Luke names Essendon or COllingwood

[markp]

But Melbourne may still want him. Is it only draft tampering if there a few clubs interested. it is either draft tampering or it is not. Surely the amount of clubs isnt a rule.

Do Melbourne really want him, I mean pick 1 want him... he is 27.

Has he and his manager refused to talk to Melbourne?

Apparently so. According to comments from Dean Bailey - he has refused to attend any talks with Melbourne. Ditto Essendon, Brisbane as per recent media. It looks like he is attempting to engineer his pathway direct to Collingwood.

Sorry, was referring to McPhee....

[plugger66]

But Melbourne may still want him. Is it only draft tampering if there a few clubs interested. it is either draft tampering or it is not. Surely the amount of clubs isnt a rule.

Do Melbourne really want him, I mean pick 1 want him... he is 27.

Has he and his manager refused to talk to Melbourne?

I dont know if they want him at pick one but it seems that a club with one later pick wants him. Has he refused to talk to Melbourne. Wouldnt have a clue but I will give them a call and get back to you.

[markp]

But Melbourne may still want him. Is it only draft tampering if there a few clubs interested. it is either draft tampering or it is not. Surely the amount of clubs isnt a rule.

Do Melbourne really want him, I mean pick 1 want him... he is 27.

Has he and his manager refused to talk to Melbourne?

I dont know if they want him at pick one but it seems that a club with one later pick wants him. Has he refused to talk to Melbourne. Wouldnt have a clue but I will give them a call and get back to you.

If you have no clue why make dodgy comparisons?

The Dons and Dees have come out and stated they want Ball.

[ace]

Ace has worked as an expatriate and has observed many different Laws and Rules within countries and within his employers organisations.

He has learnt there are 5 types

1. There are those that are written and are enforced.
2. There are those that are written but are only selectively enforced.
3. There are those that are written but are never enforced.
4. There are those that are NOT written but ARE enforced.
5. There are those that are NOT written but are only selectively enforced.


The AFL rules normally fall into the second category.
The AFL is extremely image concious.
Marketing and sponsorship are its major drivers.
They will enforce rules when they are forced to, due to public scrutiny.

BUT at this point, in time the AFL is in dispute with the AFLPA over free agency.
The AFL would like this issue to be resolved without changing the rules presently in place.
It would be pleasing to the AFL if Luke Ball ended up at Collingwood as it would completely undermine the position of the AFLPA.
The AFL would argue the present rules allow the same outcome to be achieved so there is no need for free agency.

If he has tampered with the draft, the only way Ball would be charged by the AFL is if they were reluctantly forced into it by media scrutiny.
Essendon has gone to the media, but not officially to the AFL.
At the moment, they are probably trying to force Ball into talking to them rather than causing the AFL to investigate.

Should Ball end up at Collingwood then some club may despise Collingwood sufficiently to officially complain.
The investigation officer would then talk to club recruitment staff and if they stated they did not take Ball in the draft due do to some action or inaction by parties, then the AFL may be forced to reluctantly act.

[plugger66]

But Melbourne may still want him. Is it only draft tampering if there a few clubs interested. it is either draft tampering or it is not. Surely the amount of clubs isnt a rule.

Do Melbourne really want him, I mean pick 1 want him... he is 27.

Has he and his manager refused to talk to Melbourne?

I dont know if they want him at pick one but it seems that a club with one later pick wants him. Has he refused to talk to Melbourne. Wouldnt have a clue but I will give them a call and get back to you.

If you have no clue why make dodgy comparisons?

The Dons and Dees have come out and stated they want Ball.

Then they can pick him then. He is in the draft and both clubs have picks before Melbourne.

[markp]

But Melbourne may still want him. Is it only draft tampering if there a few clubs interested. it is either draft tampering or it is not. Surely the amount of clubs isnt a rule.

Do Melbourne really want him, I mean pick 1 want him... he is 27.

Has he and his manager refused to talk to Melbourne?

I dont know if they want him at pick one but it seems that a club with one later pick wants him. Has he refused to talk to Melbourne. Wouldnt have a clue but I will give them a call and get back to you.

If you have no clue why make dodgy comparisons?

The Dons and Dees have come out and stated they want Ball.

