Positives and Negatives in 2010

[Bhima 0]

With no game this weekend there have been a few moments for reflection...none of this stuff is new, but these are just some thoughts on a few positives and negatives for the MFC after 12 rounds in 2010.

Positives

1. Coaching: After two years of legitimate concern about Melbourne's playing style, we actually have an identifiable game plan that continues to evolve. Although we look to attack through the corridor whenever possible, we also showed signs against collingwood that we can safely keep possession of the ball, switch the play, create a loose man and hit up targets. This is, I believe, the beginning of plan B people have been calling for. In combination with an attacking play on at all costs Geelong style, we also mimic the cats in the way we get large numbers back in defence, and in turn use those players to run the ball forward. It is a joy to watch the dees in full flight and everyone knew which team had a more exciting 'brand' of footy on the weekend.

2. Drafting: Three rising star nominations this year to Scully (pick 1), Trengove (pick 2) and Gysberts (pick 11) is a fantastic outcome for recruiting manager Barry Prendergast, also considering that Sam Blease (pick 17 2009) and Luke Tapscott (Pick 18 2010) are yet to play. Not only this, late picks from the 2009 draft - Bennell (35), Jetta (51), Bail (64) Jurrah (PSD 1) and Mckenzie (Rookie pick 1) have all shown ability at the highest level. Prendergast must be commended for his recruiting. The only question mark remains the selection of J Watts at #1, however anyone who watched the Port game in Darwin and even the recent clash against the poise would recognise he is highly talented. I still hold the view put forward by D Brereton (who I dislike) that Watts will make it if he can handle the physicality of AFL. Pictures of Jack going for a swim in the ocean recently in warrnambool show how thin he is and that he is at least two years from physically being able to compete with backline Gorillas. I like him and he just needs time, and considering the wisdom of his choices so far, I think B Prendergast will be vindicated.

3. Administration: The club has long been cursed with in-fighting at the board level, but worse, has lacked the feel of being a great club that could turn on a decent function or garner much grass roots support. As a supporter, I have for a long time disassociated myself with the people running the club and the conservative legacy that seemed to dominate at a cultural level. However, Chris Connolly and Jim Stynes have done brilliantly in uniting this club and making me feel proud to be a supporter of the MFC. Thank god we don't have Eddy or J Kennett!

4. Membership and Crowds: For anyone who has been going to Dees games for the past 10 years, there have been some dismal crowds and a degree of apathy from the supporters. Daniher did have to become a preacher in order to get a response. However, the rebuilding of the playing list through drafting, and the leadership and vision of Jim Stynes, has not only increased our membership this year above 33000, but Melbourne crowds are bigger and far more vocal than I can remember. There is a sense of expectation now, and a real sense of destiny about the club. For me, the raucous demons support began at the Fremantle comeback game when a tiny crowd went absolutely ballistic, sparked by A Wonnaemirri doing his frog dance goal celebrations.

5. Destiny: As mentioned above, for the first time in my life (30 years or so) it seems that this team is destined for greater things. Halfway through the last quarter on the weekend, I felt that whether we won or lost against Collingwood, it didn't really matter - the truth is we are only going to get better, as we have more talent and more financial strength than at anytime previously. We are actually a fully professional club, with state of the art facilities, and effective strategies in place to take us to the top. Include Jack Viney as a father son draft pick in 2012 - he is considered the best 16 year old in the country - and Melbourne seems to have just about all the right ingredients on and off field for that elusive premiership. Although 2014 seems a long way off, it might be our destiny to return to the top after 50 years in the wilderness.

6. The 'G: Lastly, we should never underestimate how lucky we are to have the MCG as our home ground, and this has been strengthened by our renewed alliance with the MCC. I am certain I would not be going to the footy if our home ground was Itchy Nad Stadium, in fact, we might well have folded if that was our home ground. It is a cold, lifeless, concrete cave where the grass isn't greener and atmosphere is absent. There is nothing like basking in the warm afternoon sun of the G when you're 50 points up in the last quarter.

