Keep up to date with all the AFL trade news from day five of the trade period.
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Good morning and welcome to Real Footy's live coverage of day five of the 2014 AFL trade period.
If Friday is anything like Thursday, we're in for a dramatic day.
Some early news through is that Essendon midfielder Ben Howlett has re-signed for two season.
A defiant tweet this morning from Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch, quashing rumours the club is willing to trade a top player for want-away Magpie Dayne Beams.
BL fans. Dont listen to those that have plans to destabilize us. Kids will not be traded. BTW Did you hear pendles wants out. It's that easy — Justin Leppitsch (@JLeppitsch) October 9, 2014
There is significant talk around this morning that Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney's future is in jeopardy after the club's captain Ryan Griffen requested a trade to GWS.
The Dogs' board is currently meeting and the coach's future is squarely on the agenda.
The Club will hold a press conference at 11:30am, with President Peter Gordon and CEO Simon Garlick to speak. — Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) October 9, 2014
Brendan McCartney's coaching record over three seasons as Bulldogs' coach stands at 20 wins and 46 losses.
In case you missed it, Jake Niall took a look at the reasons behind Griffen's decision yesterday.
In other news, AFL Players' Association CEO Paul Marsh took aim at the AFL's decision revealed by Emma Quayle yesterday to ban Sydney from trading in players.
"The AFL Players’ Association is disappointed by the AFL’s directive, which will prevent the Sydney Swans from recruiting new players through a trade or free agency over the next two years.
In our view, the directive has an adverse impact on players, both at Sydney and elsewhere. It will prevent players from going to Sydney through a trade or free agency, and will also make it more difficult for players at Sydney to leave the club through a trade."
In our view, the directive has an adverse impact on players, both at Sydney and elsewhere. It will prevent players from going to Sydney through a trade or free agency, and will also make it more difficult for players at Sydney to leave the club through a trade.
Jake Niall can confirm that the Western Bulldogs and Brendan McCartney have parted company.
After the 2011 season, Mark Neeld, Brenton Sanderson, Scott Watters, Brendan McCartney and Nathan Buckley became first-time AFL coaches.
Only Buckley still has his job.
A reminder of what Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said yesterday:
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.
The press conference with Gordon and Garlick is only moments away.
Gordon was also at the helm when the Bulldogs parted company with Terry Wheeler and Alan Joyce during his first stint as club president.
While all this chaos is going on at the kennel, Adam Cooney is having a medical at North Melbourne. He wants out and Dogs want him out. — Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) October 10, 2014
Peter Gordon: "As a club we've all been dissatisfied with progress on the field in 2014."
The central and predominant concern was the communication issue Brendan McCartney had with senior players.
He has co-operated and tried to improve.
We were concerned if the situation was recoverable.
These were not issues present in 2012 and 2013.
The evidence pointed to a deterioration in player-coach communication in 2014.
This situation emerged out of Macca's work ethic.
We determined several weeks ago to continue to work with Macca.
We collected feedback from players and staff.
Our captain Ryan Griffen had indicated he was pleased with the review and willing to continue to work with Macca.
Our board meeting about it a few weeks ago occupied several hours.
Griffen's change of mind in the past few days has changed the situation significantly.
Macca said yesterday he was uncertain whether the situation was recoverable for 2015.
He himself believed it was an impediment for 2015, and he has therefore decided to resign effective immediately.
We agree this is in the best interests of the footy club.
"He's made a fantastic contribution to the game...and to our footy club."
He does a lot of great volunteering work.
"We wish him well...he will always be welcome here."
"Our players don't run this club."
"I'm very proud of our players."
They [the players] have had these concerns for some time and have not blamed others.
For Ryan to come to me and acknowledge his concerns took its own sort of courage.
"Yesterday was an inspiring day for me."
"I believe our foundations are strong for the future."
Gordon responding to questions.
- We hope Griffen will stick to his contract as a matter of principle.