Then they can pick him then. He is in the draft and both clubs have picks before Melbourne.

I think you mean collingwood...

And that's not the point is it?

“conduct prejudicial to the Draftâ€

[ace]

The AFL has quickly demoted this story off its home page, leaving earlier stories still on the home page.

That tells me the AFL wants to kill the story as quick as it can.
The AFL does not want to have to investigate.

[Sainterman]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

[plugger66]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

Yes a badly run comp. That makes a lot of sense. How is the NRL doing in Sydney where it is also well entrenched? As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

[markp]

As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

Yes, hence their reaction to losing the GF.

[joffaboy]

As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

Yes, hence their reaction to losing the GF.

Luke was in tears as well - maybe thats part of the show business - or maybe it was because he didn't get enough game time - or maybe that he knew he was never going to play in a Saints jumper again - but probably just for himself.

[Sainterman]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

Yes a badly run comp. That makes a lot of sense. How is the NRL doing in Sydney where it is also well entrenched? As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

For me, when it comes to the AFL admin and how the game is run, suffice to say they have done some good things for the game and some very average ones too.

AFL is simply a better game than rugby and has ALWAYS had a more passionate supporter base. And just because the NRL is struggling more than our competition doesn't mean the AFL is being well run. The NRL have made very poor decisions that have eroded the game over a number of years. Also, let us not forget Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, and also the home of AFL. Melbournians love their sport, and they come out in droves to watch the game they love more than any other. I wouldn't mind running a nice risk free comp like that...pretty hard to wear the mistakes that are made like you would in many other sports/comps. All I am saying is it could be better run! It could be fairer and more consistent.

The NRL reference is just a nice example to suit your argument, but comparing something that has been so poorly run with the AFL is not apples for apples. If you can't see the AFL's management deficiencies then that is your own choice, many out there can though and have a right to think this way and express that too. You also have the right to be an AFL apologist, which you express very well indeed.

As for the players, I know for a fact they were upset by Luke's actions and the way he has conducted himself. I also know they have had chats with him as recently as the trip many went on to the US to try and convince him to remain on board, and to finish the job they all started together. Wait and see when we play whoever he ends up with and come back and tell me what you think after that.

If you think the game is just a business to them why don't you give Rob Harvey a call, or Lenny Hayes, or Rooey...or many of the others who have lived and breathed our club. They may all beg to differ.

[St. Luke]

Nice character is this Luke Ball.

Something about true colours.

Walks out on his mates

Attempts to paint the Saints as the bad guy.

Now the ugly and unseemly allegations of draft tampering.

Luke Balls reputation has been irredeemingly damaged by this tawdry episode.

Looks more and more like a good call by Ross Lyon.

Sounds like a fair call to me.

I'm saddened by how much Luke Ball has soured in my eyes. I thought he was made of much sterner stuff than this. I'm very, very disappointed.

[plugger66]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

Yes a badly run comp. That makes a lot of sense. How is the NRL doing in Sydney where it is also well entrenched? As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

For me, when it comes to the AFL admin and how the game is run, suffice to say they have done some good things for the game and some very average ones too.

AFL is simply a better game than rugby and has ALWAYS had a more passionate supporter base. And just because the NRL is struggling more than our competition doesn't mean the AFL is being well run. The NRL have made very poor decisions that have eroded the game over a number of years. Also, let us not forget Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, and also the home of AFL. Melbournians love their sport, and they come out in droves to watch the game they love more than any other. I wouldn't mind running a nice risk free comp like that...pretty hard to wear the mistakes that are made like you would in many other sports/comps. All I am saying is it could be better run! It could be fairer and more consistent.

The NRL reference is just a nice example to suit your argument, but comparing something that has been so poorly run with the AFL is not apples for apples. If you can't see the AFL's management deficiencies then that is your own choice, many out there can though and have a right to think this way and express that too. You also have the right to be an AFL apologist, which you express very well indeed.

As for the players, I know for a fact they were upset by Luke's actions and the way he has conducted himself. I also know they have had chats with him as recently as the trip many went on to the US to try and convince him to remain on board, and to finish the job they all started together. Wait and see when we play whoever he ends up with and come back and tell me what you think after that.

