Save the Lake.

[KT31]

What if we could arrange 100 kid's to send 20 cents, a letter and a picture of themselves in a Doggies jumper.
Surely he would have to have a heart of stone to not resign.

Alternatively could we arrange 100 kids to attend the Whitten Oval and protest his departure ?

[LostDoggy]

Didn't know he was leaving.

[Doc26]

If he does pull on us I'd like to put in a nomination for Bazza's first victim.

[LostDoggy]

My call and gut feel says he is not going anywhere. I do not have any sources to confirm his status but I do not believe everything I read either. I do not want to mention names but I am sure at least one bloke who has had a good run in footy could help to make room for Ricki and still play on.

The long and the short the bulldog administration are a smart and prudent outfit and I have full faith in them to do what is best for the Footscray Football Club trading as the Western Bulldogs.

[Doc26]

Can you imagine the stick Bryza will cop from behind the goals if he leaves for extra dollars ? Hopefully some incentive for him to stick true.

Not sure which way it will go. Here's hoping but he's obviously not afraid of change eg Harris to Lake.

[KT31]

Didn't know he was leaving.

Hoping he doesn't.

But from the indication from the people in the know, it could go either way.

[1eyedog]

What if we could arrange 100 kid's to send 20 cents, a letter and a picture of themselves in a Doggies jumper.
Surely he would have to have a heart of stone to not resign.

Alternatively could we arrange 100 kids to attend the Whitten Oval and protest his departure ?

Seriously, and I understand this is not a serious thread but if we have to bribe him to stay at this magnificent footy club with sad looking children holding 20c pieces in their hands then we are past the threshold of retaining him. At least as far as the dignity of this fine football club is concerned. If 100 kids chose to do this ad hoc and of their own accord then that would be great!

[Doc26]

At least as far as the dignity of this fine football club is concerned.

Well for me whatever it takes so long as it doesn't break the bank and we're forced to roll out Irene again.

More than happy to grab BBBBarry if it means taking one step closer. Not sure though the choice has done wonders for our dignity but a premiership certainly will.

But then I'm pretty cheap these days.

[ReLoad]

Hypothetical:

lets pretend for a minute as bad as the thought is, that Ricki wants to leave us (i know please humour me).

Apart from the devastating loss this would be to the backline, i would like to propose a trade with carlton for Fev.

Now i know my credibility just got blown to peices, but hear me out.

1. IF Lake wants to leave us, we would command something pretty good in return, otherwise he would end up at the Dee's or Freo, lol.
2. The blues are chasing him apparantly, as they seem to chase players every off season.

So how about IF ricki wants to leave we swap them for Fev, we wouldnt need BBBBH, we would have probably the best FF in the league, carlton solve thier boozy fev issues.

same could apply to hawthorn for Roughead?

Whilst it just moves our issue from no FF to then having no FB, we would at least get something out of it.

Im not saying we go and seek out this kind of trade, but just a "what if" should Lake say no to us.

[craigsahibee]

My call and gut feel says he is not going anywhere. I do not have any sources to confirm his status but I do not believe everything I read either. I do not want to mention names but I am sure at least one bloke who has had a good run in footy could help to make room for Ricki and still play on.

The long and the short the bulldog administration are a smart and prudent outfit and I have full faith in them to do what is best for the Footscray Football Club trading as the Western Bulldogs.

Is there any rule against a listed player being an official assistant coach? We could put Aker on the base salary as part of the collective bargaining agreement and then top up his salary as remuneration for his contract as assistant forward/midfield coach or whatever title they come up with. Providing we have the funds it may free up room in the salary cap to pay more to Brian.

[The Coon Dog]

Is there any rule against a listed player being an official assistant coach? We could put Aker on the base salary as part of the collective bargaining agreement and then top up his salary as remuneration for his contract as assistant forward/midfield coach or whatever title they come up with. Providing we have the funds it may free up room in the salary cap to pay more to Brian.
If you could do that Carlton would have 16 specialist coaches on a squillion dollars a year!

[Mofra]

Hypothetical:
Massive hypothetical, considering we are already on record as saying we will not trade him. If he walks, he walks into the PSD.

