Hi all

This is an interesting interview with Mark from an AFL coaching website when he first joined Collingwood as a defence coach.

http://www.coachafl.com/index.php?pr=Feature_-_Mark_Neeld

Just what we need - emphasis on defensive skills of all players including mids and forwards, and disposal skills!

If he can get those going right we are in for a hell of a ride!

Go Demons. Bring it on!

I am loving this re the Mitch Clarke Deal:

"We did what every Melbourne supporter would have wanted us to do - get on the phone, get on a plane, get in front of him, present our thoughts and present where we thought he could be a benefit to the club," Neeld said.

Knows what he wants and goes out and gets it. Yeah!

I am loving this re the Mitch Clarke Deal:

"We did what every Melbourne supporter would have wanted us to do - get on the phone, get on a plane, get in front of him, present our thoughts and present where we thought he could be a benefit to the club," Neeld said.

Knows what he wants and goes out and gets it. Yeah!

Gotta be in it Demons. First time i have really seen this club seruously on the front foot. We were not going to be outdone.

Let's see this attitude out on the grass.

I am loving this re the Mitch Clarke Deal:

"We did what every Melbourne supporter would have wanted us to do - get on the phone, get on a plane, get in front of him, present our thoughts and present where we thought he could be a benefit to the club," Neeld said.

Knows what he wants and goes out and gets it. Yeah!

Compare that to the Dean Bailey approach. "Well, we just wanted to put in a competitive offer. I put a reasonable Powerpoint presentation forward, but things didn't pan out. Maybe in 2051, we'll be able to attract new names to the Club."

Mark Neeld was on SEN this morning telling the story how they got Clarke. Said 3 of them, im assuming him Schwab and RAwlings went to brisbane airport with no other clothes and the 3 of them stayed in a dingy hotel at $90 a night and mark wouldnt sleep under the doona fearing he would catch something and the air conditioner was hanging out on the wall.

Jade had been at the races so he wasnt in great nick, then the next day they went to the marriot I htink and met Clarke and pretended they had stayed there. made a pitch to Clarke and spent about 12 hours there then realised they smelt a bit so they went to David Jones to buy some new clothes then met up with Calrke again then Clarke rang up later that night and said all the hassling paid off I will come. Funny story.

ANyway when asked that it was a bit harsh that he made the players go back next monday during melbourne cup week Mark replied well if our premiership cabinet was full of trophies then I may not have done that but seeing as its been awhile we nedd to get back into it.

He is just so professional and has a sense of humour as well. Im looking foward to see what he does with the team.

Great story, am loving his vibe. I like as well how they didn't use big resources to fund the trip and played it very smart. I wonder if Clarke knows the story now lol!! Think I might head down to the training on the 31st and have a little gander at what's happening. These stories make me excited about being a Melbourne Supporter again!! GO Dee's

There was also another story in inside footy a while back when he said to the players before our Best and Fairest night that if they see some attrictive young girls in the room ask them there surname because if its Neeld and you go near them our career will be very short here at melbourne.

I also like his tweeting back to the players when they have tweeted about what they have eaten overseas in particular Chip, Mark just send a subtle tweet back saying remember pre season training is starting. I just hope Aussie is paying attention.

Mark Neeld was on SEN this morning telling the story how they got Clarke. Said 3 of them, im assuming him Schwab and RAwlings went to brisbane airport with no other clothes and the 3 of them stayed in a dingy hotel at $90 a night and mark wouldnt sleep under the doona fearing he would catch something and the air conditioner was hanging out on the wall.

Jade had been at the races so he wasnt in great nick, then the next day they went to the marriot I htink and met Clarke and pretended they had stayed there. made a pitch to Clarke and spent about 12 hours there then realised they smelt a bit so they went to David Jones to buy some new clothes then met up with Calrke again then Clarke rang up later that night and said all the hassling paid off I will come. Funny story.

ANyway when asked that it was a bit harsh that he made the players go back next monday during melbourne cup week Mark replied well if our premiership cabinet was full of trophies then I may not have done that but seeing as its been awhile we nedd to get back into it.

He is just so professional and has a sense of humour as well. Im looking foward to see what he does with the team.

Yeah i heard that story last week. Classic. Would make a great few scenes in a movie! Those guys will laugh about that forever!

Clark will join his new teammates when Melbourne's pre-season training starts on October 31.

Neeld joked that he had chosen the date - Melbourne Cup eve - on purpose.

"If the place was full of recent premiership medallions, then maybe I'd let them go to the races, but it clearly isn't and they can't go," he said.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mark-neeld-roughs-it-to-secure-mitch-clark/story-e6frf9jf-1226174045391