If you think the game is just a business to them why don't you give Rob Harvey a call, or Lenny Hayes, or Rooey...or many of the others who have lived and breathed our club. They may all beg to differ.

When they play the game it is far from a business but it is all about business when they decide to stay or leave the club. Just ask Lenny, Harvs and Rooy. You know for a fact players were upset by Luke's actions well I know for a fact that they were disappointed he left but understand his decision.

[Sainterman]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

Yes a badly run comp. That makes a lot of sense. How is the NRL doing in Sydney where it is also well entrenched? As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

For me, when it comes to the AFL admin and how the game is run, suffice to say they have done some good things for the game and some very average ones too.

AFL is simply a better game than rugby and has ALWAYS had a more passionate supporter base. And just because the NRL is struggling more than our competition doesn't mean the AFL is being well run. The NRL have made very poor decisions that have eroded the game over a number of years. Also, let us not forget Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, and also the home of AFL. Melbournians love their sport, and they come out in droves to watch the game they love more than any other. I wouldn't mind running a nice risk free comp like that...pretty hard to wear the mistakes that are made like you would in many other sports/comps. All I am saying is it could be better run! It could be fairer and more consistent.

The NRL reference is just a nice example to suit your argument, but comparing something that has been so poorly run with the AFL is not apples for apples. If you can't see the AFL's management deficiencies then that is your own choice, many out there can though and have a right to think this way and express that too. You also have the right to be an AFL apologist, which you express very well indeed.

As for the players, I know for a fact they were upset by Luke's actions and the way he has conducted himself. I also know they have had chats with him as recently as the trip many went on to the US to try and convince him to remain on board, and to finish the job they all started together. Wait and see when we play whoever he ends up with and come back and tell me what you think after that.

If you think the game is just a business to them why don't you give Rob Harvey a call, or Lenny Hayes, or Rooey...or many of the others who have lived and breathed our club. They may all beg to differ.

When they play the game it is far from a business but it is all about business when they decide to stay or leave the club. Just ask Lenny, Harvs and Rooy. You know for a fact players were upset by Luke's actions well I know for a fact that they were disappointed he left but understand his decision.

Ok, so they were disappointed rather than upset...that's what u come back with?

I guess we all understand when people leave for money...but we don't all do it...some of us value other things in life...like mate ship, finishing a job off and being a part of something greater.

[plugger66]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

Yes a badly run comp. That makes a lot of sense. How is the NRL doing in Sydney where it is also well entrenched? As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

For me, when it comes to the AFL admin and how the game is run, suffice to say they have done some good things for the game and some very average ones too.

AFL is simply a better game than rugby and has ALWAYS had a more passionate supporter base. And just because the NRL is struggling more than our competition doesn't mean the AFL is being well run. The NRL have made very poor decisions that have eroded the game over a number of years. Also, let us not forget Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, and also the home of AFL. Melbournians love their sport, and they come out in droves to watch the game they love more than any other. I wouldn't mind running a nice risk free comp like that...pretty hard to wear the mistakes that are made like you would in many other sports/comps. All I am saying is it could be better run! It could be fairer and more consistent.

The NRL reference is just a nice example to suit your argument, but comparing something that has been so poorly run with the AFL is not apples for apples. If you can't see the AFL's management deficiencies then that is your own choice, many out there can though and have a right to think this way and express that too. You also have the right to be an AFL apologist, which you express very well indeed.

As for the players, I know for a fact they were upset by Luke's actions and the way he has conducted himself. I also know they have had chats with him as recently as the trip many went on to the US to try and convince him to remain on board, and to finish the job they all started together. Wait and see when we play whoever he ends up with and come back and tell me what you think after that.

If you think the game is just a business to them why don't you give Rob Harvey a call, or Lenny Hayes, or Rooey...or many of the others who have lived and breathed our club. They may all beg to differ.

When they play the game it is far from a business but it is all about business when they decide to stay or leave the club. Just ask Lenny, Harvs and Rooy. You know for a fact players were upset by Luke's actions well I know for a fact that they were disappointed he left but understand his decision.

Ok, so they were disappointed rather than upset...that's what u come back with?

I guess we all understand when people leave for money...but we don't all do it...some of us value other things in life...like mate ship, finishing a job off and being a part of something greater.

