Ottens officially quits Tigers

[originalswan]

I think the team that is closer to a Premiership can only be looked at after this trading period - If we get the required midfielder and Ottens who knows?

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by originalswan
I think the team that is closer to a Premiership can only be looked at after this trading period - If we get the required midfielder and Ottens who knows?

Definitely - if we can add 2-3 key players, then we should be right in the mix.

[Boodnutz]

No-one seriously goes to Geelong to improve their career. They have always had problems attracting quality players because, frankly, no-one really wants to live in Geelong. It's also not really on to make the trip down the highway from Melbourne every day either. If he's as money hungry as he sounds, Sydney is far and away the best option for him. No doubt Baz and Plugger will be in his ear telling what a move like that meant to them - financially and football-wise.

[Bart]

Open letter from Greg Miller - re. Brad Ottens

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An open letter to Richmond members and supporters from the Club?s Director of Football, Greg Miller
1:53:06 PM Fri 24 September, 2004
richmondfc.com.au

This morning I met with Brad Ottens and his management team and was informed that he wishes to be traded from the Richmond Football Club.

While we are genuinely disappointed with Brad?s decision, we also see this as a great opportunity to make some significant, exciting changes to our playing list.


It has been well documented that Brad has been paid on potential by our club for a long period of time. The new offer that we put to him for the next 2-3 years was reflective of where he?s at in his football career.

Brad also has received very handsome offers from at least two league clubs.

Richmond is in charge and will not be pressured by other clubs into paying over the odds to re-sign our own.

We have always cared very well for Brad and looked after his best interests. There can be no argument from Brad?s camp that our care, interest and development has not been first class.

So, whatever you may hear or read, Richmond is not to blame for Brad?s decision to leave Punt Road.

It?s most important that Tiger members and fans understand these circumstances because we need your support now as we turn this situation into a major positive for us.

Brad was our No. 1 pick ( and No. 2 overall) in the 1997 National AFL Draft and since then we?ve spent considerable time and money in nurturing his talent to a point where he?s ready to produce his best football over the next few seasons.

Whichever club reaps the reward of our efforts will pay handsomely for that right.

Let?s put this in perspective . . . Brad is the hottest trade choice that I can ever remember in league football. We?re talking about a ruckman/forward who has played more than 120 games, was an All-Australian representative in 2001, and is still only 24 years of age. He has the ability to become one of the game?s absolute top-liners ? and that?s the price someone?s going to have to pay for his services.

Early draft choices are what we?d be looking at for an exchange. In a year where we?ve already got selections 1, 4 and 20, we?re keen to further bolster our stocks of young talent with more early picks.

Let?s also understand that if a suitable offer is not forthcoming to trade Brad, then we will reserve our right to re-sign him, or take him in the pre-season draft.

Obviously, if Brad is to be traded, then we must bring in a readymade big player, as well as draft choices, to fill the void. I can assure Richmond supporters that contingency plans are in place.

We have agreed to a new one-year deal with Greg Stafford and we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we won?t be disadvantaged.

The Richmond Football Club will use this as a launching pad to add some outstanding youth to those developed over the last couple of years at Tigerland.

I?m sure all members of the Yellow and Black faith are going to follow the upcoming trade period with a lot of interest. I will keep you informed . . .

[Ryan Bomford]

Sore loser .. sounds like he's panicking.

[Ryan Bomford]

Stafford must be laughing, probably upped the ante by $50K or so to sign on for another year.

[Bart]

My favourite piece is

Originally posted by Bart
Let?s put this in perspective . . . Brad is the hottest trade choice that I can ever remember in league football.

erm...Tony Lockett......Paul Roos.....Barry Hall.......and that's just at the Swans

[liz]

Originally posted by Bart
My favourite piece is



erm...Tony Lockett......Paul Roos.....Barry Hall.......and that's just at the Swans

yup - or Kane Johnson, Nathan Brown and the failed attempt to get Dean Solomon to the Tigers last year.

How about Wayne Carey? Des Headland? Even this year I think Luke Ball will be hotter property than Ottens, if he decides to leave the Saints. Given the choice between Ottens and Ball I'd want Ball every time.

[midaro]

Originally posted by liz
Given the choice between Ottens and Ball I'd want Ball every time.

Yep. I hope our recruiters feel the same way.

However... does our chasing of Ottens perhaps indicate that Goodes will never play ruck again?

[Barry Schneider]

Originally posted by midaro
Yep. I hope our recruiters feel the same way.

However... does our chasing of Ottens perhaps indicate that Goodes will never play ruck again?

I hope not.His real value is his mobility around the ground against the big boppas.He is too unaccountable to play in the backs and he struggles a bit in the forwards.His goal kicking is a worry.I can see him part of the ruck rotation.He could play as a forward but in effect start on the wing with Ottens/Doyle taking the centre bounces then drifting down to the forwards while Goodes takes over the around the ground rucking.He,Ottens and Doyle can rotate through the forward pocket and bench.
When Goodes isn't rucking he can play as loose man in defence and as an outlet option.
Just my thoughts.

[Newbie]

Originally posted by midaro
Yep. I hope our recruiters feel the same way.

However... does our chasing of Ottens perhaps indicate that Goodes will never play ruck again?

It seems so. I think Doyle/Ottens and Goodes would form a perfect combo. Ball is going to retire soon, so Ball factor should not be an influence in the recruiting of Ottens or so.

Given our track record of turning players around, if an underperforming player is looking for a change purely from a footy perspective, we are in a good position to get that player. I think (and hope) this is the case for Ottens. I hope T Johnson could see this too and decide to join us as well. That would do it for our trade period.

[CureTheSane]

Brad is the hottest trade choice that I can ever remember in league football.

OMFG!

What a toss!

Also, I highly doubt that Richmond would re-sign Ottens if the couldn't trade him.

If they do, they are simply shooting themselves in the foot.
Who wants a player playing who doesn't want to be there?

Yep, just what the Tigers need, another one of their own for the supporters to boo at.

He'll either be signed sealed and delivered very early, or he will be a last minute signing.

Either way, I hope the Swannies manage to snag him, and given our track record with the high profile players, I'd say that is a big chance

[CureTheSane]

Oops, I should have read page 2 before I posted...
I see the comment stuck out for others too lol

[Charlie]

I gagged on the comment as well. I probably should've expected it, though. Ottens is a shiny new Benz, and Miller is a used car dealer. As much as he'd like to keep Ottens all for himself, he's got to sell him and he's already in huckster mode.

[dimelb]

Originally posted by liz


Given the choice between Ottens and Ball I'd want Ball every time.

Why not both/and? or might we have to choose between Ball and Cameron Bruce?