- "I hurt for [Brendan]."
- Gordon hasn't spoken to Griffen since Wednesday night.
- Gordon understands Griffen has gone pig shooting.
- "He'd never been comfortable with the captaincy."
- I'm not sure Griffen appreciated how much his on-field courage inspired.
- Events are more complicated than something which can be summarised for 6pm news.
- He's unlikely to be captain in 2015.
- "We will emerge stronger from this."
Next Western Bulldogs coach (odds courtesy of Sportsbet):
$3.50 Brett Montgomery
$7.00 Brendan Bolton
$8.00 Mark Thompson
$9.00 Scott Burns
$10 Leigh Tudor, Michael Voss, Stuart Dew
$12 Brenton Sanderson, Brett Ratten
$15 Scott West
$17+ others
Gordon: "This is not a crisis. This is a tough week in the office."
PG: with our list we should be playing finals every year for the next ten years — Michael Gleeson (@mickgleeson) October 10, 2014
Gordon: (on the prospects of getting Tom Lonergan from Geelong): Tom's obviously close with Brendan.
Gordon: "We will emerge the stronger for it."
"Macca's chosen to release a statement, that will be available to you shortly."
A reminder in case you are confused (which would be understandable on day like this), this is technically a trade blog.
Today is also deadline day for the Brisbane Lions to accept an offer from Collingwood in relation to Dayne Beams.
A long-time Bulldogs fan just told AFL Trade Radio that he will now be following the Gold Coast Suns.
If ever the AFLPA and the AFLCA were gonna have a problem with each other, it'd be now. — Travis Fitzgibbon (@travfitz) October 10, 2014
Players certainly hold the whip hand these days, don't they? Might as well just go back to having captain-coaches perhaps? — Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) October 10, 2014
Bulldogs players speculated as possible departures from the club:
- Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne) - confirmed
- Adam Cooney (North Melbourne, Essendon)
- Ryan Griffen (GWS)
- Liam Jones (Carlton)
- Jason Tutt (Carlton)
A flashback to late in 2011, when new Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney sat down with Caroline Wilson.
We are expecting that Brisbane Lions defender Joel Patfull will be confirmed as heading to GWS for pick 21 soon.
Go on flight, by time I get off another coach gone. Even the best of gentlemen isn't immune from brutal AFL environment #greatman #macca — Michael Voss (@voss03) October 10, 2014
In case you missed it, Emma Quayle reports that Essendon is pushing on with its radical plan to release Paddy Ryder from his contract.
Paddy Ryder's manager Paul Connors has been on 3AW:
"I think what he's saying to Essendon is, 'Look after [me]. I know you may not get [a] completely fair [trade] for what I'm worth.. but I think he's saying this is bigger than football," he said.
"Yes he could [retire] if Essendon try to block any avenues that he can get to another club, yeah he probably would.
"I always knew he was deeply affected after the first interview with ASADA because I think that's where a few of the big bombshells were let loose to Paddy.
"The sad thing is if this doesn't end up well Paddy could be lost to football."
More on Adam Cooney possibly heading to North Melbourne from 3AW's Sam McClure:
North adamant they won't give up much for him, but expect a deal to get done. Maybe a 4th rounder. — Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) October 10, 2014
In other footy news, delisted Richmond ruckman Orren Stephenson will return to North Ballarat as a playing assistant coach.
Speaking of famous footy trades:
42 years ago today, Doug Wade joined @NorthKangaroos under the 'ten year rule'
— Rhett Bartlett (@rhettrospective) October 10, 2014
Wade is one of only five players to have kicked 1000 VFL/AFL goals.
St Kilda fans have been starved of father-son recruits (apart from David Sierakowski), but perhaps there is some hope for 18 years down the track following the news that Stewart Loewe's partner Katrina has given birth to twin boys.
The first trade of the day has been confirmed, with Joel Patfull's manager Shane Casley telling AFL Trade Radio that the Lion has been traded to GWS for pick 21.
