Don’t think either Essendon or the hawks would be especially happy with the non trade last year. It would have benefited both clubs imo. It should have happened.
They acted outrageously (not in the trade value but in the agression of the approach) and we took offence and missed a great opportunity.
Above all, Zachy messed up, trying to ■■■■ all over the club and forcing Essendon into a swagger laden defensive position.
Hoping we get this trade done quick smart next week. For all the ego and moral highground, trade period is about improving lists and we need picks and capitol for next year.
I think you’ve kind of explained it yourself why they delayed. They were arrogant and thought rather than negotiate, they could prise him out with a media campaign of making us look like arseholes holding this poor player against his will. Thinking they could belittle us in the eye of the public and then swoop in last minute with a ■■■■ offer.
I’ve been a harsh marker of Welsh but these coaching appointments have been great.
We’ve got established (and successful) working combination in McVeigh + Longmire, plus got some really well credentialed assistants (Mumford and Prismall). Time will tell as to the success of it, but it does read like a much stronger coaching/development group than we had.
Pluses: good coaching structure evolving and Mcveigh is a strong and well thought out choice. Clearly his tenure will be linked to that.
Cons: no influence on the AFL in receiving a genuine assistance package instead of the dour and humiliating package we received.
Watch this space: I may have prematurely judged the non Merrett trade. Whilst it would have signalled a commitment to a full rebuild, we may well end up strategically with a better result using picks in better drafts. Lets see where it lands.
tidbit from that swaggery article that came out today…
Welsh revealed the club had formed a revamped football governance committee made up of McVeigh, Longmire, chief executive Tim Roberts, football director Ted Richards, vice-president Anthony Di Pietro and himself.
found that nugget interesting.
still nothing about the other football exec that people keep saying Vozzo will be, too.
I think the AFL were never going to hand out a meaningful assistance package to a team that really only entered into a proper rebuild last year. We’ve at least put it on the agenda. If we are still crap next year, which I suspect is highly likely, I’d say it will be assessed further, especially in light of Tassie entering the competition.
I’ve been critical and I’m still not sold. However it’s only fair to give credit where it’s due. Prismall, Horse and Pratt all seem like excellent acquisitions.