Ryan Griffen wants out to GWS

[Jam Donuts]

Just announced on SEN that Griff wants to be released to GWS for reasons stated that he wants a new start. What is going on at the kennel?

[G-Mo77]

You got in first Jam Donuts. Could I have some donuts please.

I feel like a good binge after reading this....

[Remi Moses]

F*** I need a stiff drink or a thousand

[Jam Donuts]

You want hot or cold G-Mo

[Bulldog4life]

What is going on at the kennel?

[G-Mo77]

You want hot or cold G-Mo


I like those ones with the chocolate icing. I think they call them iced jam balls. :o

[Dry Rot]

Anyone want to bet he's not the last this trade period to suddenly ask for a trade?

[Pedro Sanchez]

What the @@@ has macca done to warrant such a backlash? This is madness, I seriously hope someone at the club knows what its doing...

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I nearly had a heart attack.

[Jam Donuts]

Anyone want to bet he's not the last this trade period to suddenly ask for a trade?

Could open the flood gates, perhaps!!

[LostDoggy]

Asidsidjifidfmsigfninbisnbimnbmotbtbrbrb

[G-Mo77]

I was going to have an off day from this trade rubbish. 5 minutes after I turn the computer on Twitter goes nuts.

This is awful.

[jeemak]

Wowsers.

This is terrible news. What has happened down there?

[Cyberdoggie]

I'm stunned.

How does the captain get so disgruntled and want out of the club?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We might as well fold.

[Pedro Sanchez]

Could open the flood gates, perhaps!!

The flood gates are well and truly open. Higgins, Cooney and now Griff. Not counting the average squad players that want out.

[mjp]

I know this is all rumours and innuendo, but when will something POSITIVE be said?

[G-Mo77]

The flood gates are well and truly open. Higgins, Cooney and now Griff. Not counting the average squad players that want out.

Jones, Tutt as well.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

What is going on at the kennel?

A very sad day. You would have to wonder what sort of money is being offered by GWS. I find this hard to believe as Griff gave all the signs of being a positive influence at the Club as the anointed leader.

[G-Mo77]

I know this is all rumours and innuendo, but when will something POSITIVE be said?

Everyone seems to like the new logo.

[LostDoggy]

I'm actually going to go home for the day...this is unbelievable

[LostDoggy]

Lost for words....

[G-Mo77]

I'm actually going to go home for the day...this is unbelievable

I wish I was still at work.

[Cyberdoggie]

I know this is all rumours and innuendo, but when will something POSITIVE be said?

I guess we'll be getting that key forward draft pick we were after now.

[ratsmac]

WTF WTF WTF WTF WTF
I am very angry right now. How can this happen. What did McCartney say to them.
This is the last straw for me.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I'm just about done with this BS football club.

[Bulldog4life]

Talk is we will have draft picks 4 6 & 7.

[G-Mo77]

I'm just about done with this BS football club.

Apart from 1989 this is the lowest day for me as a supporter. Sadly when I saw the news I wasn't shocked I laughed. We're an f'ing joke!

[Ghost Dog]

Could be bad, could be good. Wait and see guys. Keep the faith.
LONG TERM

Short term, this is not a good look for the club.

[lemmon]

Sitting at Uni absolutely stunned. This can't be real

[always right]

Speechless:(

[bulldogsman]

Heartbroken

[Greystache]

He's got a year left in his contract.

So GWS offer him $2mil a season and we're supposed to say OK?

[Pedro Sanchez]

Apart from 1989 this is the lowest day for me as a supporter. Sadly when I saw the news I wasn't shocked I laughed. We're an f'ing joke!

I agree, sadly I'm not shocked either...

[Doc26]

Just stunned and empty.

Where everyone in their prime is looking to depart GWS to get back home we lose our number 1 man to them.

[The Adelaide Connection]

I hate that where there is smoke there is usually fire. Why did there have to be fire?
Gutted.

[Sedat]

Wow, not often you see a captain in his prime want out of a club. Jesus. Very sad day for the club to lose such a wonderful, dedicated, talented, courageous player.

My wish for plenty of early draft picks is sure looking good now :o

Seriously, there is a stench about our club that the scribes were 100% spot on with a few weeks ago. There can be no hiding away from it now. Some journos out there need an apology.

Bloody hell, we may as well give Lonergan $500k a season now just so we can reach the minimum salary cap!

[whythelongface]

Why? what is going on? This surely can't be true. Surely not. I am lost for words. This will set us back years.

[lemmon]

This is my saddest day following the club, an 18 year old Griffen steaming off half back with long hair flowing was the reason I fell in love with footy.

[Rocket Science]

What odds they'll flick us back a bloke named Ward?

[chef]

Well f#ck me.

I cant quite believe this. Nightmare shit.

[bornadog]

In Brisbane for the day and just checked WOOF, surely this is a joke

[Bulldog4life]

I appears he wants to play under Cameron.

[whythelongface]

We certainly won't be attracting any top line players to our club now.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Apart from 1989 this is the lowest day for me as a supporter. Sadly when I saw the news I wasn't shocked I laughed. We're an f'ing joke!

Yeah - I was born in '90 but this is the lowest day for me as a supporter.

I don't even know what to say. Heartbroken by this news.

[G-Mo77]

I appears he wants to play under Cameron.

The guy that should have been coaching us.

[Dry Rot]

Talk is we will have draft picks 4 6 & 7.

Source?

[Twodogs]

Didnt see that coming.

[lemmon]

Not even at the stage of anger or figuring out what the hell we do from here, absolutely in pieces

[Bulldog4life]

Source?

AFL trade radio

[Rocket Science]

Source?

Damian Barrett, for what it's worth.

[whythelongface]

He's got a year left in his contract.

So GWS offer him $2mil a season and we're supposed to say OK?

It must be the money that he is after. Didn't think he was the type of player to follow $$. Thought he would be more loyal. He is captain of our club and walks away from that privilege. Must be some serious issues.

[Throughandthrough]

I know this is all rumours and innuendo, but when will something POSITIVE be said?

We havent lost a match for about 6 weeks in a row now

[cinder]

FFS, we don't even need a supplement scandal for all our players to want out of the club, because we have a coach the senior players clearly neither like nor respect, and an ongoing club culture that unfortunately promotes losing & stagnates progress.

This is my 15th year as a member and I don't think I have ever felt this disillusioned or fed up.

[Dry Rot]

Could be bad, could be good. Wait and see guys. Keep the faith.
LONG TERM

Short term, this is not a good look for the club.

Agreed, terrible look and very disappointing. But there's also opportunity here.

[bornadog]

Not even at the stage of anger or figuring out what the hell we do from here, absolutely in pieces
Heads need to roll at the Kennel

[lemmon]

Damian Barrett, for what it's worth.

Both clubs have confirmed it

[Throughandthrough]

Good luck to our membership and sponsorship departments.

[always right]

Club is in disarray. Damage control or we will batle to get 25,000 members next year.

Our greatest test since the fightback.

[Daughter of the West]

One of my colleagues ran into the lunch room to tell me, I just about burst into tears on the spot.

WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE KENNEL?!?

[Murphy'sLore]

I feel sick.

I have been a Macca supporter all this time but something must be seriously, seriously wrong. I would rather have Griffen than Macartney!

This is just horrible.

[cinder]

One of my colleagues ran into the lunch room to tell me, I just about burst into tears on the spot.

WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE KENNEL?!?

I'm feeling quite emotional too.

[LostDoggy]

What now?

We make Wallis and Roughead captains when they aren't ready?

It's Melbourne all over again.

[chef]

Boyd or Cameron or GWS can piss off.

[Dry Rot]

If Griff wants to go now, the worst thing the club can do is keep him another year.

[Doc26]

One of my colleagues ran into the lunch room to tell me, I just about burst into tears on the spot.

WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE KENNEL?!?

I've had bleedin Essendon supporters of all people, who haven't surfaced for twelve months, come out of the woodwork in the past half an hour offering to console me. The world has turned to utter crap today.

[whythelongface]

Gordon needs to come out immediately and say something about what is going on otherwise there will some serious ramifications (if there aren't already).

[whythelongface]

Boyd or Cameron or GWS can piss off.

A straight swap for Boyd.

[Daughter of the West]

The world has turned to utter crap today.

Sums it up in a nutshell.

[G-Mo77]

Gordon needs to come out immediately and say something about what is going on otherwise there will some serious ramifications (if there aren't already).

We've said he's a required player in 2015.

[Jam Donuts]

A straight swap for Boyd.

What makes you think he would want to come?

[always right]

Gordon needs to come out immediately and say something about what is going on otherwise there will some serious ramifications (if there aren't already).

