Harley Bennell.

[Sedat]

Geelong now considering whether to take him. I wonder if we have had any thoughts on this?

They already have Nakia Cockagtoo taking up permanent residency in the rehab group. Previously they also had guys like Cowan, McCarthy and Gregson spending 4+ years doing virtually nothing but rehab - no wonder they have no depth to properly challenge at the pointy end and rely on their top 3-4 players each and every week.

[macca]

They already have Nakia Cockagtoo taking up permanent residency in the rehab group. Previously they also had guys like Cowan, McCarthy and Gregson spending 4+ years doing virtually nothing but rehab - no wonder they have no depth to properly challenge at the pointy end and rely on their top 3-4 players each and every week.

Please do it Geelong !

[Bullies]

The guy is a star and there is nothing to lose. If we can afford to keep Roarke Smith on the list for a couple of years then I know who i would rather have. Take the risk.

[Bulldog Joe]

The guy is a star and there is nothing to lose. If we can afford to keep Roarke Smith on the list for a couple of years then I know who i would rather have. Take the risk.

Are you sure?

Roarke Smith has done more at AFL level in the last 4 years.

[bornadog]

The guy is a star and there is nothing to lose. If we can afford to keep Roarke Smith on the list for a couple of years then I know who i would rather have. Take the risk.

Are you sure?

Roarke Smith has done more at AFL level in the last 4 years.

I agree with Bullies, take the risk, why not. Roarke is just not up to it, he has lost his spring in his legs since the two ACLs and has no point of difference.

[Mofra]

I agree with Bullies, take the risk, why not.

Because calf injuries in older AFL players just never truly heal?

If he had the demeanour of Mother Teresa it wouldn't make a difference - I just don't know how he can get on the paddock for any length of time.

[bornadog]

Melbourne now interested in taking on Harley.

[The Pie Man]

Because calf injuries in older AFL players just never truly heal?

If he had the demeanour of Mother Teresa it wouldn't make a difference - I just don't know how he can get on the paddock for any length of time.

Well if they've fixed the nerve issue in said calves.....

I'd be all in

[Bulldog Revolution]

For me the Bennell ship has sailed - just hasnt been able to stay fit and get any continuity

I'd rather focus all our energies and efforts on Smith, Lipinski, Dale and Richards plus our draftees to add the pace and run to the side

[Twodogs]

Well if they've fixed the nerve issue in said calves.....

I'd be all in

But wouldn't the muscle development you would expect in the legs of a player of his age not be there because he hasn't been able to get the miles in. Once those muscles atrophy it's hard to catch up.

[GVGjr]

The guy is a star and there is nothing to lose. If we can afford to keep Roarke Smith on the list for a couple of years then I know who i would rather have. Take the risk.

There is actually plenty to lose

He hasn't played for over 4 years and he's clearly had trouble adjusting to the professional requirements
There has to be some serious doubts on his physical ability and focus to succeed

We have all witnessed how players if they aren't switched on can cause a premiership team to under perform for the following 2 years so why add that level of risk? The upside just isn't there for me

[Bulldog Joe]

I feel we would be far better taking a draftee than wasting time with Harley.

We have a good list. We do not need to add distractions

[Bullies]

Are you sure?

Roarke Smith has done more at AFL level in the last 4 years.

Really. In 4 years R Smith has had one decent game in the wet in Adelaide.

[jeemak]

As an aside Roarke has had a couple of knee injuries that have been pretty serious. Whilst I don't rate him too highly the serious knee injuries count for something.

Also, I find it interesting that people look down on his excellent game against Port because it was wet. The reality is teams come closer together when the conditions are bad, but in most cases it's the good players that rise to the top like we saw with Bont on that very night.

So sure, be a detractor to output over time but don't piss on a good game he played.

[Bulldog Joe]

Really. In 4 years R Smith has had one decent game in the wet in Adelaide.

Can you tell me what Harley has done in that 4 years.