[ReLoad]

Massive hypothetical, considering we are already on record as saying we will not trade him. If he walks, he walks into the PSD.

if he does walk why would we let him go and get nothign in return?

surely if he does want out, then we should get something for him? no?

[The Pie Man]

if he does walk why would we let him go and get nothign in return?

surely if he does want out, then we should get something for him? no?

IF he does decide to leave, it's been reported that 2 clubs that played finals this year are interested - now how exactly they'd fit him in is a mystery, but for arguments sake let's say he nominates Carlton - do we really want to make Carlton stronger?

Go to Melbourne or Freo for nothing for mine, I'm with the club on this.

While I'm annoyed at this situation, I can see how it would be tough for a guy looking to stitch up his long term future etc, and big money offers from big clubs must be sooo tempting, especially if they're looking at having a crack at a flag themselves. Given he hasn't come out and said he's going, I'm going to cut him some slack, and say that I'll be on-board the Save the Lake campaign. He's so important to us

SAVE THE LAKE

[KT31]

If you could do that Carlton would have 16 specialist coaches on a squillion dollars a year!

For all we know they could have.
I wouldn't put it past them.

[LostDoggy]

This is left of field, but if Lake was to walk, should we look at Bowden? I know he has retired, but he still looks like he has some life in him?

[AndrewP6]

This is left of field, but if Lake was to walk, should we look at Bowden? I know he has retired, but he still looks like he has some life in him?

Pass.

[1eyedog]

This is left of field, but if Lake was to walk, should we look at Bowden? I know he has retired, but he still looks like he has some life in him?

This is so left of field it is out of the ball park.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

I have a feeling that Brian will re-sign at the B&F next week, don't ask me why I think that, it's just a feeling I have...GOSH, I'm not often right, but I HOPE I am this time!!!

[anfo27]

Is there any rule against a listed player being an official assistant coach? We could put Aker on the base salary as part of the collective bargaining agreement and then top up his salary as remuneration for his contract as assistant forward/midfield coach or whatever title they come up with. Providing we have the funds it may free up room in the salary cap to pay more to Brian.

There certainly is a rule in place.

[Doc26]

I have a feeling that Brian will re-sign at the B&F next week, don't ask me why I think that, it's just a feeling I have...GOSH, I'm not often right, but I HOPE I am this time!!!

My gut feel also says the Lake deal will be finalised by the B&F. Maybe just wishful thinking. Just can't imagine Bryza at the B&F with the deal blowin in the wind.

[Doc26]

Hope a bit of Mackie rubs off on our Brian.

Defender Andrew Mackie was confident his teammates valued staying together over money.
"The last couple of years the boys have been taking pay cuts," he said.
"You can't buy premierships and to be a part of this is just priceless.
"You can't talk for everyone, but it's great to be playing in a great side and with great players part of it."

[Mantis]

Hope a bit of Mackie rubs off on our Brian.

Defender Andrew Mackie was confident his teammates valued staying together over money.
"The last couple of years the boys have been taking pay cuts," he said.
"You can't buy premierships and to be a part of this is just priceless.
"You can't talk for everyone, but it's great to be playing in a great side and with great players part of it."

Watching & listening too much of what has happened over the past couple of days makes you wonder what's going on in Brian's head. We are so close to the ultimate success that it isn't funny, so if Bryza wants an extra 50K per year it makes you wonder what is important to him.

Brian really needs to work out what is important in his life and if it's leaving our club for a little extra moolah he can seriously eat shit & die.

[Swoop]

Watching & listening too much of what has happened over the past couple of days makes you wonder what's going on in Brian's head. We are so close to the ultimate success that it isn't funny, so if Bryza wants an extra 50K per year it makes you wonder what is important to him.

Brian really needs to work out what is important in his life and if it's leaving our club for a little extra moolah he can seriously eat shit & die.
I've never had the need to use the term lol but Mantis that post made me do exactly that - laugh out loud. "eat shit and die" classic! All valid points too by the way, except maybe the last one...

[LostDoggy]

If its simply a case of more $$$, then im with you Mantis.

I think Gia said it best when he said that if you win a premiership, you are remembered as a group. If you look at our past players since '54 their careers are remembered as individuals.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Lake and his brain fades!

[chef]

Brian really needs to work out what is important in his life and if it's leaving our club for a little extra moolah he can seriously eat shit & die.