Patfull is 29-years-old and won the Lions best and fairest in both 2012 and 2013.
The Lions had earlier in the week re-signed young defender Daniel McStay.
Lions Talent Acquisition and Retention Manager, Peter Schwab, thanked Patfull for his service on the club's official website.
“Joel has been an outstanding player for this Club over the past nine years. He is a two-time best and fairest winner and has been a very consistent performer for us over a number of seasons,” said Schwab.
“Joel expressed his desire to relocate to Sydney and as such we tried to secure a deal that was in the best interest of both the Club and Joel.
“Mature negotiations were had between all parties and at the end of the day both sides are happy with the outcome.
"We have one of the youngest lists in the competition so losing the experience of Joel is a loss for us but a second round selection gives us the opportunity to pick up a young guy who may be the next Joel Patfull and can play for 10 years."
Casley has told SEN that even though there were discussion involving Patfull and the Swans, the fact he headed to GWS instead had nothing to do with the AFL's ban on Sydney from trading players in.
Casley, who also manages Liam Jones, says the McCartney sacking does not change the situation with Jones hoping to get to Carlton.
Vote: Who should be the next coach of the Bulldogs?
Hawthorn recruiting manager Graham Wright has told AFL Trade Radio that fringe ruckmen Sam Grimley and Luke Lowden are both seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Geelong football manager Neil Balme has told AFL Trade Radio that the Cats would accept the Lions' newly-acquired pick 21 for Allen Christensen.
Trade Paperwork Lodged: Brisbane exchange Joel Patfull to GWS Giants for its end rd1 compensation pick (curr. 21). — Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 10, 2014
Balme: We're very confident that Mitch (Clark) is virtually done. We don't have any problem with the fact Mitch will be here next year.
Balme says out-of-favour defender Taylor Hunt will more than likely be leaving the club.
GWS list manager Stephen Silvagni has told the club's website the Giants are rapt to have Patfull on board.
“We’re delighted to secure a player of Joel’s quality and experience and he will help strengthen our defence," Silvagni said.
“We saw the impact that experienced players like Shane Mumford and Heath Shaw had last season and we believe Joel will do the same.
“Joel is a two time Club Champion at the Lions with the ability to play on both big and small forwards and he has plenty of good football ahead of him,” he said.
Essendon's big effort to keep Jason Winderlich on board has been successful, the Tigers have been told he's staying put. — Emma Quayle (@emmasq) October 10, 2014
AFL Coaches' Association CEO Mark Brayshaw on AFL Trade Radio: I called Brendan (McCartney) today, he's in remarkably good spirits.
"A good captain, the right character, would try to solve the problem not walk out on the problem," Leigh Matthew said on 3AW discussing the Griffen situation.
Brisbane Lions director of coaching Peter Schwab on AFL Trade Radio:
- Picks 5 and 25 are still on the table for Dayne Beams.
- Pick 21 should probably get the job done for Allen Christensen.
- Collingwood requested pick 21 as part of the Beams deal, but the Lions are reserving that pick for Christensen.
Schwab: "We won't change it. It's as good as we can possibly do. We'll go to the draft and that's not a bad thing."
'macca' is now trending in #Melbourne http://t.co/pBY4yf1s0f — Trendsmap Melbourne (@TrendsMelbourne) October 10, 2014
In case you missed it, Scott Spits reports on comments from Paul Connors that Paddy Ryder could be forced into retirement.
The latest on the McCartney resignation at 6 @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/cSi73nDMLV — Mark Stevens (@Stevo7AFL) October 10, 2014
BREAKING: Tom Lonergan is staying at Geelong.
“We are very happy Tom will see out his contract with the club," Neil Balme said on the Geelong website.
“There is no doubt he is a important member of our side going forward.”
Great to hear Joel Patfull has joined the club. Super player and a big get for the group. Looking forward to 2015! #standtall — Phil Davis (@phildavis_1) October 10, 2014
Tom Lonergan knocked back a reportedly three-year deal from the Western Bulldogs.
