A proposal from left field to get Treloar to the Tigers

With the 2015 National draft predicted to be a shallow one, a number of clubs are expected to trade their selections for established players, or youngsters who have shown promise in their limited time at AFL level.

In anticipation of this frenzy of player movement, both mainstream and social media alike have been filled with all manner of speculation of who will end up where in 2016.

The player most has been written about has been restricted free agent Patrick Dangerfield, who according to many is on his way to Geelong.

Arguably the next most talked about player has been Adam Treloar. The talented young midfielder from Greater Western Sydney has been linked most heavily to Collingwood and Richmond throughout the season, and indeed only last week informed the Giants he wished to be traded to the Magpies.

That does not however necessarily mean the deal is done and dusted. Although historically players generally get to the club of their choice, Collingwood and the Giants are yet to come to an agreement.

While obviously not privy to Treloar’s thoughts, it was reported that his decision to leave the Giants was a regretful one, and that the choice between the Magpies and the Tigers was a close call.

Although GWS will obviously want to get the best deal possible for him, it was also reported that Treloar genuinely wishes for the Giants to be duly compensated for his departure.

If this is truly the case, then Richmond have an ace up their sleeve that they have yet to perhaps recognise. One that could be so good for GWS that they would do all they can to convince Treloar to change his mind and thereby end up at Punt Road in 2016.

Adam Treloar: Image courtesy Mark Nolan

Two weeks ago on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, Jason Dunstall suggested Collingwood could think about trading Travis Cloke. He admitted it was out of left field, and while it gathered some momentum on social media, Nathan Buckley responded that there was no chance it would ever happen.

The following trade proposal is also one out of left field. There have been no rumours or reports of it even being considered by either club. For better or worse it was born here on this page, and yours truly takes full responsibility for either its merit, or its absurdity.

Firstly though, what is it the Giants lack the most?

It certainly is not a talented playing list. They have that in spades, and for the foreseeable future it is not money. The AFL will continue to pump as much of that in as is required to keep the club on a comfortable financial footing.

What the Giants do not have is a traditional, and therefore only small supporter base.

This is completely understandable given their recent creation and entry into the competition. The Giants have only been in existence for six years, and 2015 only their fourth season in the AFL.

When GWS entered the AFL in 2012, they attracted 10,241 members. That figure rose the following year to 12,681, then 13,040 in 2014. In June of this year that number had fallen to 11,547.

This season the Giants had an average home crowd of 10,786, compared to 9,226 last year, and 9,701 in 2013. In their initial season in the AFL in 2012 their average attendance at home was 10,134.

While it could be argued that crowd attendances and club membership will increase as the Giants become more successful on the field, the evidence so far does not support that.

The figure given above for GWS’s membership this year was released in June, when the Giants were in fifth place on the ladder with seven wins from their 10 games.

Yet their membership numbers had fallen from the previous year, and by the end of the season their average attendance at home was only 652 more than in their inaugural year.

Both the AFL and the club itself knew it would be an uphill battle to attract supporters in what has been traditional rugby league heartland for over a century, even before the Giants played their first game in the TAC Cup in 2010.

One of the ways GWS went about combatting the issue was to include Canberra in their version of the greater west of Sydney. This season they played three home and away games, and one NAB cup round at Star Track Oval in the nations’ capital.

Israel Falou: Image courtesy GWS Giants

Another was to poach Israel Falou from the NRL on a reported annual salary of over one million dollars. The reasoning behind the decision to sign Falou was twofold.

The first being that he was a very popular league player. One whose brilliant athletic ability was hoped could successfully transcend the switch of codes.

The second was because he is of Pacific Island heritage, and the greater western area of Sydney is home to many people from that part of the world.

It is safe to say that the signing of Falou was a disaster. Even more so than that of Karmichael Hunt for the Gold Coast, who was signed for similar reasons. Although the pay packet offered to Falou can never be justified, the initial reasoning behind the decision to sign him can be.

