The Dees will be holding a draft night event at the Hugh Trumble Café at MCG.

Draft Event Details

Watch the Draft live as the Melbourne Football Club takes part in one of the most memorable events in its recent history.

Hear from Chris Connolly, with special comments from Melbourne’s National Recruiting Manager, Barry Prendergast.

Jack Watts will be there to give an insight into the life as a Number 1 Draft pick. Be the first to hear from this years Number 1 and 2 Draft picks.

Sounds like a pretty good initiative from the club, no doubt looking to capitalize on the excitement generated from having the top 2 picks.

The Dees will be holding a draft night event at the Hugh Trumble Café at MCG.

Draft Event Details

Sounds like a pretty good initiative from the club, no doubt looking to capitalize on the excitement generated from having the top 2 picks.

That's a good little Bar in there, i may do that if there is not a closer slightly cheaper alternative!!

I think we should have a get together though.

I haven't thought this out too much, so it may come out wrong.

But I'm a bit over functions like this. I like the initiative - but surely, a club too long branded as elitist and low on support who is trying to break into a new demographic and extend the supporter base should be looking at making its functions inclusive for all members and supporters.

As we all know, and have argued over for a long time, the price of a membership is difficult enough for many fans to produce but many save and struggle to raise that.

Events like this are almost the cost of a membership and, being held in the heart of the MCC, only further serves to highlight our past rather than our future.

Perhaps entry should have been free for members and we pay for drinks with the club getting a cut but moreover I feel the club needs to find a place it can hold social events like this that its supporters will enjoy going to, spend as much cash as they can afford and have a good night.

I haven't thought this out too much, so it may come out wrong.

But I'm a bit over functions like this. I like the initiative - but surely, a club too long branded as elitist and low on support who is trying to break into a new demographic and extend the supporter base should be looking at making its functions inclusive for all members and supporters.

As we all know, and have argued over for a long time, the price of a membership is difficult enough for many fans to produce but many save and struggle to raise that.

Events like this are almost the cost of a membership and, being held in the heart of the MCC, only further serves to highlight our past rather than our future.

Perhaps entry should have been free for members and we pay for drinks with the club getting a cut but moreover I feel the club needs to find a place it can hold social events like this that its supporters will enjoy going to, spend as much cash as they can afford and have a good night.

Sure we need a social club. And thats what i think we supporters should be telling the club, but right now our home is the MCG so i don't mind the idea $90 pays the room and staff, & no doubt security.

There is also outside seating which would be great if the weather is warm still.

Sounds great to me. What better way to celebrate the introduction of six new players to the club than with your own fellow supporters. It's not that expensive either. I make it $22.50 for every win we had during the season. Let's face it - that's peanuts.

Totally agree w you 45hg16 we need to do far better at being inclusive and $90 is exclusive for something like this. This held early enough to be famiy and kid friendly. We should have a venue that can cater to this and allow for all to come and get close to the heart of the club not held at arms length.

Having said all that I'll probably be there as I want to support the club events and I know it will be a good night. Just wish we could involve more people. Mentality for most events should be how do we get more supporters to our club and then make them members....

I haven't thought this out too much, so it may come out wrong.

But I'm a bit over functions like this. I like the initiative - but surely, a club too long branded as elitist and low on support who is trying to break into a new demographic and extend the supporter base should be looking at making its functions inclusive for all members and supporters.

As we all know, and have argued over for a long time, the price of a membership is difficult enough for many fans to produce but many save and struggle to raise that.

Events like this are almost the cost of a membership and, being held in the heart of the MCC, only further serves to highlight our past rather than our future.

Perhaps entry should have been free for members and we pay for drinks with the club getting a cut but moreover I feel the club needs to find a place it can hold social events like this that its supporters will enjoy going to, spend as much cash as they can afford and have a good night.

I agree. Although I think functions like this, there is still a need for such, because I think it's a Mates of Melbourne initiative. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. There is no reason the club could not hold function(s) to suit all supporters alike.

Would somewhere like the Bentleigh Club (Social Club) be holding something as well on this night ?

