From the same article...

"When I was coaching at Collingwood, we would look at Melbourne, as an assistant coach, in the lead-up to Queen’s Birthday. Once the game is played, you move on to the following week.

So, in a season where Collingwood played 26 games last year, I really got to look at Melbourne for probably three and a half days. You do not have a thorough understanding [otherwise]."

So what you are saying is Neeld and the new coaches that have looked at the team "probably three and a half days" a season prior to being signed on for a few months of "inside knowledge" already have a better understanding of the club than the supporters.

An assistant coach of an opposition club would still know more about our players than anybody on here. Inside info does travel..

Clubs have dedicated spotters who watch other games which do not involve that Club and report on each clubs game plans/players and how each club combat each others strength. AFL Clubs collect and collate alot of information about opposition clubs/players.

whatever way you look at it, the MFC obviously does not have a great deal of respect for the title of 'leader' , given it has just shafted its captain and vice capt/best and fairest/best clubman in favour of two hyped kids that may or may not become anything, and even if they do, are currently in no position to be standing in front of the blokes that have been there 5-10 years. Not to mention the inclusion of Clark and Bartram, both of whom have modest prospects and/or runs on the board. We could end up looking incredibly silly after this

Edited February 15, 201213 yr by Curry & Beer

whatever way you look at it, the MFC obviously does not have a great deal of respect for the title of 'leader' , given it has just shafted its captain and vice capt/best and fairest/best clubman in favour of two hyped kids that may or may not become anything, and even if they do, are currently in no position to be standing in front of the blokes that have been there 5-10 years. Not to mention the inclusion of Clark and Bartram, both of whom have modest prospects and/or runs on the board. We could end up looking incredibly silly after this

Worse than last year?? Could that actually happen...? I doubt it myself.

whatever way you look at it, the MFC obviously does not have a great deal of respect for the title of 'leader' , given it has just shafted its captain and vice capt/best and fairest/best clubman in favour of two hyped kids that may or may not become anything, and even if they do, are currently in no position to be standing in front of the blokes that have been there 5-10 years. Not to mention the inclusion of Clark and Bartram, both of whom have modest prospects and/or runs on the board. We could end up looking incredibly silly after this

It's quite obvious the MFC considers it a very important aspect for the team and on-field leadership. Given it was the kids who were putting in when it mattered after looking to their leaders to do so (which arguably didn't eventuate) in 2011, I have no hesitation in the club - in fact I applaud them - giving them the responsibility to young leaders in their own right, for the LG.

And because they lead by example they can stand in front of blokes who have been there 5-10 years. Including Bartram and Clark for that matter who put their body on the line. Particularly Bartram, even when the side is being flogged.

Worse than last year?? Could that actually happen...? I doubt it myself.

I doubt it too wyl but all things are possible.

It may take some time for the group to implement a new game plan.

We could easily start with some ordinary performances.

What was the old one again!

Off topic I know, but I'm sick to death the amount of smart arse comments made by a select few Demonland posters, but on a more and more regular basis. It happens in every thread, and it's terribly sad that some posters feel the need to over-power another posters opinion by making personal comments.

Lutz - so what if Old Dee "doesn't understand". Actually, what is it that he doesn't understand? Your opinion? Maybe you don't understand his either, but I don't see him question you about "understanding".

There's always things I don't agree with, and more to the point, a lot of my opinions people don't agree with, but when you continually here things like "whether you understand it or not" or "it's quite simple, but for billy2803, maybe not", etc, etc, where do you posters get off? Unless it's a misinterpretation of a rule, most other things we discuss are all based on our own opinions, and just because you don't agree doesn't mean you're wrong, but it also doesn't mean you're right. But whichever way it is, personal attacks or smart arse comments are totally unacceptable..