A third way GWS have tried to attract supporters in western Sydney was by bringing in Ali Faraj and Emad Elkheir in community engagement roles. Both men are Australian born Muslims, and are passionate about AFL football and how it can bring people from vastly different backgrounds together.

Giants’ CEO Dave Matthews describes Faraj as being as important to the club as star forward Jeremy Cameron. In an interview with The Ages’ Martin Flanagan in 2014 Matthews said, “Ali Faraj might one day be seen as having opened the door for the AFL into 21st-century multicultural Australia in the way Michael Long opened the door into Aboriginal Australia.”

Who better then to compliment on the field, the work being done by Faraj and Elkheir off it, than the Tigers’ Bachar Houli. One of only two Muslims currently playing senior AFL football.

Bachar Houli: Image courtesy of Michael Wilson

Houli, while being a very good player is by no means a star of the game. But he very well could be if he were to move to the Giants, where he would be valued if not more, than at least as much off the field as he would be as a player.

Although only a guess, I would suggest Houli would be on 400 to 450k per season. At the Giants he would be worth considerably more, and much of that could quite justifiably not be included in their salary cap, as was Falou’s.

Not only would Houli be as good, if not better for GWS off the field as Falou, he would also be a very valuable addition to the Giants on it. A defence made up of Houli, Heath Shaw and Joel Patful complimenting any three of a number of their younger players, would be a handy back six.

And at 27 years old Houli also has plenty of good football left in him.

Since the departure of Falou, GWS have not had many players that their supporter base can readily identify with. Although representing the greater west of Sydney, the majority of the Giants’ players live in the Eastern Suburbs. A long way from Blacktown, both geographically and socio-economically.

Former Collingwood defender Heath Shaw fills the breach to some degree. Some of the same, shall we say quirks in personality that led him and the Magpies to part ways, endear him to many in western Sydney. However Houli could do so much more.

To see how much Houli could bring to the Giants, one only has to look at former Canterbury rugby league player Hazem El Masri.

Like Houli, El Masri was a very good player, although he was a phenomenal goal kicker and did make one appearance for NSW in state of origin. However the support he brought to the Bulldogs from the Muslim community cannot be underestimated.

Hazem El Masri: Image courtesy of Brendon Thorne

Indeed, in 2002 he was given the Ken Stephen Award in recognition to his contribution to the betterment of the community away from rugby league.

El Masri was, as Houli no doubt is in Melbourne already, an excellent role model to the Muslim community, and one they can readily identify with.

Of course Bachar Houli may have absolutely no interest in moving to the harbour city, nor Richmond or their supporters any desire to let him go. The Giants may also have zero interest, but I think the Tigers’ first round draft pick plus Houli for Treloar, would be far more attractive to GWS than the two first round picks in 2015/16 Richmond were reportedly willing to give up.

The Tigers could then use their second round pick for Carltons’ Chris Yarren – as has also been speculated about in the media – so the loss of Houli would be somewhat offset.

As has been mentioned previously, there have been no reports or even rumours of this trade even being thought of by any of the parties involved. While by no means comparing myself to Jason Dunstall, just as he did, I’m just throwing the idea out there, and you’re more than welcome to throw it back at me below.

Notion of ‘Side by Side’ lost on some Magpie’s supporters

Following an interview with Melbourne radio station 3AW after last weekend’s embarrassing capitulation to the Tigers, Collingwood Captain Scott Pendlebury was subjected to some venomous and vitriolic attacks on social media.

This tasteless vitriol was also repeated ad nauseam in the comments sections of various media websites who published either match reports, or articles on the fallout of the interview itself.

Although one expects this kind of inane commentary from supporters of other clubs, amazingly (or perhaps not), the majority came from people who supposedly support the Magpies.

Calls for Pendlebury to be sacked, not just as Captain, but from the side altogether. Others questioned his commitment, and some quite special individuals, his ability to even play the game.

Of course many of these requests and statements of never a truer fact, were filled with all manner of descriptive language unfit for general publication, emphasising the importance of the writer’s message.

