Jump to content

Steve Harris article


btdemon

Recommended Posts

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.

Edited by btdemon
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Edited by why you little
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. ??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    BLOW THE SIREN by Meggs

    Fremantle hosted the Demons on a sunny 20-degree Saturdayafternoon winning the toss and electing to defend in the first quarter against the 3-goal breeze favouring the Parry Street end. There was method here, as this would give the comeback queens, the Dockers, last use of the breeze. The Melbourne Coach had promised an improved performance, and we did start better than previous weeks, winning the ball out of the middle, using the breeze advantage and connecting to the forwards. 

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    GETAWAY by Meggs

    Calling all fit players. Expect every available Melbourne player to board the Virgin cross-continent flight to Perth for this Round 4 clash on Saturday afternoon at Fremantle Oval. It promises to be keenly contested, though Fremantle is the bookies clear favourite.  If we lose, finals could be remoter than Rottnest Island especially following on from the Dees 50-point dismantlement by North Melbourne last Sunday.  There are 8 remaining matches, over the next 7 weeks.  To Meggs’

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    DRUBBING by Meggs

    With Casey Fields basking in sunshine, an enthusiastic throng of young Demons fans formed a guard of honour for the evergreen and much admired 75-gamer Paxy Paxman. As the home team ran out to play, Paxy’s banner promised that the Demons would bounce back from last week’s loss to Brisbane and reign supreme.   Disappointingly, the Kangaroos dominated the match to win by 50 points, but our Paxy certainly did her bit.  She was clearly our best player, sweeping well in defence.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 4

    GARNER STRENGTH by Meggs

    In keeping with our tough draw theme, Week 3 sees Melbourne take on flag favourites, North Melbourne, at Casey Fields this Sunday at 1:05pm.  The weather forecast looks dry, a coolish 14 degrees and will be characteristically gusty.  Remember when Casey Fields was considered our fortress?  The Demons have lost two of their past three matches at the Field of Dreams, so opposition teams commute down the Princes Highway with more optimism these days.  The Dees held the highe

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 1

    ALLY’S FIELDS by Meggs

    It was a sunny morning at Casey Fields, as Demon supporters young and old formed a guard of honour for fan favourite and 50-gamer Alyssa Bannan.  Banno’s banner stated the speedster was the ‘fastest 50 games’ by an AFLW player ever.   For Dees supporters, today was not our day and unfortunately not for Banno either. A couple of opportunities emerged for our number 6 but alas there was no sizzle.   Brisbane atoned for last week’s record loss to North Melbourne, comprehensively out

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 1

    GOOD MORNING by Meggs

    If you are driving or training it to Cranbourne on Saturday, don’t forget to set your alarm clock. The Melbourne Demons play the reigning premiers Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields this Saturday, with the bounce of the ball at 11:05am.  Yes, that’s AM.   The AFLW fixture shows deference to the AFL men’s finals games.  So, for the men it’s good afternoon and good evening and for the women it’s good morning.     The Lions were wounded last week by 44 points, their highest ever los

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    HORE ON FIRE by Meggs

    The 40,000 seat $319 million redeveloped Kardinia Park Stadium was nowhere near capacity last night but the strong, noisy contingent of Melbourne supporters led by the DeeArmy journeyed to Geelong to witness a high-quality battle between two of the best teams in AFLW.   The Cats entered the arena to the blasting sounds of Zombie Nation and made a hot start kicking the first 2 goals. They brought tremendous forward half pressure, and our newly renovated defensive unit looked shaky.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 11

    REMATCH by Meggs

    The Mighty Demons take on the confident Cats this Saturday night at the recently completed $319 million redeveloped GMHBA Stadium, with the bounce of the ball at 7:15pm. Our last game of 2023 was an agonisingly close 5-point semi-final loss to Geelong, and we look forward to Melbourne turning the tables this week. Practice match form was scratchy for both teams with the Demons losing practice matches to Carlton and Port Adelaide, while the Cats beat Collingwood but then lost to Essendo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    WELCOME 2024 by Meggs

    It’s been hard to miss the seismic global momentum happening in Women’s sport of late. The Matildas have been playing to record sell-out crowds across Australia and ‘Mary Fowler is God’ is chalked onto footpaths everywhere. WNBA basketball rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has almost single-handedly elevated her Indiana Fever team to unprecedented viewership, attendances and playoffs in the USA.   Our female Aussie Paris 2024 Olympians won 13 out of Australia’s all-time record 18 gol

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...