HANG ON TO YOUR HOPES MY FRIEND

[dazzledavey36 55,360]

Melb have three or four players that are up to the level. Jones, Sylvia, Grimes and maybe Howe. The rest are chumps.

How McDonald, Nicholson, Bail, Jetta etc get to play AFL with their kicking amazes me.

Mcdonald is young and has a terrific year but he is the type of player that during the off season he will put enourmous amount of practise into his kicking. amazing year for a 19 year old backman that has been under sieged all year.

[Ned 156]

Positives:

• Really good attack on the ball shown by all players, second third and fourth efforts a real highlight. No player was ever caught flat-footed with or without the ball.
  
• Good skills and decision making, especially from Dunn and McDonald.
  
• Trengove was just too quick and sharp for his direct opponent all night, his progress has been amazing.
  
• Jack Watts laying his body on the line yet again (how is still able to walk is incredible), good to know West Coast are still upset he didn't slip down to number two in the draft.
  
• The team played as a tight unit all night, the structure held up well, there was good support offensively through their spread and defensively through blocks and shepherding.
  
• Well coached, especially around the stoppages and kick-outs. Melbourne looked to have an answer for every situation.
  
• The umpiring was as good as you are likely to see in a game of football. If anything Melbourne got the rub of the green, but you just have to take those opportunities when they come around.
  
• McKenzie's quick handpasses left Fremantle guessing as to where the ball would go next all night.
  

Negatives

• Cale Morton was unavailable to play tonight.
  
• Heartbreaking to know that some players on the list have played their last ever game for the club.
  
• We don't get to see this team for another six months.
  

Pure gold.

[Soidee 1,496]

The majority of this list are irrevelant in AFL circles ........don't expect any trades

[dees64 104]

How much can members/supporters put with watching a team which is not of AFL standard?

Hate to say it but if we are sitting 0-10 in 2013 & Neeld will be shown the door

Our recruiting since 07 has been a disaster & will take any 5 yrs of good recruiting just to catch up!

Watts looks like a school boy playing against men & has no courage.

Moloney will probably go to Sydney & they will turn him around like many others...... funny thing strong culture what it does.

Edited September 1, 2012 by dees64

[BangkokDemon 96]

The process of appointing Neeld was flawed - MFC has paid the price this year - we cannot afford another year of this self inflicted destruction.

I don't agree.

The problem preceded him.

The team tried to play as a topside would - at least in the first qtr - they are just not good enough.

I haven;t seen them a lot this year (even Australia Network have not wanted us on their channel - but have seen tonight)

Stop blaming Neeld for the inadequacies he and the rest of the coaches inherited.

If we are still as bad at this time next year, then it might be different.

[Harcourt 146]

The problem for me is that not only do we absolutely suck balls but we're also boring. The whole experience of going to the footy is boring now; I know what will happen when I go and that sucks almost as much as the team.

We literally have no chance at all of winning at Etihad, anywhere interstate (I don't include GWS and GCS as proper teams) and any side that isn't Essendon or Richmond (and we couldn't even beat Richmond this year). It's just plain sad really, a sad bunch of losers who are just happy to have made AFL and get paid big dollars for it.

I'm really and truly over it. To see the club begging for money from members while we are in this state reminds me of the dead set bloody loser heroin junkies that ask you for money to get a train out to somewhere for a fictional job interview.

It's the little things as well like players stealing each others phones and tweeting shyte like "I'm a superstar get on me for the brownlow!" If somebody in my workplace stole my phone and did this I would flat out shove their phone up their #$^# until it came out their %&%#ing throat. Show some professionalism FCS.

And for the last time get rid of the stupid bloody trumpeter before our boring as buggery home games. Whatever it is they are trying to do isn't working and we look like a bunch of toffee nosed [censored] ends.

Always darkest before dawn is it? Well $% you and the horse you rode in on.

[Robot Devil 1,895]

The problem for me is that not only do we absolutely suck balls but we're also boring. The whole experience of going to the footy is boring now; I know what will happen when I go and that sucks almost as much as the team.

We literally have no chance at all of winning at Etihad, anywhere interstate (I don't include GWS and GCS as proper teams) and any side that isn't Essendon or Richmond (and we couldn't even beat Richmond this year). It's just plain sad really, a sad bunch of losers who are just happy to have made AFL and get paid big dollars for it.

I'm really and truly over it. To see the club begging for money from members while we are in this state reminds me of the dead set bloody loser heroin junkies that ask you for money to get a train out to somewhere for a fictional job interview.

It's the little things as well like players stealing each others phones and tweeting shyte like "I'm a superstar get on me for the brownlow!" If somebody in my workplace stole my phone and did this I would flat out shove their phone up their #$^# until it came out their %&%#ing throat. Show some professionalism FCS.

And for the last time get rid of the stupid bloody trumpeter before our boring as buggery home games. Whatever it is they are trying to do isn't working and we look like a bunch of toffee nosed [censored] ends.

Always darkest before dawn is it? Well $% you and the horse you rode in on.

I'm the Robot Devil and I approve this message.

Edited September 1, 2012 by Robot Devil

[jamurp 3]

To be honest, just glad the season is over. Been the hardest to watch for me as a MFC supporter. In 2008 I at least had faith in out upcoming draft picks etc, but now we seem to have fallen backwards.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

The season was a sad series of practice matches.

Neeld has a massive job to do - I'm worried the club will not survive this rebuild.

[Hardnut 327]

I don't agree.

The problem preceded him.

The team tried to play as a topside would - at least in the first qtr - they are just not good enough.