Club has made a statement that he is a required player.

To be honest we are just delaying the inevitable.....if the picks are what is being touted....take'em.....then sack McCartney.

[Topdog]

Time to get that key position forward

[cinder]

'The club has issued the following statement regarding Ryan Griffen.

The Western Bulldogs can confirm that Ryan Griffen’s management have communicated to the Club that Ryan wants to pursue a trade.

The Western Bulldogs position is that Ryan is a contracted player and he will be required to fulfil his contract in 2015.'

[Twodogs]

Take the picks.

[jeemak]

Club has made a statement that he is a required player.

To be honest we are just delaying the inevitable.....if the picks are what is being touted....take'em.....then sack McCartney.

I'm almost with you, though I'll await further detail before getting out the knife.

The club probably can't turn Griffen around, but it can certainly do something about the coach if its his issue.

[Bulldog4life]

Pick 4 & Cameron or Boyd. Nothing less.

[Bulldog4life]

Adelaide players and Gold Coast players got rid of their coaches. Our players couldn't do so. So this is the alternative.

[cinder]

Adelaide players and Gold Coast players got rid of their coaches. Our players couldn't do so. So this is the alternative.

My conversation with Matty Boyd at the B&F now makes a whole lot of sense.

[Dry Rot]

My conversation with Matty Boyd at the B&F now makes a whole lot of sense.

Which was?

[Maddog37]

My conversation with Matty Boyd at the B&F now makes a whole lot of sense.

????

[Mantis]

In central NSW running a training course and my phone has lite up with text messages.. I sent the participants off on a break whilst I checked WOOF.

Huge case of WTF!!

Would like to say I'm shocked, but the rumours about discontent amongst the senior group were undeniable.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

My conversation with Matty Boyd at the B&F now makes a whole lot of sense.

These sorts of comments are disappointing and doesn't help the situation.

[cinder]

These sorts of comments are disappointing and doesn't help the situation.

Why is is disappointing? Because you don't want to hear the truth?

For the rest of you who asked politely, when I asked him about the coach being seemingly a good guy, he kind of gave me a look, a pause, and 'well he's our coach, so we have to stand by that.' Didn't fill me with a whole lot of confidence.

[bornadog]

I'm almost with you, though I'll await further detail before getting out the knife.

The club probably can't turn Griffen around, but it can certainly do something about the coach if its his issue.
not just the coach must go but those that authorised a two year extension

[G-Mo77]

Club has made a statement that he is a required player.

To be honest we are just delaying the inevitable.....if the picks are what is being touted....take'em.....then sack McCartney.

Yep and yep. May as well start over again.

[bornadog]

Why is is disappointing? Because you don't want to hear the truth?

For the rest of you who asked politely, when I asked him about the coach being seemingly a good guy, he kind of gave me a look, a pause, and 'well he's our coach, so we have to stand by that.' Didn't fill me with a whole lot of confidence.
dont worry not only the senior players are disenchanted but many younger ones.

[always right]

not just the coach must go but those that authorised a two year extension

...and Woofer can f*** off as well.

[Maddog37]

not just the coach must go but those that authorised a two year extension

Burn them all!

[bornadog]

Yep and yep. May as well start over again.
Another 5 year plan

[Go_Dogs]

I know no one person is bigger than the Club, but I'm seriously contemplating whether I can continue to support theClub with the current regime. This is devastating news.

Speechless.

[Sedat]

Take the picks.
Sounded like Jack Klompus from Seinfeld..."take the pen":D

[jeemak]

dont worry not only the senior players are disenchanted but many younger ones.

Anything specific BAD, or are you putting two and two together in light of Jones and Tutt wanting to leave?

[always right]

Be interesting to see how many of the assistant coaches side with McCartney and leave.....should the club pull the pin on his contract. Difficult position for Gordon.....needs to assert his authority over the club but can't afford an exodus. Dark times for our club.....again.

[cinder]

The main worry as I am sure you will all agree, is that our club cannot sustain long term lack of success. This is almost the straw the breaks the camel's back.

Feeling extremely worried ...

[Webby]

Could be bad, could be good. Wait and see guys. Keep the faith.
LONG TERM

Short term, this is not a good look for the club.

At the risk of being labelled an absolute lunatic, this doesn't overly bother me. Griff's too old to be part of a premiership window with us, had a poor year last year and holds great trade value. He wants to go to a club who have bargaining chips aplenty - so I can see the abundant upside... He's making the gutsy trade on our behalf!

The gutsy trade our admin didn't have the balls to make!

[Remi Moses]

Talk is we will have draft picks 4 6 & 7.

Ahh I feel better now

[bornadog]

Anything specific BAD, or are you putting two and two together in light of Jones and Tutt wanting to leave?
Jones Tutt higgins Cooney Griff we know. I have heard other players aren't happy either but I don't want to speculate here just believe me

[Remi Moses]

Sounded like Jack Klompus from Seinfeld..."take the pen":D

Ahhh mordi Seinfeld and his raincoats
Comedy gold

[Dogmatic]

The buck has to stop with the coach

[The bulldog tragician]

As a supporter it doesn't get any worse than this. I feel sick that it has come to this. It's a fork in the road for our club, when a captain known for his loyalty wants out. The darkest day since 89, but the baddies are a lot less obvious.

[1eyedog]

At the risk of being labelled an absolute lunatic, this doesn't overly bother me. Griff' stop old to be part of a premiership window with us, had a poor year last year and holds great trade value. He wants to go to a club who have bargaining chips aplenty - so I can see the abundant upside... He's making the gutsy trade on our behalf!

The gutsy trade our admin didn't have the balls to make!

I thought the same thing. An amicable split? A key forward now and a high draft pick are in order. We need to bring in youth. We need a bunch of A graders who are all the same age and will all push for a GF together. It hurts really bad that Griffen wants out but I can see the logic behind it. To be honest we may as well force Cooney and Minson out too now. Maybe this is what needs to happen to play Grand Final footy - I'm just buggered if I know how Macca convinced everyone that this is the way we need to go.

[always right]

Michael Gleason at The Age suggesting only pick#4 on the table as well as a second rounder plus two lowly ranked GWS players.

This is going to be painful.

[Remi Moses]

Take the picks
Support the club and not fawn over players

[always right]

I thought the same thing. An amicable split? A key forward now and a high draft pick are in order. We need to bring in youth. We need a bunch of A graders who are all the same age and will all push for a GF together. It hurts really bad that Griffen wants out but I can see the logic behind it. To be honest we may as well force Cooney and Minson out too now.

I'm worried about the overall morale at the club.....particular the young players who see their captain walk away.

[G-Mo77]

Michael Gleason at The Age suggesting only pick#4 on the table as well as a second rounder plus two lowly ranked GWS players.

This is going to be painful.

Yeah just don't see us getting 7 as well. 4 and a 2nd rounder will do it. Pull the trigger and move on.

[Topdog]

Yeah just don't see us getting 7 as well. 4 and a 2nd rounder will do it. Pull the trigger and move on.

He is contracted. Their second rounder is what pick? I wouldn't accept their first offer, we've made that mistake already

[Webby]

As a supporter it doesn't get any worse than this. I feel sick that it has come to this. It's a fork in the road for our club, when a captain known for his loyalty wants out. The darkest day since 89, but the baddies are a lot less obvious.

If you're old enough to remember Templeton in '82, you'll know that if you want a rainbow, you have to put up with a bit of rain!!

This is an opportunity! It could be the making of the club!

[Sedat]

Yeah just don't see us getting 7 as well. 4 and a 2nd rounder will do it. Pull the trigger and move on.
Glad you're not our list manager. GWS want Griffen, they are desperate for him. So let them pony up pick 4 and 7 (which they'll receive from Carlton for Jacksh and their pick 19).

GWS want him now.

[lemmon]

Yeah just don't see us getting 7 as well. 4 and a 2nd rounder will do it. Pull the trigger and move on.

No chance. Might as well just hold onto him and get the FA compensation next year.

[Remi Moses]

No chance. Might as well just hold onto him and get the FA compensation next year.

Them we'll get less .

[Dry Rot]

Michael Gleason at The Age suggesting only pick#4 on the table as well as a second rounder plus two lowly ranked GWS players.

This is going to be painful.

If it's pick 4 + second rounder and player(s), then we ask for McCarthy or Stewart

[Topdog]

Them we'll get less .
Big chance we'll be bottom 2 next year

[Dry Rot]

Glad you're not our list manager. GWS want Griffen, they are desperate for him. So let them pony up pick 4 and 7 (which they'll receive from Carlton for Jacksh and their pick 19).

