Leadership lacking

[beelzebub 23,239]

Dead right..out of the fires can come the hero..)

[Demon Dynasty 17,108]

This is a great topic and one which i feel is right at the crux and heart of our problems.

Leadership....lacking

Starts from the top...

And Jimmy is right at the top of the tree.

He has shown leadership. He's shown guts under the most trying of circumstances. He's shown and done things for this Club beyond the call of duty. Leading by example (eg., heading up the debt demolition, targeting 40,000 members)

He has changed the culture of this club off the field....BIG TIME and hopefully forever going forward.

Now, The Club has gradually moved into and accepted his brand of culture as its blueprint.

Bottom line is, get the off field right including club administration AND the FD facilities, training/fitness equipment, coaching panel, fitness staff etc etc.

I would say a big tick here with the new admin/training facilities/base etc.

Off field also includes us, the supporter group and specifically memberships and the drive in involve members more directly.

I would give another big tick here (albeit membership has stalled in last few weeks given our performances on field). But still, record membership again to date!

Now to the Coach, coaching panel and playing list.....

It's almost there BUT!! He feels something is missing too (along with many others including some of us on here obviously).

I'm pretty sure he wont publicly vent exactly what it is he actually sees or what it is he suspects about our FD that he feels maybe isn't quite right, or maybe a long way from being right.

Nonetheless....as we now know, he's about to show leadership, and take on the overseeing of the FD himself.

Now, those at the top of the FD, starting with DB, will hopefully put their egos away for a moment and sense that something isn't right also. The attitude/direction/game plan/attention to the forward press etc (however you define it) needs modifying if we are to put this tram back on the rails as so succintly put by Bz in an excellent post earlier (in another topic).

It's come down to getting the FD either back on the right path from here OR (after a serious review at some stage down the track should things not go the way they are expected) a drastically new path.

I believe Jimmy senses that "something" isn't quite right also. He just wants to know that everything that could/should be done within the FD is being done to the best of the FD's ability.

He must also feel (or felt before Thurs night) that we are/were not far away from being a finals contender with this group THIS YEAR. Like many of the supporters here, something has tweaked him into action after Thursday. Maybe it was simply watching the way we played the game. Maybe rumblings within the club/supporter group. Only he would know of course.

My humble opinion is....The Culture of the club has finally changed from the top!

From generally accepting losses such as that on Thurs eve and just trying to put them behind us, to that of a winning one where we analyse and say "this needs fixing" (as the top clubs tend to do)...no matter what the cost (with logic and reason of course lol).

Mediocrity and 2nd best efforts (or just turning up as we did on Thurs eve or disappearing as we did against the Hawks) will no longer be tolerated at this club.

The time has come for this club to stamp itself as a Mighty force once more. To cast the mediocrity of the last 47 years to the four winds! Cometh the moment. Cometh the man.

Jimmy is that man. And Jimmy will now instil his leadership qualities onto the FD...AND...indirectly...into the senior players et al

We, as a club collectively (with through the strong leadership of Jimmy at the helm), have finally drawn a line in the sand!

It is now time for the FD and the players to draw theirs (now, next week & forever)

Mighty Demons Forever!

Edited May 5, 2011 by Rusty Nails

[beelzebub 23,239]

RN...very correct in noting there is real leadership at Melbourne..unfortunately its off field and not on it....oh that we should have someone like Jimma currently taking to the field !!

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.. we do miss Junior terribly

Take command Jim

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Dead right..out of the fires can come the hero..)

I think it gives us an opportunity to look at the blokes who can keep it together when things aren't going well.

God knows we have quite a number at the moment who struggle when the heat is on.

[Guest Artie Bucco]

Leadership and a battle-hardened mentality are born out of times of adversity like this.

I don't think we'll reach the point where we challenge for a flag without them.

[H_T 3,036]

Leadership and a battle-hardened mentality are born out of times of adversity like this.

I don't think we'll reach the point where we challenge for a flag without them.

*BUMP*

You can say that again...

[PeterJames 46]

If you can drop Moloney from the leadership group for having a few beers surely Davey must get the arse for his performance today!

Moloney and Sylvia are showing leadership. I think one good midfielder (classy) short today. And a half decent forward.

[agent_orange 0]

If you can drop Moloney from the leadership group for having a few beers surely Davey must get the arse for his performance today!