Exactly Mantis. Greedy players never win premierships.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Lake is seriously losing credos with this even if he eventually re-signs. He is hurting the ones who love him and love is a close buddy of hate.
Forget the money Brainless Brian, its a way to a dusty death. Have a word with Brownie, no don't have a word with Brownie.
Chris Grant needs to have a word in your ear.

[aker39]

Is there any rule against a listed player being an official assistant coach? We could put Aker on the base salary as part of the collective bargaining agreement and then top up his salary as remuneration for his contract as assistant forward/midfield coach or whatever title they come up with. Providing we have the funds it may free up room in the salary cap to pay more to Brian.

They can do it in the A-League.

Kevin Muscat is paid as an assistant coach.

[LostDoggy]

I have heard that Brian wants an extra $50,000 on this forum, is this fact or guesstimate?

[Mofra]

I have heard that Brian wants an extra $50,000 on this forum, is this fact or guesstimate?
I'm guessing it's a guess.

Fact is he may be delaying for a few reasons - may not even be financial, rather terms for himself or others on the list or coming to the list. All speculation.

[westbulldog]

We are always bigger than the individual. Grant, Smith, West, Johnson and the great Ted Whitten could have got squillions elsewhere at the peak of their careers but never left the Bulldogs - reasons - class and loyalty. A short term setback if he left - certainly, he is a very good player. Indispensable ? nobody is, end of story.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

Watching & listening too much of what has happened over the makes you wonder what's going on in Brian's head.

Brian really needs to work out what is important in his life and if it's leaving our club for a little extra moolah he can seriously eat shit & die.

I don't totally think it's Brian, to me it's more like his manager trying to get as much as he can for Brian, and himself, I mean 15% of $500,000 is better than 15% of 400,000 isn't it?:rolleyes::)

[Remi Moses]

Dear Brian do you want to be remembered as someone who walked to play for Ummmm Melbourne with a little more cash? Do you want to be remembered for playing in our second premiership side and remembered forever?Interestingly those Lion players from the 3 peat are all still involved in the footy industry,Lappin,Scott brothers,Voss,Mccrae,Leppitch,Lynch,Pyke. It just shows that more is to gain playing in successful clubs than leaving for extra coin!

[LostDog]

hmmm the longer this goes on the more I start to dis-like Brian.... !!!

[strebla]

I think we all just need to take a deep breath and stop bagging the bloke before he makes his mind up. Like all of you here I want him to stay and I will not be bagging him unless he makes the wrong call!!!!

[w3design]

Gee, I'm pretty surprised by the animosity being displayed towards Brian here. He is trying to get the best deal for himself and his family, he is doing this with the assistance of his manager, playing football is his job. To not do so would be doing himself and his young family a significant disservice. The club is trying to retain Brian's service for lowest amount of coin possible and for it not to bargain hard would be negligent.

Brian has about four years left in football to try to set his family up, he then has to find a new job in a new career. Nowhere has he said he doesn't want to play for us, he's just after a better deal and being one of the fullbacks in the comp and absolutely critical to our success in 2010 he has a bit of leverage.

I'd be disappointed if he left but having a young family myself I'd try to understand. For what it's worth I think he'll sign.

[EasternWest]

Gee, I'm pretty surprised by the animosity being displayed towards Brian here. He is trying to get the best deal for himself and his family, he is doing this with the assistance of his manager, playing football is his job. To not do so would be doing himself and his young family a significant disservice. The club is trying to retain Brian's service for lowest amount of coin possible and for it not to bargain hard would be negligent.

Brian has about four years left in football to try to set his family up, he then has to find a new job in a new career. Nowhere has he said he doesn't want to play for us, he's just after a better deal and being one of the fullbacks in the comp and absolutely critical to our success in 2010 he has a bit of leverage.

I'd be disappointed if he left but having a young family myself I'd try to understand. For what it's worth I think he'll sign.


You are of course correct in everything you say. I think the vitriol stems from a history of being f&^ked over by big stars (well, Nathan Brown, but once was enough) and a bit of a feeling that by stalling, Brian is contradicting the "team first" ideology that we would hope would prevail when the team is so close to getting the big job done.

