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The_Dud wrote: ↑Tue 11 Jun 2024 2:36pm
If we let Battle go at the end of the year then everyone associated with that decision should go with him, absolutely ridiculous.
It's mostly out of our hands, the best we can do is offer more money, but as an unrestricted FA he doesn't have any obligation to re-sign with us regardless of what we offer
Unless the culture is crap down at the club, the only reason he would leave is if we don't pay him.
He's a 26 year old gun, he exactly what we need. Wasn't there reports we were throwing a bunch of cash at Jacob Weitering??
Well I believe the culture at St Kilda is good.
But to think a player at 26 isnt thinking he has 3-5 good years ( maybe more if everything is perfect) is odd.
Why not leave a club with good culture to hop to another with good culture BUT offering more money or more immediate success or some other personal connection, etc?
The_Dud wrote: ↑Tue 11 Jun 2024 2:36pm
If we let Battle go at the end of the year then everyone associated with that decision should go with him, absolutely ridiculous.
It's mostly out of our hands, the best we can do is offer more money, but as an unrestricted FA he doesn't have any obligation to re-sign with us regardless of what we offer
Unless the culture is crap down at the club, the only reason he would leave is if we don't pay him.
He's a 26 year old gun, he exactly what we need. Wasn't there reports we were throwing a bunch of cash at Jacob Weitering??
Well I believe the culture at St Kilda is good.
But to think a player at 26 isnt thinking he has 3-5 good years ( maybe more if everything is perfect) is odd.
Why not leave a club with good culture to hop to another with good culture BUT offering more money or more immediate success or some other personal connection, etc?
Not unreasonable at all.
Yeah but I'm not sure Hawthorn is the club to go to if you're looking for immediate success
All posters are equal, but some posters are more equal than others.
The_Dud wrote: ↑Tue 11 Jun 2024 2:36pm
If we let Battle go at the end of the year then everyone associated with that decision should go with him, absolutely ridiculous.
It's mostly out of our hands, the best we can do is offer more money, but as an unrestricted FA he doesn't have any obligation to re-sign with us regardless of what we offer
Unless the culture is crap down at the club, the only reason he would leave is if we don't pay him.
He's a 26 year old gun, he exactly what we need. Wasn't there reports we were throwing a bunch of cash at Jacob Weitering??
Well I believe the culture at St Kilda is good.
But to think a player at 26 isnt thinking he has 3-5 good years ( maybe more if everything is perfect) is odd.
Why not leave a club with good culture to hop to another with good culture BUT offering more money or more immediate success or some other personal connection, etc?
Not unreasonable at all.
Yeah but I'm not sure Hawthorn is the club to go to if you're looking for immediate success
Me either but there's a few that'll come knocking. Hopefully Battle slams the door shut
I was all about it until I watched him play, not a Keeler fan now, seen him play 9 times, 2 good games...the rest very avg or dud. Forward twice and the rest in defense. But he is young and quick.
I heard from a mate that Bombers & Dogs both could move for him in a continued development role in their vfl club if we cut him.
I was all about it until I watched him play, not a Keeler fan now, seen him play 9 times, 2 good games...the rest very avg or dud. Forward twice and the rest in defense. But he is young and quick.
I heard from a mate that Bombers & Dogs both could move for him in a continued development role in their vfl club if we cut him.
In RTB's post Lion's game interview Keeler was one of the players flagged by him in a positive light. So I think you might need to get used to Keeler still being with us next season.
Flying the World in comfort thanks to FF Points....
I was all about it until I watched him play, not a Keeler fan now, seen him play 9 times, 2 good games...the rest very avg or dud. Forward twice and the rest in defense. But he is young and quick.
I heard from a mate that Bombers & Dogs both could move for him in a continued development role in their vfl club if we cut him.
In RTB's post Lion's game interview Keeler was one of the players flagged by him in a positive light. So I think you might need to get used to Keeler still being with us next season.
It can happen.
He kicked a goal in each of his 10 games in 2023.
Injury has derailed him a bit.
He's ended up in 2024 in the classic spot when you need to develop your skills as a foreward...defending other forwards.
His 7 games have been okayish.
His 1st game of 2024 was ok and round 5 his best so far. He's been on the interchange twice. He has speed, good hands, marking ability, and can kick reasonably effecient, but for me he's still a long way off.
I always want everyone to develop and ve brilliant so here's hoping!
The_Dud wrote: ↑Wed 12 Jun 2024 9:37pm
I read today that Hawthorn are right in to Battle, but he has strong relationships at St Kilda. So it would appear the only way we lose him is if we try to low-ball him.
We shouldn't and I doubt we will low ball him. On the other hand you don't want to pay an inflated amount for a third tall defender. As good as he is.
The_Dud wrote: ↑Wed 12 Jun 2024 9:37pm
I read today that Hawthorn are right in to Battle, but he has strong relationships at St Kilda. So it would appear the only way we lose him is if we try to low-ball him.
We shouldn't and I doubt we will low ball him. On the other hand you don't want to pay an inflated amount for a third tall defender. As good as he is.
You can see why. Sicily & Battle would make for a formidable rebound defence. I imagine Brett Ratten is right at the heart of their bid and trying to persuade Josh personally. Losing sympathy for Brett. Can understand bitter disappointment but using insider info/ contacts to undermine us isn't easy to swallow.