I apologise for being "melodramatic" (according to one poster it's something I suffer from), and "those" posters would most likely advise me to read a different site. Well, I, like most of you, live and breath MFC, and when you're an interstater (in the non-AFL-dominant area of South East Queensland), this is the best way I can get my daily Demon fix. I enjoy the posts of most, especially the likes of Old Dee, and I would hate to see him crack the sh!ts and not contribute due to someone else going on their little power trip.

We are passionate, we want the best for the Club, we want a premiership and lots of them. Don't be scum supporters like Collingwood and Richmond, we are all Melbourne fans and should respect each others views in a constructive way, not degrading, disrespectful and immature.

End rant.

Billy, Hoo ra! i completely concur. I cant even remember the last time Lutz posted something that wasnt of a condescending nature toward another poster. Get over yourself Lutz. Your are tiresome.

Given it was the kids who were putting in when it mattered after looking to their leaders to do so (which arguably didn't eventuate)

gee I hate some of the statements on here that are simply wrong - Moloney and Rivers came first and second in the B+F, how is that 'not putting in'? and how exactly did Grimes 'put in' when he wasn't even on the park, and Clark not even at the club?

as far Bartram - six years at the club and one top-10 finish (8th in 2008), that's certainly not what I call pulling your weight! Beamer basically had 3 years written off with injury, in the other 4 years he finished 4th,2nd,7th and 1st - and it is without dispute that he is a devout and vocal clubman on and off the field and has never taken a backward step in his career - THAT is putting in!

Edited February 16, 201213 yr by Curry & Beer

gee I hate some of the statements on here that are simply wrong - Moloney and Rivers came first and second in the B+F, how is that 'not putting in'? and how exactly did Grimes 'put in' when he wasn't even on the park, and Clark not even at the club?

as far Bartram - six years at the club and one top-10 finish (8th in 2008), that's certainly not what I call pulling your weight! Beamer basically had 3 years written off with injury, in the other 4 years he finished 4th,2nd,7th and 1st - and it is without dispute that he is a devout and vocal clubman on and off the field and has never taken a backward step in his career - THAT is putting in!

"Putting in"......take note: http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/29386-mark-neeld-on-sen-interview-this-morning/page__pid__525298#entry525298

I admit I'm pretty concerned about the impact that chopping the former captain, vice captain, and two other senior players form the Leadership group in one foul swoop is going to have on the unity of the playing group. Particularly when one of their replacements has never played a game for the club...and another one is Bartram.

I applaud boldness. I don't applaud what appears to be lunacy.

However If it comes off, I'll happily eat humble pie.

Those who have been discarded from the leadership group always seemed to have been chosen because of seniority rather than leadership skills - default rather than merit. The new group are by and large (Jamar aside) of a closer age to the bulk of the team and have amongst them players with the skills to be outstanding leaders.

I accept it was a bold move but the potential dividends will be all the greater in a couple of years with a settled group of nominated leaders and limited changes due to retirement.

That's all very well but does it mean disregarding the current crop? Like it or not, the MFC is building up a reputation of shafting its senior players, including the most dedicated (J Mac, Beamer). I understand the need to look ahead but I still think it's a very rough end of the stick, particularly for those who actually performed well last season.

That's all very well but does it mean disregarding the current crop? Like it or not, the MFC is building up a reputation of shafting its senior players, including the most dedicated (J Mac, Beamer). I understand the need to look ahead but I still think it's a very rough end of the stick, particularly for those who actually performed well last season.

Maybe they did well in some areas and poorly in others.

The club has picked the 8 best leaders - not the 8 best players or the 8 most senior. They possibly have gone for a list of 8 with strong positives but also few negatives (apart from Bartram's kicking for goal!).

My concern is that 5 of the 8 were on the paddock that day at Geelong. They may be among the 8 best leaders at the club, but the still have a bit to learn.

I understand the need to look ahead but I still think it's a very rough end of the stick, particularly for those who actually performed well last season.

Nobody performed well last year. That's the point. We were accused of playing Bruise Free Football.

Last years leaders had to go.

Edited February 18, 201213 yr by why you little