The last questioner for the night was fantastic. He congratulated Matt Burgan for his contribution to the club's website and Nathan Jones' blog on Matthew Wonaeamirri's father's funeral. He spoke with passion and I reckon he might have attended Woostock in the 60's too!

WJ.....thanks for that........but wrong continent.... I did see Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970

One thing I thought was a complete waste of money was the brochure on our chairs. If indeed, we were going to stand up and get the papers to photogragh it- then very worthwhile.

But to me - just a waste. Any comments please.

"Oh the team played fine in the year '39..."

I love it ............... "With the spirit of Twenty-six, six, six!"

Some other snippets from my scattershot memory that may or may not have already been raised here:

-Brian Dixon was congratulated on his elevation into the AFL Hall of Fame, as well as his work to promote the code overseas. Cameron Schwab mentioned we need to get more players from that great era in there also.

-The emotion and what it meant for Gary Marchant to win the best volunteer award was amazing. He could barely continue his speech such was his joy and gratitude. You couldn't meet a nicer bloke than Gary, always willing to give you some little insights into the game from the stats-box perspective in my encounters with him.

-Martin Flanagans thoughts on doorman Arthur Wilkinson, passed on by Don McLardy, were fantastic. Wilkinson started at the club when Checker Hughes was coach, and apparently he's a man with 1000 stories to tell about the club. Flanagans words parlayed one such story whereby the coach said no-one was to enter the change rooms. That day he didnt even let Billy Snedden in!

-The potential new training base/hq out at docklands is still very much at the proposal stage (stage 1, of 10 stages if you like). As an adjunct to this the agreement we currently have at Aami Park is renegotiable every 5 years so if we find a better alternative we have an 'out'.

-Chris Connolly as always had a few zingers. When talking to the two new leadership guys in Jones and Grimes he asked both of them indivually if they voted for one another in the vote, putting them right on the spot. They did, for the record.

-Special mention was made of Junior McDonald and what a fantastic job he'd done for the club.

-This year for mine was notable in that there were no life members inducted.

-Bailey spoke about getting 22 more games into the likes of James Frawley, from 60 to 82. Someone later asked the question "Does that mean we wont be playing finals? Shouldnt the aim be more than 22 games?"

Thats it for now. Some of these numbers above may be a bit rubbery, but you get the gist.

Another entertaining night, you know whenever these nights come around every year that the footy isnt too far off so it gets the blood pumping!

WJ.....thanks for that........but wrong continent.... I did see Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970

Hendrix and a fan of Federico Fellini to boot.

Fantastic!

The last questioner for the night was fantastic. He congratulated Matt Burgan for his contribution to the club's website .....

Should have saved the congratulations for later...seems the poor bloke can't spell! ( wishers v wishes)

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/107312/default.aspx

Just thought of something:

Schwab said something like: "We can now look our boys in the eye and tell them that they have the same opportunities as the blokes they're playing against" this is in the context of proper facilities, staff, being debt-free etc

It's a hugely important thing for the club, the difference between contenders and also-rans

This is a little of subject but I heard someone on the radio discussing the rabble that St. Kilda was becoming and that they were still looking for a major sponsor despite playing finals etc etc. He compared them to the Demons who he said which was a team that had obviously turned itself around both on a debt level and management level. He said that he was at the intra game yesterday and was amazed at the number of people around the club, in sponsors red tee shirts who were obviusly part of the club ie handing out drinks to players, giving massages etc. He felt that it was a true reflection on how far the Club has come and where it was going. That was in comparison to the Saints who at this time of year should have had a major sponsor signed up. It would seem from the comments of those at the AGM that it would now seem that the Club and its supporters now have a vitality and a single purpose. We have left the era of division. Its onward and upwards from hereon.

This is a little of subject but I heard someone on the radio discussing the rabble that St. Kilda was becoming and that they were still looking for a major sponsor despite playing finals etc etc. He compared them to the Demons who he said which was a team that had obviously turned itself around both on a debt level and management level. He said that he was at the intra game yesterday and was amazed at the number of people around the club, in sponsors red tee shirts who were obviusly part of the club ie handing out drinks to players, giving massages etc. He felt that it was a true reflection on how far the Club has come and where it was going. That was in comparison to the Saints who at this time of year should have had a major sponsor signed up. It would seem from the comments of those at the AGM that it would now seem that the Club and its supporters now have a vitality and a single purpose. We have left the era of division. Its onward and upwards from hereon.

yep, there is a really strong rapport between all facets of the club right now. United we stand!