For mine, I understand the ire and I partly feel it. But I mostly just feel concerned about the big hole left if he goes. I too think he'll stay. I would think 450k per season has been enough to convince him, but maybe it's the finer details that are being nutted out. I hope.

[hujsh]

Gee, I'm pretty surprised by the animosity being displayed towards Brian here. He is trying to get the best deal for himself and his family, he is doing this with the assistance of his manager, playing football is his job. To not do so would be doing himself and his young family a significant disservice. The club is trying to retain Brian's service for lowest amount of coin possible and for it not to bargain hard would be negligent.

Brian has about four years left in football to try to set his family up, he then has to find a new job in a new career. Nowhere has he said he doesn't want to play for us, he's just after a better deal and being one of the fullbacks in the comp and absolutely critical to our success in 2010 he has a bit of leverage.

I'd be disappointed if he left but having a young family myself I'd try to understand. For what it's worth I think he'll sign.

Say the wage of someone in a well off family is $100,000 a year. Brian is set to receive $400,000 a year. In four years he'll have made an extra 1.2 mill than the average person. Surely if that were to be the end of his career he would have enough money to find his next stream of revenue without his family having to endure any hardships.

[Remi Moses]

Gee, I'm pretty surprised by the animosity being displayed towards Brian here. He is trying to get the best deal for himself and his family, he is doing this with the assistance of his manager, playing football is his job. To not do so would be doing himself and his young family a significant disservice. The club is trying to retain Brian's service for lowest amount of coin possible and for it not to bargain hard would be negligent.

Brian has about four years left in football to try to set his family up, he then has to find a new job in a new career. Nowhere has he said he doesn't want to play for us, he's just after a better deal and being one of the fullbacks in the comp and absolutely critical to our success in 2010 he has a bit of leverage.

I'd be disappointed if he left but having a young family myself I'd try to understand. For what it's worth I think he'll sign.

I think everyone is just worried about the time this seems to be taking!

[Remi Moses]

Say the wage of someone in a well off family is $100,000 a year. Brian is set to receive $400,000 a year. In four years he'll have made an extra 1.2 mill than the average person. Surely if that were to be the end of his career he would have enough money to find his next stream of revenue without his family having to endure any hardships.

Serious matey you'll get the tired old ''Football is abusiness'' line .Funny thing is I've never cried when a ''Business'' loses.:eek:

[LostDoggy]

I think we all just need to take a deep breath and stop bagging the bloke before he makes his mind up. Like all of you here I want him to stay and I will not be bagging him unless he makes the wrong call!!!!


Was thinking pretty much the same thing whilst reading this thread. I'll wait until he signs - or doesn't sign before getting my feelings too involved in the Lake Saga. ;)

[hujsh]

Serious matey you'll get the tired old ''Football is abusiness'' line .Funny thing is I've never cried when a ''Business'' loses.:eek:

I'm not really looking at football as a business more just making the point that Brian's kids won't go hungry because he missed out on those few extra $

Brian is starting to look like a business man at the moment though.

[KT31]

I'd be disappointed if he left but having a young family myself I'd try to understand. For what it's worth I think he'll sign.

Thats why we need you to get your kids pocket money pop it into an envelope, write a note in crayon and send it to Brian.

Save The Lake !

[Mantis]

I don't totally think it's Brian, to me it's more like his manager trying to get as much as he can for Brian, and himself, I mean 15% of $500,000 is better than 15% of 400,000 isn't it?:rolleyes::)

On what basis are you making that assumption?

[mjp]

Managers make more like 5%-7% of wages...around 20% of (non-club based) endorsements.

I very much doubt this is driven by the manager - if he wanted to sign, he could either:

a. Instruct his manager to get the deal done under the current terms.
b. Sack his manager for failing to follow his instructions (sign!) and obtain alternate representation.

If it makes us all feel better to blame Olarenshaw, that is fine - but he needs to maintain solid relationships with 16 clubs otherwise he will be a useless player agent in years to come. He will simply be presenting the alternative offers to Lake, making a recommendation based on the best offer for his clients current circumstances and waiting for instructions from his client.

The delay is on Lake and no-one else.

[EasternWest]

Managers make more like 5%-7% of wages...around 20% of (non-club based) endorsements.