GWS want him now.

They sure do. Really need to climb the table next year.

[Webby]

I thought the same thing. An amicable split? A key forward now and a high draft pick are in order. We need to bring in youth. We need a bunch of A graders who are all the same age and will all push for a GF together. It hurts really bad that Griffen wants out but I can see the logic behind it. To be honest we may as well force Cooney and Minson out too now. Maybe this is what needs to happen to play Grand Final footy - I'm just buggered if I know how Macca convinced everyone that this is the way we need to go.

I just feel sorry for the poor bloke who comes to WO who named his dog Griff!
Nice bloke. Let's my kids pat his dog all the time!

[LostDoggy]

People aren't just directing their anger and sadness at Griff wanting to leave as an individual player and our captain. The departure of the captain is symbolic of deeper issues that to the uninformed (such as 99% of us) paint a particularly dark picture of the current plight of our club.

[lemmon]

Them we'll get less .

A second round pick less? Not going to change the world

[Greystache]

Michael Gleason at The Age suggesting only pick#4 on the table as well as a second rounder plus two lowly ranked GWS players.

This is going to be painful.

Then he stays.

[Greystache]

I just feel sorry for the poor bloke who comes to WO who named his dog Griff!
Nice bloke. Let's my kids pat his dog all the time!

That would be me. You got most of it right, except the good bloke part obviously! ;)

[The bulldog tragician]

If you're old enough to remember Templeton in '82, you'll know that if you want a rainbow, you have to put up with a bit of rain!!

This is an opportunity! It could be the making of the club!

I'm old enough to remember Templeton. And a whole lot of other miserable, sh*tty years and seasons without hope.

It's not just the on field loss, it's what it says about us as a club, what it does to our culture.

In 96 our best player, Chris Grant, decided to stay with our club. His decision helped create a culture that brought us success, ok, a lot of people will say not the ultimate, but Granty staying created a club where guys like Jono, Smith, Murf, Gia, West, were loyal and set standards on field and off. I can't see losing Griff as anything but a massive hole in our heart right now, but I know some will see the long term gains, to each his or her own.

[Sedat]

I can't see losing Griff as anything but a massive hole in our heart right now, but I know some will see the long term gains, to each his or her own.
Some of us see both :(

[Eze Dog]

I don't see it happening but the only thing that would make this hurt less is Pick 4 + Tom Boyd.

[EasternWest]

I just feel sorry for the poor bloke who comes to WO who named his dog Griff!
Nice bloke. Let's my kids pat his dog all the time!

Isn't that Greystache? Or maybe it's Mantis.

Edit: also, this is balls.

I don't even know how to react.

[craigsahibee]

Thanks Griff. Hope your parting gift to us is picks 4 and 7 as some have reported.

Part of me likes to think that Ryan is doing this with the clubs best interests in mind. If the deal comes off we may be contenders in 5 years. It hurts like hell now, but we just have to make it work.

[Webby]

I'm old enough to remember Templeton. And a whole lot of other miserable, sh*tty years and seasons without hope.

It's not just the on field loss, it's what it says about us as a club, what it does to our culture.

In 96 our best player, Chris Grant, decided to stay with our club. His decision helped create a culture that brought us success, ok, a lot of people will say not the ultimate, but Granty staying created a club where guys like Jono, Smith, Murf, Gia, West, were loyal and set standards on field and off. I can't see losing Griff as anything but a massive hole in our heart right now, but I know some will see the long term gains, to each his or her own.

Two quick points:
1. Things got better IMMEDIATELY after KT was traded (for cash) to Melbourne - as club captain and star player whose best footy was behind him. We had our best year in a quarter of a century less than 3 years later.
2. Grant was a 25 year old key position forward superstar with his best footy ahead of him. Losing Grant would've no doubt been a disaster. There is no comparison between a 25yo Grant and Griffen today.

Griff is a ~29yo whose best footy is behind him. The picks and/or or upgrades a trade will net us make this a potentially very good thing. Painfully shocking as it is..

[hujsh]

Support the club and not fawn over players

What's a club without players but an oval and a history lesson?

This talk of trading for older players already had a feeling of Rhodes2.0 but at least with Rhodes West, Johnson, Grant, Smith and so on stayed while guys like Gilbee lasted until Rocket came along.

This is looking very bad and I'm wishing we hadn't just backed the coach after that 'review' so it would be easier to sack him now if we have to.

[Ghost Dog]

Can't wait to see if we FINALLY GET A TALL FORWARD out of this.

[EasternWest]

Can't wait to see if we FINALLY GET A TALL FORWARD out of this.

Ha ha. Nice work GD.

[always right]

Can't wait to see if we FINALLY GET A TALL FORWARD out of this.

The way we're going I wouldn't count on anything.

To quote David Brent......'If we fell into a barrel of tits, we'd come up sucking our thumb'

[The bulldog tragician]

Tweet by Haylea Cooney
https://twitter.com/hayleacooney/status/520070252055384065

[bulldogtragic]

I nearly had a heart attack.

I'm boarder line having one. F*** Me Dead.

[AndrewP6]

Bloody hell. I was going to email them today to upgrade my membership. Something has stunk at WO, the rumours clearly aren't just rumours. Three young blokes, now the captain (and god knows who'll be next) want out. McCartney needs to go immediately, and those responsible for extending his contract too. One player isn't bigger then the club, but this is not just one player. Griff has bled red, white and blue and now he simply wants a change? No bloody way. If they stick to their guns and make him play, we have a player who doesn't want to be there - and he's one of our best. We're in trouble.

[Topdog]

Tweet by Haylea Cooney
https://twitter.com/hayleacooney/status/520070252055384065


Been removed I think. What did it say?

[LostDoggy]

Massive opportunity beckons. I love Griff but this could change the game for us in a few years.

[Grantysghost]

He must have really hated the new logo. I can't imagine how the club can spin this, beyond shocked.

[The bulldog tragician]

Been removed I think. What did it say?

a picture of some junk food with words like 'after school snack, emotional eating, #ihatefooty'

[1eyedog]

Massive opportunity beckons. I love Griff but this could change the game for us in a few years.

Yep pick 4 and McCarthy please

[Remi Moses]

Two quick points:
1. Things got better IMMEDIATELY after KT was traded (for cash) to Melbourne - as club captain and star player whose best footy was behind him. We had our best year in a quarter of a century less than 3 years later.
2. Grant was a 25 year old key position forward superstar with his best footy ahead of him. Losing Grant would've no doubt been a disaster. There is no comparison between a 25yo Grant and Griffen today.

Griff is a ~29yo whose best footy is behind him. The picks and/or or upgrades a trade will net us make this a potentially very good thing. Painfully shocking as it is..

Exactly . The histeria on here . Really
Templeton left for money, and to be honest he's knee was stuffed.
I was gutted when I'd read Grant was leaving, for a start he was younger than Griff and a better player.
The culture of our club??
One flag in in 90 years!!

[1eyedog]

Exactly . The histeria on here . Really
Templeton left for money, and to be honest he's knee was stuffed.
I was gutted when I'd read Grant was leaving, for a start he was younger than Griff and a better player.
The culture of our club??
One flag in in 90 years!!

Templeton left to look after the club as well

[Greystache]

I can't imagine how the club can spin this, beyond shocked.

I imagine they'll do what every irrational supporter would do, sack everyone left at the club, then rant on social media!

[firstdogonthemoon]

The upside of getting 11 first round picks or whatever it will be is good. The upside of moving on players who don't want to be at the club is good. The downside of the CAPTAIN wanting to leave is worse than those other two upsides put together. But he has to go at whatever the cost - so should cooney. If you don't want to play in our colours then so long and thanks for all the fish leave your brownlow at the door. It makes me sad though.

[bornadog]

The upside of getting 11 first round picks or whatever it will be is good. The upside of moving on players who don't want to be at the club is good. The downside of the CAPTAIN wanting to leave is worse than those other two upsides put together. But he has to go at whatever the cost - so should cooney. If you don't want to play in our colours then so long and thanks for all the fish leave your brownlow at the door. It makes me sad though.
It's fine they leave but what is the reason they are leaving and will this reason effect other players.

[1eyedog]

The upside of getting 11 first round picks or whatever it will be is good. The upside of moving on players who don't want to be at the club is good. The downside of the CAPTAIN wanting to leave is worse than those other two upsides put together. But he has to go at whatever the cost - so should cooney. If you don't want to play in our colours then so long and thanks for all the fish leave your brownlow at the door. It makes me sad though.

Plus Minson let's get them all in now while the getting is good and not drag this out.