Amazing show of loyalty to this great club by a great man! @tomlonergan13 — Andrew Mackie (@AndrewMackie_4) October 10, 2014
The close of business on day five has been passed, and there has been just one tnew trade completed:
Joel Patfull (BL) to GWS for pick 21
The other big trade-related stories today are:
- Tom Lonergan has confirmed he will remain at Geelong in 2015.
- Jason Winderlich has back-flipped and should be at Essendon in 2015.
- The Brisbane Lions and Cats have all but agreed on a trade which would see Allen Christensen head north for pick 21.
- The Lions meanwhile will not be budging on their offer of pick 5 and pick 25 for Dayne Beams.
- Paddy Ryder's manager Paul Connors says his client could retire if he doesn't get to Port Adelaide.
Ryan Griffen remains committed to leaving the Western Bulldogs. Jake Niall reports.
Statement from Collingwood on its website:
"Out of respect to Dayne, Collingwood worked as hard as it could to construct an equitable deal with the Lions who pursued the contracted 24 year-old All-Australian midfielder but, ultimately, didn’t value him as Collingwood does."
"As everyone is aware, Dayne requested a trade to Brisbane for personal reasons, something Collingwood agreed to consider as long as the outcome returned appropriate compensation.
"Unfortunately, this was not forthcoming.Collingwood’s position from the outset was that a good player and an early draft pick was a fair return, although the club did consider the possibility of a combination of draft picks. Even this failed to produce a solution.
"Now that negotiations with Brisbane have ceased, Collingwood is free to pursue other opportunities involving players and picks. The club remains open to offers from other clubs for Dayne, if that is his wish.
"If not, at the conclusion of the trade period the club will look to sit down with Dayne to prepare for the 2015 season."
Brendan McCartney has issued a statement on the Western Bulldogs website:
"I wish to thank the Western Bulldogs Football Club for providing me the opportunity to coach the Club for three years."
"In particular, I would like to acknowledge the support guidance and wisdom of Simon Garlick and Chris Grant, the various members of the Board and notably our past President David Smorgon and Peter Gordon, both proud committed ‘Bulldogs’ people.
"It’s a big job being a Senior Coach in an AFL Club, but it’s a brilliant job and it wouldn’t have been possible without great support from staff and players.
"The life-blood of a coach is the coaches around him and I have received brilliant help and support from my coaches. They are fantastic footy men who know the game and care for the players.
"They mean a great deal to me and I wish them well in their careers.
"To our supporters and members in particular – those I have come to know personally – thank you for your patience and emotion. We had some good times, some tough moments and patches where progress seemed slow.
"What I would like to reinforce to you is that your Club is in good hands. Management, recruiting, player development, strength and conditioning are resourced, committed and very capable.
"Thanks to some inspired selections over the last 4 to 5 years by our recruiting team – the Club is well placed with a brilliant crop of young players. Contrary to public perception, there are also experienced players who love their Club and provide outstanding leadership and direction for their team mates.
"I’d also like to acknowledge all of the Club staff (Communications, Fan Development, Events, Commercial Operations, Finance, HR and Executive) for their dedication and hard work – there are a lot of good people at the Club.
"It’s a sad man that resigns today, but that’s footy. I leave knowing that I got some things right and got some wrong, but I did my best and gave everything. I guess that is all my parents and family would ever ask. I loved the journey and the challenges and it was only possible because of my great wife, family and friends."
The hordes want Brendan McCartney to spray all these who pushed him out. He didn't. Now he leaves with his integrity intact. #macca — Roy Ward (@rpjward) October 10, 2014 null
Adelaide's Jason Porplyzia has retired after a career of 130 games and 181 goals.
Thanks for joining us today on Real Footy for day five of the trade blog. Make sure to keep up to date with all the trade news here over the weekend, and we'll be back for another day of live action on Monday.