Mark Neeld - On The Couch

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

Is there a link to the interview anywhere?

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

Thought he was brilliant. Honest, hard at it, accountable, doesn't shirk the issue (unlike several of our senior players).

He'll transform this club. In a good way.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,235]

You think?

How about his comments at the post-match press conference where he directly addressed this topic and said he'd make changes?

May have changed his opinion after making those comments in the heat of the moment with the anger from the result still palpable and realising there is limited options to bring in to replace the under performers. Seemed to me he regretted making that comment as seen by his deflection about not being able to make comments about selection prior to channel 7.

[Arsene Wenger 72]

Thought he was brilliant. Honest, hard at it, accountable, doesn't shirk the issue (unlike several of our senior players).

He'll transform this club. In a good way.

Yep, he's leading from the front isn't he?

He's modelling behaviour for the entire club to follow, and he has done since day one.

[Lordweaver 235]

I agree Ron, I think he realises what a massive undertaking this is and I think he will be great for us.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Thought he was brilliant. Honest, hard at it, accountable, doesn't shirk the issue (unlike several of our senior players).

He'll transform this club. In a good way.

Agree - body language was incredible. When he was adjusting his glasses, he was fuming, but kept it together.

I've really enjoyed this bloke over the last 48 hours - now it's the players turn!!!

[Arsene Wenger 72]

May have changed his opinion after making those comments in the heat of the moment with the anger from the result still palpable and realising there is limited options to bring in to replace the under performers. Seemed to me he regretted making that comment as seen by his deflection about not being able to make comments about selection prior to channel 7.

Fair enough, and it's something that did concern me.

You can't yoyo and drop a different 6 players every week.

Or even worse, the same 6 swapping week in week out.

Watching the tape may have revealed some basic yet ultimately forgivable mistakes that hurt but can be ironed out.

Player feedback may have made a difference too.

I still maintain it may look like players are not trying, but it is very difficult to show effort when you are unsure where exactly to place that effort.

That split-second hesitation and the opportunity is missed, making you look like you're not even trying.

[Hardnut 327]

Put aside a very unimpressive interview which left many unanswered questions.

The real issue is that a good coach gets the best out of what he has to work with at the time - no coach can afford to wait until the list suits their ideal world. In MN's case the Collingwood game plan won't work with the current group and probably not with any other team's group - the challenge is to come up with a new game plan, probably an iteration of the Geelong game plan, which this group of players can adapt to quickly. I did think they at least attacked the ball 'better' on Saturday - looking for any positive!

[diesel 420]

He's always said that it would be a consultation process to some extent. He spoke to the entire team before making the call. Maybe there were certain players who were exclude from the discussions at the order of the board, or maybe it was simply a case of the playing group not having real confidence in the leaders of 2011. I suspect we will never know exactly how this played out.

True but I think it was a no brainer, even us outsiders could see there was something catastrophically wrong with the clubs on-field leadership. If the electors were indeed the playing group then I also don't think they would have been stupid enough to sign off on the same group.

[P-man 13,366]

Bloody hell he's an intense bloke. I do like the fire in the belly. A couple of responses to Healy's very direct questions were a bit neither here nor there though.

Firstly he was asked about what the gameplan actually was in a nutshell, with Healy emphasising a couple of times the low uncontested possession count through the pre-season and on the weekend. Neeld essentially underlined that what we saw on Saturday wasn't the gameplan being properly executed, which is pretty obvious. Would've liked a bit more insight. He at least acknowledged concern about the possession count and that the defensive efforts around the stoppages was not up to scratch.

Gerard also questioned the change of leadership saying that it looked as though the senior players were "insulted" by the decision. Neeld looked to take offense to the assertion, but purely on the basis that it wasn't just him that made the decision but the playing group and the entire coaching staff. The decision was justified based on "data" that was accumulated about their leadership skills. There didn't seem to be much sense of accountability about his response. He's the coach. The buck stops with him. I'm none the wiser as to how a senior player who was also the B&F winner from last year did not accumulate enough "points" to make the leadership group, nor what his own feelings about it were. Surely there's alot more in-depth consideration going into ditching all your senior players form the leadership group and the potential ramifications of that, other than wracking up points under a set criteria. The approach sounded overly systematic to me.