[LostDoggy]

Damien Barrett is loving this. P!@#k.

[Rocket Science]

Why is is disappointing? Because you don't want to hear the truth?

For the rest of you who asked politely, when I asked him about the coach being seemingly a good guy, he kind of gave me a look, a pause, and 'well he's our coach, so we have to stand by that.' Didn't fill me with a whole lot of confidence.

Not to diminish the seriousness of that discontent, but I'd be interested in hearing if the younger guys - who represent our future - share that view.

[bulldogtragic]

I'm boarder line having one. F*** Me Dead.

Must be pick 2, 19 and a player. Toxic is a not strong enough word.

[bornadog]

Damien Barrett is loving this. P!@#k.
He was right

[Remi Moses]

What's a club without players but an oval and a history lesson?

This talk of trading for older players already had a feeling of Rhodes2.0 but at least with Rhodes West, Johnson, Grant, Smith and so on stayed while guys like Gilbee lasted until Rocket came along.

This is looking very bad and I'm wishing we hadn't just backed the coach after that 'review' so it would be easier to sack him now if we have to.

I agree on the mixed messages bit.
The question I pose is if we appoint a new coach and don't improve what does that say?
Just a reminder folks, the picks offered up for Tutt and Jones are hardly ones for great young players.

[craigsahibee]

How am I supposed to go to cricket training after all this?

In the last 14 months I've been retrenched, separated from my wife, sold our house and now lost my captain. One guess for what hurts the most!

If he goes for at least Pick 4, we are guaranteed one of McCartin, Wright, Petracca or Brayshaw. I want McCartin but he'll go early. Package Pick 4 and a player/s to the Saints for Pick 1.

[BulldogBelle]

He must have really hated the new logo. I can't imagine how the club can spin this, beyond shocked.

"A great opportunity for a young key forward that will actually be part of our push for our second premiership in 4-6 years time, to join our club"

Short term pain for long term gain. Chin up Bulldog supporters!

[Remi Moses]

Damien Barrett is loving this. P!@#k.

Turned him off, and thankfully my app
Keeps cutting off. Plough makes more sense than that peanut

[Axe Man]

Am I the only one pissed off at Griffen? All I keep reading is anger at McCartney and the club but nothing at Griffen? I'm not saying that the rage at the coach and management is misplaced but lets not forget our Captain is walking away. It makes me sick. He could have gone down as a Bulldogs legend, now in my book he will sit next to Nathan Brown in our hall of shame. And don't get me started on him doing us a favour by walking away a year early so we get better compensated. Gee, thanks so much Ryan, you're a top bloke!:rolleyes:

He obviously doesn't value the captaincy or the club at all. I wish you nothing but the worst in Western Sydney and hope you contract chronic dandruff. :mad:

[LostDoggy]

"A great opportunity for a young key forward that will actually be part of our push for our second premiership in 4-6 years time, to join our club"

Short term pain for long term gain. Chin up Bulldog supporters!

Yep and keep Macca on for the duration of his contract too. Plenty of time to change coaches calmly.

I'm a bit excited as to what could be from here.

[Daughter of the West]

He obviously doesn't value the captaincy or the club at all. I wish you nothing but the worst in Western Sydney and hope you contract chronic dandruff. :mad:

With a side serving of recurrent athlete's foot?

Thank you Axe Man for the first laugh I've had since the news broke!

[Topdog]

Am I the only one pissed off at Griffen? All I keep reading is anger at McCartney and the club but nothing at Griffen? I'm not saying that the rage at the coach and management is misplaced but lets not forget our Captain is walking away. It makes me sick. He could have gone down as a Bulldogs legend, now in my book he will sit next to Nathan Brown in our hall of shame. And don't get me started on him doing us a favour by walking away a year early so we get better compensated. Gee, thanks so much Ryan, you're a top bloke!:rolleyes:

He obviously doesn't value the captaincy or the club at all. I wish you nothing but the worst in Western Sydney and hope you contract chronic dandruff. :mad:
If it were only him I'm sure people would be angry

[The bulldog tragician]

Am I the only one pissed off at Griffen? All I keep reading is anger at McCartney and the club but nothing at Griffen? I'm not saying that the rage at the coach and management is misplaced but lets not forget our Captain is walking away. It makes me sick. He could have gone down as a Bulldogs legend, now in my book he will sit next to Nathan Brown in our hall of shame. And don't get me started on him doing us a favour by walking away a year early so we get better compensated. Gee, thanks so much Ryan, you're a top bloke!:rolleyes:

He obviously doesn't value the captaincy or the club at all. I wish you nothing but the worst in Western Sydney and hope you contract chronic dandruff. :mad:
That's my first mild chuckle for the day.

I've been in such shock at this news that it hadn't really sunk in that he wants to go to GWS. Not Hawthorn or Sydney, for a flag, but the plastic fantastics. The soul-less acronyms. Footy, 2014-style, really sucks sometimes.

[craigsahibee]

Am I the only one pissed off at Griffen? All I keep reading is anger at McCartney and the club but nothing at Griffen? I'm not saying that the rage at the coach and management is misplaced but lets not forget our Captain is walking away. It makes me sick. He could have gone down as a Bulldogs legend, now in my book he will sit next to Nathan Brown in our hall of shame. And don't get me started on him doing us a favour by walking away a year early so we get better compensated. Gee, thanks so much Ryan, you're a top bloke!:rolleyes:

He obviously doesn't value the captaincy or the club at all. I wish you nothing but the worst in Western Sydney and hope you contract chronic dandruff. :mad:

A bit harsh to suggest that Ryan doesn't value the club. I posted earlier that I think (hope) he is requesting the trade in order for us to receive value for him now. He understands that he is not going to be a part of our next tilt at a flag, so he is walking now while he is of value.

Mark Stevens has reported that he didn't want to accept the captaincy, and was uncomfortable in the role.

I for one will not lose any respect for Ryan as a result of this. He is and always will be a Bulldogs legend as far as I am concerned.

[LostDoggy]

Sounded like Jack Klompus from Seinfeld..."take the pen":D

Haha lmao, great call Sedat..

[1eyedog]

Macca the genius. He's obviously got the support of everyone except the disgruntled players and no player(s) are bigger than the club. Macca is an astute human who understands how to manage and direct - he would have talked to every single one of our young stars about the approach. Geez we'll have some picks up our sleeve this is very exciting. We need to move on Minson and Cooney and really load up. Imagine the quality we'll have that are all under 25 going forward - could be a Golden Age for the club, finally our time in the sun.

Macca the genius - he knows he's going to need as many young A graders as he can get if he is going to pit his wares against GWS and GCS in the next 2-6 years. He's either Napoleon building the Grande Armee or he is Nero fiddling on the roof. There is a fine line between genius and the insane and it is only separated by success. Let's hope it's the former. Go Dogs.

[LostDoggy]

Is it too early to start the thread on our next captain?

[KT31]

Gee what started out as quite an optimistic trade period is quickly tuning into poo.
Don't believe it is quite a fall back to the 'Dark Days' as some posters suggest but at present it does look bleak.
Re Griff leaving, he is not the first Captain to leave we had Dempsey, Jennings's, Kt and Edmond all leave in a row and the club survived then and it will survive now.
If the trade needs to be done, get it done but in our favour.
Lets us take some solace in the Rabbittoes and not take our eyes off the grand prize which has eluded us for over half a century.

[w3design]

Don't buy this didn't want the captaincy crap. He is a grown man, he could've said NO.

[bulldogtragic]

Is it too early to start the thread on our next captain?

Did it already.

[FrediKanoute]

Well waking up to this just means trade week keeps getting worse and worse........

Is it really surprising? You have a Board who brought in a guy to do a refresh, which for one reason and another has turned into a refurbishment, then a rebuild and now a complete demolition. 4 years ago you had guys like Minson, Griffin, Higgins, Cooney, Boyd, Gia, Murphy and Lake be told - we are starting from scratch. The smart one - Lake figures well the club is going to ask me to play out my career teaching kids with no chance of success so 2 years into the deal he ups and leaves - plays in 2 winning GF's. Is it surprising that 2 years later as guys like Minson and Cooney approach their twilight they don't wonder what they hell they are playing for. They wont be part of any long term success; there wont be another premiership tilt. At the rate was are going backwards we will be lucky to play finals in the next 5 years.

Now Higgins, who we have played out of position since Macca arrived, decides to leave, we accommodate. We look to parcel up our Brownlow medallist in a deal which is nothing short of derogatory and if we haven't talked about Minson as tradebait I would be surprised. Griffin must be thinking, we are definitely not going to play finals anytime soon and given most of his peers are going why not chase the bucks.