Last year a function was held at Volvo (sponsor) the Thursday night before the draft on Saturday, which was a Mates of Melbourne initiative - correct me if I'm wrong.

Good spot, that does ring a bell actually.

Though I do still feel that the club should be going out of its way to hold an event that as many supporters as possible can get to.

The club is clearly looking to create opportunities for supporters to feel like part of the inner sanctum once in a while, and I think it would be hard to put together an 'intimate' event like this without attaching a solid cost.

But absolutely I'd hope there would be a good mix of these smaller events alongside much more accessible events. The family day at Luna Park was a success according to those I've heard from. I like the approach of having other things to do (especially for kids) as well as mingle and meet players.

The events based on supporter groups are a winner too, since they give a chance for all of us loyal demons to come together and draw a bit of mutual support/celebration. The Ballarat Demons seem to be really well mobilised to set up reasonably priced and inclusive functions.

Hmm... here's a thought about another 'family' function - with summer coming could we (the club) hold a kind of "learn to swim/water safety/slipslopslap event"? In similar fashion to the Luna Park arrangement, book a good venue for the day and we could even have some of the players helping with the lessons. And of course a casual kick on the grass nearby. Meanwhile, the parents and other supporters can have a chat over a BBQ, mixing with eachother and players/coaches etc...

But absolutely I'd hope there would be a good mix of these smaller events alongside much more accessible events. The family day at Luna Park was a success according to those I've heard from. I like the approach of having other things to do (especially for kids) as well as mingle and meet players.

The family day was a success, and the players were easy to access for autographs, etc for kids/families. Having it at Luna Park is all the more fun.

This is specifically regarding the Draft though. With the Mfc having the best picks, this is the year to cash in I believe. 45h16 makes a good point.

We're two weeks from the draft, there is still time for something to come to fruition.

I agree. Although I think functions like this, there is still a need for such, because I think it's a Mates of Melbourne initiative. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. There is no reason the club could not hold function(s) to suit all supporters alike.

Would somewhere like the Bentleigh Club (Social Club) be holding something as well on this night ?

Last year a function was held at Volvo (sponsor) the Thursday night before the draft on Saturday, which was a Mates of Melbourne initiative - correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes you're right and as for this year's I'm guessing that its a Mates of Melbourne fixture that's getting extended to MFC members as well.

Good spot, that does ring a bell actually.

Though I do still feel that the club should be going out of its way to hold an event that as many supporters as possible can get to.

This function has nothing to do with old elitist ways. Any other club would do the same - including Collingwood who receive no such criticism when they run their corporate style events.

If people really want to go I'm sure they'll find the way to cough up the $90. Do we really need a knees-up for the thousands (that would make the news if it was held) to celebrate finishing last?

I haven't thought this out too much, so it may come out wrong.

But I'm a bit over functions like this. I like the initiative - but surely, a club too long branded as elitist and low on support who is trying to break into a new demographic and extend the supporter base should be looking at making its functions inclusive for all members and supporters.

As we all know, and have argued over for a long time, the price of a membership is difficult enough for many fans to produce but many save and struggle to raise that.

Events like this are almost the cost of a membership and, being held in the heart of the MCC, only further serves to highlight our past rather than our future.

Perhaps entry should have been free for members and we pay for drinks with the club getting a cut but moreover I feel the club needs to find a place it can hold social events like this that its supporters will enjoy going to, spend as much cash as they can afford and have a good night.

Agree.

MFC should have a free to enter social club, that supporters/members can gather for events like this.

I know i'd go there for a beer before a game, maybe even after if we win.

Be great to know that some of the game days beer money is going to the club.

Booked my tickets today. Will be viewing the countdown thread constantly in anticipation.

I haven't thought this out too much, so it may come out wrong.

But I'm a bit over functions like this. I like the initiative - but surely, a club too long branded as elitist and low on support who is trying to break into a new demographic and extend the supporter base should be looking at making its functions inclusive for all members and supporters.

