Well that’s a bit contradicting Jeff. You're saying you had "no idea" yet you thought he would get the #02. So what you’re really saying is, you did have an idea you knew he would either get the #02, #01 or #10? lol. Am I missing something? Or maybe you think I am as stupid as you as implied from your previous sentence/ post above!
That is Arbitrage at its best.
In saying that, maybe given the same opportunity/ situation I would have done the same thing. But I would like to think I would be a little more honest than that, especially to someone whom I have done multiple trades with and we have only been ever been fair to each other.
I had no idea he would get the #10. If he was going to change numbers, I always thought he would pick #2 because he seems to suit the number. It's the same with Joe Daniher and #6. I always thought there was a 99% he would want the #6 based on family history, but thought he might want to make a name for himself in another number (as seen previously with the likes of Jobe Watson). There's always a chance a rookie might want to upgrade/change numbers as was the case with Brandon Ellis, but sometimes they don't (ie. Kavanagh)
I don't know if you're implying that I have somehow known that he would get the #10 for the last month? Because we established an agreement to trade late october/early November, and in that time a lot of things have happened in footy. Trades/delistings, NAB Draft, Pre-season camps etc. It's ludicrous to suggest that I have somehow got James Hird's confidence and he would tell me what number jumpers he would be issuing or that I somehow convinced or encouraged Nick O'Brien to pick up the #10 because it would match the nickname card I had? The club plays a factor in determining which player gets issued what number, while the players themselves have an input.
The club would have only started organising issuing jumper numbers in the last 2 weeks once the draft was done and the pre-season camp was finished, as it would allow them to get a good gauge on the players. The club obviously saw something in Nick O'Brien to issue him with the #10 that has been worn by the likes of McVeigh, O'Donnell, Foulds & Coleman. The fact that McVeigh made the trip back to Melbourne to just issue the jumper on such short notice, shows how recently they decided to issue player numbers. Yes, I am pleased he got the #10 because I've always thought he would be a great player and to see that the club decided to give him such a famous number, has only vindicated my belief in him. To suggest that I knew he would get the #10 before the club announced it is ridiculous. We have had 11 players numbers who have either changed numbers or been issued with a new one. The numbers #1,2,6,9,10,13,14,20 were all available. You can look on Bomberblitz and see how many other Essendon fans were surprised to see him being issued with the #10 (many thought Howlett or Hibberd might get it) let alone know about him.
In no way was my previous comment meant to be offend you, but was stating my honest thoughts.
I find it discouraging that I have to defend my reputation and accusations that I have somehow manipulated a deal because I possessed information prior to any of the fans and club. If you sold it to another person, would you be making the same accusations? Or if he was issued the #6 guernsey, would you feel that I somehow cheated you?
I have been nothing but honest in all of my dealings, and to suggest that I am dishonest and manipulative is disappointing. I don't understand why your first thoughts or opinion was that I cheated you/ think you are stupid or why you had to use abusive language? I have always maintained good communication and sought to conduct a trade that compensates both parties fairly. I did not know he would be issued the #10 guernsey and there are many factors (as outlined above) that help determine this process, which I am not a part of or have been privy to.
I have always been a proud and avid supporter of Nick O'Brien and am happy with any of his cards that I am able to come across. If you feel so strongly that I am a dishonest and manipulative individual, that has cheated you, then I will sell the card back to you for the price I originally bought it for just to show you how seriously I take my reputation and that I'm not going to be selling it on ebay or any of the forums for an inflated price, even though I keep all Nick O'Brien cards in the PC