Negatives:

1. Pokies: The club has done brilliantly to reduce debt and become financially viable, the surest way to secure the future of the club. However, the recent uptake of a ten year lease on 100 pokie machines in the city of Casey is an embarrassing, conservative and short-sighted way to make money. Considering Jim Stynes is the founder of the Reach program for youth, has the MFC forgotten that Pokie Machines take money out of accounts that would have been used to give young people shelter, food and security? Is it not conceivable that the Pokie machines that make the club money also lead to the collapse of family lives that in turn leads to young people seeking the support offered by the Reach Foundation? The MFC takes the profits and places emotional and economic costs associated with problem gamblers on the local the community and the government. This is an unsustainable way to may make money - the Dees can do better and members should let the club know that they disagree with this approach and that when the lease runs out it must not be renewed. It's the only major mistake I think of.

2. Illness: He is already a legend at the club, but Jimmy Stynes almost single-handedly saved the club. When he first took on the presidency he shed a tear that he feared that the MFC might not be around for his children to support and love as they grew older. Now it is seems the club is safe, but it is Jim who might not be around. His resolve and courage in the face of such adversity in incredible, and we all hope that he can pull through.

The Question: Can we make the finals in 2010?

Answer: With our draw, we only play four teams currently in the 8 in the next ten rounds. It is certainly possible. But to be honest, like it didn't matter whether we drew or beat the pies, it doesn't matter if we make the finals. Right now it is about looking for the right signs - and from what I have seen so far in 2010, the signs are looking very, very good.

Go Dees!

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

1. Pokies: The club has done brilliantly to reduce debt and become financially viable, the surest way to secure the future of the club. However, the recent uptake of a ten year lease on 100 pokie machines in the city of Casey is an embarrassing, conservative and short-sighted way to make money. Considering Jim Stynes is the founder of the Reach program for youth, has the MFC forgotten that Pokie Machines take money out of accounts that would have been used to give young people shelter, food and security? Is it not conceivable that the Pokie machines that make the club money also lead to the collapse of family lives that in turn leads to young people seeking the support offered by the Reach Foundation? The MFC takes the profits and places emotional and economic costs associated with problem gamblers on the local the community and the government. This is an unsustainable way to may make money - the Dees can do better and members should let the club know that they disagree with this approach and that when the lease runs out it must not be renewed. It's the only major mistake I think of.

Not a negative at all. We are a football team not a moral compass. I see no difference in us owning pokie licences or a pub licence. Hell, I'd be more than happy for us to own shares in a Japanese whaling company or a Brazilian logging corporation as long as it turned a profit.

[Sir Why You Little 36,979]

1. Pokies: The club has done brilliantly to reduce debt and become financially viable, the surest way to secure the future of the club. However, the recent uptake of a ten year lease on 100 pokie machines in the city of Casey is an embarrassing, conservative and short-sighted way to make money. Considering Jim Stynes is the founder of the Reach program for youth, has the MFC forgotten that Pokie Machines take money out of accounts that would have been used to give young people shelter, food and security? Is it not conceivable that the Pokie machines that make the club money also lead to the collapse of family lives that in turn leads to young people seeking the support offered by the Reach Foundation? The MFC takes the profits and places emotional and economic costs associated with problem gamblers on the local the community and the government. This is an unsustainable way to may make money - the Dees can do better and members should let the club know that they disagree with this approach and that when the lease runs out it must not be renewed. It's the only major mistake I think of.

What's wrong with our Poker Machine Deal?? There is no law to say anybody must use them.

I do not and never use Pokie Machines, but if any body wishes to indulge who am i or you to say this is bad?

If somebody blows all their money on the Pokies i have no sympathy for them, as they are just Greedy & Stupid.

I was rapt when i heard our new deal, as long as we are careful of that Bruce Mathieson person.

As a member also do not put me on any moral high ground please.

I speak for myself-It costs up to $50 million to run an AFL club these days, so i hope the Pokie Machines help the Club out no end

B) Go Demons B)

Let me add though, The rest of your post is spot on, absolutely.

Edited June 18, 2010 by why you little

[sylvinator 96]

I understand the sentiment against Pokies, especially in light of Cam Schwab's 'success with integrity' business he keeps harping on about in the Whiteboard Weds.

