Simon Dalrymple is gone

[comrade]

Has taken up a non disclosed role with Sydney, despite being contracted with us.

Thanks for everything, Simon.

[bulldogtragic]

Huge loss. Huge.

[jazzadogs]

Such a shame. I'm sure the club would have done everything they could to keep him.

A great 10 years of service and well deserved life membership.

[choconmientay]

This is from the afl (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-09/swans-snap-up-dogs-contracted-recruiting-boss-dalrymple):

Dalrymple will be the Swans' national recruiting manager, while Kinnear Beatson was promoted to general manager of list strategy and recruiting.

AFL.com.au understands Dalrymple and the Bulldogs' football director Chris Grant did not always see eye to eye.


Interesting remarks about not seeing eye to eye with Chris Grant.

[GVGjr]

A recent addition to our life member ranks departs which is a real shame.

Good luck to Simon perhaps it was more money or more resources as the driving point but I wouldn't read too much to any conflict with Chris Grant. There needs to be a reasonable amount of people at our club challenging each other.

He's done a very good job and should be proud of what he has achieved with us.

The timing isn't great because we now need to find someone else but I doubt this has caught the club by surprise and we might very well have someone heading back our way from one of the Sydney clubs.

Sydney are really beefing up their recruiting team

[Sedat]

Crap news but he has delivered for us and then some. I wish him well and thank him for his stellar work with us.

In terms of timing it shouldn't affect us too much. Now is actually as good a time as any, with several father-sons on the horizon for us in the next 2 drafts.

Hope we chase Matt Rendell to replace Simon.

[chef]

This is worse than losing the Bont, well almost. Sad news.

Huge loss for our club.

[lemmon]

Big loss. Was instrumental as any in our Premiership.

Let's hope Sam Power is putting a good team together.

[jeemak]

Interesting the role is undisclosed, perhaps just an opportunistic grab at resources and cash for the respective parties, which is fine.

Good luck to him, he was great for us and it’s better it’s happened now prior to the next scouting period.

[comrade]

Interesting the role is undisclosed, perhaps just an opportunistic grab at resources and cash for the respective parties, which is fine.

Good luck to him, he was great for us and it’s better it’s happened now prior to the next scouting period.

It has been revealed since he’s taking on the national recruiting Manager role for Sydney.

[bulldogtragic]

Since October:

JMac - gone/poached
Dalrymple - gone/poached
Crameri (& his big money, pick 27 investment by JMac) - gone
Stringer (& his big money, pick 5 investment by Dal) - gone

Thank God Bains came on board though.

[bulldogtragic]

It has been revealed since he’s taking on the national recruiting Manager role for Sydney.

Good thing it wasn't GWS or the media would be in a tizz about JMac and Dal apparently not getting along...

[ledge]

A recent addition to our life member ranks departs which is a real shame.

Good luck to Simon perhaps it was more money or more resources as the driving point but I wouldn't read too much to any conflict with Chris Grant. There needs to be a reasonable amount of people at our club challenging each other.

He's done a very good job and should be proud of what he has achieved with us.

The timing isn't great because we now need to find someone else but I doubt this has caught the club by surprise and we might very well have someone heading back our way from one of the Sydney clubs.

Sydney are really beefing up their recruiting team

I think the timing is perfect the new man gets a whole year to look at possible recruits. What would you call a better time?
I'm not really worried , ten years is a long time and people move around all the time , look at the Hawks assistant coaches.
We will be fine , it's not like all he recruited leave as well.
We have the players already for the next 5 years at least.

[jeemak]

Interesting the role is undisclosed, perhaps just an opportunistic grab at resources and cash for the respective parties, which is fine.

Good luck to him, he was great for us and it’s better it’s happened now prior to the next scouting period.


It has been revealed since he’s taking on the national recruiting Manager role for Sydney.

So I’m probably not far off the mark, aside from saying if you’re pigeon holed as a recruiting manager there’s probably only so much you can do at one club.

[Dry Rot]

I'm just hoping Bains can get us the Saints genius who got them Billings and McCartin.

[Sedat]

Jake Niall suggesting we might be looking at Scotty Clayton to come back. Maybe he can draft Sam Power from list management to the actual list :D

Jokes aside, I wouldn't be a fan of getting Clayton. His record since our 1999 draft haul has been underwhelming to put it mildly.

[Templeton31]

Very bad news in my eyes.

How can we finally put a premiership list together and within 18 months the two blokes who put it together are gone?

Thanks Dal. Recruiting genius and key man behind 2016.

[Twodogs]

I'm just hoping Bains can get us the Saints genius who got them Billings and McCartin.

Billings is a gun. McCartin is a worry.

[Dry Rot]

Billings is a gun.

Who was the pick AFTER Billings?

[Webby]

This is on par with the Bont leaving.

Can't believe we've let Dalrymple slip through our fingers...

[Webby]

Jake Niall suggesting we might be looking at Scotty Clayton to come back. Maybe he can draft Sam Power from list management to the actual list :D

Jokes aside, I wouldn't be a fan of getting Clayton. His record since our 1999 draft haul has been underwhelming to put it mildly.

Say it ain't so... next you'll be telling me Kevin Rudd is our next PM...

[Webby]

What a shit day...

[kruder]

We will never know what happened at the Kennel in 2017 but its gonna go down as one of the worst years in the clubs history.

[Axe Man]

Why did we release him from his contact? A case of no point keeping him if he didn’t want to be there?

