanted to go, we would be trading them whilst they still had currency and would probably get a decent return for them. Especially as GC are probably going to overpay to get some established players. Next year may the best time to trade for a while.

 

[witsend]

Seriously! When the Cold Ghost comes on line along with West Sydney, then we will probably lose quite a few players..

...as will every other club. Net loss relative to the competition? Zero!

 

[witsend]

Why on earth would you think we won't perform this year?? Do you think they will all just sook and hide in a corner, too scared to face those meanies from Hawthorn?
Apart from the harrowing pain of losing a GF we could have won, I fail to see why there is so much negativity towards Geelong next year.
They are a proud group which has a history of making tough decisions about themselves and each other.
They will be gutted about 2008, and I suspect the review will be vicious but fair.
Home truths will be told, blame apportioned and plans laid.
Next year we will have a good chance of a Premiership because we have a strong, relatively youthful list that has experienced ultimate success in 2007 and ultimate failure in 2008.
A VERY potent brew IMHO.
They are a professional football club and will explore EVERY option and reason for the loss, but they will no doubt be mindful that apart from half of the game on GF day and Round 9 against Collingwood, we were far and away the best team in the competition. That did not change because we lost to Hawthorn. It just makes us more determined and mindful of the need to always know that you are capable of a loss if you don't bring your A Game.

 

[The rabbi]

...as will every other club. Net loss relative to the competition? Zero!

That all depends on the quality and the type and number of players that a club would loose. For instance if club "X" lost two quality KPP players while others lost a fringe player or HB or HF flanker then the net loss to club "X" could be quite a bit greater. All men are not equal.

 

[witsend]

That all depends on the quality and the type and number of players that a club would loose. For instance if club "X" lost two quality KPP players while others lost a fringe player or HB or HF flanker then the net loss to club "X" could be quite a bit greater. All men are not equal.

For sure...but there is no reason to believe we would lose more/less than any other club at this stage, which was my point. Pure conjecture (mind you..that's why we're here )

 

[The rabbi]

For sure...but there is no reason to believe we would lose more/less than any other club at this stage, which was my point. Pure conjecture (mind you..that's why we're here )

I disagree. Top teams like Geelong have salary cap issues that low to middling sides do not have to deal with. The new teams will come with cheque books in hand and lucrative deals to draw players to their club. And I doubt that Geelong players have an immunity to this temptation.

 

[witsend]

I disagree. Top teams like Geelong have salary cap issues that low to middling sides do not have to deal with. The new teams will come with cheque books in hand and lucrative deals to draw players to their club. And I doubt that Geelong players have an immunity to this temptation.

Yeah but I believe that will be counter balanced by the desire to stay in a successful club...boink...back to you...

 

[witsend]

Not to mention all the free fruit and veg...

 

[darren forssman]

or threats of job offers from visy for $600k cleaners!!!

 

[Rosso]

or threats of job offers from visy for $600k cleaners!!!

That's right kids, hard work can take you right up to the lucrative Janitors position!!!

In all seriousness, it's all fairly relative with players leaving clubs. Yes we may lose a couple but that creates opportunities for others to step up. Some players move from the bottom clubs for potential future success, Nathan Buckley for example. It all evens itself out in the end.

Half the reason that the Swan's didn't trade O'Keefe to the Hawks was to ensure that they didn't have a stronger line up the following year. Nick Stevens to Carlton was the same.

Let's not forget that we only lost 2 of 25 last year. If it had've been two home and away games, we'd be unbackable premiership favourites again in 09. As it stands, there's a few cents to be made but not much more.