I very much doubt this is driven by the manager - if he wanted to sign, he could either:

a. Instruct his manager to get the deal done under the current terms.
b. Sack his manager for failing to follow his instructions (sign!) and obtain alternate representation.

If it makes us all feel better to blame Olarenshaw, that is fine - but he needs to maintain solid relationships with 16 clubs otherwise he will be a useless player agent in years to come. He will simply be presenting the alternative offers to Lake, making a recommendation based on the best offer for his clients current circumstances and waiting for instructions from his client.

The delay is on Lake and no-one else.

I think it's fair to level some ire at Olarenshaw. If you listen to SEN you would have heard some of the vitriolic and petulant things he spat about the Bulldogs when dealing with Ray last year. He (Olarenshaw) is an idiot who gets too emotionally invested in negotiations and cracks it when he's told things he doesn't want to hear.

[Doc26]

I think it's fair to level some ire at Olarenshaw. If you listen to SEN you would have heard some of the vitriolic and petulant things he spat about the Bulldogs when dealing with Ray last year. He (Olarenshaw) is an idiot who gets too emotionally invested in negotiations and cracks it when he's told things he doesn't want to hear.

For player managers it's business first, players are stuck in the middle whilst for us the fans it's far more tribal / family. And to think Olerenshaw grew up as a dogs fan.

[mjp]

I think it's fair to level some ire at Olarenshaw. If you listen to SEN you would have heard some of the vitriolic and petulant things he spat about the Bulldogs when dealing with Ray last year. He (Olarenshaw) is an idiot who gets too emotionally invested in negotiations and cracks it when he's told things he doesn't want to hear.

Like I said, if it makes you feel better to blame him, blame him.

[Rocco Jones]

He (Olarenshaw) is an idiot who gets too emotionally invested in negotiations and cracks it when he's told things he doesn't want to hear.

If only his client did the same.

[Desipura]

I'm not really looking at football as a business more just making the point that Brian's kids won't go hungry because he missed out on those few extra $

It concerns me when Brian continues to receive final notices on his electricity bill (has happened on alot of occasions recently). I would have thought this is one bill you do not neglect. Surely he is not that deep in debt?

[w3design]

Say the wage of someone in a well off family is $100,000 a year. Brian is set to receive $400,000 a year. In four years he'll have made an extra 1.2 mill than the average person. Surely if that were to be the end of his career he would have enough money to find his next stream of revenue without his family having to endure any hardships.

I would think Brian's career choices post football are somewhat limited, I don't blame him for making hay while the sun shines. Don't get me wrong, I'll be terribly disappointed if Brian leaves. I'll disappointed more for the team though as I think it will be very difficult to win the flag in 2010 without Brian.

Football is a business and it's love, hardheaded and esoteric. Complicated like a relationship where the rules keep changing.

[w3design]

Thats why we need you to get your kids pocket money pop it into an envelope, write a note in crayon and send it to Brian.

Save The Lake !

I don't think that will work with Brian, I think even he would pick that one. Anyway my daughter barracks for Acker at the moment. :p

[LostDoggy]

They've gotta take the focus off Barry Hall somehow!?!?!?!!! ;) :p

[EasternWest]

Like I said, if it makes you feel better to blame him, blame him.

You are good at interpreting things the way you want to see them. Are you Jeff Gieschen?

I never said blame Olarenshaw, I said I think it's fair to level some ire at him. As manager and advisor, it's clear the decision has his influence on it. But it ultimately rests with Brian, and he needs to do what's right for him. After last years handling of the Ray situation, it appears Olarenshaw doesn't like the Bulldogs, and I can't see him telling Brian to just go ahead and sign without turning the screws a bit more (which to play the devils advocate a bit, is his prerogative).

[KT31]

You are good at interpreting things the way you want to see them. Are you Jeff Gieschen?

I never said blame Olarenshaw, I said I think it's fair to level some ire at him. As manager and advisor, it's clear the decision has his influence on it. But it ultimately rests with Brian, and he needs to do what's right for him. After last years handling of the Ray situation, it appears Olarenshaw doesn't like the Bulldogs, and I can't see him telling Brian to just go ahead and sign without turning the screws a bit more (which to play the devils advocate a bit, is his prerogative).