However, I personally have no problem with it. Gambling is not illegal, no one is forcing any one to use the machines.If we make moral judgements that Pokie machines is wrong, then you have to draw the line at any alcoholic beverage sales too.

Port Adelaide needs $5m ($1m from AFL + $4m from SANFL) just to break even for 2010! Ask yourself, do we want to be that club?

[Deeoldfart 8,005]

Welocome Bhima ... good first post! I don't want to become embroiled in a debate about the pros and cons of pokies, but I would certainly add 'community' to your strong list of positives. Our work with the Breast Cancer Network Australia, the Trachoma initiative and the excellent work we are doing on a range of fronts in and around Casey are just a few examples.

[Grandson of a gun 276]

Pretty much spot on. good post and well thought out- it would pay for many posters on this forum to have a read to see what a wonderful path we are on and to have faith.

I do however disagree in regards to the pokies. As has been said, it isn't illegal. No one is forced to play them. If you take that stance then you should not accept revenue from alcohol sales as just as many drunks ruin lives (read violence in CBD) and alcoholics ruin families (read domestic violence). As long as people are always educated and provided with an option then i don't see a problem.

What the work of Jimmy and co shows up most is the lack of work by previous administrations. Shame on them and thank god for Jimmy.

The MFC is going to return to the powerhouse it once was........

[kieranbj 111]

If somebody blows all their money on the Pokies i have no sympathy for them, as they are just Greedy & Stupid.

Naive WYL, for many it is a crippiling addiction.

Was Ox nothing but greedy and stupid?

[Sir Why You Little 36,979]

Naive WYL, for many it is a crippiling addiction.

Was Ox nothing but greedy and stupid?

Yes he was and i bet if you asked him he would say the same thing. The Ox talked about his gambling last year on SEN really candidly and basically said as much

Not Niave at all.

[Sideshow Bob 2,343]

Theo X didn't blow his money on Pokie machines. He tried turn his passion of backing horses into a profession. Sadly he got it wrong blowing $200k on derby day one year - very hard to blow $200k in a day on poker machines. They are perfectly legal and have their place. If i was to turn my life to garbage by being a heroin addict, pokie addict, alcohol addict i would have no-one else to blame but myself. Just because you ruin your life doesn't mean the pokies are to blame... there are many pitfalls one must avoid, do we ban drinking? smoking is still legal, car accidents kill people so do we ban cars? Gambling like anything else is fine in moderation. Live by the motto of only gamble what you can afford to lose and you'll be fine. Those with addictive personalities will always find something to get addicted to. Seriously do we have to continue to legislate against peoples own stupidity? If that revenue stream isn't going into our coffers..... the pokies will still be there and they will be lining someone elses pockets... probably Mathieson's and probably carlton's. No problems whatsoever with MFC having Poker machines

And yes, i do have first hand experience - I've witnessed my own brother drop his entire paycheck into a poker machine (several, several times) powerless to stop him doing it. That was his problem not the poker machines - if he didn't do it there it would have been at the casino, on the horses, he'd put a gorilla on two flies climbing the wall if someone would take the bet

[Sir Why You Little 36,979]

Theo X didn't blow his money on Pokie machines. He tried turn his passion of backing horses into a profession. Sadly he got it wrong blowing $200k on derby day one year - very hard to blow $200k in a day on poker machines. They are perfectly legal and have their place. If i was to turn my life to garbage by being a heroin addict, pokie addict, alcohol addict i would have no-one else to blame but myself. Just because you ruin your life doesn't mean the pokies are to blame... there are many pitfalls one must avoid, do we ban drinking? smoking is still legal, car accidents kill people so do we ban cars? Gambling like anything else is fine in moderation. Live by the motto of only gamble what you can afford to lose and you'll be fine. Those with addictive personalities will always find something to get addicted to. Seriously do we have to continue to legislate against peoples own stupidity? If that revenue stream isn't going into our coffers..... the pokies will still be there and they will be lining someone elses pockets... probably Mathieson's and probably carlton's. No problems whatsoever with MFC having Poker machines

And yes, i do have first hand experience - I've witnessed my own brother drop his entire paycheck into a poker machine (several, several times) powerless to stop him doing it. That was his problem not the poker machines - if he didn't do it there it would have been at the casino, on the horses, he'd put a gorilla on two flies climbing the wall if someone would take the bet

Yes people have to take responsibility for there own actions. These days so many people want quick money and have no concept of saving.

