No but I hope this can be done amicably and professionally for once. Last year's Burgoyne and this year's Bock, Krakouer, Brown and Rischitelli episodes (amongst others) were so unprofessional - on both sides - that it's time someone showed these bozos how to behave. A press conference from Geelong AND Gary would go a long way to maintaining the incredible respect and dignity that he and his family have in Geelong. Do it right and everyone understands and almost accepts (eg Josh Carr). Do it wrong and end up as the next Nick Stevens pariah.

IMO Bock ticked all the right boxes. He fronted the playing group to explain his reasons and held a press conference with the crows. He came out once he was signed rather than waiting until the end of the season to end all speculation. What more could the man of done?

On the other hand, Krak's defection was a disgrace from what was reported - a text msg to the club from his manager 5 minutes before his press conference witht he Coast.

Agreed Jake. Bock was very professional about it, Brown did not do anything wrong (even when quizzed on the Footy Show), and from reports, Rischitelli was pissed off about being dangled as trade bait for the walking knob last year.

Krakouer was a joke, and being a Port supporter it felt worse, but I would even feel sorry for the cows if Bock had announced it like Krakouer did.

Ablett seems to have more class.

I think he should arrange a 2 hour TV special with foxsports called 'The Decision' - the good people of Geelong will appreciate how informative it will be.

the doctor..ha ha.

"Well Mike Sheehan, I'm taking my football talents to Warwick Capper's house".

Gold = the doctor!

This was a done deal ages ago givwen the fact that Ablet was never able to confirm his intention to remain at Geelong.

Could the once mighty Geelong now be headed for a fall from grace?

Ablett - gone
Coach Thompson - 'almost' gone
Milburn - likely to retire
And a few others under the microscope or looking for chances to play regular senior football elsewhere...

I think people are being a little quick to write them off. I still have them 4th for next year. Agree that Bock handled everything professionally. Krakouer's was the only real debacle.

GC will be pushing for finals next year. I'm calling a flag within 4yrs.

Lol at DB haha

You would have to blame the players' managers for how a club was informed (or failed to be informed) about a decision to leave. They should be advising on the most appropriate timing and format.

I thought it was interesting that Brett Burton got stuck into Bock, when he is leading the negotiations with the AFL to bring in free agency. Double standards?

My view is that Bock and Ablett made the right decision - they have family to think about as well. It's a no-brainer

Good bye Gazza. Won't be the same player at GC. Don't blame him for going. Actually believe it will be good for my beloved cats. About time 4-5 oldies have now got to go. Get Sander5on in there coaching and get the Menzels etc in the magoos up and running in the A's. They are exiting and I have no doubt we will still be a top 4 team.

Get the hell out. Having an understanding of why Bock left is different to saying it's acceptable to be disloyal to the club that gave you a start any time you are offered more cash. Birdman needed to send a message to the rest of the group and I applaud him for showing the leadership and doing so.

Come on X...

Free Agency is upon is in the AFL. Loyalty is out the window.

Also, as much as I don't normally back up an anon post, #610 is right, if Bock was playing average, the cows would be quick to delist him.

As was mentioned before, Burton is head of the PA, and pushing for Free Agency, yet has a sook when one of his teammates take advantage of it...Please.

I'm not criticizing Bocky I am defending Bird.

I completely understand Bock's decision but I would be extremely disappointed if none of our leaders took a stand and sent the message to the rest of the group that it's not all good to abandon your teammates for money.

Don't give me the tag of the emotional, unrealistic supporter who's angry at Bock for leaving. I'm not. I was the one saying I understand his decision when 90% of fans were calling him a heartless sellout. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with what Bird did.

What happened here is different to the free agency that the AFLPA was/is pushing for. Go have a look at the restrictions imposed by the AFLPA to stop clubs from being screwed. It's far from the same thing.

Loyalty is dead? Tell that to Kurt Tippett, Patty Dangerfield and Chris Knights. All rejected similar offers to stay with their team.

As for Goody and Bird. Goody wants to be a senior coach, to do that he needs an apprenticeship as an assistant coach and there is no doubt a lot more to learn by going to a different club. He wouldn't have been offered that position at the Crows. You think we are going to sack Viney? Clarke? Bickley? There was very little to zero benefit in Goodwin staying at Adelaide. If he was the difference between finals and no finals I have no doubt he would have. Birdman is in the same situation. Steven Schwerdt isn't going to be sacked and there is no way for Bird to further help the club. Neither of those decisions display a lack of loyalty.

Hope all of that wasn't aimed at me there X..

Loyalty isn't dead, look at the players that are re signing with their teams. I think it is more about us as fans getting our heads around the fact that a player will not just stay with the team that drafted him anyore for sentiments sake.

We have cashed up expansion teams throwing out the dollars, and free agency beginning in the not too distant future. Players that resisted the "go home" factor midway through their careers will now be offered a lot more to return to their home state.

I just don't see why Ablett, Bock etc are doing something wrong here. They have done it in a professional manner (Krak excepted), amidst ridiculous speculation for about 8 months now.

Lol you and anon, sorry to get the arguments mixed up.

Can't disagree with what you just said.

Just to clarify, I did say loyalty was out the window, just not dead. A lot of players will still think with their hearts first. Nothing wrong with that either IMO.

Ablett, Brown and Bock all had to do the smart thing whilst their bodies were holding up still, and in their prime. All three have young families as well I think, so I would think long and hard about it as well if I was in their position.

It fell out the window and still lived? lol that's cool, I see your point.

I certainly blame the AFL more than anything. Their compensation system is a joke. Involve a hint of subjectivity and clubs get screwed.

My point about Bock wasn't about his lack of professionalism. I direct this at the club. A certain coach allegedly told him to p*** off and leave after fronting the players. Be bigger than that. Williams and Carr showed us how it can be done.

Ha ha, you said dead not me, was what I was trying to say.

Agreed re the compensation. I have not seen a fair offer yet.


Moses, Bomber hasn't exactly been the most professional with his comments regarding Ablett all season either IMO, nor Worsfold (I think it was). I agree 100% with what you are saying about some clubs.