He barracked for them when he was a kid.
Only a inch in it, a fence line separated our zones and Essendons.
Otherwise he would have been a Doggie and Scottie West a Bomber.

[EasternWest]

He barracked for them when he was a kid.
Only a inch in it, a fence line separated our zones and Essendons.
Otherwise he would have been a Doggie and Scottie West a Bomber.

Yeah I'd heard that. But from what I heard last year re: Ray, it would seem the love is gone.

And thank whatever higher power you believe in for that fence line. Olarenshaw was an ok player, but West in another realm.

[comrade]

2P0yrwmJmdI

Wouldn't this be ironic if Lake left for money...

[mjp]

You are good at interpreting things the way you want to see them. Are you Jeff Gieschen?

I never said blame Olarenshaw, I said I think it's fair to level some ire at him. As manager and advisor, it's clear the decision has his influence on it. But it ultimately rests with Brian, and he needs to do what's right for him. After last years handling of the Ray situation, it appears Olarenshaw doesn't like the Bulldogs, and I can't see him telling Brian to just go ahead and sign without turning the screws a bit more (which to play the devils advocate a bit, is his prerogative).

Stop speculating about Olarenshaw and passing the blame - ANY of the blame. If Lake wanted to sign - he would sign. I have said the exact same thing twice - all that blaming his manager is doing is making Bulldogs supporters feel better. As for the constant comments about the 'Ray situation' - it is just not relevant to what is happening here.

One other thing about Farren Ray - 90% of people on here wanted him gone before the trade period and were HAPPY when he left...it is only now that he has had a successful year at St Kilda that there is any angst about his departure. Further, it was not as if he had 15 other clubs banging down his door the way Lake does....comparing the two situations is like comparing an apple to a house brick.

Supposedly Brian Lake has been offered more money by another club than we have offered. He wants us to either up the ante or allow him to accept said offer. That has NOTHING to do with his manager. It has NOTHING to do with his wife or future generations of his family. It is up to him to make the decision and no-one else.

Start the Cooney conspiracy theories now - doesn't Olarenshaw manage him as well? And by then, the Gold Coast will be in and boy will they have some cash to throw about.

[ReLoad]

Has the recent birth of Brian's offspring impacted his ability to sleep and think clearly?

Yes we can understand the need to maximise your income, we do the same thing in our jobs, however, what is Brian doing this for, is it just a job? is it the need to win a flag? what is it?

What is staying with this group of players and having a tilt at a flag worth? is it worth 100k? a year (minus taxes, fees etc).

Brian, the longer this goes on the messier it becomes, so please, pretty please with a cherry on top, be a good boy and sign on the dotted line.

[Go_Dogs]

Start the Cooney conspiracy theories now - doesn't Olarenshaw manage him as well? And by then, the Gold Coast will be in and boy will they have some cash to throw about.

I'm trying to eat breakfast here, you're making me want to spew up!

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I'm trying to eat breakfast here, you're making me want to spew up!

Just the right tone to end the thread on.

[LostDoggy]

Yes we can understand the need to maximise your income, we do the same thing in our jobs, however, what is Brian doing this for, is it just a job? is it the need to win a flag? what is it?
.

Not all of us.

Plenty of us choose other things over dollars -- ie. many people choose to work for better companies for less money because of better experience/more exposure/better culture. Some of us work according to our values -- ie. we choose places that maybe pay less but where we feel that we can do work that means something to us. I work in an entire industry of people working for below their considerable market value to try to make a difference in the lives of other people in less priviledged conditions.

The only time money is the only consideration is if you happen to be doing work that you don't absolutely love and need to maximise return for a particular practical reason such as saving for a holiday or to buy a house or car: the classic distinction between loving work or working to make the money to do the things we love.

In this case, Brian is already living his dream job -- he was a junior discard that no one was going to give a chance to, except the Dogs. Of course, he's provided good service in return, but he has to decide what he values here, and whether to chase just pure dollars (remember, we're not exactly offering him peanuts here). If he decides to move to a bottom club for marginally more money, it would certainly taint perceptions of his character because it would expose his motives in life, and there's something grubby about people who value ONLY money over anything else.

[LostDoggy]

Not all of us.