[GVGjr]

Why did we release him from his contact? A case of no point keeping him if he didn’t want to be there?
It's a great question but as you say, if his heart isn't in it then he should go.

[Happy Days]

Who was the pick AFTER Billings?

We don't pot Billings around here. Not after last time.

This is a really big blow. Dal was phenomenal at his job and I can't see how we replace him other than by getting lucky.

Interesting that the AFL article says he didn't see eye to eye with Grant - I'm thinking this is too reminiscent of another Gordon run-in.

[jeemak]

This is on par with the Bont leaving.

Can't believe we've let Dalrymple slip through our fingers...


What a shit day...

Come on Webb, put your pants back on. He didn't slip through our fingers, we got ten years out of him and a premiership. We got plenty.

He's been with us for ten years, did a fantastic job and probably got tired of the place - equally with the place being a bit tired with him.

The true test of him actually being any good will be whether he put process and structure in place for the next guy to use to hit the ground running. If he didn't, then he's someone you need to let go and pick up the pieces after - and you're better off getting that over and done with. If he did, then we should be OK if we get our next appointment right.

As I've said earlier, and in another thread, he's been with us for ten years and he's probably not wanting to become institutionalised as a Bulldogs person, and looking for cash we can't or won't pay him in his specific field.

I don't understand the angst, to be honest.

[jeemak]

As an aside.........if we don't trust the scuttlebutt about the place under normal circumstances from two bit hacks, why would we bother taking notice of it now?

[jeemak]

Jake Niall suggesting we might be looking at Scotty Clayton to come back. Maybe he can draft Sam Power from list management to the actual list :D

Jokes aside, I wouldn't be a fan of getting Clayton. His record since our 1999 draft haul has been underwhelming to put it mildly.

Well, if he comes on and has a single draft to dine out on like 1999, and we ditch him afterwards, then perhaps it might be OK!

Grant - Scott, we need you to come on board and hit one out of the park, one time, and one time only.

Clayton - Sure, fixed contract for three years, conditions guaranteed post termination if I deliver for just one? I kind of get a bit comfortable if I actually have to work after one.

Grant - Sure Scott.....whatever you want, just make sure you *!*!*!*! off after one.

[Doc26]

I wouldn’t say that Steven Wells, with over 23 years at the healm of Geelong’s recruiting, is seen as institutionalised per se.

He remains very highly regarded across the industry.

With that said, Wells to the external audience at least, would not seem at all gettable.

For me, I’m just disappointed that Dal couldn’t be our version of Wells, in tenure terms and bond to the Club ala Wells.

[jeemak]

I wouldn’t say that Steven Wells, with over 23 years at the healm of Geelong’s recruiting, is seen as institutionalised per se.

He remainss very highly regarded across the industry.

For me, I’m just disappointed that Dal couldn’t be our version of Wells, in tenure terms.

Perhaps he has a different set of values than Dalrymple, and doesn't need the same challenges Dalrymple feels he does. Maybe Geelong has a different environment for secondary managers that we can't offer in inner city Melbourne.

The feeling of being institutionalised is a deeply personal thing. Some are impervious to it, others aren't and can't stick around for decades, or periods of five years.

Take a look at Dodo for instance. Clearly a man of little actual ambition, caught up in the fight feigning real ambition, and completely institutionalised to the arrogance of that pitiful and disgusting organisation. It's healthy to not find a club and a national recruiting manager or list manager in that situation.

Either way, it has nothing to do with industry standard, it's up to the person and what they want from their careers.

[SonofScray]

A bit of a surprise to me, but this is the time for people in that role to move, if they are leaving.

Gave great service, is a loss. Let's not get carried away with the hand wringing, existential crisis stuff. We aren't Pavlov's Bulldogs. The media will pull out their pre written articles of that nature. Just change the date and name.

[Go_Dogs]

Dalrymple has been huge for us over an extended period of time, and besides his first effort in the draft, has more hits than misses and a history of landing quality developing players late in the draft and in the rookie draft. A lot of his legacy is now going to be focused on what becomes of top 25 selections like Dunkley, Collins, English, Naughton and Richards, along with a few developing players from the past few years in Williams, Lipinski and Young (I'm excluding Marcus Adams as he's already established).

As far as finding a replacement, having Bains and Power in place helps and you'd like to think this move has been on the cards for a period of time so we've had the opportunity to make a few discrete enquiries. Matt Rendell interests me, although he's been out of a head recruiter role for quite a few years now - perhaps another understudy who is well regarded and ready for the challenge of being in charge will emerge.

[Remi Moses]

Disappointing loss, but some need to calm the farm on here .

[Bulldog4life]

Neville Stibbard who was a consultant with us in recruiting has gone full time to the Suns.

[G-Mo77]

I usually just shrug off off field moves, this one though I can't. What a huge blow!

[Remi Moses]

I hope we’re not going the cheap as chips option and having Sam power in both roles .

[Remi Moses]

I'm just hoping Bains can get us the Saints genius who got them Billings and McCartin.

Or the deal that got them Hawthorn’s first round pick last year

[Bulldog4life]

This was our recruiting team in 2017.

