News

Bombers commit to Gumbleton

Monday, 10 October 2011
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon says it is committed to keeping injury-prone key forward Scott Gumbleton.

The 23-year-old West Australian did not play a senior game in 2011 after battling on-going hamstring and back injuries, and has played only 22 games in five seasons at the club.

But general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said that Gumbleton would not be offered up for trade this week.

"Scott's a required player," Hamilton told afl.com.au's Trade Week Radio.

"As we all know he's had some troubles with injuries over a period of time.

"In 2010 he was able to play 16 games in a row which was promising and pleasing. This year he's had a few setbacks, but he's actually got his body right at the end of the season.

"He's under contract and we need him to have a good pre-season - get him stronger, get him fitter, and have a real assault on the season next year."

Gumbleton was selected by the Bombers with pick two in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.

Essendon coach James Hird ruled out trading another big man, key defender Cale Hooker.

"I haven't had any discussions about Cale at all, so I can't imagine him going anywhere," the Bombers coach said before entering trade discussions at Etihad Stadium on Monday morning.

Hird said the club's focus was to bolster its midfield, but that would more likely be done via the NAB AFL Draft than by trading out key position players.

"We'll keep our eyes and ears open, but I can't imagine us being too active this week," he said.

"We'd love to see a fast midfielder who could come and win a premiership for us, but they don't normally throw them around.

"We think we've got the right amount of depth at both ends of the ground, and we need to get midfielders into the team.

"That can be done through the draft and that's what we're looking at doing."

Become a project donor today at The Flight Plan - tracking Essendon's move from Windy Hill to Melbourne Airport.

PLAYER PROFILE: Scott Gumbleton
PLAYER PROFILE: Cale Hooker

Your comments

Add your own comment now!

Username:
Password:
I've forgotten my details, please email them to me.

Your comment (must be 100 words or less):

Good job bombers, gumby may be a late bloomer, as Hirdy says noones going to throw class midfielders up in trade week, so lets go for speed and midfield nous in the draft and develop these kids. We've got 2-3 years before we threaten, so it gives us time to get some extra class in the middle...then we can do what the cats have done and push for top 4 for 6-8 years.

- Todd Walsh (posted 10/10/2011 12:15:44 PM)

if essendon keep gumbleton for another year, he will have no value in next year draft

- Shane Tharle (posted 10/10/2011 12:39:10 PM)

Good to hear. Would love to see Gumby running around fit and strong. Hooker is a great defender, just needs to get over the hamstring problems. Go Bombers, recruit and develop our own star midfielders.

- James Kerwin (posted 10/10/2011 12:41:51 PM)

Am sick of constantly hearing that we well not be active participants in draft week. Why Not ??? With Sheed's we were always prepared to go out and get the type of player we needed. Okay to say we'll develop our own - some with respect,won't get any better Get real Essendon and find that mongrel we once had.

- Terry Kucz (posted 10/10/2011 12:42:23 PM)

No point in offering Gumbleton for trade. Given his history I doubt there would be any interest from other clubs.

- Geoff Cliff (posted 10/10/2011 12:43:36 PM)

A common-sense approach to it all, James. There is nothing wrong with the great majority of the team. We certainly do not need to trade out anybody. The draft should suffice for us.

- Joan Hill (posted 10/10/2011 12:44:19 PM)

Let's keep the faith! If that body gets/is right, then we've got a superstar on our hands.

- Graham Flynn (posted 10/10/2011 1:02:05 PM)

Why not get involved an see what it will take to get the first or second mini draft selection

- Steven Nolan (posted 10/10/2011 1:12:56 PM)

Not a good move

- Dave Davo (posted 10/10/2011 1:14:42 PM)

So glad to hear that we are persisting with Gumby and Cale. Hopefully our new fitness guru will get them fit and keep them thay way throughout the season. They must be real comfortable hearing that Hirdy is backing them all the way.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 10/10/2011 1:16:57 PM)

Happy with that news.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 10/10/2011 1:32:31 PM)

trade Prismall wasted of time having him

- MARK JONES (posted 10/10/2011 1:40:24 PM)

Good stuff. I'm keen to see Gumby play, I haven't yet! Also, I'm very interested to see if we can pick up anyone for our midfield.

