R10: Nix v CCM, Hamilton NZ

[Big Al]

Movement =/= upgrades. Even if it's cost MC money, there's not exactly a pattern of having significantly improved the squad mid-season.

In 13/14 we lost McGlinchey, Sainsbury and McBreen and gained Ibini, Bosnar, Kim, Cernak, Trifiro and Sim. I'm calling that one a loss - three championship players out, for one in and a troublemaker, a non-entity, a journeyman and two state league players.

In 14/15 we lost Mane and Kim and gained Major, Pandurevic and Ferreira. I'll call that a win, because Ferreira was clearly a net addition.

Last year we lost Bosnar, Reddy, Fitzgerald, Caceres, Sim and Kalik through the course of the season and coming back the other way we got Garcia (but IIRC that was 'externally' funded - sponsors ponied up, similar to when Singo got Aloisi for us), Uskok, Stella Bray, McDonald and Fletcher the other way. That's not a win.

This year I'm at least optimistic that we aren't going to have an exodus. I think the kids have their best chance here, and (shoot me for saying this if you want) most of the older players are replaceable.

The problem for us is that despite the fact that the squad has had some odd additions in recent years and could do with a clean-out, I don't really see MC paying out contracts and upgrading mid-season when in reality we're not winning anything this year.

I see the TV deal as an abnormal factor, which will make this January a little unpredictable.
If we cut someone who is available

I see most clubs holding off with (Australian talent) until they have an idea on what they have to work with.

I think Paul would be more than happy to take the next Galloway in January if they are available but I think clubs would hold that sort of player in case they loose more valuable talent with the circus that will begin at end of season.

We could jump early trying to pick up players while everyone is holding off knowing our budget would be Fairly similar anyway and offer someone a certain contract amongst the angst some players will encounter.

As for releasing sure there are a few candidates but what will you get in replacement. We would just be releasing none playing players to probably pick up similar quality players on similar pay.

It will be an interesting time but I think we hold off until the offseason.

The only thing I can see changing would be Tav being told his ankle needs surgery and then he might be replaced.

Also would Monty and Fab be citizens in time? Presume they would be Australia Day inductees

 

[dibo]

If Tav goes, I reckon Faty goes too, and then we've got two foreign spots and a fair whack of coin available. We'd have lost our best player for the year so far, but injuries are injuries.

I'd hope we go for a Spiranovic type, and then maybe have a chat to Mustafa Amini and see if he'd like to patch things up with Okon.

 

[JoyfulPenguin]

Curtis Good is just coming back from injury with Newcastle and I doubt he will get anywhere near their first team. Was terrific with Heart before he left and would be a good pick up on loan.

 

[Wombat]

Maybe I'm too much of an optimist but I find the fact we bought Galloway in just before the season started-ish as a good sign.

He replaced Rose. It was after about 4 rounds from memory. How is that a good sign?
Who replaced Adelson?
NONE of our signing have been a good sign. All have been cheap arse. Our best result was Pain, who Musc**t thought he was swapping a better player for. Only Paddy was good business and we took a punt.

 

[nebakke]

If Tav goes, I reckon Faty goes too, and then we've got two foreign spots and a fair whack of coin available. We'd have lost our best player for the year so far, but injuries are injuries.

I'd hope we go for a Spiranovic type, and then maybe have a chat to Mustafa Amini and see if he'd like to patch things up with Okon.

Probably optimistic to hope for Amini as well - he's been starting consistently for AGF... By all accounts he's hardly been setting the league on fire, but he seems to have been performing better with them than he ever did with Randers... And he's on a four-year-deal there...

 

[dibo]

Good point.