So what did the Collingwood Skipper do to deserve such a reaction?

He admitted to a radio station that he had never played in a game before with such little meaning, as the Magpies were no longer any chance of making finals.

What. How dare he! Collingwood had just been smashed by the Tigers, of all teams. As Captain, Pendlebury needs to be setting the right example. Why, he should be so upset by such a loss he should be punching holes through dressing room walls while weeping uncontrollably.

I mean who does he think he is? Just because he is a five time All Australian who happens to have won three club best and fairest awards, three runners up and a third, as well as being a Norm Smith Medallist in a premiership year and having played over 200 games. That does not give him the right to be truthful.

Collingwood Captain Scott Pendlebury

Yes that’s it, sack him, or if not that at least strip him of the captaincy. I would suggest whoever the new coach is going to be – because Nathan Buckley certainly won’t be there next year – can select a new skipper.

That’s right folks, Bucks is gonskies. At least according to those in the know. Bloke can’t coach, and will never be involved in a premiership. Fact is, these intellectual giants state, is that Nathan Buckley has pretty much single handedly decimated the Collingwood Football Club.

All those premiership stars gone, and look what Collingwood have got to show for it. Taylor Adams, Jack Crisp, Brodie Grundy, Tom Langdon and Marley Williams. What a bunch of no hopers.

Makes no difference they were all selected in the 2015 AFL Players Association’s 22AFL22 squad, or that the Magpies have the second most representatives in the side behind GWS, they’re still hopeless.

That also goes for Alex Fasolo, Jarryd Blair, Jamie Elliott and a host of others.

Although luckily for the four top ten draft picks selected over the last two years in Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey, Matt Scharenberg and Nathan Freeman, they haven’t played enough senior games yet to gauge whether they should be sacked or not. Although there have been quiet rumblings about one or two of them.

It goes on and on, and does so every time the Magpies have a big loss, or heaven forbid a few honourable ones followed by a form slump.

It’s no wonder Collingwood supporters are so reviled by those of other clubs. Fact is we deserve it.

Yes that is correct. I am one myself, I’m sometimes sorry to say, and have been for a very long time.

Not sorry that I support the Magpies, but sorry that such a vocal and ignorant minority tarnish the rest of us with their tainted brush.

Sorry that I have to cringe looking at ‘my fellow supporters’ almost falling over the fence from the weight of the froth flying out of their toothless mouths while they wildly gesticulate and excessively abuse any Tiger’s player within ranting range.

Sorry that Dustin Martin has to pay a $2000 fine, when instead he and his team mates should be commended for showing such restraint.

Sorry that when someone asks me who I support I feel a caveat of, ‘but don’t hold that against me’, is in order.

Sorry that our coach and our captain have to put up with this sort of crap from our own so called supporters – and particularly sorry that I even feel the need to write this article.

I realise that there are supporters like these at all clubs, however it seems that Collingwood has quite a few more than any other.

Even James Hird, who was coach of a club involved in one of the biggest controversies in living memory seemingly had more support from Bomber fans than Nathan Buckley has had from sections of the Magpie Army. And I dare say Collingwood are in a far healthier position than that of the Bombers.

I do not expect every Magpie supporter to agree with every decision or move the club makes. I also have no problem with it being questioned on social media or through other channels. Nor do I think they should not be able to boo opposition players – as long as it is done with even a minimum of decorum.

Unlike the obviously socially challenged Used Tampon Tea Bag who tweeted on the Magpies Twitter page that Ben Sinclair ought to have been pack raped by the other players after Saturday’s game.

Collingwood’s motto is ‘Side by Side’. However it is unfortunate that the notion appears to have been lost on many of their supporters.

But given the lack of rational thought that went into some comments on social media over the weekend it is hardly surprising that the concept goes over these people’s heads.

Where to for Patrick Dangerfield?

Updated 20/8/2015

Without doubt the biggest name coming out of contract this year is Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield. As a restricted free agent, he does, for the first time in his career have a legitimate say in where his future lies.

