WITH the AFL season at the pointy end, Sliding Doors is flexing its muscle.

>> See more Sliding Doors here

So what's Damo saying about your club? What's he saying about the AFL? Check it out.

IF ...

you add the 11 secret herbs and spices, splash over some hot sauce and garnish with edible flowers ...

THEN ...

even after all that you're not getting a first-round pick as free agency compo for Brad Crouch. Lucky to get a second round, given he's been trying to get out of the joint for two years.

IF ...

you win a final ...

THEN ...

it's a big pass on the 2020 season. And yet when it's all said and done, the Lions may actually be further back this year than 2019 when they were exited from finals in straight sets. At times, looked like schoolkids against the Cats in the prelim final. Which is where big Joe comes into play.

IF ...

I'm running the Blues ... 

THEN ...

the Saad deal gets done really early in Trade Period. Bank it, maybe even pay overs. Move on to the next target.

 

IF ...

Jordy doesn't very soon go public with an intent to stay a Pie ...

THEN ...

he's clearly DeGoey(ing)

IF ...

there's a piece of media that I now look forward to whenever it lobs ...

THEN ...

it's Paul Brasher's video offerings on Bombers' platforms. Calls it as he sees it, his way. Appointment viewing.

IF ...

the Dockers seemed headed towards a quiet trade period ... 

THEN ...

maybe not. Cat Jordan Clark is gettable. Should make it a priority. Yes, there appears to be some attitude issues this year, but before he got injured in 2019, was tracking as well as any player taken in that extraordinary 2018 NAB AFL Draft.

IF ...

you don't barrack for Richmond, and maybe even if you do ...

THEN ...

there's a chance you'll well-up on Saturday night when Gaz walks off for the last time. Just soak it up. Very few could relate to what he's endured this year. That the stage for the last of his 357 matches is a Grand Final is only fitting.

 

IF ...

Tony Cochrane has been organising Grand Final entertainment this year ...

THEN ...

the Suns chairman needs to ensure, even demand, that within the corresponding time next season, his club has qualified for the top eight. Season 2021 for the Suns. It's time.

IF ...

the last Giants player out could please turn off the lights ...

THEN ...

at least one thing would be saved – money on the power bill. Extraordinary, disturbing, bewildering player exits across all age and ability groups, Caldwell the latest. At breaking point, this club.

IF ...

you want another Clarko mixed message on the Hawks' list ... 

THEN ...

here it is: The soon-to-be-29-year-old Kyle Hartigan likely to be added, weeks after Stratton and Frawley exited. Getting very, very confused now.

IF ...

Brown and Smith sounds like a suburban law firm from the 1960s  ... 

THEN ...

for the Dees in 2021, the potential addition of both Ben and Isaac would nevertheless potentially transform this club into a very exciting one.

IF ...

I hear the phrase Shinboner again ... 

THEN ...

I will do as Terry Wallace threatened in 1996 and "spew up". Was it Shinboner to ruthlessly bone 11 players with little respect and also shun Ben Brown? Was it Shinboner to axe virtually all assistant coaches with little reason provided? Was it Shinboner to employ, and then not properly assist, Rhyce Shaw? It's a myth.

IF ...

you finish top of the ladder and win a final ...

THEN ...

it's a resounding pass on season 2020. But at the same time it is one of the great lost opportunities.

IF ...

on Saturday Dusty entrenches himself even further into all-time great status with another blistering Grand Final display ... 

THEN ...

hope he actually bothers to make himself available for all media. Once again, a Grand Final week has come and gone, and the game's biggest name gave the 'Don't Argue' to general media. Yes, well aware he thinks he's been burnt, and yes, equally aware his own profile couldn’t be greater anyway. Also cognisant of the fact he couldn’t care less. But a massive game-promotion opportunity was lost, again. Richmond and the AFL clearly think this is OK. It's not.

IF ...

the Saints proved one thing this time last year ...

THEN ...

it was that if you get deals done early, other deals open up. Crouch – tick. Wonder who is next? They're working on a big name.

IF ...

I bought stocks in the 2020 Swans ...

THEN ...

I'm carrying a loss going into 2021. But I'm buying again. Reckon there's a lot of quick upside.

IF ...

he'd been All-Australian before ... 

THEN ...

it was only fitting he got jacket No.2 this year. But being the Eagles team man he always has been, securing an inaugural best-and-fairest would be even more special to Nic Nat.

IF ...

Dunkley goes ... 

THEN ...

it'd leave a massive hole. Massive talent, when fit. A contracted Dog, but the money offered by the Bombers is mind-boggling.

AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL

IF ...

you want to properly fix the free agency system ...

THEN ...

don't just minimise compensation for clubs who lose free agents. Totally remove it.