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

[Mr Magic]

There's an aspect of this whole saga thaqt hasn't really been looked at.

Why Collingwood?
Why did Ball choose them and only them?

Does anybody really believe that Ball just decided on a whim on the Monday of trade week that he wanted to go to Collingwood?

When did he do 'the deal' with them?
They were obviously expecting to sit down with the Saints to discuss a trade, so how long before the Tuesday morning were they 'in the know'?

If, as I suspect, the negotiations had taken place before then (Monday of tade week) why did Ball wait until Monday afternoon to 'drop the bombshell'? Much has been made of the Lyon statement (Come see me and I'll move you on') but that was made a full fortnight beforehand.

Did Ball wait deliberately until after the B&F? nad then another couple of days. Why not declare it on the Sunday so that the Monday could have been spent on doing the deal? DId it have anything to do with Connors other client Jolly needing to be sorted out first?

And if the 'deal' had already been done, what did Collingwood expect St Kilda would accept as a reasonable trade?
DId they truly believe that a player they were prepared to offer 450-500k per season over 3 years was actually worth a late second round pick in a universally accepted poor draft?

Given that McLean was traded for pick 11 well before the trade week and that Essendon were looking for a first round for Lovett, how would anybody think that pick 30 was gong to get a deal for Ball done?

Some on here think that St Kilda should have accepted anything that Collingwood offered as that would have been better than nothing.
Would it have?
Is denying a rival Club a player that assists them better than accepting a low draft pick for that player?

If Ball is legitimate in his desire to go to another Club that will play him more in a different game style, then why just nominate Collingwwod.
I understand not wanting to go to a bottom Club.
I understand not wanting to go to an interstate Club.
But why just Collingwood?
Why not Essendon, Western Bulldogs, Carlton, Hawthorn.

It is patently obvious that if Ball had said he would accept a few clubs other than Collingwood a satisfactory trade would probably have been done.

What's the attraction at Collingwood?
What have they promised/offered/guaranteed him?

ANd the OP is based on a story by Hutch teh Tosser that Ball has stated he wants to go to Collingwood or Essendon. Yet today Essendon ahve stated categorically that neithe Ball nor his manager will speak to them. So how does that reconcile with a desire on his behalf to go to them?

So many questions with so few public answers.

[Sainterman]

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

Well, perhaps you have been talking to different people than I have. I have heard quite differently to this.

And, for the record, I have never said he was a hack. I would have liked him to stay. Perhaps he should have worked harder on his fitness and got to the point where he could do what was required. Or, and I know it is a leap, accept his role in the side, and just simply do it.

He was in the best 22 and would have been next year too, just might not have got the 80 or 90% game time he personally would have liked. Look at other players who have had to adjust, like Milney and NDS...they haven't cut and run.

And explain to me the choice of one, and only one side as his destination. He could have more game time at Melbourne, Brisbane or Essendon...why won't he consider going to any of these sides?

And if you think money played no part in this at all...sheesh, I won't even bother.

[SainterK]

IMO it is tampering, whatever Plugger says should be discounted as he is always pro AFL, and always telling us it is the best run comp in the country. All I can say there is the admin at the AFL should thank their lucky stars that the game is so well entrenched that even the mismanagement that goes on won't stop people attending.

Nothing will be done here though, the AFL don't want this issue as it will only add fuel to the free agency issue which is already bubbling away.

As for Luke, well I hope he ends up anywhere other than Collingwood, and the way Vossy has been going about things this might just happen. If he makes it to the Pies then let him play out his days there, that should be enough punishment!

Looking forward to us playing against whichever side he ends up at, don't think the players are all that happy with the way he has gone about things, or so I hear.

Yes a badly run comp. That makes a lot of sense. How is the NRL doing in Sydney where it is also well entrenched? As for the players being upset, I would doubt most if not all are that upset as they treat the game more like a business and dont get emotionally involved like supporters do.

For me, when it comes to the AFL admin and how the game is run, suffice to say they have done some good things for the game and some very average ones too.