Not the fault of the poker machine.

[Diablo Deemon 220]

The pokie machine debate, while many espouse a philosphy that the person is ultimately responsible

looking beneath the surface we see that pokie machines are more prevalent per capita in suburbs of lower socio

economic classes. Why is this so because these people are more likely to gamble to improve their situation some would say this is purely providing a service where the demand is. However everything about pokies is to promote

expenditure beyond

capabilities. Pokies more so than any other avenue of gambeling are completely profit driven with their accessbility and

perceived inexpensiveness are totally targeted at people whose losses impact the most. Abscence of daylight, the rythmical

music of payouts, the odds, the smells, free food and drinks these are all controls put in place to make someone

'reliant' on pokies. Some would

say that it's up to the person to know better, that they should know their bad but this device is in the business of

creating addiction.

However saying all of this Melbourne's future is not tradeable by not taking part in the pokie game our future is at risk.

The AFL clearly wants a code reliant on gambeling look at the saturation of gambeling websites and outlets that have penetrated

club and AFL sponsorship since the laws changed. The Melbourne board would of been doing a diservice to the members if they

had not pursued the pokie route.

What has occurred through the fault of the AFL's lack of sharing the wealth through the t.v rights is a code in bed with the services

that are trading in money on results of games this blights the integrity of the game. Surely the AFL organisation is more at fault than

MFC for showing a lack of leadership and moral ambiguity. For too long the MFC has been 3 steps behind others with pokies and gambeling being

such a profitable revenue source MFC had to be counted. Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done and go against your moral compass

this is one of those situations.

Edited June 19, 2010 by Diablo Deemon

[Bhima 0]

Diablo, You make a good point about the AFL and its approach to revenue raising. The leadership of any organisation sets the tone for behaviour. The AFL certainly promotes gambling as a source of revenue for the code. It is the board's duty to secure the future of the MFC and I accept that.

I am not opposed to gambling itself, but I am opposed to certain types of gambling, in this case, the dreamless sleep that is Tabaret. While I agree that in a liberal society responsibility falls on the individual, there are some instances where the negatives of an activity outweigh the positives.

The club does support a number of great programs that are helping the community, I just think it would be great if the Dees could find an approach to revenue raising that doesn't promote the use of pokies.

[Akum 2,660]

My question about pokies is this - if everybody who used them used them sensibly, would they still make so much money? The reason for there being so much fewer pokies in higher SES areas is not because there are less casual gamblers but because there are less addicts. I don't know the exact numbers for this, but I have great reservations about the extent to which their profitability depends on exploiting the relatively small number of addicts who do gamble far far more than they can afford.

[AlphaDee 17]

Regarding on-field performances only:

Positive:

Won or played very well in 7 out of 12 games - Collingwood (twice), Adelaide, Richmond, Brisbane, W.Bulldogs and Port.

Negative:

Played very poorly in the other 5 games - Hawthorn, North, West Coast, Geelong, Carlton. We were out of all these games early and were unable to claw our way back in. Hopefully we will get better at this over time.

[old dee 23,781]

"and Melbourne seems to have just about all the right ingredients on and off field for that elusive premiership."

I agree with almost all you have said however I strugle with the above from No.5

Our Forward line is not within a bulls roar of producing a premeirship.

It will not consistently kick large scores in 2011 or 2012 unless we find somewhere A KPF like Franklin.

[rpfc 28,262]

Positive: the 7 and a half wins

Negative: the 14 and a half losses

Yes, i thought winning 7 or 8 games would be a good result. But losing 15 or 14 games is unacceptable. Just unacceptable.

Positive: the stretching of coll twice, and the bullies in very honourable losses.

Negative: the acceptance of defeat by determining the disappointing losses to those teams as 'honourable.'