As we all know, and have argued over for a long time, the price of a membership is difficult enough for many fans to produce but many save and struggle to raise that.

Events like this are almost the cost of a membership and, being held in the heart of the MCC, only further serves to highlight our past rather than our future.

Perhaps entry should have been free for members and we pay for drinks with the club getting a cut but moreover I feel the club needs to find a place it can hold social events like this that its supporters will enjoy going to, spend as much cash as they can afford and have a good night.

I think your first line is the best one

Should the club not hold these sorts of events? You clearly haven't thought about the ramifications of opening up something like this at say $15/head to 30,000 people in terms of the costs, organisation, resources, etc... You would have a de-personalised event at Rod Laver. If you are wanting a cheap way to see the draft picks, go to training or the many events you can go to (like family day) for which the price is justifiable to you.

This function is giving people who are prepared to pay for it access to "inner sanctum". It's not elitist at all. Anyone prepared to put away $10/week for 2 months can go. Not just MCC, not just MoM.

FWIW, I think $90 is a fraction high, but with food, wine and beer, CC, speakers including Watts and possibly the draft picks, plus the fact the club needs to make money out of these things, I can understand it and look forward to it.

Hurrah! My booking has been confirmed. See you there, Wonnabeeri and others.

Make sure you remember who you tipped in the nearest the pin. Winner gets no prize, but all the glory on the night.

So nice of them to hold it when I was going to be in Melbourne anyway, too.

Finally, anyone for a 'draft buzz-word' drinking game?

Finally, anyone for a 'draft buzz-word' drinking game?

You gte the word "Jack", with watts and trengove it should be mentioned a few times.

I think your first line is the best one

Should the club not hold these sorts of events? You clearly haven't thought about the ramifications of opening up something like this at say $15/head to 30,000 people in terms of the costs, organisation, resources, etc... You would have a de-personalised event at Rod Laver. If you are wanting a cheap way to see the draft picks, go to training or the many events you can go to (like family day) for which the price is justifiable to you.

This function is giving people who are prepared to pay for it access to "inner sanctum". It's not elitist at all. Anyone prepared to put away $10/week for 2 months can go. Not just MCC, not just MoM.

FWIW, I think $90 is a fraction high, but with food, wine and beer, CC, speakers including Watts and possibly the draft picks, plus the fact the club needs to make money out of these things, I can understand it and look forward to it.

And thanks for playing. You think 30,000 people will go? You think more people than we have members will go? Wow can I have a real argument please? Are you honestly saying there's no way to put it on cheaper to include more fans? Have an event in sunlight at a park to enjoy the night? $10 for 2 months is a lot for some but you show your ignorance.

There is no inner sanctum here - save for the illusion of it. What does it cost to get the great Jack watts out?

I haven't thought this out too much, so it may come out wrong.

But I'm a bit over functions like this. I like the initiative - but surely, a club too long branded as elitist and low on support who is trying to break into a new demographic and extend the supporter base should be looking at making its functions inclusive for all members and supporters.

I'm a bit over supporters who think like this. The MFC is a commercial operation that requires as many streams of cash as possible. Here is an opportunity to make a tidy little profit for little outlay other than the cost of the venue (which should be low due to our new relationship with the MCC) and staff and I for one am happy with the planned function. American sporting franchises have being doing events such as this for years and only make it available to courtside season ticket holders as a general rule. They are seen as neither 'elitist' or non inclusive, it's just recognized as an opportunity to involve some fans and make some money.

Imagine if the MFC went for a more 'inclusive' model, in a park (As you suggest in another post) with a small entry fee. Sounds like the Family Day to me. When you add the time of day and year of this event, you open yourself to many variables which have the ability to impact on attendance, profit and the general mood of the event. What is the point of such a function if it loses money, gets moved due to variable factors or is cancelled? Perhaps we should make the Presidents Lunch $10 for every member and make it more inclusive?

Keeping the draft night function smaller works, for both fans and the club. Those who can attend will have an intimate setting to hear about our new recruits while the club can get press exposure from the function and communicate directly to supporters in attendance. It also will be an opportunity to show sponsors and financial contributors the club and some of it's members, as it is likely the last major bit of positive press we will receive until February. Like it or not, economics matters on such occasions, especially to a club still in massive debt.