AFL is simply a better game than rugby and has ALWAYS had a more passionate supporter base. And just because the NRL is struggling more than our competition doesn't mean the AFL is being well run. The NRL have made very poor decisions that have eroded the game over a number of years. Also, let us not forget Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, and also the home of AFL. Melbournians love their sport, and they come out in droves to watch the game they love more than any other. I wouldn't mind running a nice risk free comp like that...pretty hard to wear the mistakes that are made like you would in many other sports/comps. All I am saying is it could be better run! It could be fairer and more consistent.

The NRL reference is just a nice example to suit your argument, but comparing something that has been so poorly run with the AFL is not apples for apples. If you can't see the AFL's management deficiencies then that is your own choice, many out there can though and have a right to think this way and express that too. You also have the right to be an AFL apologist, which you express very well indeed.

As for the players, I know for a fact they were upset by Luke's actions and the way he has conducted himself. I also know they have had chats with him as recently as the trip many went on to the US to try and convince him to remain on board, and to finish the job they all started together. Wait and see when we play whoever he ends up with and come back and tell me what you think after that.

If you think the game is just a business to them why don't you give Rob Harvey a call, or Lenny Hayes, or Rooey...or many of the others who have lived and breathed our club. They may all beg to differ.

When they play the game it is far from a business but it is all about business when they decide to stay or leave the club. Just ask Lenny, Harvs and Rooy. You know for a fact players were upset by Luke's actions well I know for a fact that they were disappointed he left but understand his decision.

Ok, so they were disappointed rather than upset...that's what u come back with?

I guess we all understand when people leave for money...but we don't all do it...some of us value other things in life...like mate ship, finishing a job off and being a part of something greater.

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

Thinking that he may struggle to get a game, doesn't make it reality however. Perhaps they are at peace with the fact he is not willing to try?

[plugger66]

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

Well, perhaps you have been talking to different people than I have. I have heard quite differently to this.

And, for the record, I have never said he was a hack. I would have liked him to stay. Perhaps he should have worked harder on his fitness and got to the point where he could do what was required. Or, and I know it is a leap, accept his role in the side, and just simply do it.

He was in the best 22 and would have been next year too, just might not have got the 80 or 90% game time he personally would have liked. Look at other players who have had to adjust, like Milney and NDS...they haven't cut and run.

And explain to me the choice of one, and only one side as his destination. He could have more game time at Melbourne, Brisbane or Essendon...why won't he consider going to any of these sides?

And if you think money played no part in this at all...sheesh, I won't even bother.

Money 10%. Game time or getting a game 50%. Fall out with coach 40%. He was in our best 22 on some occasions this year and with Lovett and Peake coming over and the expected improvement in Steven and Armo I dont think it is a big leap to suggest he may have struggled to get a game next year.

[Sainterman]

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

Well, perhaps you have been talking to different people than I have. I have heard quite differently to this.

And, for the record, I have never said he was a hack. I would have liked him to stay. Perhaps he should have worked harder on his fitness and got to the point where he could do what was required. Or, and I know it is a leap, accept his role in the side, and just simply do it.

He was in the best 22 and would have been next year too, just might not have got the 80 or 90% game time he personally would have liked. Look at other players who have had to adjust, like Milney and NDS...they haven't cut and run.

And explain to me the choice of one, and only one side as his destination. He could have more game time at Melbourne, Brisbane or Essendon...why won't he consider going to any of these sides?

And if you think money played no part in this at all...sheesh, I won't even bother.

Money 10%. Game time or getting a game 50%. Fall out with coach 40%. He was in our best 22 on some occasions this year and with Lovett and Peake coming over and the expected improvement in Steven and Armo I dont think it is a big leap to suggest he may have struggled to get a game next year.

Why only one club Plugger??? please explain this

Also, we went after Peake and Lovett AFTER he had made the decision to leave. His decision changed the way we went about draft week.

[Mr Magic]

Actually we apparently met with Lovett on the Friday prior to trade week.

Therefore he must have been on our radar all along.

BUT Ball's 3 year contract was still on the table (and able to be signed by him) until 2pm on the Friday, after we ahd taken both Lovett and Peake.

WHy the media persists in sprouting this patent nonsense that we 'left him' rather than him 'walking out on us' I don't know. Right to the end we were prepared to offer him a new contract, provided he committed himself to us. In the end he chose to walk.

