Ask Robbo: Your burning footy questions answered by Herald Sun Chief Football Writer Mark Robinson
North Melbourne’s struggles have Roos fans interested in how they might rejuvenate the club. It may have be primarily via trade or draft, because they might struggle to sign top dollar free agents. Mark Robinson explains.
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What are the Roos going to do?
They can’t win a game and a number of players are either down on form or have been found out.
Readers are wondering how they can escape their mire.
And what about bearded Chris Scott? Is his new Clark Kent persona flying under the radar?
Where will the Grand Final be held and why should it be in Queensland?
These are just a few of the questions readers asked Robbo in Round 8.
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SEE ROBBO’S ANSWERS BELOW
Patrick: What are your thoughts on North Melbourne trading out players to undertake an overhaul of their list, to obtain early draft picks? Is it pivotal to building a premiership threat?
Robbo: They will build their list via the draft and trades. Their salary cap is tighter than many people believe and certainly the ‘war chest’ isn’t what it was. I think they will trade players out and Ben Brown’s name will be a strong topic of discussion
G: Should North look at trading Goldstein to GWS for Tom Green? It puts GWS into serious flag contention next year in that the ruck is the missing link and North gets a young exciting inside mid for 10 years.
Robbo: Is that you Gerard Whateley? Anyway, nice idea but the Giants have no chance fitting Todd Goldstein’s salary into their TPP.
Ben: If this year’s Grand Final is not at the MCG, what criteria should the AFL follow to work out where it’s played?
Robbo: The AFL has already been firm on this: They will look after the fans. In other words, the stadium which can accommodate the most fans, will likely get the gig. That puts Optus Stadium top of the pops. If it was a case of ‘Good will Gill’, then Queensland is in the van (for youngsters, that’s an old fashioned saying used by VFL commentators in the 1970s and ‘80s). It basically means in a strong position (I think!)
Jeffrey: Assuming that Dayne Beams career is over at Collingwood and a payout will occur, how does that get treated from a salary cap perspective and does that potentially solve some of the salary cap squeeze when it comes to De Goey and Moore as well as a host of other up and coming stars that have been unearthed?
Robbo: It’s over. His salary, whatever is agreed to, will go into the salary cap. If the deal is for less money, which is likely, the Pies will benefit.
Glenn: Is the bearded Chris Scott flying under the radar? The new look, low key Scotty channelling mild mannered Clark Kent seems very accepting of the saying “it is what it is” despite the horror Cats fixture and recent umpiring. He appears even more measured than ever on non-game days.
Robbo: He is the most measured of the senior coaches and not sure his Clark Kent look has provided even greater ability to articulate. He was a firebrand on the field, but a carefully constructed wordsmith and thinker off it.
Joe: Do you think 16 minute quarters are destroying some teams?
Robbo: No. If clubs are talking about this, it is an excuse.
Greg: What happened to below the knee rule? Saw the first one given last night.
Robbo: Saw a couple over the weekend, in fact. Maybe the players have learnt to keep their feet. The AFL is bashed for introducing rules, but this has been a positive one.
Puneesh: Where do you see my beloved Bombers finish this year?
Robbo: Bottom of the eight. Scrapping wins, albeit with a long injury list, and not sure they can contend with the big boys.
Mark: Why is it always which Victorian club will get this out of contract player? I can’t see why Max King joining Ben at Gold Coast isn’t more likely than the alternative. Why is it which Victorian club Charlie or Jeremy Cameron will come too, when they leave? Is the density of reporting in AFL too-Victorian given that only about half the club’s come from Victoria?
Robbo: Of course there is a density of reporting in Victoria. Ten clubs live here. The league started here. AFL headquarters is here. As for out of contract players, Vic clubs chase players all over Australia, in particular Victorian-born players who may have a go-home factor. But it’s not always the case. Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale bypassed Victoria.
Barry: Would you agree if it wasn’t for Qld saving the day there would be no AFL at all?
Robbo: Yes. And that’s why they deserve the GF. And it would benefit the code no end in the state
Oscar: Out of Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, who do you think has the best chance of getting into the 8?
Robbo: In order: Bulldogs, St Kilda and Melbourne. The Demons have got their game back. Don’t know if you watched Lions-Demons on Sunday night, but with a bit of smarts and luck at the end, they could’ve won it.
Greg: Do you think Liam Stoker will make it?
Robbo: Don’t know and can’t judge him yet, anyhow.
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Originally published as Ask Robbo: Your burning footy questions answered by Herald Sun Chief Football Writer Mark Robinson