When he was drafted at pick 10 by Adelaide in 2007, he had no say in where he ended up, and in his case as with many others, it was interstate. Dangerfield has made it clear his decision will not be made from a purely football perspective, but will also be based on family as well as his future beyond his playing career.

So far Dangerfield has followed the same path, and said the same things as previous free agents who have left their clubs after their season has ended, and according to many, has also already made a decision on where he will be in 2016.

Former Richmond champion and now commentator Kevin Bartlett is one of those. In the weeks leading up to the round 14 game between Adelaide and Geelong, he continually referred to it as the “Dangerfield Cup,” on his SEN radio show.

“He says all the right things like I love playing here, I love the environment,” Bartlett said. “But not once has he said I want to stay a Crow.”

As do others, Bartlett points out that he already has strong connections with the area, as his family lives in Moggs Creek – only 50 kilometres from Geelong, and he also played for the Geelong Falcons before being drafted.

Geelong themselves have also made no secret of their interest in acquiring the talented midfielder. Steve Johnson has stated that he would be willing to take a pay cut to get him to the Cats (although that might not be necessary), while earlier in the year Mitch Duncan said the playing group would love to have someone of the calibre of Dangerfield at the club.

Many pundits already have Dangerfield in Geelong colours next year. Image: Collen Petch, News Limited

On the surface, and given past history the case is fairly strong that Patrick Dangerfield will announce he is leaving for Geelong after Adelaide’s season comes to an end. But is it really as cut and dried as that?

Former Demon David Schwarz is one who believes the Cats will have trouble acquiring Dangerfield. Not only due to the club’s team first approach to player’s salaries, but they also have to retain their own players who are coming off contract at season’s end.

“Joel Selwood is the captain and the face of the club, [therefore] Dangerfield shouldn’t be the highest paid player,” Schwarz said recently on SEN.

Another impediment to the imminent signing may also be the Adelaide Football Club.

Until now, no club has exercised its right to match a restricted free agents’ offer, and while Schwarz believes this will remain the case with Dangerfield, News Limited has reported that the Crows were building ‘a “Danger Money” contingency fund’, which they will use to match Geelong’s offer, and thereby force them to the trade table.

Although this has not been done before, it is suggested the Crows believe the compensation pick they would receive from the AFL would not be enough for a player of Dangerfield’s ability and age – and they are most likely right.

It has also been reported in the media that to get over both of these obstacles, the Cats could offer Dangerfield a heavily front ended contract that would not only make it more difficult for Adelaide to match their offer, but it would also allow for his average salary over four years to be equal of, or under that of Selwood.

While many have mentioned Steven Motlop as possible trade bait, there are also strong rumours the Cats are interested in Captain Joel Selwood’s brother Scott from the West Coast Eagles, Carlton swingman Lachie Henderson and Brisbane’s Matthew Luenberger – none of whom seem in any hurry to re-sign with their respective clubs.

It would be a major coup if they could somehow pull it off, but it is highly unlikely the Cats can keep their own players coming off contract, and sign Selwood, Henderson, Luenberger and Dangerfield.

Patrick Danger laughs it up with Scott pendlebury after their round 2 clash. Image Wayne Ludbey News Limited

The two other teams that have also been linked to Dangerfield, although nowhere near as strongly as Geelong, are Hawthorn and Collingwood. Both have room to move within their salary cap, and both would also be attractive options for Dangerfield – both on field and off.

The Magpies have made no secret of the fact that they are interested in acquiring Dangerfield, and with plenty of room to move within their salary cap they are rumoured to have offered him $1.4 million a season to move to the Holden Centre next year.

However they have also been strongly linked to the Giant’s Adam Treloar, and are believed to have offered him a five year deal, as well as Brisbane’s James Aish.

Although the figure of 1.4 seems unlikely, there is no doubt that Collingwood will be willing and able to pay Dangerfield more than Geelong will. This of course would make it more difficult for Adelaide to match the offer, as their cap is far tighter than that of Collingwood.