- Matthew Penrose (posted 10/10/2011 1:54:45 PM)

Fair enough.Fine by me.

- Mark Elze (posted 10/10/2011 2:01:55 PM)

I have no doubt that Gumby will be a good player but I'm not sure that it will be in red and black. I believe he needs a change.

- alec shiffman (posted 10/10/2011 2:02:01 PM)

(I keep imagining an ‘AFL 7-11’….) A typical day for the cashier: (Man) “Yeah, give us an extra-large backline, willya, mate? No sauce.” (Young Boy) Me Dad aksed me to pick up a packet of Dangerfields and a Sellwood!” (Mother to her small child) “NO, I am NOT going to buy you that Toy!” (To a group of teenage girls) “LOOK, if you are not going to BUY Monfries, just put him back!”, … yep, hard-nut, complete-package, Usain Bolt-like, fast-handed, pinpoint-accurate, long-kicking, impervious-to-insult-injury-or-fatigue, fan-proof, infinitely loyal and CHEAP midfielders…. Recuiters - just go down to the shop and pick some up!

- Kris Bayne (posted 10/10/2011 2:15:47 PM)

Mark jones,You should have watched some of the games that Prismal played just before he got injured. He was best player on ground a few times, looking brilliant through the midfield. He will be one of our best next season without a doubt.

- Michael Walters (posted 10/10/2011 2:19:49 PM)

Cant believe people forget his last year...... he was dominating?!?!?!? this guys a monster when he is up and going. Imagine all the pressure it would take off Hurley? People are too quick to put players to the sword.

- Marc Collis (posted 10/10/2011 2:34:48 PM)

Would love to see Gumby and JC roaming the forward 50 next season with Hurls at CHF pushing into the middle occasionally a'la Nick Reiwoldt. Paddy and TBC smashing it in the ruck. Wondering if JC is another potential ruckman? Or do we just keep him at FF? Any chance of recruiting FEV? Seriously, sign him for 3 years on about $90K a year and stipulate that he will have to earn his spot through the VFL. If he never plays seniors, no big deal, the 2nd's crowds will be huge. Take a chance!

- Josh Byrne (posted 10/10/2011 2:45:38 PM)

Brilliant, Kris...reminds me of the Monty Python Cheese Emporium sketch..."this is a cheese shop isn't it...do you have any cheese here at all?" We need a certain type of player..."sorry, we're fresh out of those".

- Wesley Hull (posted 10/10/2011 2:53:12 PM)

Seriously, though...we should only trade if the absolute right deal is placed in front of us. Keep an open mind, but don't trade just to say we did. I would rather be patient and develop existing youth and draftees. And if we were offered a Ryan Griffen, Daniel Rich, Matt Priddis, Patrick Dangerfield or similar for next to nothing this week, then what a bonus. (just ridiculously unlikely).

- Wesley Hull (posted 10/10/2011 2:58:30 PM)

Very very surprised about Gumby, 22 games in 5 years, hasn't even shown anything special in those games & struggled with Bendigo, the club has to be very careful not to be left behind the pack, with a shallow draft, as they say it drops off rapidly after about 15, if someone isn't shaping up trade or delist, but players with chronic hammies don't have much trade value, how LONG does a club give a player, does the club want to be a top 4 side or just make up the numbers, time to be ruthless

- Mark McLachlan (posted 10/10/2011 2:59:08 PM)

not unhappy to keep gumby worried he will go somewhere else and finnally come good and kick 100 goals somewhere else. its a shame about he's body but the kid is only 23 one of these years it will be he's time

- Ian Welsh (posted 10/10/2011 3:00:40 PM)

gumby reminds me a lot of oakleigh's bobby 'dazzler' davies, except that bobby was always able to play thru the pain barrier and get himself right to contest the centre bounces as well as CHF. gumby needs to do the same in 2012. Marg.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 10/10/2011 3:13:35 PM)

Josh B, your post was great until the middle. We. don't. want. or. need. Fevola. I think other posts to that effect will follow.

