Jump to content

Steve Harris article

Featured Replies

Posted

This article is really interesting. Three years ago we had the examples of Collingwood and Geelong to emulate. Modern powerful clubs where the best people are employed (wherever they they might be from) in departments that don't interfere with each other. We employed Connolly and Schwab, both of whom were formerly involved with club and could not keep their egos out of the footy dept. Harris states:

"Football success requires getting the best players, the best coaches, the best environment over a sustained period. It's as simple and complex as that, a three-legged stool".

"Unambiguous effort means non-delivery is not accepted, and universally. Unity means genuine and shared ownership of the strategies. Discipline means absolute commitment to individual and collective effort, outcomes and behaviours"

"Football clubs are largely in the business of selling hope to their fans, but it needs to be more realistic hope than hype. One senses that impatience to end the premiership drought, premature excitement about the quality of the playing list versus the competition, and egotistical desires by some to be the ''saviour'' or hero has led to expectations of success exceeding reality, and this is in turn amplified by failure to meet basic expectations of effort and spirit".

"Success means capitalising on whatever opportunities exist today, seizing and sustaining whatever comes your way, trying to build opportunities for tomorrow in a virtuous cycle. Melbourne needs only look at the experience of Collingwood, which has reinvented itself from being a financially troubled suburban club in the 1970s into a powerhouse. This was a club that seized and created opportunities Melbourne rejected, and has been able to be sustainably competitive and successful despite its own leadership tensions, financial setbacks and player behaviour issues. Success, not failure, now defines them".

"The most successful clubs and organisations, such as the Collingwoods and Manchester Uniteds, continue to enrich their history and capacity to maximise their appeal to players, coaches, fans, and sponsors. They understand they only remain as strong as their capacity to withstand adversity and grow from it".

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/on-reflection-demons-must-look-in-the-mirror-20110802-1i9zk.html

Please understand, I am not suggesting that Jimmy hasn't been the saviour of the club, but the "boys club" approach has prevented us being the best we can. In hindsight, we probably missed a huge opportunity to restructure the club. By Contrast, the only thing that will prevent Collingwood becoming even stronger would be sort of political infighting that we have seen at the Dees.

 

This article is really interesting. Three years ago we had the examples of Collingwood and Geelong to emulate. Modern powerful clubs where the best people are employed (wherever they they might be from) in departments that don't interfere with each other. We employed Connolly and Schwab, both of whom were formerly involved with club and could not keep their egos out of the footy dept. Harris states:

"Football success requires getting the best players, the best coaches, the best environment over a sustained period. It's as simple and complex as that, a three-legged stool".

"Unambiguous effort means non-delivery is not accepted, and universally. Unity means genuine and shared ownership of the strategies. Discipline means absolute commitment to individual and collective effort, outcomes and behaviours"

"Football clubs are largely in the business of selling hope to their fans, but it needs to be more realistic hope than hype. One senses that impatience to end the premiership drought, premature excitement about the quality of the playing list versus the competition, and egotistical desires by some to be the ''saviour'' or hero has led to expectations of success exceeding reality, and this is in turn amplified by failure to meet basic expectations of effort and spirit".

"Success means capitalising on whatever opportunities exist today, seizing and sustaining whatever comes your way, trying to build opportunities for tomorrow in a virtuous cycle. Melbourne needs only look at the experience of Collingwood, which has reinvented itself from being a financially troubled suburban club in the 1970s into a powerhouse. This was a club that seized and created opportunities Melbourne rejected, and has been able to be sustainably competitive and successful despite its own leadership tensions, financial setbacks and player behaviour issues. Success, not failure, now defines them".

"The most successful clubs and organisations, such as the Collingwoods and Manchester Uniteds, continue to enrich their history and capacity to maximise their appeal to players, coaches, fans, and sponsors. They understand they only remain as strong as their capacity to withstand adversity and grow from it".

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/on-reflection-demons-must-look-in-the-mirror-20110802-1i9zk.html

Please understand, I am not suggesting that Jimmy hasn't been the saviour of the club, but the "boys club" approach has prevented us being the best we can. The only thing that will prevent Collingwood becoming even stronger would be sort of political infighting that we have seen at the Dees.

plus GWS and a few good injuries. Bring on the Colliwobbles. The season is almost here

It's a good week for people who were previously involved in the club to put in their two bob's worth. A few of them would do well if they looked in the mirror themselves.

