Drought to end for Geelong

The farmers out in the Western Districts of Victoria should buy a can of blue paint and cover their sheep with stripes because the flag is heading to Geelong.

The hardest decision the Cats have to make this week is whether they hang on to Mark Blake for another week. Steven King was dominant in the VFL grand final and Blake didn't help his cause with his showing against Collingwood. The game will be won in the middle and King is a very good tap ruckman. He must play this Saturday.

The Shinboner Spirit has had every bone in its body broken and bashed by Port. The Power have brilliant run out of defence and have the pace to run the Cats off their legs. Otherwise the flag won't head any further west than Geelong.

James Clement gave it away, to the surprise of many, and it could be Nathan Buckley's turn next. Will the club put pressure on its captain to walk?

Will Bomber Thompson be a Bomber next year? Essendon is desperate to get both he and Chris Judd to Windy Hill.

Judd has already ruled out the Western Bulldogs because he doesn't like Aker, and Rebecca mustn't like what her man looks like in brown and gold because Hawthorn isn't on the radar either. It appears that Carlton, Essendon or Collingwood lead the running.

The big trade rumour doing the rounds at the moment is Alan Didak and Josh Fraser to Richmond, who offloads pick No.2 and Richard Tambling to West Coast, who in turn gives Judd to Collingwood. That's the first big trade secret to be put out there and I'm sure there'll be plenty more approaching trade week.

The Bulldogs are also emptying out the kennel. Chris Bond may leave the coach's box and Jordan McMahon could be headed back to South Australia. Rodney Eade takes no prisoners when he's not happy.