[plugger66]

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

Well, perhaps you have been talking to different people than I have. I have heard quite differently to this.

And, for the record, I have never said he was a hack. I would have liked him to stay. Perhaps he should have worked harder on his fitness and got to the point where he could do what was required. Or, and I know it is a leap, accept his role in the side, and just simply do it.

He was in the best 22 and would have been next year too, just might not have got the 80 or 90% game time he personally would have liked. Look at other players who have had to adjust, like Milney and NDS...they haven't cut and run.

And explain to me the choice of one, and only one side as his destination. He could have more game time at Melbourne, Brisbane or Essendon...why won't he consider going to any of these sides?

And if you think money played no part in this at all...sheesh, I won't even bother.

Money 10%. Game time or getting a game 50%. Fall out with coach 40%. He was in our best 22 on some occasions this year and with Lovett and Peake coming over and the expected improvement in Steven and Armo I dont think it is a big leap to suggest he may have struggled to get a game next year.

Why only one club Plugger??? please explain this

Also, we went after Peake and Lovett AFTER he had made the decision to leave. His decision changed the way we went about draft week.

Why only one club. Wouldnt have a clue. And are you sure we went after Lovett after Bally had told the club he wanted to leave. Pretty sure we spoke to him before but i was away so I am not 100% sure.

[Sainterman]

Disappointed because he is a mate. Not upset because he is a prick. Big difference and he didnt leave for money. He left because he actually thought he may struggle to get a game because of the style of play that is required at our club and that is why the players arent pissed off with him. I still wonder why people are upset a hack player with no morals is leaving the club. If I thought that way I would be happy he is leaving.

Well, perhaps you have been talking to different people than I have. I have heard quite differently to this.

And, for the record, I have never said he was a hack. I would have liked him to stay. Perhaps he should have worked harder on his fitness and got to the point where he could do what was required. Or, and I know it is a leap, accept his role in the side, and just simply do it.

He was in the best 22 and would have been next year too, just might not have got the 80 or 90% game time he personally would have liked. Look at other players who have had to adjust, like Milney and NDS...they haven't cut and run.

And explain to me the choice of one, and only one side as his destination. He could have more game time at Melbourne, Brisbane or Essendon...why won't he consider going to any of these sides?

And if you think money played no part in this at all...sheesh, I won't even bother.

Money 10%. Game time or getting a game 50%. Fall out with coach 40%. He was in our best 22 on some occasions this year and with Lovett and Peake coming over and the expected improvement in Steven and Armo I dont think it is a big leap to suggest he may have struggled to get a game next year.

Why only one club Plugger??? please explain this

Also, we went after Peake and Lovett AFTER he had made the decision to leave. His decision changed the way we went about draft week.

Why only one club. Wouldnt have a clue. And are you sure we went after Lovett after Bally had told the club he wanted to leave. Pretty sure we spoke to him before but i was away so I am not 100% sure.

I would be fairly certain the club knew of Balls decision prior to us or the media did on the Monday night of trade week. This has been going on since June. I would therefore assume talking to Lovett (on the Friday before trade week) and Peake would have been the prudent thing to do,having has this knowledge. I don't think these are mutually exclusive.

As far as i remember RL rescinded the offer that had been on the table since June after trade week completed, and Luke had not found a home at Collingwood and we had gained Peake and Lovett. I think the point RL was making was that the Saints were still happy to talk to and retain Luke but on different terms to those previously offered (probably because they had to be different). I reckon if Luke had signed the contract in June, tradeweek would have been very different for us.

I don't have the answer to the one club part of all of this, but I hazard to guess it is a big reason so many are upset with Luke (i mean supporters in this case). He didn't really give the Saints the chance to do a reasonable deal, and his attitude continues along the same lines even after entering the national draft. Talking to some Essendon supporters they are also baffled by his attitude...most think he is a hack and not worth the trouble in the end. He has done no good in terms of how he is viewed by the football watching public, I can guarantee you that.

Don't know him personally so can't tell you what sort of a bloke he is, but he has not come across to well IMO.

[ace]

Why only one club. Wouldnt have a clue.

Premiership contender in need of an unfit stoppage specialist willing to pay super big bucks = Collingwood.