- Kris Bayne (posted 10/10/2011 3:15:50 PM)

Marc Collis in 6 seasons Gumbleton has never dominated a game has been handy at best

- Norman Barr (posted 10/10/2011 3:28:33 PM)

Gumby has got great ability, and he can overcome his injury problems. Good one Kris, you're right, it's easy to get a very good player in the trade period without giving something every bit as good or better in exchange,

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 10/10/2011 3:38:27 PM)

I guess, Mark McL, they have invested so much into Gumby that they will at least want to give him a chance to get fully fit to return the faith. He could be awesome and they'll have to bank on that.

- Kris Bayne (posted 10/10/2011 3:40:17 PM)

Would much prefered to go after Gunston, he only nominated the Hawks after a report in the HS that Evans said the club wasn't interested in him as we had enough talls, but we need at least 2 tall, strong key backs capable of stopping the power forwards & another marking forward to compliment Hurley, would love to see Crameri across HF, with his pace and strength would cause havoc with another tall FF & Hurley

- Mark McLachlan (posted 10/10/2011 3:53:33 PM)

Its bad that Gumbleton has not got a full fit season in yet but he is not required now, we have our Tall forwards and backs worked out. But is it true we are looking at Dangerfield?

- Matthew Humphreys (posted 10/10/2011 4:20:04 PM)

Don't trade Cale. Fletch won't be around forever as awesome as he is. Gumby should be given the last year of his contract to show us if he's going to make it. Still think he will make it and wish him all the best.

- Sam Willis (posted 10/10/2011 4:23:04 PM)

Kris, to say your posts are brilliant is an understatement my friend, thanx

- Mark McLachlan (posted 10/10/2011 4:29:18 PM)

Save the salary cap to invest in Hurley. We have to try Ross and Browne in the midfield this year and Steinberg up front. 2012 is their year to be given a chance to shine, Pick some other young midfielders in the draft and work them up for 2013.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 10/10/2011 4:30:51 PM)

Gumby is contracted for next year. I think we all know, including Scott, he has to get on the park and show something. Enough is enough. Like most of us I hope he fires. I have never seen him dominate, and doubt he can.

- Brad Scarr (posted 10/10/2011 4:36:39 PM)

So,Margarobert,are you saying that Gumby is a VFA standard player only.???

- Bill Carbis (posted 10/10/2011 4:40:27 PM)

Yes, agree with Josh Byrne. Go get Fev.

- Jeanette Jennings (posted 10/10/2011 4:41:19 PM)

Lets get hurley signed up on a 3 year deal, if we lose hime he would be very hard to replace.

- Wayne Haase (posted 10/10/2011 5:11:35 PM)

While it's not going to be easy to organise a trade to say that we don't need to improve our list or even entertain the idea is just silly.

- Wayne Purcell (posted 10/10/2011 5:15:08 PM)

Now is not the time to be active in the draft and recruit mature age players. Once we have built up our own stocks and bodies in 2-3 years we should then get a few older, experienced players through the draft for a crack at the flag. To get them now could be counter-productive. Well, that's my theory anyway - I can't explain our reluctance to recruit with anything else.

- Francis Connolly (posted 10/10/2011 5:16:34 PM)

Agree with Shane Tharle - time to say farewell to the failed Gumbleton experiment. Get something for him whilst he still has value. Will be too late next year.

- Steven Swann (posted 10/10/2011 6:01:31 PM)

Sorry JJ I do not. Crazy idea. Hirdy is a fair bit smarter than Vossy I would hope. Also, why are we stressing about Hurls - he is contracted next year. The managers now days string it out to get the best deals - it is out of Michaels hands. He seems to like it here though, new facilities and I'm sure he sees where we are heading.

