AFL 2025 Silly Season

[Jim05]

Despite how this has played out, you'd hope that all parties could act in a professional manner and push forward. It's in each parties best interest to make sure they get the most out of 2026.

Always amazes me how tribal AFL clubs / fans can get - whereas you can have NRL where guys move during the season or sign at new clubs for the next year during the season and no one bats an eyelid, it's just accepted that it's a profession and these things occur.

Yeah, it’s a completely game. NRL teams are more than happy to play blokes that are moving the following year and fans just accept it.
In the AFL we still have clubs changing club awards and players downing tools when they don’t get their own way.
Funny thing with Merrett is that he led the revolt to down tools against Rutten and get him sacked and now he is trying to bail out every year because he doesn’t like Brad’s coaching or the direction we are headed. Club will now bow to his demands unfortunately

[wenchbarwer]

Despite how this has played out, you'd hope that all parties could act in a professional manner and push forward. It's in each parties best interest to make sure they get the most out of 2026.

Always amazes me how tribal AFL clubs / fans can get - whereas you can have NRL where guys move during the season or sign at new clubs for the next year during the season and no one bats an eyelid, it's just accepted that it's a profession and these things occur.

Yeah, it’s a completely game. NRL teams are more than happy to play blokes that are moving the following year and fans just accept it.
In the AFL we still have clubs changing club awards and players downing tools when they don’t get their own way.
Funny thing with Merrett is that he led the revolt to down tools against Rutten and get him sacked and now he is trying to bail out every year because he doesn’t like Brad’s coaching or the direction we are headed. Club will now bow to his demands unfortunately

Well, they didn't yesterday...

[UK Fan]

It's not a win. Essendon will miss the finals again and he will want out again and they either hold him for another year and get nothing or get less than what they were offered this year.

Here there are no wins.

So by using the same logic Port should have traded Butters is what you’re saying ?

[Jim05]

Despite how this has played out, you'd hope that all parties could act in a professional manner and push forward. It's in each parties best interest to make sure they get the most out of 2026.

Always amazes me how tribal AFL clubs / fans can get - whereas you can have NRL where guys move during the season or sign at new clubs for the next year during the season and no one bats an eyelid, it's just accepted that it's a profession and these things occur.

Yeah, it’s a completely game. NRL teams are more than happy to play blokes that are moving the following year and fans just accept it.
In the AFL we still have clubs changing club awards and players downing tools when they don’t get their own way.
Funny thing with Merrett is that he led the revolt to down tools against Rutten and get him sacked and now he is trying to bail out every year because he doesn’t like Brad’s coaching or the direction we are headed. Club will now bow to his demands unfortunately

Well, they didn't yesterday...

Correct but now they think they can turn his head and get him to stay.
I’m willing to bet the team we put out in round 1 is the same senior spuds with very little youth as Brad and the board will be aiming to win enough games to get us in that lofty 9th to 13th region

[Brodlach]

Arie Schoenmaker was delisted by the Saints today, was once touted as a top 10 draft pick he only lasted 2 seasons

Hope Adelaide rookie him.

[mighty_tiger_79]

If a player wants to leave ala Merritt then the club should be able if they wish to trade that player to ANY club. Diddums to the player.

[Lightning McQueen]

If a player wants to leave ala Merritt then the club should be able if they wish to trade that player to ANY club. Diddums to the player.

But if we don't like our job we can leave to go find a job that we like or is better suited to us? Imagine hating going to work every day, wouldn't be too good on the mental health. I think the salary cap keeps it real.

I've never hated on anyone for leaving the club I support, I strongly applaud Robbie Gray and Travis Boak for sticking around when deep down they would've loved to have returned home.

[mighty_tiger_79]

If a player wants to leave ala Merritt then the club should be able if they wish to trade that player to ANY club. Diddums to the player.

But if we don't like our job we can leave to go find a job that we like or is better suited to us? Imagine hating going to work every day, wouldn't be too good on the mental health. I think the salary cap keeps it real.

I've never hated on anyone for leaving the club I support, I strongly applaud Robbie Gray and Travis Boak for sticking around when deep down they would've loved to have returned home.

They can also leave and find another job that is suited to them.
But to sign long term contract and then bail halfway through and sometimes earlier in other cases is just taking the pi55. They signed the contract, got the cash its too late to have a sook.

[Brodlach]

@Jim05 who becomes your new captain? No one really stands out

[carey]

@Jim05 who becomes your new captain? No one really stands out

McGrath

[Brodlach]

@Jim05 who becomes your new captain? No one really stands out

McGrath

He was the only one I could think of although I’m not sure he is a genuine captain (not that I would know)

[Jim05]

@Jim05 who becomes your new captain? No one really stands out

Most likely

McGrath
Caldwell VC

[Booney]

Fiorini, might not be their best player but he's got great leadership skills.

[wenchbarwer]

@Jim05 who becomes your new captain? No one really stands out

McGrath

God, no.

I'd love someone like Caldwell or Durham

[UK Fan]

@Jim05 who becomes your new captain? No one really stands out

Mcgrath was captain when merrett was injured I believe