More finances for the Dogs' recruiting department in the past few years changed their philosophy to make each scout a specialist in certain areas. Having been short-staffed before then, the club found gaps were exposed in its coverage of players at AFL and junior level. But that has been tightened now, with Jason McCartney the decision maker in the list management area (trades and free agency), and Dan Fisher working as the Bulldogs' pro scout. Simon Dalrymple, whose selection of Marcus Bontempelli at No.4 in the 2013 draft shaped their run to last year's premiership, is the recruiting manager, with a team of four full-timers beneath him. Jamie Downs (South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory) and Wayne McCraw (Victoria, NSW and Queensland) are the Dogs' leading recruiting officers for their respective zones, while Dave Weston is the organiser of the recruiting team. He collects all the GPS numbers and Champion Data statistics, maintains prospects' fitness and psychological profiling and plans for key events through the year. In a newer role, David Newton manages the Bulldogs' Next Generation Academy, seeing him identify possible prospects in the club's specified areas. They have 10 part-time staff.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-19/who-makes-the-calls-on-your-clubs-recruits

[Smads57]

Disappointed about losing Simon, but we move on....

Thinking a little left of centre here re Sam Power’s position - it must help having your older brother involved with the Academy Players and not being aligned to any particular club. For instance, Luke Power was in the US with various young Academy players including Rhylee West. Surely Luke would have good intel on the respective better payers in that Academy and Rhylee’s position amongst them. It would be interesting sitting around the Power family table at tea time come this years draft and discussing the merits of various youngsters.

[The Doctor]

Or the deal that got them Hawthorn’s first round pick last year

that was superb

if Sam Power was the architect of getting our 2nd rounder for Carlton in the 2018 draft last trade period then he too did superbly. I doubt Silvagni was clever enough to pull that one off.

Concerning finding a new recruiting manager, I wouldn't be surprised if we promoted from within. Surely if we wanted to keep Dalrymple then we could have as he was contracted. While I'm surprised at this development the club must feel there is someone in mind ready to step in. Surely!

[Twodogs]

Disappointed about losing Simon, but we move on....

Thinking a little left of centre here re Sam Power’s position - it must help having your older brother involved with the Academy Players and not being aligned to any particular club. For instance, Luke Power was in the US with various young Academy players including Rhylee West. Surely Luke would have good intel on the respective better payers in that Academy and Rhylee’s position amongst them. It would be interesting sitting around the Power family table at tea time come this years draft and discussing the merits of various youngsters.


It would be good to know where Rylee is seen by his peers. Is he a leader, is he someone happy to coast on his talent (and remembering his old man, I think I already know the answer to that one.) is he first to training and last to leave and does all the extras after training and extra sessions, is he an extrovert or an introvert? It would be really good for our recruiting manager to have somebody to touch base with, maybe somebody who has been away on tour and spent time with Rhylee. If only there as somebody like that Sam could access...

[mjp]

I have to admit to feeling that Dalrymple would leave as soon as a recruitment process was initiated for J-M's old job...

My take is different on this to most though. Player development > recruiting. The Dalrymple/B-Mac team was annoying. The Dalrymple/Bevo team was amazing. I think most recruiters would love picking kids that Bevo will have a hand in developing...

Life member of the club and certainly a contributor to the 2016 success...I wish him personal happiness and ZERO professional success at the Swans.

[Doc26]

Dal’s legacy will be with us for many a season yet.

This one could turn out to be his biggest get yet

https://twitter.com/westernbulldogs/status/961773363571011584/video/1

Just press play. Guaranteed to put the smile back on the dial.

[ledge]

It would be good to know where Rylee is seen by his peers. Is he a leader, is he someone happy to coast on his talent (and remembering his old man, I think I already know the answer to that one.) is he first to training and last to leave and does all the extras after training and extra sessions, is he an extrovert or an introvert? It would be really good for our recruiting manager to have somebody to touch base with, maybe somebody who has been away on tour and spent time with Rhylee. If only there as somebody like that Sam could access...
I would say the club know all that already as usually father/sons if any good are doing time at the club at age 14.

[ledge]

Dal’s legacy will be with us for many a season yet.

This one could turn out to be his biggest get yet

https://twitter.com/westernbulldogs/status/961773363571011584/video/1

Just press play. Guaranteed to put the smile back on the dial.

I have huge aspirations on this kid he is going to be awesome.

[bornadog]

Dal’s legacy will be with us for many a season yet.

This one could turn out to be his biggest get yet

https://twitter.com/westernbulldogs/status/961773363571011584/video/1

Just press play. Guaranteed to put the smile back on the dial.

went out of his way to get English, really backed himself in. I think we have a winner on our hands. Thanks Dal

[GVGjr]

One of Dalrymple's success was around his rookie list selections and Dahlhaus and Johannisen were huge selections for us in his 2nd effort although there were also some monumental misses in his first 2 years. I think some of them were forced on him.

Campbell, Redpath, Goodes and Jong were also rookies but I think we have tapered off a bit with success stories in the last few seasons.

While we would be pretty happy with his 2016 selections, English, Lipinksi, Young and Greene, I feel we got a lot wrong with our trades and draft selections after the GF by misreading the draft and we missed out on some of the players we wanted.

[Twodogs]

I would say the club know all that already as usually father/sons if any good are doing time at the club at age 14.

He's the son of a club legend if course he will be a superstar. Everyone involved with the Bulldogs knows that.

I'd just like to get as many reads on the kid from as wide a range of sources as possible. I'd like to hear about him from people who aren't involved with the club because they don't have a dog in the race.

[Eastdog]

That's a loss. He has been good for us. Not an easy job.

I wish Simon the best of luck with whatever he does next.