He was also happy with the first half against the Lions? Happy with the ball movement and the spread apparently. this is contrary to his presser where he stated that we got "pulverised" from start to finish. Or perhaps that was just in reference to the clearances. In any case, without the absolute gimmes that we got from the umpires, we'd have been a few goals behind at halftime. A bottom four side on our home turf. But I suppose compared to the second half it was gold class and he has to draw some positives from somewhere.

Other than this and in a general sense I thought he handled himself quite well for a guy who has just coached his first game. Was very fidgety but didn't look at all intimidated. He reacted appropriately to the Grant Thomas garbage by expressing his disgust and dismissal of the accusation.

Personality wise he's what the club needs. Firm, fair, and retaining a sense of humour about it all. It will be interesting to see what he can get out of the players in Perth.

[Lordweaver 235]

Interesting that Neeld said that when he was running the collingwood midfield he never had to worry about tagging, well he's got the melbourne midfield and as Roos said he could have got someone to tag Black and follow him to the showers.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,235]

Yeah the observation about Melbourne being historically an attacking team and Neeld trying to implement a defensive side to us was spot on and will be difficult to change the mindset overnight. Look at the couple of clips they showed (and Neeld said these were picked up by the assistant coaches and shown in the review with the players) our players run with the opposition but get sucked towards the ball allowing their player to run free. Same with guys like Davey hanging 20 metres off their opponent in the hope that a turnover may allow them to run forward of the ball - but often it just means their opponent gets an easy uncontested possession. You could see Neeld was clearly agitated at these clips and he has his job ahead of him to change the mindset of the players (one of the examples shown was of Bartram who is supposedly a shutdown player).

[Hannibal 5,814]

He basically admitted that in hindsight he'd water down his tone in the after-match presser, but in reality he said that he's grown up a footy person and has always hated the cliches we've all been subjected to. And he wanted to give the club's supporters more than trite remarks after such a disappointing performance. He'll work it out and realise when he needs to pull back, even if we supporters want the warts and all approach he gave on the weekend.

It's a long journey, but he'll mould the team in his way. It'ill take time. He wants the coaching group to develop a handful of players on the list to be worthy recipients of Mike's top 50. We all know, as does Neeld, that Sheehan's top 50 is a sideline, but I appreciated the gist of his comments. He knows that we need to develop 4-5 true 'A graders' to be genuine contenders. I like the guy and just have this overwhelming feeling that he gets it. He's not patient, which I like, but he'll leave no stone unturned and I really like his values when it comes to accountability and head over the footy principles.

But, as in everything, he'll eventually be judged on results. Dean Bailey lost his first two games in 2008 by a combined total of 199 points. His game-plan was built on attack. Neeld's game-plan is built on defence and then attack. I know which I prefer and I know which succeeds in finals. And it's not 186.

Edited April 2, 2012 by Ben-Hur

[biggestred 5,108]

i totally loved it. so intense, honest and straight down the line.

personally i know i would love his coaching - i would find it tough - really tough - at first but it would get results out of me.

actually reminds me of a bloke i know who is a teacher and who is also a soccer coach - intense, highly intelligent, excellent communicator, doesnt shirk the hard decisions and tells you where you stand.....

brilliant.

[dees189227 12,394]

I wish I had foxtel so I could have seen it. But it sounds like the way I thought it would. He scares me and Ive never met him. Nick Maxwell said yesterday on game day that you know where you stand with Mark Neeld. He tells you honestly and you know where you stand. I think thats a good thing. At least you know where you are at. I put it in another thread but some of these players are going to get a massive wake up call, I suspect on the news or even footy classified they may show some footage especially about the grant thomas stuff.