We as a club have royally f*cked up the rebuild/refresh/demolition. The 1997/98 class were largely still around for the 2007-2010 tilt in ever decreasing numbers, but it meant that they had something to play for - there was a chance of glory. Griffin/Cooney/Minson are the equivalent of Smith/West/Johnno - what hope are we really giving them of a chance at glory on the last day in September? None.

If Griffin wants to go, whilst it pains me, let him go. Extract maximum value and draft well. The club though needs a re=think of philosophy. The current strategy is not working and we are in grave, grave danger of becoming a feeder club.

[jeemak]

Fredi, not a bad post.

Just on the refresh, that was Smorgon talking.

[Maddog37]

I just feel sorry for the poor bloke who comes to WO who named his dog Griff!
Nice bloke. Let's my kids pat his dog all the time!

I have a dog called Rocket so I know how he feels!

[always right]

My dog Macca is looking a little nervous.

[anfo27]

I'm still in shock so i can't even think about what we can get for our Captain. At the moment they could give us pick 4 and Jesus Christ himself and i would tell them to get stuffed!

[always right]

I'm still in shock so i can't even think about what we can get for our Captain. At the moment they could give us pick 4 and Jesus Christ himself and i would tell them to get stuffed!

Depends....how tall is Jesus?

[whythelongface]

STATEMENT FROM BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON
I have today read a statement issued by Ryan Griffen’s management. It requires clarification.
Ryan Griffen raised with me some concerns about our Senior Coach the day after our best and fairest. I then organised for him to immediately relay those concerns to our Chief Executive, Simon Garlick. We both took Ryan’s concerns very seriously as did Brendan McCartney when he was informed of them.
We arranged for Ryan to meet with Brendan and our Football Director, Chris Grant, and they discussed his concerns. Brendan acknowledged some faults and agreed to work on them. At the conclusion of the meeting, Chris asked Ryan if he was happy with the meeting and agreeable to working with Macca on an ongoing basis.
Ryan answered yes to both questions and added that while he was on leave he wanted to reflect upon whether he was best suited to captain the Club in the future.
Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time.
We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.

[bulldogtragic]

Depends....how tall is Jesus?
Not a KPP. More An outside mid, much like Eagleton as he gets crucified by 'supporters'. Good endurance, just when you think he's out of the game, he comes back to life. Not sure he can fix our scenario though.

[Drunken Bum]

Really liking Mooneys take on it on trade radio now

[anfo27]

Depends....how tall is Jesus?

200cm, runs like the wind and kicks the ball like Lindsay Gilbee off both feet. I'd still tell them to shove it!

[chef]

STATEMENT FROM BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON
I have today read a statement issued by Ryan Griffen’s management. It requires clarification.
Ryan Griffen raised with me some concerns about our Senior Coach the day after our best and fairest. I then organised for him to immediately relay those concerns to our Chief Executive, Simon Garlick. We both took Ryan’s concerns very seriously as did Brendan McCartney when he was informed of them.
We arranged for Ryan to meet with Brendan and our Football Director, Chris Grant, and they discussed his concerns. Brendan acknowledged some faults and agreed to work on them. At the conclusion of the meeting, Chris asked Ryan if he was happy with the meeting and agreeable to working with Macca on an ongoing basis.
Ryan answered yes to both questions and added that while he was on leave he wanted to reflect upon whether he was best suited to captain the Club in the future.
Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time.
We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.

Thanks for everything while at the Dogs Ryan, but after reading that you can leave now. I don't want you to be captaining my club and if you don't want to play for us.....see ya.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Really liking Mooneys take on it on trade radio now

for those of us without access to trade radio, what was his view?

[Ozza]

"We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it."

Wow.

I really don't know quite what to think until I've heard both sides.....but at this stage of the game....regardless of anything else - I'm extremely disappointed in Ryan Griffen and how he has dropped this on all of us.

GWS must be using some of that unspent BUDDY CASH.

[anfo27]

Really liking Mooneys take on it on trade radio now

Fill us in?

[chef]

Really liking Mooneys take on it on trade radio now

Whats he saying?

[Drunken Bum]

STATEMENT FROM BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON

We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.

Do not at all like this part if he is inferring that we will not consider trading him and hold him to his contract.

[jazzadogs]

I'm on a yacht in the Whitsundays. What started as a beautiful day has turned very quickly sour. I was in tears at first but I've slowly come around.

Everything about this, except for him being captain, helps me rationalise it.
He's 29.
We will get at least pick 4, which will hopefully net us the tall forward we've been yearning for.
He doesn't want to be there.

He had the opportunity to be our Shane Crawford. To be a Bulldogs legend. He's decided he'd prefer to go to the arse end of Australia for big money...congratulations to him. Hope he cries as he sits with his GWS teammates while Roughy, Bonti, Stringer, Libba and the rest collect their premiership medallions.

EDIT: just read Peter Gordon's statement. Maybe Ryan and Callan can sit down and have a chat about morals in their dorm?

[Cyberdoggie]

I agree with Mooney,

Griffen can't stay at the club now as he has thrown in his towel. You can't come back from what he has done and by the club making him stay will only make matters worse.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

for those of us without access to trade radio, what was his view?

- If players don't want to be there, leave. Griff, Coons, Higgins won't be there for our next premiership tilt anyway.
- Questioned senior players' character that they couldn't handle some strong feedback.
- Provides a huge opportunity for the Dogs to improve their list. Implores us to be as aggressive as we possibly can with GWS, ie. get Boyd or Cameron + a player or pick.
- Noted that Cooney was sub a few times and didn't respond well to it going by his body language, wasn't happy about it. Ditto Higgins with being dropped.

[bulldogtragic]

Do not at all like this part if he is inferring that we will not consider trading him and hold him to his contract.

Forcing price up. Jeremy Cameron or Tom Boyd and pick 19, or pick 4 and Tomlinson. They can come back when they pick which option.

[The bulldog tragician]

STATEMENT FROM BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON
I have today read a statement issued by Ryan Griffen’s management. It requires clarification.
Ryan Griffen raised with me some concerns about our Senior Coach the day after our best and fairest. I then organised for him to immediately relay those concerns to our Chief Executive, Simon Garlick. We both took Ryan’s concerns very seriously as did Brendan McCartney when he was informed of them.
We arranged for Ryan to meet with Brendan and our Football Director, Chris Grant, and they discussed his concerns. Brendan acknowledged some faults and agreed to work on them. At the conclusion of the meeting, Chris asked Ryan if he was happy with the meeting and agreeable to working with Macca on an ongoing basis.
Ryan answered yes to both questions and added that while he was on leave he wanted to reflect upon whether he was best suited to captain the Club in the future.
Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time.
We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.

Wow.

[Axe Man]

STATEMENT FROM BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON
I have today read a statement issued by Ryan Griffen’s management. It requires clarification.
Ryan Griffen raised with me some concerns about our Senior Coach the day after our best and fairest. I then organised for him to immediately relay those concerns to our Chief Executive, Simon Garlick. We both took Ryan’s concerns very seriously as did Brendan McCartney when he was informed of them.
We arranged for Ryan to meet with Brendan and our Football Director, Chris Grant, and they discussed his concerns. Brendan acknowledged some faults and agreed to work on them. At the conclusion of the meeting, Chris asked Ryan if he was happy with the meeting and agreeable to working with Macca on an ongoing basis.
Ryan answered yes to both questions and added that while he was on leave he wanted to reflect upon whether he was best suited to captain the Club in the future.
Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time.
We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.

That is an ultra-disappointing approach by Ryan if true. It also causes even further concerns over the coach. Disappointing all round.:(

[always right]

Reading Gordon's statement it's clear McCartney aint going anywhere.

If Gordon's version is correct I don't want Griff back at the club. Let's move on and make this a watershed moment for the club and its future premiership aspirations.

If you hear any supporter tell you they won't be re-newing their membership, spit in their face.

[firstdogonthemoon]

This doesn't look very captainy to me. It's hard to know without knowing any details but it's not a great look.
"Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time."

[lemmon]

- If players don't want to be there, leave. Griff, Coons, Higgins won't be there for our next premiership tilt anyway.
- Questioned senior players' character that they couldn't handle some strong feedback.
- Provides a huge opportunity for the Dogs to improve their list. Implores us to be as aggressive as we possibly can with GWS, ie. get Boyd or Cameron + a player or pick.
- Noted that Cooney was sub a few times and didn't respond well to it going by his body language, wasn't happy about it. Ditto Higgins with being dropped.
Fair enough message but the bloke is at the club one day a week in an advisory role. I'd prefer to hear it from elsewhere. Does Cameron Ling ever blast North players or comment on the clubs direction in the media?