However if the Crows were able to match the Magpie’s offer, rumours keep surfacing of Matt Scharenberg wanting to return home to South Australia. Although Collingwood’s recruiting manager Derek Hines said on AFL.com.au’s ‘Road to the Draft’ podcast some two months ago he was confident of re-signing the talented young defender within a ‘couple of weeks’, Scharenberg has yet to put pen to paper.

It seems somewhat odd that a player whose club has invested so much in him, despite receiving so little in return (as of yet), would not re-sign with that club as early as possible.

Both Darcy Moore and Jordan de Goey signed two year extensions recently – well before their current deals expired. If it is because he does want to return home, there is little doubt that an injury free Scharenberg would be of great interest to the Crows.

Even if Adelaide do not match an offer to Dangerfield, he has stated if he does decide to move on, he wants to ensure the Crows receive adequate compensation. Scharenberg and a first round draft pick would most likely be considered by both Dangerfield and the Crows to be a fair outcome.

However if the persistent rumours of Treloar prove to be true, and the Magpies trade their first round draft pick for him, a Dangerfield move to Collingwood could still be possible.

Aish could be on traded to Adelaide for Collingwood’s second round draft pick and a player (possibly Paul Seedsman), while his good mate Scharenberg would join him.

Adelaide get two local boys who were both first round picks, GWS get an important first round selection in this year’s national draft which they would use for one of their academy players, while the Lions receive a second round draft pick and a player.

And of course the Magpies get Dangerfield and Treloar.

Could Patrick Dangerfield be headed to Hawthorn? Image courtesy Quinn Rooney

Then there is Hawthorn. If Dangerfield were to go to the Hawks, it would be a bitter blow to the Cats given the intense rivalry between the two sides, not to mention the fact that arguably last year’s biggest free agent in James Frawley also chose the reigning premiers over Geelong.

The Hawks also have the salary cap room to make a play on Dangerfield after Franklin’s departure, and they have yet to offer Brian Lake a contract for 2016. They also have a number of fringe players that cannot make their way into the senior line up that would probably be playing regular AFL football at most other clubs. So they have trade options that would satisfy both Adelaide and Dangerfield.

However Dangerfield going to Hawthorn would no doubt cause much consternation not only to the Cats and their fans, but also amongst the lower placed clubs and their supporters.

If arguably the biggest free agents (Franklin 2013, Frawley 2014, Dangerfield 2015), of the last three years went to the current premiers three years in a row, there would surely be many vociferous and very legitimate calls for changes to how free agency operates.

Of course that would not concern the unsociable Hawks, and with Dangerfield added to their already formidable midfield and given where Hawthorn are positioned at present, four premierships in a row would not be out of the question.

Patrick Dangerfield has said that whatever his decision, it will be based on three things – success on the field, family, and life after football.

All three sides can legitimately argue their case on each of these points, and of course he could despite past history decide to stay in Adelaide.

However given the tragic circumstances surrounding Phil Walsh earlier in the season, one would have thought if he were staying he would have re-signed before now. As magnificent as he has been on and off the field since then, his signature in such dark times would have helped lift the spirits of the club and its supporters immeasurably.

Perhaps contrarily, Phil Walsh’s passing reinforced in him how important his family is to him, and after eight loyal years with the Crows wishes to be closer to home. Who could blame him?

It is also perhaps pertinent to recall that in 2012 the biggest free agent in the land was Lance (Buddy) Franklin. As is currently the case with Dangerfield, throughout that year Buddy continually spoke about how much he loved Hawthorn without actually ever committing himself to the club. And as is the case with Dangerfield and Geelong, the public and the majority of the media had him signed up with Greater Western Sydney the year before.

Of course it is now history that Buddy did indeed eventually announce he was leaving the Hawks for the harbour city at the end of the season; however in one of the most audacious and surprising signings in the history of the game, it was not with the Giants, but their cross city counterparts – the Sydney Swans.

Could Patrick Dangerfield be following a similar path to Buddy?

Only time will tell.