[Webby]

24 hours to discuss and calm down... so glass half full summation:

Like many musicians, recruiters tend to run hot for a period (perhaps ten years or so), before waning.... There are many examples. Sure, some can chip in with the odd hit and keep their kudos topped up, but their peak years are past them.

Perhaps the club have realised that there's another young, hungry recruiter out there (or within our four walls) who is more likely to fit the bill over the next ten years.

Just a thought..

[Sedat]

24 hours to discuss and calm down... so glass half full summation:

Like many musicians, recruiters tend to run hot for a period (perhaps ten years or so), before waning.... There are many examples. Sure, some can chip in with the odd hit and keep their kudos topped up, but their peak years are past them.

Perhaps the club have realised that there's another young, hungry recruiter out there (or within our four walls) who is more likely to fit the bill over the next ten years.

Just a thought..
He's just gone through his Beggars Banquet/Let it Bleed/Exile on Main St/Sticky Fingers period - hopefully the Swans get to enjoy his Undercover of the Night/Dirty Work/Steel Wheels period.

[MrMahatma]

People move on. There's a team of recruiters and the fundamentals of our recruiting
Strategy won't change, just someone else will execute it.

He's been great for the club but people leave jobs all the time and in the vast majority of cases, the organisation moves on without too much drama.

[bornadog]

People move on. There's a team of recruiters and the fundamentals of our recruiting
Strategy won't change, just someone else will execute it.

He's been great for the club but people leave jobs all the time and in the vast majority of cases, the organisation moves on without too much drama.

that is how I feel as well

[Eastdog]

that is how I feel as well

We moved on very well after the debacle at the end of 2014.

[divvydan]

I just hope we don't go back to Clayton and instead either promote from within or get someone with a good recent history.

[GVGjr]

Is there just a small part of people in the back of their mind that want us to bring Clayton back....providing he does that Williamstown swim he promised us about Jarrad Grant? :)

[Webby]

We moved on very well after the debacle at the end of 2014.

Well I suppose the debacles of late 1982 and late 2014 turned out to be catalysts for much improved times.. Here's hoping 2017-18 Summer proves similar. Though initial emotions say "bloody, hell!"

[Eastdog]

Well I suppose the debacles of late 1982 and late 2014 turned out to be catalysts for much improved times.. Here's hoping 2017-18 Summer proves similar. Though initial emotions say "bloody, hell!"

I'm quietly confident.

[Twodogs]

Is there just a small part of people in the back of their mind that want us to bring Clayton back....providing he does that Williamstown swim he promised us about Jarrad Grant? :)

You're starting to make it sound like something worth doing.

[comrade]

Some really good, measured responses particularly from jeemak.

Great job, WOOFers.

[Go_Dogs]

One of Dalrymple's success was around his rookie list selections and Dahlhaus and Johannisen were huge selections for us in his 2nd effort although there were also some monumental misses in his first 2 years. I think some of them were forced on him.

Campbell, Redpath, Goodes and Jong were also rookies but I think we have tapered off a bit with success stories in the last few seasons.

While we would be pretty happy with his 2016 selections, English, Lipinksi, Young and Greene, I feel we got a lot wrong with our trades and draft selections after the GF by misreading the draft and we missed out on some of the players we wanted.

Our RL strategy hasn't helped, as we've used it for delisted players (both from our club and others) while some of the younger players chosen in Smith, Lynch have shown a bit but have had injuries or were always going to be longer term prospects.

That being said, does having a deep and successful Footscray team offset that some of these selections were always unlikely to be big contributors at AFL level and building a winning culture and having solid mentors and trainers from the system support us mor beneficial?


Any thoughts on who could be the successor GVG?

[GVGjr]

Our RL strategy hasn't helped, as we've used it for delisted players (both from our club and others) while some of the younger players chosen in Smith, Lynch have shown a bit but have had injuries or were always going to be longer term prospects.

That being said, does having a deep and successful Footscray team offset that some of these selections were always unlikely to be big contributors at AFL level and building a winning culture and having solid mentors and trainers from the system support us mor beneficial?


Any thoughts on who could be the successor GVG?

Hard to say as there would be many candidates.
It could be someone currently the 2IC to the recruiting manager at a club or possibly a retired footballer that's been interested in recruiting. At a long shot it could someone from the player management area who's looking to get into the club level although they typically would be more focused on the list management position.
Would Clayton want the role given he's been a list manager for so long? Dan Fisher or one of our current team might be in the mix or even someone with development coaching experience.

Hopefully it will be someone who places a slightly higher focus on kicking skills and pace.

[Bulldog4life]

Hard to say as there would be many candidates.
It could be someone currently the 2IC to the recruiting manager at a club or possibly a retired footballer that's been interested in recruiting. At a long shot it could someone from the player management area who's looking to get into the club level although they typically would be more focused on the list management position.
Would Clayton want the role given he's been a list manager for so long? Dan Fisher or one of our current team might be in the mix or even someone with development coaching experience.

Hopefully it will be someone who places a slightly higher focus on kicking skills and pace.

Yes it could be anyone. Before Dal moved into recruiting he was a devolopment coach with us.

[GVGjr]

Yes it could be anyone. Before Dal moved into recruiting he was a devolopment coach with us.

I can remember Dal getting dragged into the Williamstown reserves coaching box by Ghazi a few times.

There might be a couple of candidates interested that have coached at the TAC level.

[ledge]

Could Rohan smith be looked at ? Wasn't he doing a bit of scouting etc for the AFL before he came back to us ?