Defeat may be apart of life but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go on pathetic hand-wringing and whingeing expedition of blood and blame letting that would rival the emotional breakdown of 2010 known as the Foster-Cockerill Disaster.

[H_T 3,043]

Positives:

Welcoming Scully, Trengove, Gysberts, Strauss into the fold.

Welcoming back Watts, McKenzie, Bennell, Jetta, Garland, Wonaeamirri back.

Extending Bailey's contract by a year.

Negatives:

Long term injuries to Jurrah, Morton & Petterd.

Some slow starts....but hey, you take the good with the bad. And expect some improvement along the way.

Looking forward to:

Blease & Tapscott's debuts.

[Little Goffy 14,454]

7 / 5

Competitive games / not so great games.

We let ourselves down in the 'winnable' games against North and West Coast at the 'G, and were unlucky against Collingwood and the Bulldogs.

My thoughts on 'where we're at' are based on what and who stands between us and finals, or at the least a push further up the ladder?

Group 1 - We can realistically hope to pass ALL these teams with a moderate improvement in the second half of the year. All are 0.5 wins ahead of us now.

Currently in 12th place, fading in and out and flaky as ever with a percentage of 81, Port Adelaide. See also Round 21.

Currently in 11th place, with the wheels seeming to fall off the moment stars aren't available, Brisbane. See also Round 19.

Currently in 10th place, and playing like 10th spot was invented with them in mind, Essendon. See also Round 15.

Group 2 - We want two of these teams to drop under us - all are 2.5 games ahead of us now.

In 9th spot, North Melbourne. Credit where it is due, North have found something and are making a good fight of it this year... again. See also Round 22... for a game we can dream will be a corker to decide the last spot in the 8.

In 8th spot, Hawthorn. The mojo looks alive again, but with six of the current top 8 left to play against... See also Round 20.

In 7th Spot, Carlton. We don't play Carlton again this season, but they might just stuff themselves without our help at this rate. Wouldn't want to bank on them falling out of the 8, but stranger things have happened when a team gets ahead of itself then disrupted by missing stars.

In 6th Spot, Sydney. To an extent, a photo negative of Hawthorn. WWWWWLLLLWW. Also play six of the top eight, plus Richmond and Melbourne at the 'G and Brisbane at the Gabba. Have not beaten any current top 8 side. Another form drop and they could be cooked geese more than Swans. See also Round 17.

This list suggests we'll play 6x 8 point games! The others are Richmond and Adelaide from the bottom of the ladder and St Kilda and Freo (Subi) from the top.

7 out of our first 12 games were good, leading into the split round. 7 out of 10 and the slightest sliver of luck for the remainder of the season is all it will take to push into the 8 in 2010.

[predman 0]

With no game this weekend there have been a few moments for reflection...none of this stuff is new, but these are just some thoughts on a few positives and negatives for the MFC after 12 rounds in 2010....

Negatives:

1. Pokies: The club has done brilliantly to reduce debt and become financially viable, the surest way to secure the future of the club. However, the recent uptake of a ten year lease on 100 pokie machines in the city of Casey is an embarrassing, conservative and short-sighted way to make money. Considering Jim Stynes is the founder of the Reach program for youth, has the MFC forgotten that Pokie Machines take money out of accounts that would have been used to give young people shelter, food and security? Is it not conceivable that the Pokie machines that make the club money also lead to the collapse of family lives that in turn leads to young people seeking the support offered by the Reach Foundation? The MFC takes the profits and places emotional and economic costs associated with problem gamblers on the local the community and the government. This is an unsustainable way to may make money - the Dees can do better and members should let the club know that they disagree with this approach and that when the lease runs out it must not be renewed. It's the only major mistake I think of.

...

Go Dees!

Nice summary Bhima and totally agree with your distaste about the uptake of Pokies. Your compassion for those addicted to gambling and their families is to be applauded. And to those who argue that pokies are ok because "they're legal" should be pushing the MFC to open a brothel as well. They are also legal (and no doubt profitable). Anyway... been a good year and great to see the am coming together as a unit... Edited June 21, 2010 by predman