RAWLINGS NEAR CERTAIN NO CHANCE TO COME TO SKILLED STADIUM

B Jensen October 3 2003

GEELONG has lost the battle for Rawlings to the Kangaroos. Jade, who turns 26 later this year, will join his brother Brady, if (and when) the Kangaroos can strike a deal with Hawthorn. Jade Rawlings wants a three year contract, fair remuneration and to play in finals. The Kangaroos can give him that, as well as play with his brother.

Geelong now must turn its attention towards recruiting that elusive, ready made forward. We can only hope that we don't see another Mitchell White fiasco.

B Jensen October 2 2003

JADE RAWLINGS has sensationally walked out on Hawthorn. After nine seasons at the family club, Rawlings could not reach agreement with the Hawks. Rawlings said that he wanted a three year contract while the Hawks could only come up with two years. Geelong is also believed to have offered Rawlings more money than Hawthorn.

Rawlings is engaged to Samantha, sister of Matthew, who is reportedly welcome to come down to Geelong any time, having been referred to as a 'good sort' by club legend Billy Brownless.

Reports earlier this week suggested that the Tasmanian would be provided with a personal chauffeur for his training trips to Skilled. But Rawlings' manger, former Geelong Best and Fairest winner and Victorian representative, Liam Pickering quashed these rumours. “It’s never been discussed by any of us, I can assure you of that”. “It certainly hasn’t been a point of discussion.” Yup. We believe that.

Pickering also denied that Rawlings has chronic knee problems, pointing out that Rawlings has only missed one match in three seasons.

Geelong may have to offer a player such as James Bartel and their pick number 7 in exchange for Rawlings. The competition is from Melbourne, Richmond and the Bulldogs.

LISTEN TO LIAM PICKERING'S INTERVIEW