[GVGjr]

Could Rohan smith be looked at ? Wasn't he doing a bit of scouting etc for the AFL before he came back to us ?

He probably has more coaching ambitions at the moment but retired players might be considered.

[Bulldog4life]

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/02/09/niall's-interesting-possible-replacement-for-departing-dogs-recruiter/

NIALL’S “INTERESTING” POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT FOR DEPARTING DOGS RECRUITER

Recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple has left the Western Bulldogs six weeks before the start of the 2018 season, and Jake Niall has thrown up a candidate he believes could be in the mix to replace him.

Dalrymple will join the Sydney Swans’ list management team, having spent nearly a decade at the Dogs.

Niall says that the Western Bulldogs will now be actively searching for a recruiting manager with a focus on drafting.

“Dalrymple was really the recruiting guy who did the drafting. Most of that premiership team, the vast bulk of it, was drafted by Simon Dalrymple,” the chief football writer for The Age told SEN’s Time On with Sam McClure.

“They have to find someone who will report to (Dogs list manager) Sam Power and who will be primarily responsible for the draft.”

Due to this, Niall has thrown up the possibility of former Gold Coast Suns list manager Scott Clayton returning to the Bulldogs, where he served as recruiting manager between 1999 and 2008.

Clayton, who was also responsible for putting together the majority of the Brisbane Lions team that won three consecutive premierships between 2001 and 2003, was let go by the Suns as part of their sweeping review at the end of last season.

Having overseen the drafting of dozens of youngsters in his time on the Gold Coast, Niall says a return to the Dogs would be an “interesting” move.

“You’d have to say there is some possibility they would look at him,” he said.

Nail expects that a replacement will be announced by the Dogs before the start of the TAC Cup season in March.

“They have got a fair bit of time before the start of the season,” he said.

“You would want to have it done by the time the TAC Cup really kicks up, because that is where you get the bulk of your players.”

[bornadog]

No thanks, some new blood please

[bulldogtragic]

Shoot me if that happens. It'd be a mercy killing.

[Sedat]

Shoot me if that happens. It'd be a mercy killing.
Silver lining - you might see Spindle back at the kennel :D

[bulldogtragic]

Silver lining - you might see Spindle back at the kennel :D

No need, I can ring him any time posing as a real estate buyer. :D

Clayton would be a genuine disaster. Again. I'm demoralised just thinking of that happening.

[Happy Days]

Silver lining - you might see Spindle back at the kennel :D

If we got Grant back I’d still think he was going to kick 8 every time we played.

[Twodogs]

No need, I can ring him any time posing as a real estate buyer. :D

Clayton would be a genuine disaster. Again. I'm demoralised just thinking of that happening.


And lure him to remote propertys, not that I needed to point that out to you I'm sure

[Mofra]

One of Dalrymple's success was around his rookie list selections and Dahlhaus and Johannisen were huge selections for us in his 2nd effort although there were also some monumental misses in his first 2 years. I think some of them were forced on him.
Dahl and JJ were huge if only because 2010 was possibly the most shitful draft in modern history and we got free kicks with the FS selections then nailed two rookie picks.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Very disappointing news IMO.

A successful head recruiter is just about the most important person at the club and Dal certainly proved himself to be one of the best we have seen in recent times.

Effectively we go from giving up an A+ Recruiter to an unknown.

I hope the club knows what it's doing. There's been a lot of unnecessary change from the outside looking in since October 2016.

[GVGjr]

I don't quite get why we allowed him to leave while he still had a contract. Obviously if people aren't happy in their work place you do what you can to help but I'm over contracts being broken and in this case we have given a leg up to our 2016 GF opponent.

There has to be a story behind this and while in the short term it doesn't make a lot of difference we are turning over too many footy people.

[SonofScray]

I don't quite get why we allowed him to leave while he still had a contract. Obviously if people aren't happy in their work place you do what you can to help but I'm over contracts being broken and in this case we have given a leg up to our 2016 GF opponent.

There has to be a story behind this and while in the short term it doesn't make a lot of difference we are turning over too many footy people.

I suppose with the valuable IP his role generates for the club and our strategies this is a factor in why his departure stings a little more than perhaps it should. The knowledge and experience goes to a director competitor ahead of time, with little recompense to us. That is probably the thing that stands out for me, more so than the loss of his talent. Otherwise it feels like someone just changing jobs, like you or I might.

The threads of a "Chris Grant isn't doing a good job" narrative are starting to weave their way into the conversation in media and across a few forums. I wonder what the grounds for that are? My gut says it is an extension of the 'PG is a tyrant' narrative that just hasn't quite stuck despite it being written as if it is a fact. Staff turnover in his area and the talk of disruption with relationships are interesting though, it'd be good to get a sense of what the environment is like.

[GVGjr]

I suppose with the valuable IP his role generates for the club and our strategies this is a factor in why his departure stings a little more than perhaps it should. The knowledge and experience goes to a director competitor ahead of time, with little recompense to us. That is probably the thing that stands out for me, more so than the loss of his talent. Otherwise it feels like someone just changing jobs, like you or I might.

The threads of a "Chris Grant isn't doing a good job" narrative are starting to weave their way into the conversation in media and across a few forums. I wonder what the grounds for that are? My gut says it is an extension of the 'PG is a tyrant' narrative that just hasn't quite stuck despite it being written as if it is a fact. Staff turnover in his area and the talk of disruption with relationships are interesting though, it'd be good to get a sense of what the environment is like.