 

It's a good week for people who were previously involved in the club to put in their two bob's worth. A few of them would do well if they looked in the mirror themselves.

Yes, anyone with a previous grudge will be taking the opportunity to stick the knife in - players and administrators. We will see who the underminers are and who we want to be with the Club "going forward" (God, I hate that cliche).

What Steve Harris says has a lot of merit...We must not deny that.

I love this club like a family, but "The Boys Club" situation is a major worry to me.

I do not know all the answers, but we do need outside unemotional types as well as Garry Lyon to come in and sort out the right course

For both CS & CC to be out on Friday, but back in on sunday...is a sign of a nervous Board to me.

If these two Guys both pull in the same direction now i have no problems...But the MFC has got to come out of the dark ages and be a 21st Century Business.


It's a good week for people who were previously involved in the club to put in their two bob's worth. A few of them would do well if they looked in the mirror themselves.

touche..

Why is such clarity never available to these people when empowered to do something. ??

What Steve Harris says has a lot of merit...We must not deny that.

I love this club like a family, but "The Boys Club" situation is a major worry to me.

I do not know all the answers, but we do need outside unemotional types as well as Garry Lyon to come in and sort out the right course

For both CS & CC to be out on Friday, but back in on sunday...is a sign of a nervous Board to me.

If these two Guys both pull in the same direction now i have no problems...But the MFC has got to come out of the dark ages and be a 21st Century Business.

We're told by those in the media that CS was gone last week and that DB was to be given another year but is that the truth?

We're told by those in the media that CS was gone last week and that DB was to be given another year but is that the truth?

Let's, for a second assume that it wasn't true. Then obviously the board did not flip-flop and the game against Geelong was the point of no return. No harm no foul.

Now let's assume that Schwab was out, but then it was decided for him the be re-instated. After the 186 point humiliation on the weekend, the heat must turn to those who can control such outcomes. It is unthinkable to sack 15-20 players (although they bloody deserve to be), so the one who leads them needs to go. That is the coach, pure and simple. It warrants such a backflip on who stays and who goes, because what happened on Saturday disrespected everything the MFC has stood for and all who have proudly served this club throughout our 150 year existence.

If the board was going to sack Schwab, but instead swiftly removed Bailey instead, it is sending a very strong message to the playing group and the football department. And so it bloody should.

 

The same people that said CS was gone and Bailey had another year are the same people that said Walker was of to GWS and no mention of Davis. They make up rumours and then when they don't eventuate say people backed out. Will be the same as Scully if he stays, they will say a lsat minute bid by Melbourne to make him stay.

Media lies and people just believe it to be truth. Often because it sounds like a great story, sad things is Ricky Nixon was trying to say this but he is to slimy for people to believe him.

The same people that said CS was gone and Bailey had another year are the same people that said Walker was of to GWS and no mention of Davis. They make up rumours and then when they don't eventuate say people backed out. Will be the same as Scully if he stays, they will say a lsat minute bid by Melbourne to make him stay.

Media lies and people just believe it to be truth. Often because it sounds like a great story, sad things is Ricky Nixon was trying to say this but he is to slimy for people to believe him.

Mr James, to go slightly off topic I think you will find that because the young lady involved has changed her mind and story more times that Eddie McGuire ensures he has a sound bite on the news each day, the Police have decided not to waste valuable time, resources and money on the case. I think you will find most of it was true.

Being in just your undies, what he was hot?......


We're told by those in the media that CS was gone last week and that DB was to be given another year but is that the truth?

Murky Waters i do agree....

In The Aus:

The first signs of Melbourne reforming the band came immediately after the appointment late in 2007 of Bailey as senior coach under the administration of immediate past president Paul Gardner.

The position of general manager of football operations was promised to former Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab, but chief executive Steve Harris - to the surprise of Gardner and others - announced the position had been handed to Connolly, who had for weeks earlier gone head to head with Bailey and other candidates for the senior coaching job.

It is believed Harris's decision to appoint Connolly was influenced by other club people and was a key reason for Harris quitting the following February...