[KT31]

Depends....how tall is Jesus?

He would be great in the wet but the age factor worries me a little.:D

[Drunken Bum]

Whats he saying?

Pretty much that you don't want a player at the club who doesn't want to be there but be really aggressive with GWS regarding any trade.
Players need to harden up, not just our senior players but players these days in general(regarding the exit interviews)
That it's not the end of the world, could even be very good for the club in the end
was a lot more but that's the general gist of it if not said a lot better than my ordinary paraphrasing

[Topdog]

That is a brilliant statement from Smorgo

[Drunken Bum]

That is a brilliant statement from Smorgo

Smorgo?

;)

[hujsh]

The question I pose is if we appoint a new coach and don't improve what does that say?


It's not about immediate improvement for me. Rhodes did damage to the list and we'd have been even stronger under Eade if not for him. I worry about the potential for McCartney to do the same




Just a reminder folks, the picks offered up for Tutt and Jones are hardly ones for great young players.

This is not an issue about Jones, Tutt or even Higgins leaving. It's about the captain of our club, previously showing impressive loyalty to the club, who's also the best player we have, wanting to move to an expansion club on top of the large number of discontented players unhappy at the moment.

I wonder if we're trying to shop Cooney around and it's played a part in this?

EDIT: Hadn't read Gordon's statement about Griff. Not sure if this changes my view or not

[Dry Rot]

If Cooney and Griff go, and possibly Minson, where does this leave Boyd?

[bulldogtragic]

If Cooney and Griff go, and possibly Minson, where does this leave Boyd?

Contracted for 2015.

[Doc26]

for those of us without access to trade radio, what was his view?


- If players don't want to be there, leave. Griff, Coons, Higgins won't be there for our next premiership tilt anyway.
- Questioned senior players' character that they couldn't handle some strong feedback.
- Provides a huge opportunity for the Dogs to improve their list. Implores us to be as aggressive as we possibly can with GWS, ie. get Boyd or Cameron + a player or pick.
- Noted that Cooney was sub a few times and didn't respond well to it going by his body language, wasn't happy about it. Ditto Higgins with being dropped.

He also made one point in particular which helped shine a bit of light on today's darkness, that is, that when Geelong's Captain Leigh Colbert did a similar thing to what Griffen has done in requesting a trade out of the Cats that the result brought Geelong over 500+ senior games and multi premiership players in Cory Enright and Mooney himself.

[Rocket Science]

A public standoff between the President and the skipper's a great look.

Mooney was pretty frank and direct via radio, confirming the lousy attitude of some the senior group. Commented for too long we'd been content with being an 'almost' club with McCartney intent on changing that. Albeit, he ain't the first.

You might suggest Mooney's naturally predisposed towards McCartney's position, but Gordon's statement really underlines it.

[1eyedog]

Do not at all like this part if he is inferring that we will not consider trading him and hold him to his contract.

This is the spin part in order to get maximum compensation (i.e. we'll play hard bastards). GWS and Griff have been talking for a while and Leon has promised Griff to get him there. PG knows this and we'll suck them dry to make it happen.

[jeemak]

STATEMENT FROM BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON
I have today read a statement issued by Ryan Griffen’s management. It requires clarification.
Ryan Griffen raised with me some concerns about our Senior Coach the day after our best and fairest. I then organised for him to immediately relay those concerns to our Chief Executive, Simon Garlick. We both took Ryan’s concerns very seriously as did Brendan McCartney when he was informed of them.
We arranged for Ryan to meet with Brendan and our Football Director, Chris Grant, and they discussed his concerns. Brendan acknowledged some faults and agreed to work on them. At the conclusion of the meeting, Chris asked Ryan if he was happy with the meeting and agreeable to working with Macca on an ongoing basis.
Ryan answered yes to both questions and added that while he was on leave he wanted to reflect upon whether he was best suited to captain the Club in the future.
Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time.
We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.


Whack.

I don't think this is a resolvable situation. Griffen has to go for the best price.

[bulldogtragic]

Whack.

I don't think this is a resolvable situation. Griffen has to go for the best price.

I would've pressed like as you're right. I don't like it though.

[Ozza]

Its clear that Griffen can no longer be a Bulldog, and doesn't want to be.

Regardless of grievances with coaches, board or whoever, he has decided that his best move is to go with Leon Cameron and plenty of dollars.

[KT31]

Smorgo?

;)

I think Smorgo's statement would be more like "what the @#$% has happened , I've only been gone a short @#$%$% while.

[Bulldog4life]

Let's put Griff on the open market and see what other teams offer us. Maybe the Dees.

[Webby]

This is the spin part in order to get maximum compensation (i.e. we'll play hard bastards). GWS and Griff have been talking for a while and Leon has promised Griff to get him there. PG knows this and we'll suck them dry to make it happen.

Yep, it's the only way to play it. We've clearly got the whip hand. Look at it this way:

1. Of all our players who aren't aligned to a WB premiership window, who has the greatest trade value?
2. Of all the clubs in the AFL, who holds the most trade currency (picks and good young players - specifically tall ones)?

The fish just jumped in the boat, IMO.

As for all this "Oh no, it's the captain" talk, Geelong had its greatest EVER period after trading Leigh Colbert and we ourselves went from basket case wooden spooners to 7th, 7th and 3rd in the following 3 years after trading out KT.

I, for one, would take a couple of high quality prospects over a 29yo any day.

[LostDoggy]

Who's irrelevant now? :(

[FrediKanoute]

Having returned to Australia on Tuesday night and without any further discussion with us after giving that agreement, Ryan informed us that he had changed his mind. We were also informed that he was seeking a trade to GWS – with whom we now understand he was in communication during this time.
We are extremely disappointed at his approach and have no intention of indulging it.

We can play hardball all we want, but if he walks for nothing in 2015 then we are idiots. Yes we can feel let down and disappointed, but the club needs to move past that and either a) convince Griffin that the Bulldogs can meet his requirements both financially and on the field; or b) maximise his trade value and get picks/players who will take us forward.

Taking the moral high ground and holding him to a contract wont work.

[LostDoggy]

I thought the same thing. An amicable split? A key forward now and a high draft pick are in order. We need to bring in youth. We need a bunch of A graders who are all the same age and will all push for a GF together. It hurts really bad that Griffen wants out but I can see the logic behind it. To be honest we may as well force Cooney and Minson out too now. Maybe this is what needs to happen to play Grand Final footy - I'm just buggered if I know how Macca convinced everyone that this is the way we need to go.

I understand the instinct to look for a silver lining but what's going to stop Bonts or Stringer or the kid we get at pick 4 or whoever leaving for greener pastures when their time comes? We will never win a flag. :(

[Scorlibo]

Yep, it's the only way to play it. We've clearly got the whip hand. Look at it this way:

1. Of all our players who aren't aligned to a WB premiership window, who has the greatest trade value?
2. Of all the clubs in the AFL, who holds the most trade currency (picks and good young players - specifically tall ones)?

The fish just jumped in the boat, IMO.

As for all this "Oh no, it's the captain" talk, Geelong had its greatest EVER period after trading Leigh Colbert and we ourselves went from basket case wooden spooners to 7th, 7th and 3rd in the following 3 years after trading out KT.

I, for one, would take a couple of high quality prospects over a 29yo any day.

I remember debating you earlier in the year over the point of trading Griffen WITHOUT his consent. I suppose this is the middle ground. But it doesn't feel that way to me - I'm shattered.

Especially in light of losing Higgins, and potentially Cooney, I don't see how we can possibly recover maturity in our playing list. Extremely disappointing.

[Go_Dogs]

I tend to think this may have been on the cards for a while, hence some of the significant offers we've been making to Greenwood, Lonergan.

I like the statement from PG, and can understand where Mooney is coming from, but this is Griff. Our best, hardest working, most loyal player. It seems we perhaps overestimated our ability to resolve the issue with one meeting.

[Jam Donuts]

How am I supposed to go to cricket training after all this?

In the last 14 months I've been retrenched, separated from my wife, sold our house and now lost my captain. One guess for what hurts the most!

If he goes for at least Pick 4, we are guaranteed one of McCartin, Wright, Petracca or Brayshaw. I want McCartin but he'll go early. Package Pick 4 and a player/s to the Saints for Pick 1.

Must get the recipe!!

[Webby]

I remember debating you earlier in the year over the point of trading Griffen WITHOUT his consent. I suppose this is the middle ground. But it doesn't feel that way to me - I'm shattered.