Was the impact of Jim Stynes and his passing put to Mark Neeld?

Interesting on twitter that people have commented on how they love his honesty and there is some tension in the room. Wow looking foward to footy classified as well now to see what Hutchy puts to Grant. I suspect Garry will have a bit to say as well. So did Mark ring Grant and say that story wasnt true. Imagine how that phone conversation would have gone. They are both strong people who dont back down.

Im glad he is in charge of our club and if the players cant handle him and his ways well I guess they better move on. Interesting to see what he does at selection this week. He may want some experienced players going to Perth.

Edited April 2, 2012 by dees189227

[biggestred 5,108]

i totally loved it. so intense, honest and straight down the line.

personally i know i would love his coaching - i would find it tough - really tough - at first but it would get results out of me.

actually reminds me of a bloke i know who is a teacher and who is also a soccer coach - intense, highly intelligent, excellent communicator, doesnt shirk the hard decisions and tells you where you stand.....

brilliant.

i should add that this bloke came in, changed the entire culture of our club and won the league for the first time in the clubs history twice in a row in years 2 and 3 of his tenure......

[DemonWA 3,936]

Neeld could have been rubbish and it wouldnt change a thing in my eyes. Actions on field is the only yard stick that i'll measure him on. At this stage his still all talk

[Guest Jackie]

I don't think he looked very comfortable but still came across very passionate and determined to what his mission is all about. I think he's had a tough realisation that in the past month the honeymoon period is over given the 2011 vintage performances and other untimely distractions. It was quite an enthralling interview. He moderated some of his opinions from his post match interview and kept mostly mum about his plans for WC. On the whole the panel were very direct and let him speak his mind without getting too pushy. Could be a scary bloke if rubbed the wrong way.

Edited April 2, 2012 by Jackie

[Chook 15,013]

I wish I had foxtel so I could have seen it. But it sounds like the way I thought it would. He scares me and Ive never met him. Nick Maxwell said yesterday on game day that you know where you stand with Mark Neeld. He tells you honestly and you know where you stand. I think thats a good thing. At least you know where you are at. I put it in another thread but some of these players are going to get a massive wake up call, I suspect on the news or even footy classified they may show some footage especially about the grant thomas stuff.

Im glad he is in charge of our club and if the players cant handle him and his ways well I guess they better move on. Interesting to see what he does at selection this week. He may want some experienced players going to Perth.

He is a scary guy, but if I were playing for him, I'd love him to death. I have no time for pussyfooting around. I need motivation and brutal honesty from time to time, and I bet I'd get from him. But most people aren't like me, in that they can't see the intent of criticism if it's not delivered "just so." I hope there are enough guys on our list who "get" Mark Neeld and what he's all about. If not, they won't be on our list for long.

To borrow a Beamerism, "We're on a straight line, and if you aren't on that line, you can [censored] of to Carlton" - or Essendon and GWS, if the rumours are true.

[Lordweaver 235]

Neeld could have been rubbish and it wouldnt change a thing in my eyes. Actions on field is the only yard stick that i'll measure him on. At this stage his still all talk

That's what will decide his fate in the end, not how he performs in the media.

[Chook 15,013]

Neeld could have been rubbish and it wouldnt change a thing in my eyes. Actions on field is the only yard stick that i'll measure him on. At this stage his still all talk

That's what will decide his fate in the end, not how he performs in the media.

He's not all talk. Our contested possession is the highest in the leage, up from the lowest in the league. Our defensive structures are already better than last year and we're only one game in. We're a damn sight off "the hardest team to play against," but we're already better than we were under Dean Bailey.

[4JacksandaKing 52]

Bloody hell he's an intense bloke. I do like the fire in the belly. A couple of responses to Healy's very direct questions were a bit neither here nor there though.