Events like this are almost the cost of a membership and, being held in the heart of the MCC, only further serves to highlight our past rather than our future.

Perhaps entry should have been free for members and we pay for drinks with the club getting a cut but moreover I feel the club needs to find a place it can hold social events like this that its supporters will enjoy going to, spend as much cash as they can afford and have a good night.

You should take your point regarding the location to Cameron Schwab. He wants to embrace our history and build on it. To me, from a marketing point of view it is a positive move. It gives us a home, an identity and a soul.

The model of free entry with your membership is the model for economic ruin. That is how clubs operated 20 years ago, we need to stay progressive and use every opportunity like this as an opportunity to make money and engage our supporters and sponsors.

Your last point cannot be argued against. We need somewhere, a social club or something similar, and soon.

We'll go in circles arguing essentially the same point which will only be viewed as good supporters of the club bickering.

As such, I will say I respect your view, I understand that the club as a business must search to gain as much money from events such as this, but I disagree with the way it is being done and will leave it at that.

I don't view the Hugh Trumble room in the MCC as embracing on an opportunity to build on our history and I certainly do not think it gives us a home - it is the same home we've had for 151 years and is yet to give us a substantial foothold in Melbourne. I don't understand how you're "over supporters who think like this" (offering counter ideas to what the club decides as the best approach) but I will put this down to a "clever" attempt to invert my opening line.

Perhaps my idea does sound a but like a family day, but I see no counter-argument as to why this design is a negative and why this would have poor repercusion on the club. Your point on other venues being moved or cancelled is void if more than 18 seconds of thought is put into the initial plan - the plan as it stands remains open to a select few which, in my view, does not represent the direction of where this club should head.

I apoligize, how in God's world I started arguing I do not know.

We'll go in circles arguing essentially the same point which will only be viewed as good supporters of the club bickering.

As such, I will say I respect your view, I understand that the club as a business must search to gain as much money from events such as this, but I disagree with the way it is being done and will leave it at that.

I don't view the Hugh Trumble room in the MCC as embracing on an opportunity to build on our history and I certainly do not think it gives us a home - it is the same home we've had for 151 years and is yet to give us a substantial foothold in Melbourne. I don't understand how you're "over supporters who think like this" (offering counter ideas to what the club decides as the best approach) but I will put this down to a "clever" attempt to invert my opening line.

Perhaps my idea does sound a but like a family day, but I see no counter-argument as to why this design is a negative and why this would have poor repercusion on the club. Your point on other venues being moved or cancelled is void if more than 18 seconds of thought is put into the initial plan - the plan as it stands remains open to a select few which, in my view, does not represent the direction of where this club should head.

I apoligize, how in God's world I started arguing I do not know.

I'm happy to also smoke the peace pipe. And I do understand that 10 bucks for 2 months is a lot. You could also argue that membership should be cheaper for the same reason. It's only an issue of degree.

A successful business model does involve having some "higher end" and lower end functions.

A successful business model does involve having some "higher end" and lower end functions.

Absolutely

A successful business model does involve having some "higher end" and lower end functions.

Hopefully this will be included in the "Red & Blue" print.....we're all still waiting on.

Hopefully this will be included in the "Red & Blue" print.....we're all still waiting on.

Do you really think the club would publicize its intellectual property?

To what gain?

I'm going to this, I'm looking forward to it. I think it's a good way to give some money to the club while getting something little in return. While it wouldn't cost the club $90 per person to run the event, it does allow them to generate some additional money to help us clear some debt. It might only make a couple of grand, but it's better than nothing.

I also spent $150 this year on the Future Fund group, which I got/get a couple of functions out of through the year (so works out to be $75 each function), which the club gets money via player sponsorship.

I wouldn't say either of these are elitist, but I don't mind chucking in the little spare money I have to get a little something back, and it's good to be able to limit the numbers a little and make it more intimate