Especially in light of losing Higgins, and potentially Cooney, I don't see how we can possibly recover maturity in our playing list. Extremely disappointing.

Yeah I remember that. I pointed out at the time that it's a two way street. I'm on the record as wanting to trade Cooney, Griff and Minson as they're the wrong age for our window and we have coverage for their positions coming through. Also, the appointment of McCartney was also a clear sign that the club were embarking on a plan which would ultimately marginalise the older group of players. It was all so predictable.

I wish the club had been on the front foot on this earlier, but I guess it's now happening anyway.. But as we're now on the back foot, we look like silly, reactionary losers. A pity. Nonetheless, it's an opportunity.

[dog town]

Clearly the issues with the coach are bigger than some thought (me included) but nothing excuses what Griffen has done.

If your captain asks to leave you don't try and convince him to stay. The captain of your footy club is meant to bleed for your club. He is meant to encapsulate everything your playing group stands for. If he wants to go you pack his bags for him and drive him to the airport. Even worse the way he has done it. Think about the poor list manager and recruiter working on a strategy for this period. All that work torched by this one sudden act. At least if we knew earlier we could plan for it.

[KT31]

A public standoff between the President and the skipper's a great look.

Mooney was pretty frank and direct via radio, confirming the lousy attitude of some the senior group. Commented for too long we'd been content with being an 'almost' club with McCartney intent on changing that. Albeit, he ain't the first.

You might suggest Mooney's naturally predisposed towards McCartney's position, but Gordon's statement really underlines it.
We have gone down every other road the last six decades and ended up with nada, maybe the road less traveled will finally bring us the long awaited cup.

[KT31]

I tend to think this may have been on the cards for a while, hence some of the significant offers we've been making to Greenwood, Lonergan.

I like the statement from PG, and can understand where Mooney is coming from, but this is Griff. Our best, hardest working, most loyal player. It seems we perhaps overestimated our ability to resolve the issue with one meeting.

Not now.

[Drunken Bum]

For those who missed the Mooney interview



http://soundcloud.com/nabtraderadio/cam-mooney-on-nab-trade-radio

[Drunken Bum]

This was posted on BF and backed up by a few different sources, take it for what it's worth

"This is what I've pieced together from more than one source, so there will be some parts that may not be 100% accurate and I'm sure I don't have the complete story. And... I know that I'm going to be ridiculed for posting this on here, especially by those who want the Coach gone. They are going to call bullshit, but here goes:

There has been a rift between the younger players and some of the middle and senior players. Several months ago there was a physical confrontation involved and a bit of verbal stuff that no-one should be proud of. The older players involved went to the coach wanting him to intervene and to back the older guys. Macca didn't back either side and wanted the senior players to show some maturity and leadership and sort it out. That didn't work out well and it resulted in Griffen, on behalf of the older guys (excluding Murphy and Morris), going to the President (or maybe the whole Board) to demand they deal with the situation and pull Macca into line. I don't believe they asked for him to be sacked, but they may have. There are other issues which have been festering between the younger guys and some of the older players which I don't know too much about and so won't speculate on other than to say that Griffen's Captaincy and the big mouth of at least one of the older players have been issues.

So the club is having a changing of the guard within the playing group that has not gone well at all and has been mismanaged by all concerned, but in my mind particularly by the older guys, who have well and truly over-played their hand."

and from another poster, edited the names out as it's unsubstantiated and not sure on rules of posting that here, will edit names back in if it's ok
****** said some disgusting things to a young player on our list and got a lot of the guys up in arms. One bloke really wasn't going to tolerate that at his footy club after experiencing similar issues at his previous club. He duly knocked ****** on his ass and told him how utterly disgusted he was. That young guy who stood up was *******

[G-Mo77]

For those who missed the Mooney interview



http://soundcloud.com/nabtraderadio/cam-mooney-on-nab-trade-radio

Good interview. Sounded pretty upset and angry.

[Greystache]

We can play hardball all we want, but if he walks for nothing in 2015 then we are idiots. Yes we can feel let down and disappointed, but the club needs to move past that and either a) convince Griffin that the Bulldogs can meet his requirements both financially and on the field; or b) maximise his trade value and get picks/players who will take us forward.

Taking the moral high ground and holding him to a contract wont work.

Do you honestly think Griffen has announced that he's walking out of the club and will only go to GWS on the promise they'll do their best to secure a trade so long as it doesn't cost them too much? Honestly?

Cameron and Allen will have given him an iron clad guarantee they'll get a trade done and he'll be at GWS next year no matter what. Because if they don't they'll have left a captain of a club and one of the best players in the AFL hanging by his proverbials swinging in the breeze. They cannot afford to fail him now that he's made the public statement, they simply can't or no one will deal with them ever again.

They have painted themselves into an impossibly tight corner and we have the leverage to pretty much write our own terms.

[lemmon]

Do you honestly think Griffen has announced that he's walking out of the club and will only go to GWS on the promise they'll do their best to secure a trade so long as it doesn't cost them too much? Honestly?

Cameron and Allen will have given him an iron clad guarantee they'll get a trade done and he'll be at GWS next year no matter what. Because if they don't they'll have left a captain of a club and one of the best players in the AFL hanging by his proverbials swinging in the breeze. They cannot afford to fail him now that he's made the public statement, they simply can't or no one will deal with them ever again.

They have painted themselves into an impossibly tight corner and we have the leverage to pretty much write our own terms.
Wonderful point and by God do I hope we bleed the bastards for everything they're worth.

[comrade]

As a minimum, Jeremy Cameron or Boyd must be involved in any trade.

[Hot_Doggies]

Straight swap for WHE!

[firstdogonthemoon]

Maybe Cal Ward wants to come back!

[whythelongface]

Good interview with Moon.

Having thought about this for a few hours this really is a once in a generation opportunity for us to pick up some KPP to complement our midfield. It certainly is a generational change for the club as the players leaving and mooted as leaving would not have been around for our next premiership window.

The biggest hurdles that need to be overcome are the effect this has on our younger players and whether they think the club is a not a good place to be (this is something that needs to be addressed immediately by both coaches and president/ management) and secondly the effect this has on our supporters (again strong leadership is required - the PG statement today was good but needs to be followed up in the ensuing days).

[bulldogtragic]

Maybe Cal Ward wants to come back!

He can be captain too. His big wage sorts out the salary cap spend too... I like it.

[1eyedog]

As a minimum, Jeremy Cameron or Boyd must be involved in any trade.

Won't happen but we may get pick 4, their second round pick and someone like McCarthy.

[Webby]

Good interview with Moon.

Having thought about this for a few hours this really is a once in a generation opportunity for us to pick up some KPP to complement our midfield. It certainly is a generational change for the club as the players leaving and mooted as leaving would not have been around for our next premiership window.

The biggest hurdles that need to be overcome are the effect this has on our younger players and whether they think the club is a not a good place to be (this is something that needs to be addressed immediately by both coaches and president/ management) and secondly the effect this has on our supporters (again strong leadership is required - the PG statement today was good but needs to be followed up in the ensuing days).

Amen!

As the shock subsides, many will realise that this could be the making of us. A watershed moment in the club's history.
We might 'only' have a week, but what a week?!!

I'm more excited than disappointed. I'm also looking forward to seeing a couple of our younger blokes like Wallis and Stringer taking an opportunity to grow into the role. It'll be good on so many levels. This time next week we'll be feeling a lot better. Then after Draft Day we'll be pumped.

We have arguably the best U/23 list in the AFL and the (beyond arguably!) worst over 23 list! It's been clear for ages which group we should be backing.... And one way or the other, the tribe has spoken! Bring it on!

[josie]

Dear WOOFERs I know we are all reeling. This is when the Club needs us to be loyal. I almost drove off the road driving back home from regional trip for work when I heard this on SEN. I'm still in state of disbelief. One thing has not changed though - I'm still red, white & blue through and through.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Do you honestly think Griffen has announced that he's walking out of the club and will only go to GWS on the promise they'll do their best to secure a trade so long as it doesn't cost them too much? Honestly?

Cameron and Allen will have given him an iron clad guarantee they'll get a trade done and he'll be at GWS next year no matter what. Because if they don't they'll have left a captain of a club and one of the best players in the AFL hanging by his proverbials swinging in the breeze. They cannot afford to fail him now that he's made the public statement, they simply can't or no one will deal with them ever again.

They have painted themselves into an impossibly tight corner and we have the leverage to pretty much write our own terms.

Agreed.

What would you demand Grey?

I am thinking Pick 4 & Boyd, or Pick 4 & 7 & sweetener.