Moloney and Sylvia are showing leadership. I think one good midfielder (classy) short today. And a half decent forward.

I'd place Scully (if he stays) and Trengove in our leadership group. Two examples of players who are professionals

I wonder if some players who thought they would get the the captains job are sulking.

This week probably is the end of Bailey. Very hard to see him winning enough games or getting much out of the team to gain a new contract next year. You can't help but feel that our football department has failed. A coach should be setting standards of improvement for every player each year that they must acheive or be given the toss.

[Guest Artie Bucco]

Was reading another bloody article about Dermot Brereton criticising Brent Harvey's leadership, where Dermie said Harvey wouldn't have the same impact as Vandenberg did at the hawks.

Vandenberg, although not the must gifted player, obviously left his stamp on that Hawks group and the club, for him to held in such high esteem by Dermie.

It got me thinking about our own leadership, and their struggles.

What sort of impact is Brad Green having? Brent Moloney? Aaron Davey?

To borrow a line from Grant Thomas, I think "leadership is all about legacy."

What sort of legacy will these players leave long after they are gone from the list?

They need to start thinking in these terms.

As HT said in another thread, they need to set some non-negotiables.

After a bit of though, I actually have a lot of support for rpfc's idea of handing the reigns to the younger brigade.

The sooner the better.

[H_T 3,036]

Was reading another bloody article about Dermot Brereton criticising Brent Harvey's leadership, where Dermie said Harvey wouldn't have the same impact as Vandenberg did at the hawks.

Vandenberg, although not the must gifted player, obviously left his stamp on that Hawks group and the club, for him to held in such high esteem by Dermie.

It got me thinking about our own leadership, and their struggles.

What sort of impact is Brad Green having? Brent Moloney? Aaron Davey?

To borrow a line from Grant Thomas, I think "leadership is all about legacy."What sort of legacy will these players leave long after they are gone from the list?

They need to start thinking in these terms.

As HT said in another thread, they need to set some non-negotiables.

After a bit of though, I actually have a lot of support for rpfc's idea of handing the reigns to the younger brigade.

The sooner the better.

I agree with Grant Thomas re: leadership. If you can marry rpfc's thoughts of the young leaders sinking their teeth into the LG (change in leadership), along with their non-negotiables that they set. Ie. standards or "legacy" for others to follow through examples set at training & games. A change in culture for the better could occur. I think it's an exciting proposition. It's got to come from within the players and coaching group collectively - but I think it has to be initiated by the new LG and playing group. That's what happened at Geelong. It takes good character.

Dermie probably respects Vandenburg because when Dermie walked in to draw the line in the sand, Vandenberg said, yes sir, no sir. Three bags full sir. And he went out and smashed into McPhee and other Bombers. Couldn't see Green or Davey do that in a million years - but they shouldn't have to. Didn't see the Geelong boys do that either. Hard, relentless, skillful footy working as a team is the go, as well as sticking up for your teammate and working on & off the ball. That's what is required. Body on the line; no deviation.

[H_T 3,036]

*BUMP*

Demon command, this is Houston, we need our mojo, repeating, we need our mojo back.

Mojo = leadership. (the onfield & off-field kind)

When things are tough and seem down, there should still be fight, determination and accountability. Insipid footy doesn't cut it and shouldn't be present at MFC. Eradicate it and let those who want to lead, lead.

[Kento80 83]

Yes HT, yes. I noticed in the 2nd qtr (I think) Jack Wattswalking towards Green, and it was Watts with teh devilish looking face, sprouting off all sorts of things to Green, not the other way around. I thought it odd, and have thought it odd at other times in the season too when you would expect to see Green getting real vocal, that he just walks along saying nothing. I know he isn't solely responsible, but was just one instance I noticed tonight. The one good thing is that it looks like Watts leadership is growing in stature along with his game, and that is exciting for the future.

[Trisul 664]

Dunno HT. I think you're letting far to many players off the hook bumping this one.