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
The_Dud wrote: ↑Wed 12 Jun 2024 9:37pm
I read today that Hawthorn are right in to Battle, but he has strong relationships at St Kilda. So it would appear the only way we lose him is if we try to low-ball him.
We shouldn't and I doubt we will low ball him. On the other hand you don't want to pay an inflated amount for a third tall defender. As good as he is.
Correct
All these “must must keep Battle” pony up and give us you MAX you are paying???? Let’s hear it
And remember….youll have a bunch of gun kids not too distant future come knocking for their pay day ….so keep an eye on that salary cap wont you??
The club want Battle
The club won’t do stupid to keep him
In the end we can’t match and shouldn’t at any price
I’m hearing he’s been made a very good offer 800 over 6
His decision now
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
Is it vindictive and toxic for Sos to get Hammer, Stocker and Dow over from the Blues? Granted Stocker was delisted but Dow had a contract offer and Hammer was likely to get picked up from their VFL team.
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
Is it vindictive and toxic for Sos to get Hammer, Stocker and Dow over from the Blues? Granted Stocker was delisted but Dow had a contract offer and Hammer was likely to get picked up from their VFL team.
Wouldn't think so.
You reckon its same same situations? Seem completely different circumstances, but point taken.
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
Is it vindictive and toxic for Sos to get Hammer, Stocker and Dow over from the Blues? Granted Stocker was delisted but Dow had a contract offer and Hammer was likely to get picked up from their VFL team.
Wouldn't think so.
You reckon its same same situations? Seem completely different circumstances, but point taken.
Dow is quite similar. Required player lured away by ex employee on the promise of more money.
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
There is nothing vindictive about it.
Ratten's only obligation now is to the Hawthorn football club, not to St Kilda.
If he feels Battle improves their side and he can help get him across then he would be remiss in his duties not to do so.
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
There is nothing vindictive about it.
Ratten's only obligation now is to the Hawthorn football club, not to St Kilda.
If he feels Battle improves their side and he can help get him across then he would be remiss in his duties not to do so.
B.M wrote: ↑Sun 16 Jun 2024 4:55pm
Ratten doesn’t have to be loyal to StK
They sacked him under contract
As far as he is concerned StK can get fkd I reckon
Obviously.
Brett can act as he chooses.
I just don't appreciate it as a Saints supporter.
Vindictive behaviour is unbecoming and toxic.
By the way, Brett was well paid by us wasn't he? Took our coin, was paid out, earlier given a second chance at coaching he said he was grateful for and never expected.
I wonder if Brett ever sacked a player.
Is it vindictive and toxic for Sos to get Hammer, Stocker and Dow over from the Blues? Granted Stocker was delisted but Dow had a contract offer and Hammer was likely to get picked up from their VFL team.
Wouldn't think so.
You reckon its same same situations? Seem completely different circumstances, but point taken.
Dow is quite similar. Required player lured away by ex employee on the promise of more money.
Point being?
Dow is a key defender?
Has Josh left?
Issue is getting a bit threadbare, yes?
The_Dud wrote: ↑Wed 12 Jun 2024 9:37pm
I read today that Hawthorn are right in to Battle, but he has strong relationships at St Kilda. So it would appear the only way we lose him is if we try to low-ball him.
We shouldn't and I doubt we will low ball him. On the other hand you don't want to pay an inflated amount for a third tall defender. As good as he is.
Correct
All these “must must keep Battle” pony up and give us you MAX you are paying???? Let’s hear it
And remember….youll have a bunch of gun kids not too distant future come knocking for their pay day ….so keep an eye on that salary cap wont you??
The club want Battle
The club won’t do stupid to keep him
In the end we can’t match and shouldn’t at any price
I’m hearing he’s been made a very good offer 800 over 6
His decision now
If $800 over 6 is the offer, then that's reasonable, about what he's worth. Given the increases to salary caps, you may go to $850, but no more than that. You can't pay more than that for a third tall defender.
There are a few reasons, which in isolation cost us a Premiership in the 2004 - 2010 era. One of them was poor salary cap management. Our List actually wasn't stellar and we couldn't add to it because our cap was maxed out, mainly on 12 players.
SAINT-LEE wrote: ↑Fri 14 Jun 2024 3:28pm
Angus McClennan - gone
Ben Paton - 50/50
Sharman - keep
Butler - keep
Keelor - gone
Hayes - gone
Van Es - 50/50
Webster - gone
Battle - we want but he will go
Stocker - 50/50
Wood - keep
Allison - gone
Heath - keep
Hotton - gone
Byrnes - 50/50
Ross - gone
Membrey - gone
Campbell - 50/50
Jones - gone
Keeler gone? f*** off.
Why should he be retained?
Based on?
Potential
2023 performance
2024 performance
Skills
Attitude
Talent
I said he has all the skills, talent, even attitude but yet cant seem to bring it bear consistently...and I dont mean overall...even in quarters, he will play good, then awful...no seemingly different opponent pressure, lack of opportunity...he just fades. Big man syndrome? Or underdeveloped endurance or gets tired of trying? Hell, I dont know. It almost seems like a playground outcome, we are smashing it, he has a good go, we are suffering & need him to stand up...struggles.
That's my main concern after watching him in 9 games over 2 seasons.
I think we will keep him but my gut says cut him loose because he's all potential & no return.