Staff turnover at the club under STeve Harris was almost 60%. As is often the case it was a lot of good people that left.

WHy would anyone be interested in his opinion?

This article is really interesting. Three years ago we had the examples of Collingwood and Geelong to emulate. Modern powerful clubs where the best people are employed (wherever they they might be from) in departments that don't interfere with each other. We employed Connolly and Schwab, both of whom were formerly involved with club and could not keep their egos out of the footy dept. Harris states:

"Football success requires getting the best players, the best coaches, the best environment over a sustained period. It's as simple and complex as that, a three-legged stool".

"Unambiguous effort means non-delivery is not accepted, and universally. Unity means genuine and shared ownership of the strategies. Discipline means absolute commitment to individual and collective effort, outcomes and behaviours"

"Football clubs are largely in the business of selling hope to their fans, but it needs to be more realistic hope than hype. One senses that impatience to end the premiership drought, premature excitement about the quality of the playing list versus the competition, and egotistical desires by some to be the ''saviour'' or hero has led to expectations of success exceeding reality, and this is in turn amplified by failure to meet basic expectations of effort and spirit".

The "boys" to whom you refer come from the players of the '87-'91 era, which lacked a premiership but gave us a week-in, week-out winning effort. Connolly tragically did his knee just before this era, what a great great player he was for anyone who remembers. Todd Viney, what a gutsy, bullocking champion, Lyon, sublime, magnificent player. I for one have plenty of time for these guys.

"Success means capitalising on whatever opportunities exist today, seizing and sustaining whatever comes your way, trying to build opportunities for tomorrow in a virtuous cycle. Melbourne needs only look at the experience of Collingwood, which has reinvented itself from being a financially troubled suburban club in the 1970s into a powerhouse. This was a club that seized and created opportunities Melbourne rejected, and has been able to be sustainably competitive and successful despite its own leadership tensions, financial setbacks and player behaviour issues. Success, not failure, now defines them".

"The most successful clubs and organisations, such as the Collingwoods and Manchester Uniteds, continue to enrich their history and capacity to maximise their appeal to players, coaches, fans, and sponsors. They understand they only remain as strong as their capacity to withstand adversity and grow from it".

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/on-reflection-demons-must-look-in-the-mirror-20110802-1i9zk.html

Please understand, I am not suggesting that Jimmy hasn't been the saviour of the club, but the "boys club" approach has prevented us being the best we can. In hindsight, we probably missed a huge opportunity to restructure the club. By Contrast, the only thing that will prevent Collingwood becoming even stronger would be sort of political infighting that we have seen at the Dees.

"the boys", Lyon, Connolly, Stynes and Viney were great, great players from our best era since Norm smith, v. unlucky not to win a flag. I have plenty of time forr all of them.


As Club CEO he makes a run of the mill journalist. Harris was given too much leash toward the end of his tenure at MFC and should have been shunted earlier.

Staff turnover at the club under STeve Harris was almost 60%. As is often the case it was a lot of good people that left.

WHy would anyone be interested in his opinion?

Steve Harris brought chaos to the MFC! His opinion on anything is of no interest to me.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Featured Content

  • PREVIEW: Essendon

    As the focus of the AFL moves exclusively to South Australia for Gather Round, the question is raised as to what are we going to get from the  Melbourne Football Club this weekend? Will it be a repeat of the slop fest of the last three weeks that have seen the team score a measly 174 points and concede 310 or will a return to the City of Churches and the scene where they performed at their best in 2024 act as a wakeup call and bring them out of their early season reverie? 
    Or will the sleepy Dees treat their fans to a reenactment of their lazy effort from the first Gather Round of two years ago when they allowed the Bombers to trample all over them on a soggy and wet Adelaide Oval? The two examples from above tell us how fickle form can be in football. Last year, a committed group of players turned up in Adelaide with a businesslike mindset. They had a plan, went in confidently and hard for the football and kicked winning scores against both home teams in a difficult environment for visitors. And they repeated that sort of effort later in the season when they played Essendon at the MCG. Unfortunately, performances like these went against the grain of what Melbourne has been producing from virtually midway through 2024 and extending right through to the present day. This is a game between two clubs who have faltered over the past couple of years because their disposal efficiency is appalling. Neither of them can hit the side of a barn door but history tells us that every once in a while such teams have their lucky days or come up against an opponent in even worse shape and hence, one of them will come up trumps in this match.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • PREGAME: Essendon

    Facing the very real and daunting prospect of starting the season with five straight losses, the Demons head to South Australia for the annual Gather Round, where they’ll take on the Bombers in search of their first win of the year. Who comes in, and who comes out?