Firstly he was asked about what the gameplan actually was in a nutshell, with Healy emphasising a couple of times the low uncontested possession count through the pre-season and on the weekend. Neeld essentially underlined that what we saw on Saturday wasn't the gameplan being properly executed, which is pretty obvious. Would've liked a bit more insight. He at least acknowledged concern about the possession count and that the defensive efforts around the stoppages was not up to scratch.

Gerard also questioned the change of leadership saying that it looked as though the senior players were "insulted" by the decision. Neeld looked to take offense to the assertion, but purely on the basis that it wasn't just him that made the decision but the playing group and the entire coaching staff. The decision was justified based on "data" that was accumulated about their leadership skills. There didn't seem to be much sense of accountability about his response. He's the coach. The buck stops with him. I'm none the wiser as to how a senior player who was also the B&F winner from last year did not accumulate enough "points" to make the leadership group, nor what his own feelings about it were. Surely there's alot more in-depth consideration going into ditching all your senior players form the leadership group and the potential ramifications of that, other than wracking up points under a set criteria. The approach sounded overly systematic to me.

He was also happy with the first half against the Lions? Happy with the ball movement and the spread apparently. this is contrary to his presser where he stated that we got "pulverised" from start to finish. Or perhaps that was just in reference to the clearances. In any case, without the absolute gimmes that we got from the umpires, we'd have been a few goals behind at halftime. A bottom four side on our home turf. But I suppose compared to the second half it was gold class and he has to draw some positives from somewhere.

Other than this and in a general sense I thought he handled himself quite well for a guy who has just coached his first game. Was very fidgety but didn't look at all intimidated. He reacted appropriately to the Grant Thomas garbage by expressing his disgust and dismissal of the accusation.

Personality wise he's what the club needs. Firm, fair, and retaining a sense of humour about it all. It will be interesting to see what he can get out of the players in Perth.

Brisbane bottom 4 side, but we were not much higher.

But we never have the home ground advantage, as interstate teams have. It's usually the opposite, in fact.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

One thing I look for in a coach, that every major successful coach had, and every major disappointment didn't have... The aura that as a player you're totally afraid of letting him down. That's the bedrock. Be it fear, or love, or respect... the idea that when you come off if you've lost that you're MOSTLY worried about what your coach is going to put you through, how he's going to look at you, or even ignore you in the near future.

If he's a serious premiership coach, he'll have that. So far I'm not seing it... but it's early days. I feel like he's made a positive impression on Watts... that's 50% of his battle right there.

[Robbie57 2,022]

I thought he was good tonight. Not a polished media performer but straight up.

He believes we can develop 5 top players from our list. Stood up for his convictions on Clark.

I feel confident we are going to see a different team at the end of the year.

[Jaded No More 68,967]

I know we all love a tough talker because it's a rarity coming from Melbourne, but what is a common thread at this club for years now, is people coming out in the media, talking a whole lot of sh*t and then delivering pathetic, limp, disgraceful performances.

I'm not a Neeld fan, but that's not to say I won't be. Right now is the time to recognise that we've talked a lot of talk, but our actions have left a lot to be desired.

In all this mess, very few people have actually turned around and said to Neeld "you talk tough, and you seem angry, but you couldn't get your players to do the same".

I was [censored] that he was pleased with our first half, which to me was poor against an average opposition who kept us in the game due to their poor conversation in front of goal. I am still [censored] that he wasn't surprised that we got smashed, yet made no significant moves on the day.

Nothing annoys me more than people who talk up big, arrogantly and confidently, and deliver nothing.

I hope like hell that Neeld can deliver, because if he can, he'll deliver big, but until then, I hope nobody follows blindly his tough approach. I'll buy it when I see it translated on the field. But for as long as we have numerous players not putting their head over the ball, and giving up when it's hot/we're behind/they have a paper cut, then it all means little. I don't even care about winning anymore for now, just about changing this pathetic on field attitude that seems to continuously plague us.