[Arrow 1,257]

THERE HAS BEEN 3 GAMES THIS YEAR WHERE BRAD HAS HAD A SHOT AT GOAL AT A PRESSURE MOMENT AND I'VE MADE THE COMMENT THIS IS A CAPTAINS GOAL. KICK IT WE WIN. SYDNEY WAS THE MAIN ONE BUT OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD ALSO AGAINST HAWTHORN. I KNOW IT IS HARSH TO BLAME HIM FOR LOSSES FOR ONE SHOT ON GOAL BUT LEADERS MAKE THESE THINGS HAPPEN!!

AHHHHH! sorry for caps still grumpy

[Nasher 33,607]

sorry for caps still grumpy

Don't be sorry, just note that many like myself won't bother reading your post if it's all in caps.

[Akum 2,660]

Did anybody see it in the last quarter where Trengove (with Cross in tow) ran up to Moloney & Boyd, told Moloney to get the hell away somewhere and physically restrained Boyd from following Moloney? Cross ran after Moloney, leaving Boyd to stay with Trengove. Pretty much says it all. Or did I just imagine seeing our future captain exercising leadership over someone that many would like to be our current captain?

[Dockett 32 1,238]

JT a very strong leadership contender, every inch a team player and a quality young bloke to boot!

[H_T 3,036]

Dunno HT. I think you're letting far to many players off the hook bumping this one.

Just one of several issues that need to be addressed. I note other issues (players elsewhere), just thought this was one important aspect.

[Deeoldfart 7,999]

I generally avoid commenting on topics like leadership, on the grounds that those inside the Club are in a much better position than me to make judgement calls on these issues. However, from what I have seen on the field over the last 6 to 8 weeks, it's becoming clearer by the week that 2012 will be the appropriate time for a 'generational' change of leadership at the Melbourne Footy Club ....... time to introduce the 'new breed' of leaders who will lead us to the holy grail. Transition to the 'new breed' will be difficult, and some noses will be put out of joint, but I really think we must 'bite the bullet'. If this means dispensing with aspects of the Leading Teams model, then so be it! For me, one of the major positives of the 2011 season so far, has been the emergence of some real on-field leaders amongst the ranks of our talented youngsters.

[Captain Jack Jordan 32]

Its Watts as Captain and Trengrove Vice Captain if we decide to go early on the generational change .

Moloney or Frawley could do the job too .

Let Greeny relax and just play his game .

PS Discounting Moloney for some off field beers is a weak thing to do.

Watts can handle the media already and can handle enormous pressure .

Frawley is a born leader anyway .

Trengrove also .

Scully doesn't need the hype .

Am I wrong?

[Jaded No More 68,591]

Anybody who heard Jack Grimes on Ch. 10 news yesterday can tell he's got captain written all over him.

If he can get through one single season without his body self destructing, he'll be leading us from 2013 onwards.

Watts and Trengove need to keep concentrating on developing and destroying their opponents, in sling tackles, or otherwise.

[rpfc 28,070]

The LG has to go.

Grimes and Jones can stay if they are chosen from the U/23 brigade.

Moloney can be captain if chosen by the U/23 brigade.

Our flag will be won by the U/23 brigade so why continue this charade with the NQR minds of Rivers, Green, Moloney, and Davey +Sylvia and Jamar leading the team?

And if the over 23s don't like it - tell them that the only way the will win a flag is with these kids.

If they still don't like it - trade them.

Bailey may go, but it isn't him at all.

It's the blokes we all thought had something in them that they quite clearly don't.

Edited July 2, 2011 by rpfc

[titan_uranus 24,848]

Watts did the same thing, multiple times. At one stage ran from centre half forward to centre half back to yell at someone (Bennell I think it may have been) to man up or zone off. Bennell lazily wandered over to where he was meant to go. Watts then ran hard to make the next contest.

Showed me two things: one, that Bennell is crap. Two, that Watts will be a leader, if not captain, of this club, soon.

[QueenC 74]

Showed me two things: one, that Bennell is crap. Two, that Watts will be a leader, if not captain, of this club, soon.

If not already......

[QueenC 74]

Anybody who heard Jack Grimes on Ch. 10 news yesterday can tell he's got captain written all over him.

If he can get through one single season without his body self destructing, he'll be leading us from 2013 onwards.

Watts and Trengove need to keep concentrating on developing and destroying their opponents, in sling tackles, or otherwise.

Grimes has always had my vote in this as well, but all seem to lead easily....

And that is a happy, but very different position to be in given the dearth of leadership we have had in recent times.