The difference is that he had a contract in place for the next 12 months which is different to the majority of other people in the work place. I have to give 4 weeks notice, they have to do the same for me. I don't think you can ask for the security of a contract and hold the club to that if they want you gone before that contract expires but also expect to be released from one 12 months early just because you have a better offer. Contracts need to be mutually beneficial and clubs are continually getting ripped off.

I'm more interested in why we let him go early.

There is no issues with Grant or Gordon.

[Go_Dogs]

Any chance we got something back our way from Sydney? Similar to trading a contracted player, surely we can ask for some monetary compensation for losing his services.

[Twodogs]

Any chance we got something back our way from Sydney? Similar to trading a contracted player, surely we can ask for some monetary compensation for losing his services.


Bugger money. They can send Buddy our way.

[Hotdog60]

Bugger money. They can send Buddy our way.

Has been, if an old bloke like Morris with a dodgy back can bring him down.

[bornadog]

Has been, if an old bloke like Morris with a dodgy back can bring him down.

What a moment

http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/7896098-3x2-700x467.jpg

[Twodogs]

Magnificent. Brutal. Life defining. Awe inspiring. Beautiful.

He got up off the turf with broken bones in his back and bought down a rampaging Buddy. It was one of the most brilliant things I ever saw. And the way the stadium went quiet as Toms shot bounced toward the goal and then the pandemonium that broke out because we knew we were only one goal from breaking their resistance and winning a flag. And most importantly for once in a final the ball was actually bouncing our way. We had the time of our life and I saw a man, he danced with his wife. :cool:


I love Dale Morris!

[westdog54]

Not just the bones in his back but the cramps in his legs. If you watch the contest before, he comes up looking like he can barely move but somehow finds one more effort.

[Mofra]

Not just the bones in his back but the cramps in his legs. If you watch the contest before, he comes up looking like he can barely move but somehow finds one more effort.
In an interview he mentioned double-calf cramps. He only got to buddy on sheer will.

Not to forget he once played a final with a broken tibia (2009?). He never goes the knuckle but he's as tough as they come.

[Twodogs]

In an interview he mentioned double-calf cramps. He only got to buddy on sheer will.

Not to forget he once played a final with a broken tibia (2009?). He never goes the knuckle but he's as tough as they come.


He's the sort of player that doesn't have to go the knuckle. He has proved how tough he is 241 times without throwing a single punch.

[Axe Man]

A small reference by the CEO to the Dalrymple departure at the end of this article. I wonder what the number of factors were?

No media ban on silent Bevo: Bulldogs (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-16/no-media-ban-on-silent-bevo-bulldogs)


Recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple was another high-profile departure over the off-season, with the respected talent spotter defecting to the Sydney Swans last week.

It was the second big loss to the football department in months after list manager Jason McCartney was poached by Greater Western Sydney.

"An opportunity came for Simon at the Sydney Swans, and he asked to be released from his contract to pursue that, and on balance, we were happy to agree to it," Bains said.

"I think from both parties' perspective, there was a recognition that a fresh start was probably required as a result of a number of factors."

[bornadog]

A small reference by the CEO to the Dalrymple departure at the end of this article. I wonder what the number of factors were?

No media ban on silent Bevo: Bulldogs (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-16/no-media-ban-on-silent-bevo-bulldogs)

Taken from interview on SEN - see post #215, listen here (https://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?14213-Bulldog-Sound-clouds-audio-and-podcasts/page15)

[Axe Man]

Taken from interview on SEN - see post #215, listen here (https://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?14213-Bulldog-Sound-clouds-audio-and-podcasts/page15)

It's a bit easier for me to read things at work rather than listen to them. ;)

[Bulldog4life]

Mitch Cleary
‏

@cleary_mitch
57m57 minutes ago
More
Dogs in early stages of process to replace Simon Dalrymple as recruiting boss.

Keep an eye on Chris Liberatore from the Saints. Understand he's a man of interest. Current state recruiting manager. Link to CEO Ameet Bains. Step-son of Tony, brother of Tom. @SportsdayRadio

[ledge]

Mitch Cleary
‏

@cleary_mitch
57m57 minutes ago
More
Dogs in early stages of process to replace Simon Dalrymple as recruiting boss.

Keep an eye on Chris Liberatore from the Saints. Understand he's a man of interest. Current state recruiting manager. Link to CEO Ameet Bains. Step-son of Tony, brother of Tom. @SportsdayRadio

Any background on him at all , not family of course :-). His work and success in jobs.

[Twodogs]

Mitch Cleary
‏

@cleary_mitch
57m57 minutes ago
More
Dogs in early stages of process to replace Simon Dalrymple as recruiting boss.

Keep an eye on Chris Liberatore from the Saints. Understand he's a man of interest. Current state recruiting manager. Link to CEO Ameet Bains. Step-son of Tony, brother of Tom. @SportsdayRadio

Interesting. I wonder if the F/S scheme could extend out to drafting and recruiting.

[Bulldog4life]

Any background on him at all , not family of course :-). His work and success in jobs.

Recruiter Insight: Chris Liberatore

Ahead of next Friday night's NAB AFL Draft, where St Kilda holds picks No. 7, No. 8, No. 34 and No. 45, saints.com.au has received an insight into the world of list management from the recruiting team at Linen House Centre.

What is your pathway to recruiting at the Saints?

Started at the club on a part-time basis in 2009 in my final year of completing an Exercise Science degree.

How many years have you worked at the club and in recruiting?