Plenty of us choose other things over dollars -- ie. many people choose to work for better companies for less money because of better experience/more exposure/better culture. Some of us work according to our values -- ie. we choose places that maybe pay less but where we feel that we can do work that means something to us. I work in an entire industry of people working for below their considerable market value to try to make a difference in the lives of other people in less priviledged conditions.

The only time money is the only consideration is if you happen to be doing work that you don't absolutely love and need to maximise return for a particular practical reason such as saving for a holiday or to buy a house or car: the classic distinction between loving work or working to make the money to do the things we love.

In this case, Brian is already living his dream job -- he was a junior discard that no one was going to give a chance to, except the Dogs. Of course, he's provided good service in return, but he has to decide what he values here, and whether to chase just pure dollars (remember, we're not exactly offering him peanuts here). If he decides to move to a bottom club for marginally more money, it would certainly taint perceptions of his character because it would expose his motives in life, and there's something grubby about people who value ONLY money over anything else.

I'm not defending Lake here but I understand, unlike the rest of us, he has only this 4 year window to earn big dollars.

After that he will be back to the basic wage. He needs to maximise his earnings now balanced with the considerations of mateship and team success.

None of us know the real isues here because we have not been exposed to his view.

[EasternWest]

Stop speculating about Olarenshaw and passing the blame - ANY of the blame. If Lake wanted to sign - he would sign. I have said the exact same thing twice - all that blaming his manager is doing is making Bulldogs supporters feel better. As for the constant comments about the 'Ray situation' - it is just not relevant to what is happening here.

One other thing about Farren Ray - 90% of people on here wanted him gone before the trade period and were HAPPY when he left...it is only now that he has had a successful year at St Kilda that there is any angst about his departure. Further, it was not as if he had 15 other clubs banging down his door the way Lake does....comparing the two situations is like comparing an apple to a house brick.

Supposedly Brian Lake has been offered more money by another club than we have offered. He wants us to either up the ante or allow him to accept said offer. That has NOTHING to do with his manager. It has NOTHING to do with his wife or future generations of his family. It is up to him to make the decision and no-one else.

Start the Cooney conspiracy theories now - doesn't Olarenshaw manage him as well? And by then, the Gold Coast will be in and boy will they have some cash to throw about.

You make some relevant points, but it's naive to think a manager does not have any influence on a players decision, regardless of who the manager is. I for one am not blaming Olarenshaw, even though he's a grub. Likewise family. If family weren't an influence on the decisions players make then why do we always hear about the go home factor?

And I'm not sure anyone believes the discussions are the same in regard to Lake and Ray. I think it's more in reference to RO's negotiation style, where precedent has been set.

[KT31]

Start the Cooney conspiracy theories now - doesn't Olarenshaw manage him as well? And by then, the Gold Coast will be in and boy will they have some cash to throw about.

I have no doubt if the Dogs do not sign Cooney during the season we will be having the same discussions re him.

[KT31]

lake saved !!!!

[Doc26]

Not all of us.

Plenty of us choose other things over dollars -- ie. many people choose to work for better companies for less money because of better experience/more exposure/better culture. Some of us work according to our values -- ie. we choose places that maybe pay less but where we feel that we can do work that means something to us. I work in an entire industry of people working for below their considerable market value to try to make a difference in the lives of other people in less priviledged conditions.

The only time money is the only consideration is if you happen to be doing work that you don't absolutely love and need to maximise return for a particular practical reason such as saving for a holiday or to buy a house or car: the classic distinction between loving work or working to make the money to do the things we love.

In this case, Brian is already living his dream job -- he was a junior discard that no one was going to give a chance to, except the Dogs. Of course, he's provided good service in return, but he has to decide what he values here, and whether to chase just pure dollars (remember, we're not exactly offering him peanuts here). If he decides to move to a bottom club for marginally more money, it would certainly taint perceptions of his character because it would expose his motives in life, and there's something grubby about people who value ONLY money over anything else.

Can relate to this sentiment having chosen what would seem a similar path to yourself, that is, chosing work value over remuneration maximisation. The one thing I would add to this and is in Brian's favour is that I would still expect a degree of equity in conditions and remuneration 'within' my work environment. Is reasonable then for Brian to be remunerated at or close to his market value for his chosen industry.