- Brad Scarr (posted 10/10/2011 7:20:49 PM)

YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP A GOOD PLAYER,AND,OR A TOP DRAFT PICK TO GET A DECENT MID FIELDER, THEY DO NOT GROW ON TREES.LETS HOPE GUMBLETON HAS A GOOD PRE SEASON. ANNE BRIAR HILL.

- anne aa (posted 10/10/2011 7:26:53 PM)

In all fairness to Scott Gumbleton injury and home-sickness have affected his football progress. Hopefully, 2012 is blue sky ahead for Scott. With talk of trading him, if it were to eventually happen, it should be back to WA. Right now let's hope he has the opportunity to display his talent and excite Essendon supporters for 100+ games.

- Martin Gol (posted 10/10/2011 7:57:33 PM)

Hrm, interesting. Didn't Hooker recommit to us in the last couple of months with Hocking & Melksham, perhaps? Could be wrong. On the one hand its easy to say that time will tell with Gumby, but the fact is that in 5 years it hasn't shown much other than he hurts easily. I feel for the guy though and want to see him do well. What about David Hille? With TBC & Josh Jenkins coming up thru the ranks, and with David himself looking a little like things were going past him in the 2nd half of last year he'd be one that clubs would certainly have a look at, maybe?

- Duncan Eastey (posted 10/10/2011 8:26:24 PM)

Jemes Hird is a true essendon man and doesnt like to see anyone leave the club, but to be honest gumbleton is too fragile and nowhere near as good as hurley or crameri, and Hooker makes a lot of errors in defense.

- David Zemunik (posted 10/10/2011 8:40:40 PM)

im a gumbleton fan but how does hurley ryder hille bellchambers calisle hooker pears fletcher gumbleton play in the same team somethings gotta give and we need young mids jaeger omeara is the best in the land have a crack dons

- steve finch (posted 10/10/2011 9:04:15 PM)

HEY MARK. M. if there arent any decent draft picks left tell me why we would delist a heap of players??? to get a load of average draft picks? why not persist for one more yr with a guy who has obvious talent and if he doesnt perform he can make way next year when the draft goes a bit deeper.

- miguel hulm (posted 10/10/2011 10:34:28 PM)

Scott who??? how many games he played in 5 seasons? how many has Bryce Ginbs (taken ONE pick earlier) played?

- Gordan Gasparovic (posted 10/10/2011 10:59:53 PM)

As long as he's taking up minimum wage space in the salary cap. We took Gumbleton with pick 2 in that draft. Geelong took Joel Selwood with pick 6. In terms of other talls in the same draft, Collingwood took Ben Reid with pick 8 and Chris Dawes with pick 28, Richmond took Jack Riewoldt with pick 13, Adelaide took Kurt Tippett with pick 32, Port took Justin Westhoff with pick 71 and Sydney took Jesse White with pick 79. Sure, 20-20 hindsight and all that... But perhaps we could draft better this time around?

- Ashley Midalia (posted 10/10/2011 11:42:34 PM)

I am happy to read that Essendon are keeping the faith and investing in getting Gumby fit. The times he did play showed signs of brilliance. He has just been unfortunate to incur injuries. As have other players at times. Cale Hooker and Tayte Pears, yes another boy who has suffered injuries, will be absolutely the dynamic duo in the back. Hope Fletch plays for another 10 years but have to be realistic. Mark Jones were you one of the Stanton baggers? You say get rid of Prismall, thats pretty harsh!