This is a little of subject but I heard someone on the radio discussing the rabble that St. Kilda was becoming and that they were still looking for a major sponsor despite playing finals etc etc. He compared them to the Demons who he said which was a team that had obviously turned itself around both on a debt level and management level. He said that he was at the intra game yesterday and was amazed at the number of people around the club, in sponsors red tee shirts who were obviusly part of the club ie handing out drinks to players, giving massages etc. He felt that it was a true reflection on how far the Club has come and where it was going. That was in comparison to the Saints who at this time of year should have had a major sponsor signed up. It would seem from the comments of those at the AGM that it would now seem that the Club and its supporters now have a vitality and a single purpose. We have left the era of division. Its onward and upwards from hereon.

Whatever happens from now going forward, Jim Stynes & his board have given us the chance to become a Power Club of the AFL.

Without Jim coming on board 2-3 years ago, would we even be here now??? It was certainly touch & go there.....Not winning 3 flags in 2 years is going to deeply hurt the Aints, a club that has never really known success.

The Demons at least can draw on numerous periods of sustained success, albeit from decades ago, but they are there in our history.

Whatever happens from now going forward, Jim Stynes & his board have given us the chance to become a Power Club of the AFL.

Without Jim coming on board 2-3 years ago, would we even be here now??? It was certainly touch & go there.....Not winning 3 flags in 2 years is going to deeply hurt the Aints, a club that has never really known success.

The Demons at least can draw on numerous periods of sustained success, albeit from decades ago, but they are there in our history.

I reckon we will deliver on the promise we have right now - of course we could fizzle out, or do a St.Kilda and just nearly get there without really getting there, but gee everything is pointing towards the ultimate success. I also reckon we have a share of supporters that is higher than most clubs who are waiting in the wings to show their support. This is because they are a long-suffering, jaded bunch who are refusing to get excited until we walk the walk. When we become a top4 side again I really honestly think our membership and attendances will skyrocket into one of the top clubs, maybe top 5 or 6.

Obviously it is wishful thinking but I am quite confident it will pan out for us - Schwab, Stynes and Bailey certainly seem to think so

I reckon we will deliver on the promise we have right now - of course we could fizzle out, or do a St.Kilda and just nearly get there without really getting there, but gee everything is pointing towards the ultimate success. I also reckon we have a share of supporters that is higher than most clubs who are waiting in the wings to show their support. This is because they are a long-suffering, jaded bunch who are refusing to get excited until we walk the walk. When we become a top4 side again I really honestly think our membership and attendances will skyrocket into one of the top clubs, maybe top 5 or 6.

Obviously it is wishful thinking but I am quite confident it will pan out for us - Schwab, Stynes and Bailey certainly seem to think so

You could be right, if the team becomes genuinely successful for a sustained period, remember that our home ground is the MCG. We have been there since the Dinasour walked the Earth. There is room for everybody at the 'G.

We have never moved from there on match days-Now we are back as a club.

Compare it to Etihad Stadium....

This is a little of subject but I heard someone on the radio discussing the rabble that St. Kilda was becoming and that they were still looking for a major sponsor despite playing finals etc etc. He compared them to the Demons who he said which was a team that had obviously turned itself around both on a debt level and management level. He said that he was at the intra game yesterday and was amazed at the number of people around the club, in sponsors red tee shirts who were obviusly part of the club ie handing out drinks to players, giving massages etc. He felt that it was a true reflection on how far the Club has come and where it was going. That was in comparison to the Saints who at this time of year should have had a major sponsor signed up. It would seem from the comments of those at the AGM that it would now seem that the Club and its supporters now have a vitality and a single purpose. We have left the era of division. Its onward and upwards from hereon.

Absolutely fantastic.I have waited a lifetime for this.Now for that elusive prize so many 'longsuffering' members deserve.

Can someone tell me - How many members we budgeted for in 2011? Lost my paperwork. Many thanks.

Can someone tell me - How many members we budgeted for in 2011? Lost my paperwork. Many thanks.

35,000 members

Jimmy Stynes wants 40,000