Started in 2009 part-time and then became full-time at the start of 2011.

What states or territories do you cover?

I manage Victoria but as we all do, I attend games and interview players from all over the country.

Who was the best player recruited from your region in 2016?

Andrew McGrath (Pick No. 1, Essendon)

How many interstate trips have you been on this year?

20 - SA x 8, WA x 6, NT x 1, QLD x 2, NSW x 2, TAS x 1 plus USA trip for the AFL Academy Camp in January

How many games have you watched this year?

Somewhere between 110-120 including practice matches.

How many prospective recruits have you interviewed?

Personally maybe 60 players but some have been 2 to 4 times.

Who is the best player you have seen at the age of 18?

Steven Coniglio - Greater Western Sydney

What is the most important attribute you look for in a recruit and why?

Character – determines how much a player will improve and get the most out of their talents.
Which current Saint did you watch play the most before he was drafted?

Seb Ross - pick No. 25, 2011

Was there a moment with that player that stands out in his draft year?

He played for North Ballarat Rebels late in the season when most of the better players were missing for the Rebels due to the Herald Sun Shield final and he was playing against a strong Calder team. As a lone hand, he really stood up and worked as hard as I’d ever seen him and was very impressive overall.

Who is the best value pick on St Kilda’s list?

Jack Newnes – pick 37. After playing seven games in his first year, he has played 106 out of his next possible 110 games across the next five seasons.

How important is the interview process in evaluating a prospective recruit?

Very. It helps get a feel for the person and not just the player, as well as a better understand of his background, family and overall character.

How would you describe Tony Elshaug?

Relentless

http://www.saints.com.au/news/2017-11-16/recruiter-insight-chris-liberatore

[divvydan]

Well we don't have to worry about Scott Clayton coming back, he's taken a role with WCE in a more admin style role in their Melbourne office.

[GVGjr]

Well we don't have to worry about Scott Clayton coming back, he's taken a role with WCE in a more admin style role in their Melbourne office.

He is probably perfectly suited to that. Clayton has had a long career as recruiter and list manager but lets face it he fell short on delivery.

[Twodogs]

He is probably perfectly suited to that. Clayton has had a long career as recruiter and list manager but lets face it he fell short on delivery.


He had those draft concessions at Brisbane that he made his reputation off. He spent the pucks pretty well, they won 3 flags in a row.

Then that first draft with us that went pretty well but it was downhill (the same way the skiers he recruited went) after that.

[Mofra]

He had those draft concessions at Brisbane that he made his reputation off. He spent the pucks pretty well, they won 3 flags in a row.

Then that first draft with us that went pretty well but it was downhill (the same way the skiers he recruited went) after that.
I always thought he was better than average with later picks. Burning many years of first rounders in a row killed him, although he did get the Cooney/Farren ray draft right (the other players were mostly awful that year).

[chef]

Are we starting to really feel this loss now with the state of our list?

[The Doctor]

No, I don't think so. We almost won the grand final last year.

There is something not right at the club. Not sure what it is. Players behaving badly or lack of quality assistant coaches, or lack of leadership from the top down. There is a fly in the ointment somewhere within the club.

Rhylee West has been one of our best players in recent weeks and he is a fringe player. Too many good players out of form & not pulling their weight might be the problem. Just spitballing

[jeemak]

There's clearly issues with the players. There's also a massive issue with coaching given the turnover of senior assistants.

I feel the latter will settle, and I think also a few players won't be there next year. I have heard some bits and pieces around Hunter, and I think that Dunkley is gone as you'd expect from somebody who started the best thread ever seen on this forum.

[GVGjr]

No, I don't think so. We almost won the grand final last year.

There is something not right at the club. Not sure what it is. Players behaving badly or lack of quality assistant coaches, or lack of leadership from the top down. There is a fly in the ointment somewhere within the club.

Rhylee West has been one of our best players in recent weeks and he is a fringe player. Too many good players out of form & not pulling their weight might be the problem. Just spitballing

It's a good enough list but unbalanced.
Our lack of quality back men gets mentioned a lot throughout the year but during the trade period when we come up short the club is often defended that we have enough, Same with ruck man.

We are also lacking some genuine athleticism across the playing list.

I agree that something isn't right with the footy department. Not sure if it's just the players or the tactics or some other distractions
but there has to be a reason why we can't back up strong performance years.

The question we are now facing is do we need to break things up and go for a more sustainable fix or will a quick regroup be sufficient?

[jeemak]

It's a good enough list but unbalanced.
Our lack of quality back men gets mentioned a lot throughout the year but during the trade period when we come up short the club is often defended that we have enough, Same with ruck man.

We are also lacking some genuine athleticism across the playing list.

I agree that something isn't right with the footy department. Not sure if it's just the players or the tactics or some other distractions
but there has to be a reason why we can't back up strong performance years.

The question we are now facing is do we need to break things up and go for a more sustainable fix or will a quick regroup be sufficient?

Sorry G, I know it's your web site and all but there's some context that goes into those rejections you mention without it being bullshit.

Players need to fit, they need to want to come here. We need to be able to play them and pay them.

[GVGjr]

Sorry G, I know it's your web site and all but there's some context that goes into those rejections you mention without it being bullshit.

Players need to fit, they need to want to come here. We need to be able to play them and pay them.

No problems with that but why is it defended that we have the right players during the trade period when we come up short in attracting players but during the season we lament the lack of quality back man or rucks?