- Rita Sharrock (posted 11/10/2011 12:34:29 AM)

Yes Marg,you have survived well after all your trials,tribulations and traumatic moments with the purplies,and well done :-) Surely a book will be on the cards,Ray will read it,and probably most of your former team mates will be most alarmed at how you got away with it for so long... But alert fellow supporters have followed your "journey" in the Hangar,so no real surprises once you hung up the high heels with ole Oaksleigh.. And poor Ray,hopes dashed for another year with Gumby getting the thumbs up.. Darn MK... he's to blame for sticking with Scotty first :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 11/10/2011 3:48:24 AM)

gumby is only a young player, and has had a lot of injuries, it would be cruel to get rid of him so soon. i am glad you're sticking with him essendon :) good luck in 2012 soctty!!

- Kymmy Hinton (posted 11/10/2011 7:50:05 AM)

Best wishes for season 2012, Scott. The Club shows immense faith in you, so hopefully this positive vibe will work magic on your back and hamstrings! :) Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 11/10/2011 8:39:22 AM)

This really is a tough one. If we keep him, he has another year to prove himself but if he fails to deliver then he has next to no currency in next year's trade week.

- Joel Fruci (posted 11/10/2011 8:55:29 AM)

"but he's actually got his body right at the end of the season" WHAT, TO LATE! TRADE HIM PLEASE!

- Philip Martin (posted 11/10/2011 8:58:30 AM)

The only thing I really want to hear right now is that Hurley has been re-signed for 4 more years. Other than that, I think we are going about it just right. Last chance for Scotty to try and have a huge pre-season and see what he can do. If not, the next Daniher is sure to fill his place in 2013.

- Andrew Charlton (posted 11/10/2011 9:22:02 AM)

Part 2... Just my opinion but it's time to harsh, and maybe realistic... Hilley needs to go, when Paddy plays ruck he gives us 1st touch, every single time! It's SO obvious, surely i'm not the only one who sees this?! Hilley has been great for us but we can't keep dragging this out, we will lose Belly and if we are after youth, kind of, Dave needs to go... McVeigh is too old, too slow and has lost that once, fire in the belly that made him a player that others knew would have their back in a fight...

- Aaron Salmon (posted 11/10/2011 9:33:01 AM)

Part3... I really like Alwyn, but he doesn't seem interested, he's lost that super explosive chase that he did in '09 when teams feared attempting to run the ball out of Essendons forward line...

- Aaron Salmon (posted 11/10/2011 9:42:00 AM)

typical essendon of recent years, sitting on their hands. never proactive in trade week. as for gumby we have wasted four odd years why not a couple more.

- peter campbell (posted 11/10/2011 10:21:53 AM)

attack a midfielder like we did our coaching panel last year & make one ours, no matter what the rest of the league thinks!

- David Mitchell (posted 11/10/2011 11:07:02 AM)

Gumbleton has ability, never seen him dominant though, wish him luck with his last chance! Give Hooker go up forward. Rob Box

- Robert Box (posted 11/10/2011 11:42:28 AM)

Essendon need to keep Pris, he just started playing really good consistent footy before yet another injury blow... Pay Hurls as much as he wants, for as long as he wants... He is Essendons next captain! The way he presents himself at contests is amazing... Jobe, Fletch, Budda, Hurls, Heps, Zaka, Gus, Crams, Hibs, Melks, Paddy, Pears, Howlett and Stants are going to lead this Powerhouse back to the top!

- Aaron Salmon (posted 11/10/2011 11:46:49 AM)

Im sorry but he must be traded to give him another chance at another club? He might star for them but finished with us. Neagle had his chances and I think he might be younger. where is the logic??? And please he hasnt been a "SUPERSTAR" FOR 4 YEARS NOW! its over! He will have no value next year! And I am loyal but I am smart and understand AFL.

- Michael Hanna (posted 11/10/2011 12:59:00 PM)

It took Tomahawk this long to play a good game for the Cats, and he was taking up a spot in their team the whole time. Next year's the official Year of the Gumby!

- Luke Smith (posted 11/10/2011 2:12:37 PM)

Well said Aarron Salmon.

