Effort (or lack there of) has been talked about a lot recently and i for one think it is time for melbourne to select the guys who want to represent this once great club.

I've read all the threads bashing the senior players, and unfortunatley, i think they are somewhat on the money.

We need players who want to take the field, want to block for a team mate and want to win.

Reading an article in the herald sun today i came across a couple of paragraphs from an Australian born Greek soccer player who plays for Olympiakos. He's name is Avraam Papadopoulos.

"It's obvious, everyone knows Greece is going through some hard times at the moment but we're happy we know our profession helps people relax a little, an outlet. What we can do is give 100 per cent of ourselves."

"We're happy to be playing for Olympiakos because fans are always there for us no matter what, they always have been and it's why every one of us takes pride in playing for such a club. The fans are the soul of this team."

I have bolded the parts where i believe the MFC is falling down badly. We need to pick a team that will give 100%.

It is increadibly difficult to support players unconditionally, when you know damn well that they don't have pride in our jumper and all we are to them is a pay cheque.

But this is where we can turn it around. Starting at the selection table, get rid of those that don't want to be here and i can guarantee that 99% of supporters will be satisfied if they see our players leaving every last bit of sweat on the field.

Although we don't have the biggest supporter base, we have some very passionate people, evidenced by those of us on Demonland. Our team has every reason to take pride in there effort and do it for the fans that never get to lace up a boot and grace the MCG.

Edited May 22, 201213 yr by Bingo

One cannot argue against any of that.

FCS the coach and selectors must by now know exactly who the precious ones are, those who don't like hard work and will not put in the effort for the whole 6,000 seconds (Barassi's preferred term to 100 minutes) -- if the coach and selectors are to retain (or rather regain) credibility they must stop selecting these leadswingers right now. Not next week because the poor darlings don't have a VFL game this week -- right now.

Reward the likes of Couch who even though he may not be the most skilled or talented, has put in huge efforts right from pre-pre-season etc.

The time to act is now -- we had (hopefully) our "2012 186" last week and we must move on.

Mark -- are you the real deal or like so many before you, just hot air???

One cannot argue against any of that.

FCS the coach and selectors must by now know exactly who the precious ones are, those who don't like hard work and will not put in the effort for the whole 6,000 seconds (Barassi's preferred term to 100 minutes) -- if the coach and selectors are to retain (or rather regain) credibility they must stop selecting these leadswingers right now. Not next week because the poor darlings don't have a VFL game this week -- right now.

Reward the likes of Couch who even though he may not be the most skilled or talented, has put in huge efforts right from pre-pre-season etc.

The time to act is now -- we had (hopefully) our "2012 186" last week and we must move on.

Mark -- are you the real deal or like so many before you, just hot air???

Good post. And yes if Neeld doesnt know by now (5 months of pre season & 8 rounds of AFL) what is going on then he never will.

Problem with dropping players is that you need to have better ones to replace them with.

At the moment we don't.

Edited May 22, 201213 yr by PaulRB

Problem with dropping players is that you need to have better ones to replace them with.

At the moment we don't.

Right now we need players with a better workrate than the current lot,our "better players" don't have the workrate required,so their talent/skills are useless to the the Demons.

Jack Viney is going to put a lot of our mids to shame next year.

Jones,Magner,Viney in the guts round 1 next year,can't wait.

Problem with dropping players is that you need to have better ones to replace them with.

At the moment we don't.

What's the difference? We're getting belted every week regardless of who's playing.

Personally I'd take more comfort in watching the dees get beaten every week, knowing the players are at least giving it their all.

I don't think any player doesn't try......I also think it is very hard to change your whole playing style in one preseason

I think that our senior players have been playing the way they play for ten years or more and then asked to change to a complely different style and believe that they are a little lost out there at the moment.......I also don't believe that they are sulking or not buying in.

I know I will get shouted down in this belief but the whole team looks lost and are trying to do the right thing by the coaching staff and when you are unsure about change it looks like you are not trying.....ie....Do I go?....do I stand by my man and defend?....What am I supposed to do with it when I get it?....Indecision....Opps to late.......

Just a thought????

Right now we need players with a better workrate than the current lot,our "better players" don't have the workrate required,so their talent/skills are useless to the the Demons.

Jack Viney is going to put a lot of our mids to shame next year.

Jones,Magner,Viney in the guts round 1 next year,can't wait.

Yes we used to dream about Scully and Trengove in the guts I remember when!!

Problem with dropping players is that you need to have better ones to replace them with.

At the moment we don't.

No you don't -- you need players who want to play for their club, their team and their own pride......or eould you prefer an enormous talent like Sylvia who couldn't give a stuff