[jeemak]

No problems with that but why is it defended that we have the right players during the trade period when we come up short in attracting players but during the season we lament the lack of quality back man or rucks?

Because on balance we feel that we did what we could during trade period.

We all know we need the players we need, but honestly, none of us are prepared to pay what we need to get them.

Yes, some clubs pick up some players we could have had, but it's an eighteen team competition and thus, the chances of one in eighteen of us to get them are pretty low.

By the time the season rolls around we ask why we don't have them and forget the realities of what it would have taken to get them in the first place.

[GVGjr]

Because on balance we feel that we did what we could during trade period.

We all know we need the players we need, but honestly, none of us are prepared to pay what we need to get them.

Yes, some clubs pick up some players we could have had, but it's an eighteen team competition and thus, the chances of one in eighteen of us to get them are pretty low.

By the time the season rolls around we ask why we don't have them and forget the realities of what it would have taken to get them in the first place.

Then why beat up on the back line now when there was nothing we could about it?

[jeemak]

Then why beat up on the back line now when there was nothing we could about it?

I don't beat up on the backline.

Yes, they are undermanned at the moment but all of the issues are upstream as far as I'm concerned.

You should reach out to somebody who can access my posting history for tonight.

[DOG GOD]

Is dunks playing like he is because he knows he won’t be there next year ?
Is Treloar playing like he is because he knows dunks won’t be there next year?
Something obviously up with Hunter ? Was it a club ban than for “personal reasons”
And obviously the Bailey smith issues.
What sort of bloke is Bailey Williams? Doesn’t seem as committed as last year. Does he hang around smith or Hunter?

Not suggesting anything sinister, but the body language of a lot of our players has been off all year.

West has only really been the shining light player wise. He looks committed, hungry and ready to take it on.

Amongst all the off field carnage etc, the one that has surprised me with commitment and leadership is Libba. Kudos for him at his age to be getting down and dirty and leaving no stone unturned out there.

[bornadog]

Then why beat up on the back line now when there was nothing we could about it?

In 2020, Chris Grant told a business group I was in that a tall backman was the priority. Whatever the reason, we couldn't get it done. Every team is after one.

[azabob]

In 2020, Chris Grant told a business group I was in that a tall backman was the priority. Whatever the reason, we couldn't get it done. Every team is after one.

I wonder if that was Dougal Howard who is now at the saints?

[bornadog]

I wonder if that was Dougal Howard who is now at the saints?

Not sure Aza, but the club has tried to get a tall backman and ruck support, but we have been constricted with Jamarra and Darcy first rounders. I hope this year we can use our first round, or future first for a decent backman - yes I am prepared to give it up if we can snag a decent player

[Throughandthrough]

What sort of bloke is Bailey Williams? Doesn’t seem as committed as last year. Does he hang around smith or Hunter?

.

Ordinary comment. Stick to big footy.

[Bulldog4life]

Ordinary comment. Stick to big footy.

Good to see you back T & T. Your rooting thread needs you.

[Throughandthrough]

Haha done. Give me a few days.

[Bulldog4life]

Haha done. Give me a few days.

I have filled in for you but I welcome the King rooter back.

[jazzadogs]

I have filled it for you but I welcome the King rooter back.

King Rooter. That's a title for the gravestone.

[Twodogs]

Is dunks playing like he is because he knows he won’t be there next year ?
Is Treloar playing like he is because he knows dunks won’t be there next year?
Something obviously up with Hunter ? Was it a club ban than for “personal reasons”
And obviously the Bailey smith issues.
What sort of bloke is Bailey Williams? Doesn’t seem as committed as last year. Does he hang around smith or Hunter?

Not suggesting anything sinister, but the body language of a lot of our players has been off all year.

West has only really been the shining light player wise. He looks committed, hungry and ready to take it on.

Amongst all the off field carnage etc, the one that has surprised me with commitment and leadership is Libba. Kudos for him at his age to be getting down and dirty and leaving no stone unturned out there.


What's wrong with Dunkley this season? He's leading the club in several KPIs/indicators.

[DOG GOD]

What's wrong with Dunkley this season? He's leading the club in several KPIs/indicators.
That surprises me. I’m finding him very hot and cold this year. Obviously I’m not watching close enough.

[Grantysghost]

That surprises me. I’m finding him very hot and cold this year. Obviously I’m not watching close enough.

Statistically pretty good season :

https://finalsiren.com/PlayerStats.asp?PlayerID=2609

[bornadog]

Statistically pretty good season :

https://finalsiren.com/PlayerStats.asp?PlayerID=2609

Top ten in AFL for tackling as well

[GVGjr]

Top ten in AFL for tackling as well

And it's not token tackles.

[jeemak]

That surprises me. I’m finding him very hot and cold this year. Obviously I’m not watching close enough.

Don't stress mate, your role is well defined as our resident pessimist and we love you dearly for it.

Stats and attention to detail will only dilute your effectiveness. :)

[Bulldog4life]

That surprises me. I’m finding him very hot and cold this year. Obviously I’m not watching close enough.

Sometimes a player is more noticeable running from a pack than the player who is on the bottom of the pack who gave it to him.

[DOG GOD]

Ordinary comment. Stick to big footy.

It was a genuine question. Williams is really off the boil this year and there’s gotta be a reason. I was only asking

[DOG GOD]

Don't stress mate, your role is well defined as our resident pessimist and we love you dearly for it.

Stats and attention to detail will only dilute your effectiveness. :)
Fair enough