- Brad Scarr (posted 11/10/2011 2:18:50 PM)

I am a fan of Gumby but I think he has had his chances, I think a trade whilst he has some value and preferably to Sheeds mob up the road, maybe Gumby and a later draft pick to see if we cant get the O'Meara kid for next year when we will get Daniher as well. I am sure sheeds would love another "project" player

- Marc Atkins (posted 11/10/2011 2:26:16 PM)

Michael Hanna,you gotta admit it mate... Hirdy is smarter than the lot of us... :-) :-) If the day ever arrives,and Club and player say enough is enough,then that will be it !! Wally took nearly 10 years to get to 100 games... and played in two flags,Kevin Walsh,two flags...how long did it take for Walshie to make it... Gumby "could" turn out better than the two of them. He's 23 and not over the hill just yet.. Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 11/10/2011 3:18:16 PM)

Miguel, How long do we give Gumby, in 5 years he has NOT shown anything except that he likes to go for the speckies, but very rarely took them, little if any 2nd efforts, lucky to get a game with Bendigo & when he did rarely got a mention or kicked goals, young Longy is another they have to have a serious look at, Chronic hammies very rarely get much better, look at Hooker, he gets slower everytime he returns from a hammy, Hammies prematurely ended Lloyds, Buckleys & Richo's careers.. cheers

- Mark McLachlan (posted 11/10/2011 3:56:03 PM)

Recruiting has been excellent in recent years BUT myself and plenty of others were saying recruit mids when Sheeds was still here. The club has for too long had an unhealthy predisposition to talls and backmen. Midfields win premierships. Should have done this in 2006.

- Daniel Milford (posted 11/10/2011 4:38:48 PM)

Gumby if you are reading this i remember against the dogs in 2010 when you kicked the ball from hb and ran down to full foward and took a mark kicked the goal. You started the play and finshed it the commentators where amazed how big your engine is watch out he is a big game player like hurley people.

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 11/10/2011 5:01:48 PM)

In all honesty, Gumbleton is one of the worst kicks in the competition and is poor when the ball is below his knees. Sometimes hype builds the longer a player is out.

- Stewart Fewster (posted 11/10/2011 5:26:10 PM)

Maybe after 22 games in 5 yrs its time to pull the plug on gumbleton..hope the rumours bout hooker bein up for trade are,false..bombers need him if pears aint gettin over his injuries..need midfielders...but also need hooker...

- Peter Sprenger (posted 11/10/2011 5:48:28 PM)

I feel sorry for Scott with all his injuries. The fact is EFC would get nothing for him as he has no value in the market so the smart thing to do (as he Is contracted till 2012) is see how 2012 pans out for him. Not much else EFC can do?

- David Husk (posted 11/10/2011 6:26:20 PM)

What I would like to find are a couple of strong bodies to protect the young players. We have a couple of tried players Slattery Lovet Murray who have consistenly struggled with injury and lack of attack on the ball who require a lot of thought

- John Hamilton (posted 11/10/2011 6:28:04 PM)

Get Crowley from Fremantle to the club and he will do the on-ball tagging.Then we would'nt have to use Hocking as a tagger.As good as getting a power midfielder imo cos you free up all our midfielders.

- Mark Elze (posted 11/10/2011 6:34:38 PM)

Miguel, I think that according to AFL rules we have to get our primary list down to 35, before the draft even if we didn't want too delist anyone but not sure if the vet's are included or not, maybe EI can correct me.. cheers

- Mark McLachlan (posted 11/10/2011 7:06:16 PM)

No hammies did not end Lloydy's career. It is a well known fact that disagreement with Matthew Knights saw Matthew end his career when he still had a couple of years left in the tank. He has kicked bags with Avondale Footy Club. Collingwood went after Lloydy but he preferred to always be remembered as red and black. That's why they got Jolley.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 11/10/2011 8:17:46 PM)

Scott Gumbleton: "Name raised in talks yesterday, but it will take a great deal to get him from the Dons." Koby Stevens: "Clubs chasing the hard-nut but it would require a massive offer." (HS Tue Oct 11 page 85). Uncanny resemblance? Perhaps the deal could be done if it meets the criteria of both clubs. My imagination even considers a double trade. (Clue: 29 v 29)

- Martin Gol (posted 11/10/2011 8:37:32 PM)

sign up hurley for the next 4 years, mark it wasnt llyodys hammies it was matthew knights who wanted to persist with neagle that sure did work i was wrapped when knita got the sack, and we got the legend back.