      • Like
    • 260 replies
    Demonland
  • NON-MFC: Round 05

    Gather Round is here, kicking off with a Thursday night blockbuster as Adelaide faces Geelong. The Crows will be out for redemption after a controversial loss last week. Saturday starts with the Magpies taking on the Swans. Collingwood will be eager to cement their spot in the top eight, while Sydney is hot on their heels. In the Barossa Valley, two rising sides go head-to-head in a fascinating battle to prove they're the real deal. Later, Carlton and West Coast face off at Adelaide Oval, both desperate to notch their first win of the season. The action then shifts to Norwood, where the undefeated Lions will aim to keep their streak alive against the Bulldogs. Sunday’s games begin in the Barossa with Richmond up against Fremantle. In Norwood, the Saints will be looking to take a scalp when they come up against the Giants. The round concludes with a fiery rematch of last year's semi-final, as the Hawks seek revenge for their narrow loss to Port Adelaide. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

    • 17 replies
    Demonland
  • CASEY: Geelong

    There was a time in the second quarter of the game at the Cattery on Friday afternoon when the Casey Demons threatened to take the game apart against the Cats. The Demons had been well on top early but were struggling to convert their ascendancy over the ground until Tom Fullarton’s burst of three goals in the space of eight minutes on the way to a five goal haul and his best game for the club since arriving from Brisbane at the end of 2023. He was leading, marking and otherwise giving his opponents a merry dance as Casey grabbed a three goal lead in the blink of an eye. Fullarton has now kicked ten goals in Casey’s three matches and, with Melbourne’s forward conversion woes, he is definitely in with a chance to get his first game with the club in next week’s Gather Round in Adelaide. Despite the tall forward’s efforts - he finished with 19 disposals and eight marks and had four hit outs as back up to Will Verrall in the second half - it wasn’t enough as Geelong reigned in the lead through persistent attacks and eventually clawed their way to the lead early in the last and held it till they achieved the end aim of victory.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • REPORT: Geelong

    I was disappointed to hear Goody say at his post match presser after the team’s 39 point defeat against Geelong that "we're getting high quality entry, just poor execution" because Melbourne’s problems extend far beyond that after its 0 - 4 start to the 2025 football season. There are clearly problems with poor execution, some of which were evident well before the current season and were in play when the Demons met the Cats in early May last year and beat them in a near top-of-the-table clash that saw both sides sitting comfortably in the top four after round eight. Since that game, the Demons’ performances have been positively Third World with only five wins in 19 games with a no longer majestic midfield and a dysfunctional forward line that has become too easy for opposing coaches to counter. This is an area of their game that is currently being played out as if they were all completely panic-stricken.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • NON-MFC: Round 04

    Round 4 kicks off with a blockbuster on Thursday night as traditional rivals Collingwood and Carlton clash at the MCG, with the Magpies looking to assert themselves as early-season contenders and the Blues seeking their first win of the season. Saturday opens with Gold Coast hosting Adelaide, a key test for the Suns as they aim to back up their big win last week, while the Crows will be looking to keep their perfect record intact. Reigning wooden spooners Richmond have the daunting task of facing reigning premiers Brisbane at the ‘G and the Lions will be eager to reaffirm their premiership credentials after a patchy start. Saturday night sees North Melbourne take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium, with the Swans looking to build on their first win of the season last week against a rebuilding Roos outfit. Sunday’s action begins with GWS hosting West Coast at ENGIE Stadium, a game that could get ugly very early for the visitors. Port Adelaide vs St Kilda at Adelaide Oval looms as a interesting clash, with both clubs form being very hard to read. The round wraps up with Fremantle taking on the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in what could be a fierce contest between two sides with top-eight ambitions. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

      • Shocked
      • Like
    • 273 replies
    Demonland