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The time is now for the "buy in" from our supporters


Guest Dr Who

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Hi all,

Long time reader, first time poster.

With the negative sentiment in the press that seems to have surrounded the club in past few weeks (some here would argue years), coupled with the loss of Jim, culminating in the defeat on the weekend, I feel like some perspective is in order as to the direction of our club.

First of all I'll start by saying I agree that now is definately the time to buy into the new regime - my reasoning/ranting is detailed below:

We have installed individuals at the helm that come from fostering cultures of success, who are well aware of the hard work and application needed by all to achieve a common goal - the difference from past coaching groups is that we have moved from appointing 'developmental' types who persevere with 'blind faith', to those who are unwavering in their pursuit of a winning culture.

Mark Neeld has made reference on a number of occasions to players taking different amounts of time to adjust to not only a new gameplan, but a totally different way of thinking. In this repect it is human nature for some to reject change, more so from those who are older and have more ingrained sets of beliefs.

I believe that we saw all those elements listed above at play on the weekend, with;

1. the younger hands to some extent embracing a different style of play before droppping off in intensity after half time

2. the older/senior players failing to embrace a different mindset, reverting back to old un-accountable football when the going got tough

3. the media and some melbourne supporters taken back by Neeld's brutal response at his first post game conf, failing to realise that this in my opinion is the ideal reaction of a man who does not accept mediocrity as an excuse.

Following on from this, we will see over the coming months who of our playing group actively embraces what is expected of them. For those who haven't already shown commitment, they will be relegated to the 2's, for those who fail to do so by seasons end, they will be traded/delisted allowing the way for new recruits & fresh faces who are easily molded to the new set of standards.

It is in this natural (& forced) attrition cycle that we will truely develop a premiership list - as many have said; change takes time. What is clear to me now is that we finally have the backbone & direction to make it happen, irrespective of talent on paper or top draft picks.

It is cliche but the question is no longer how, but when.

So to summarise - we should all feel optmistic that although we might loose faith in some players, for the first time in a long time, we shouldn't loose faith in the MFC.

Cheers & apologies if I've posted in the wrong area!

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Point me to where the club said success is just around the corner ?

Maybe from Demonlanders but I cant recall anyone from club telling me to peek at success around the corner.

A couple years ago when both Schwab & Connolly were at their chirpiest they constantly spoke as if success was just around the corner .

We were peeking at lists of a future premiership side that had kids names (Blease , Strauss , Trengove , Scully , Tapscott etc) on them we hadn't even yet seen play.

All we had to do was get games into them and watch like proud fathers as they blossomed.

Great salesman they are , we gobbled it up.

Edited by Fork 'em
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I am not sure how my "buying in" makes any difference to the score line on saturday.

I don't run out next saturday ( thank god it would be even worse ) The playing group does not even know I exist.

I seriously doubt they read my ramblings on here.

Can you explain how "buying in " effects the way the team plays on saturday

You've completely missed the point.

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Hi all,

Long time reader, first time poster.

With the negative sentiment in the press that seems to have surrounded the club in past few weeks (some here would argue years), coupled with the loss of Jim, culminating in the defeat on the weekend, I feel like some perspective is in order as to the direction of our club.

First of all I'll start by saying I agree that now is definately the time to buy into the new regime - my reasoning/ranting is detailed below:

We have installed individuals at the helm that come from fostering cultures of success, who are well aware of the hard work and application needed by all to achieve a common goal - the difference from past coaching groups is that we have moved from appointing 'developmental' types who persevere with 'blind faith', to those who are unwavering in their pursuit of a winning culture.

Mark Neeld has made reference on a number of occasions to players taking different amounts of time to adjust to not only a new gameplan, but a totally different way of thinking. In this repect it is human nature for some to reject change, more so from those who are older and have more ingrained sets of beliefs.

I believe that we saw all those elements listed above at play on the weekend, with;

1. the younger hands to some extent embracing a different style of play before droppping off in intensity after half time

2. the older/senior players failing to embrace a different mindset, reverting back to old un-accountable football when the going got tough

3. the media and some melbourne supporters taken back by Neeld's brutal response at his first post game conf, failing to realise that this in my opinion is the ideal reaction of a man who does not accept mediocrity as an excuse.

Following on from this, we will see over the coming months who of our playing group actively embraces what is expected of them. For those who haven't already shown commitment, they will be relegated to the 2's, for those who fail to do so by seasons end, they will be traded/delisted allowing the way for new recruits & fresh faces who are easily molded to the new set of standards.

It is in this natural (& forced) attrition cycle that we will truely develop a premiership list - as many have said; change takes time. What is clear to me now is that we finally have the backbone & direction to make it happen, irrespective of talent on paper or top draft picks.

It is cliche but the question is no longer how, but when.

So to summarise - we should all feel optmistic that although we might loose faith in some players, for the first time in a long time, we shouldn't loose faith in the MFC.

Cheers & apologies if I've posted in the wrong area!

Is that you, Mark?

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Neither the Club or Neeld has ever said success is just around the corner. Only the posters on here that have absolutely no idea what it takes to turn a dysfunctional club and playing group around, ever thought success was just around the corner. The most fascinating thing about forums is watching posters whip each other up in to a optimistic frenzy then the same Nellies slashing their wrists for each other when their little fantasies of the week before werent fulfilled. This is a very BIG job ahead of this club. Referring to the "rebuild " of the last few years is too simplistic. the rebuild has a very long way to go. The "kids" in the side atm arent even the most important part of this rebuild. Its Craig, Misson, Neeld and the Board that count here. Most of the list will be a distant memory before this club hits its so called "premiership Window". Thats a fact. But the Club has the best chance at achieving success in decades. Just be realistic. The team is shite and turds dont polish up too well. Any criticism of Neeld at this point is just laughable. Why dont we just sign coaches up on a 1 week contract. LOL

I hope your not on the Inner sanctum, because the contempt you display for the desires of the Membership/supporterbase is the same scourge the befalls our club.

Tell me your not from within?

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Neither the Club or Neeld has ever said success is just around the corner. Only the posters on here that have absolutely no idea what it takes to turn a dysfunctional club and playing group around, ever thought success was just around the corner. The most fascinating thing about forums is watching posters whip each other up in to a optimistic frenzy then the same Nellies slashing their wrists for each other when their little fantasies of the week before werent fulfilled. This is a very BIG job ahead of this club. Referring to the "rebuild " of the last few years is too simplistic. the rebuild has a very long way to go. The "kids" in the side atm arent even the most important part of this rebuild. Its Craig, Misson, Neeld and the Board that count here. Most of the list will be a distant memory before this club hits its so called "premiership Window". Thats a fact. But the Club has the best chance at achieving success in decades. Just be realistic. The team is shite and turds dont polish up too well. Any criticism of Neeld at this point is just laughable. Why dont we just sign coaches up on a 1 week contract. LOL

Nailed it.

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