- cameron stebbeings (posted 11/10/2011 8:50:33 PM)

I reckon Fev is worth a look in, he is playing some great footy, thats undeniable, & we need a big forward, Hurls to rotate either end under circumstance and monfries, reimers, davey as Fevs offsiders! If that isnt an option, Go for Goddard if your after midfield! Its about time we snare a big game player and make a real impact on 2012!

- stephen thomas (posted 12/10/2011 1:37:23 AM)

I reckon Fev is worth a look in, playing great footy, Hurls can run up and drop back, reimers, monfries and davey along side Fev, we need a big forward, If its a midfield you want, Go for Goddard! its about time we get a big game player and make a mark on 2012!

- stephen thomas (posted 12/10/2011 1:41:57 AM)

One would have thought, fellow Bombers, that our highly experienced coaching panel would not risk keeping a player in which they see no future value. Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 12/10/2011 9:37:24 AM)

Nope, Stephen T. Lets keep Bomberland a Fev-free zone.

- alec shiffman (posted 12/10/2011 12:36:40 PM)

You are 100% correct Angie. We must have total faith in the coaching staff. They, after all, are on the frontline with the boys. We must be guided by them and accept their decisions, whether we like it or not. That is why they are chosen to head our great organisation. I am a softie and would hate to make decisions like that and if I feel gutted when I read people writing about who we should trade, get rid of, etc. imagine how the players must feel if they read these comments, and I believe they do read them. It is called support, people.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 12/10/2011 2:23:12 PM)

Josh B I'm backing you 100%! Let's get Fev!!! Seriously we haven't had a player since Lovett that's actually been exciting to watch. Get Fev down and he'll light the joint up and I guaran-damn-tee he'll kick 10 against the blues! Damn I hate those blues - seriously not acceptable to lose to them or finish below them on the ladder. No point trading anyway - our history is putrid - last trades that i can remember are williams and prismall

- Kieran Rimmer (posted 12/10/2011 5:34:19 PM)

Rita, Lloyd was never the same after he ripped his hammy from the bone, if you go back & watch the replays he could't get a kick @FF the first half of his last season, then Knights put him up field @ he played himself into some form, he also wanted to dictate to Knights & the selectors where he would play, he was offered the highest paid contract @ the club to play across the forward line & mentor the up & coming key forwards, what more can a club offer a player. He also had accepted the AFL job well b4 he staged his retirement press conference

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/10/2011 6:45:40 PM)

Stephen, no one doubts Fev's ability & everyone deserves a second chance but he has just tooooo much baggage & is still a disaster waiting to happen & as good as Goddard is his age & price would probably rule him out, he would be ready to retire when this list is ready to challenge for the flag

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/10/2011 6:57:35 PM)

Remember Hirdy had injury problems too,and he didn't do to bad.Go Gumby.

- Greg corish (posted 12/10/2011 8:54:15 PM)

"Seriously we haven't had a player since Lovett that's actually been exciting to watch." Wow Keiran, that's a bold and sweeping statement. :) I must be watching a different set of Bombers to you. I had my heart in my mouth I don't know how many times this year! Angie :)

- Angeline Baron (posted 13/10/2011 5:15:44 PM)

The coaching staff have a difficult job when involved with the decision making of what players to retain, release and select. But questions must be asked if one feels justified in becoming involved with the movement of players to and from the club.

- Victor Tallis (posted 17/10/2011 4:07:30 PM)