[Hotdog60]

I was upset when I first heard about this. But as I calmed down and thought about it I think if the young brigade is on board with the coach and it's only some of the Rocket era that are disgruntled I think it's time to take the bull by the horns and grab as much as we can.

These older players will not be at the next tilt and even this year the younger guys covered a lot of the load in games so bring on the new guard get those key forwords and backs.

Out of the ashes we can build a new empire.

[soupman]

Gordon's statement is beautiful. The perfect first hand to play in negotiations, make it seem like we definitely have the upper hand.

I would be offering GWS Griffen and pick 6, and in return we get Tom Boyd, Will Hoskin-Elliot, and pick 19.

[Remi Moses]

Gordon's statement is beautiful. The perfect first hand to play in negotiations, make it seem like we definitely have the upper hand.

I would be offering GWS Griffen and pick 6, and in return we get Tom Boyd, Will Hoskin-Elliot, and pick 19.

+ Cameron

[Remi Moses]

We can play hardball all we want, but if he walks for nothing in 2015 then we are idiots. Yes we can feel let down and disappointed, but the club needs to move past that and either a) convince Griffin that the Bulldogs can meet his requirements both financially and on the field; or b) maximise his trade value and get picks/players who will take us forward.

Taking the moral high ground and holding him to a contract wont work.

Don't reckon they've got any intention of keeping Griffen .
This is just a negotiating front foot tactic from the president and it we should be putting OUR interests first.

[stefoid]

Blessing in disguise. Grif himself has opened the door to the super trade that will net us the ready to go key forward we need, but the club wouldnt have the balls to announce to the fanbase themself.

The machiavellian part of me suspects the club might have orchestrated the whole thing itself with Grif a willing accomplice. nah....

Realistically, a straight swap with Cameron gets the job done for me - a proven elite mid who is 29 next year for a probably elite key forward who is what..23 next year?

Grab Lonergan for the other end and we have two AA bookends just like that.

[Hotdog60]

The thing I would like to see happen now is that we meet GWS in the near future in a prelim and knock them out and go on and win the Grand Final.

The look on Ward and Griff's faces would be priceless.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Do you honestly think Griffen has announced that he's walking out of the club and will only go to GWS on the promise they'll do their best to secure a trade so long as it doesn't cost them too much? Honestly?

Cameron and Allen will have given him an iron clad guarantee they'll get a trade done and he'll be at GWS next year no matter what. Because if they don't they'll have left a captain of a club and one of the best players in the AFL hanging by his proverbials swinging in the breeze. They cannot afford to fail him now that he's made the public statement, they simply can't or no one will deal with them ever again.

They have painted themselves into an impossibly tight corner and we have the leverage to pretty much write our own terms.

The AFL needs to take a stand on the targeting of contracted players such as Griffen Beams and Ryder. It would be a safe bet to say that these 3 players have all been offered considerably more than their current contracts. I hope the Club takes a tough stance on Griffen in demanding that he honour his contract with the WB. We have been too easy in the past by letting too many star players leave.GWS has already been gifted a future Captain in Ward and now Griffen. Macca is being unfairly targeted IMO. The decision by Griffen is very disappointing but the lack of other AFL Club's governance integrity and the mercenary attitude of player manager's needs to be dealt with ruthlessly by the AFL otherwise the WB will continue to flounder.

[stefoid]

They are saying Minson wants out.

Minson for Lonergan - seems fair - similar age and prestiege

[lemmon]

They are saying Minson wants out.

Minson for Lonergan - seems fair - similar age and prestiege
Why would Geelong open a hole on their list to fill another not as urgent?

[Remi Moses]

The AFL needs to take a stand on the targeting of contracted players such as Griffen Beams and Ryder. It would be a safe bet to say that these 3 players have all been offered considerably more than their current contracts. I hope the Club takes a tough stance on Griffen in demanding that he honour his contract with the WB. We have been too easy in the past by letting too many star players leave.GWS has already been gifted a future Captain in Ward and now Griffen. Macca is being unfairly targeted IMO. The decision by Griffen is very disappointing but the lack of other AFL Club's governance integrity and the mercenary attitude of player manager's needs to be dealt with ruthlessly by the AFL otherwise the WB will continue to flounder.

Good Post nuggety, but it will hurt us long term in keeping Griffen .
Get the picks and get it done

[azabob]

They are saying Minson wants out.

Minson for Lonergan - seems fair - similar age and prestiege

Are you referring to the older speculation or as in the last day or so?

[Torpedo]

Opportunity knocked at our door today! - we need to capitalize on this moment. Eliminate the emotion and concentrate on extracting the maximum benefit from this extraordinary set of circumstances. I bear the players going no malice. It could be setting the club up for a dynasty. Its now up to the club to ensure this isn't another Box, Quinlan, Round, Dempsey, Thorpe, Wilson ( the list is almost endless) etc. dejavu moment where we were thoroughly out negotiated.
Play hard ball, get the result we need and we will all be there again, come Round 1. Players come and go - our club goes on.

[Greystache]

Agreed.

What would you demand Grey?

I am thinking Pick 4 & Boyd, or Pick 4 & 7 & sweetener.

Pretty much what you've suggested BTT

4 and Boyd, or 4 and a quality mid like Treloar or Shiel.

A kp would be nice, but a mid who's not 18 would be almost as good.

[boof]

Personally I think this could be a win situation for the dogs.Griff is good,Griff is great and I will be sorry to see him go. However draft and player trades from GWS may just be what is needed for us as a club to move forward. we were looking to move up the draft order to get a big key marking forward

[always right]

Seems to be fair amount of speculation that big Will is likely to be next.

Talk about a clean-out.

[Twodogs]

I'm old enough to remember Templeton. And a whole lot of other miserable, sh*tty years and seasons without hope.

It's not just the on field loss, it's what it says about us as a club, what it does to our culture.

In 96 our best player, Chris Grant, decided to stay with our club. His decision helped create a culture that brought us success, ok, a lot of people will say not the ultimate, but Granty staying created a club where guys like Jono, Smith, Murf, Gia, West, were loyal and set standards on field and off. I can't see losing Griff as anything but a massive hole in our heart right now, but I know some will see the long term gains, to each his or her own.

But the point is we only came out of the doldrums in 1983, the first season after KT left. We bought in a couple of kids called Brian Royal and Steve Wallis. We got a big gangly centre half forward as steak knives called Peter Foster. We drafted Andrew Purser the best ruckman in the world after taking 100 grand from Collingwood to not draft the best player with our no. 1 pick. I think he was a young bloke called Phillip Walsh. From the SANFL.

[Remi Moses]

But the point is we only came out of the doldrums in 1983, the first season after KT left. We bought in a couple of kids called Brian Royal and Steve Wallis. We got a big gangly centre half forward as steak knives called Peter Foster. We drafted Andrew Purser the best ruckman in the world after taking 100 grand from Collingwood to not draft the best player with our no. 1 pick. I think he was a young bloke called Phillip Walsh. From the SANFL.

Wasn't that Gary Shaw Two dogs?
Philip Walsh disgracefully got recruit of the year in 83 when Royal was the standout !
Not the first time we've been rogered

[azabob]

Seems to be fair amount of speculation that big Will is likely to be next.

Talk about a clean-out.

Where are you hearing this?

[Webby]

But the point is we only came out of the doldrums in 1983, the first season after KT left. We bought in a couple of kids called Brian Royal and Steve Wallis. We got a big gangly centre half forward as steak knives called Peter Foster. We drafted Andrew Purser the best ruckman in the world after taking 100 grand from Collingwood to not draft the best player with our no. 1 pick. I think he was a young bloke called Phillip Walsh. From the SANFL.

Damn straight, TwoDogs. We won just 3 games in 1982 - the final one a (still) record 155 point home loss to the scum from over the Maribyrnong. Wooden Spoon and far worse doldrums than today. EJ Jnr's knee went, three times b&f Dunstan was traded to North and captain & uber champion KT was traded to Melbourne.

Cue hysteria!!!

The result? in with a glut of good young (then unknown) future champs, we win 5 of our first 7 games in 1983 and the WO is pumping! We rode that momentum to the '85 prelim, winning our first finals game for 24 years!

If you want a rainbow, you've got to put up with a bit of rain: Dolly Parton c/o David Brent..

[azabob]

If you want a rainbow, you've got to put up with a bit of rain: Dolly Parton c/o David Brent..

And you thought she was just a big pair of t**ts

[Webby]

And you thought she was just a big pair of t**ts

:) Bang! geez, I didn't have to dangle that one out there for long!

[comrade]

And you thought she was just a big pair of t**ts

Literally laughed out loud.