I haven;t seen them a lot this year (even Australia Network have not wanted us on their channel - but have seen tonight)

Stop blaming Neeld for the inadequacies he and the rest of the coaches inherited.

If we are still as bad at this time next year, then it might be different.

I understand your point of view BD and if correct processes had been followed I may agree with you, but they weren't and we don't have the luxury of another 1-2 years. The situation is serious and too many people want to avoid responsibility and deflect the attention solely to the players, which is wrong.

[Sir Why You Little 37,134]

Yes it has to be a massive summer or else this club will get left behind.

We are in serious trouble. There is no spark to light a fire.

[Harcourt 146]

The season was a sad series of practice matches.

Neeld has a massive job to do - I'm worried the club will not survive this rebuild.

I'm worried that I'm starting to not give a stuff if they survive or not.

[jamurp 3]

We need to at least make sure we stay above the expansion sides, if they start bettering us in the next few years, I fear we'll be left behind and who knows what. Tough time ahead.

Edited September 1, 2012 by jamurp

[jumbo returns 6,741]

I'm worried that I'm starting to not give a stuff if they survive or not.

Likewise - and I've been asking old dee and WYL to cheer up and tough it through....

[BangkokDemon 96]

I understand your point of view BD and if correct processes had been followed I may agree with you, but they weren't and we don't have the luxury of another 1-2 years. The situation is serious and too many people want to avoid responsibility and deflect the attention solely to the players, which is wrong.

Okay then, what's the choice ?

Do we just close up shop?

I don't want to do that - do you ?

You can't change the past.

But at this stage changing coaches would do little more than speed up the demise of a great club.

We signed him for more than one year - because there was a realization of those in the decision making process that a strong man with unwavering conviction in what they were doing was the only answer.

I know we disagree but I think Mark Neeld has shown these qualities this year and has a proper plan as to what is required.

It is is not pretty - but unless we want to go on as we have for far too long, nearly there, what's the choice?

I say stick with the plan.

[Sir Why You Little 37,134]

Likewise - and I've been asking old dee and WYL to cheer up and tough it through....

It's getting serious now. The whole club does not know how to win even when it is pumped up...we must get more outside people...fresh air.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Brilliant.

And people say Dunn is tough.

Please let him be delisted.

Dunn rampaging upfield from the backline >

[deejammin' 2,373]

Why are people suprised that we sucked? We have always been a terrible interstate side, we were terrible when the season was on the line, we have nothing to play for, our fitness has been sited as bad all year, we are at the end of a long season, our key forward is out injured, Freo are tuning up for the finals while we are getting ready for another grueling preseason, this is the expected result.

The only reason to expect any sort of performance is for those whose careers are on the line to try to regain their spot, and thank goodness none did, so the cull just got easier! And don't say pride or showing improvement, I think this coaching panel have decided whose bags are checked and are getting ready to load the NQR bus, the rest was about trying some stuff out. Seeya later 2012, bring on some trades and drafts and the hardest pre-season these players have ever known.Next year is make or break for the coach and quite a few highly touted talents, fail in 2013 and we're in deep deep trouble.

JUST BE GLAD ITS OVER!

Edited September 1, 2012 by deejammin'

[jumbo returns 6,741]

It's getting serious now. The whole club does not know how to win even when it is pumped up...we must get more outside people...fresh air.

From the bottom up.

Neeld, sharpen that red pen and start crossing out.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

Why are people suprised that we sucked? We have always been a terrible interstate side, we were terrible when the season was on the line, we have nothing to play for, our fitness has been sited as bad all year, we are at the end of a long season, our key forward is out injured, Freo are tuning up for the finals while we are getting ready for another grueling preseason, this is the expected result.

The only reason to expect any sort of performance is for those whose careers are on the line to try to regain their spot, and thank goodness none did, so the cull just got easier! And don't say pride or showing improvement, I think this coaching panel have decided whose bags are checked and are getting ready to load the NQR bus, the rest was about trying some stuff out. Seeya later 2012, bring on some trades and drafts and the hardest pre-season these players have ever known.Next year is make or break for the coach and quite a few highly touted talents, fail in 2013 and we're in deep deep trouble.

JUST BE GLAD ITS OVER!

Pretty much sums up how I feel.

I'm rather glad the fringe players were bad. It helps to dispel the myths abounding their ability to make AFL standard.

[mrtwister 652]

58 - 25.

That's our free kick count in WA this year. Seriously, if that discrepancy happened to Collingwood there would be a major inquiry. This isn't all our fault, we are the AFLs [censored] at the moment in so many ways. I think someone needs to cop a fine for the club and come out swinging.

I have NEVER dropped the c bomb while watching the footy but when Tapscott had the ball taken from him right in front of goals for a perfectly legal (and awesome) bump I just lost it. Jones is held onto all night and gets nothing while managing to give away 4 frees.

It's hard enough when your'e an inexperienced team in professional sport but having to deal with this sort of bullshyte just shouldn't happen at this level.

The umps can go fornicate themselves after that performance, it was disgraceful. And so can Balantyne, just cause he's a squeaky voiced midget gong-beater.

Phew. I feel a little bit better now.

[dee-luded 2,959]

The problem for me is that not only do we absolutely suck balls but we're also boring. The whole experience of going to the footy is boring now; I know what will happen when I go and that sucks almost as much as the team.

We literally have no chance at all of winning at Etihad, anywhere interstate (I don't include GWS and GCS as proper teams) and any side that isn't Essendon or Richmond (and we couldn't even beat Richmond this year). It's just plain sad really, a sad bunch of losers who are just happy to have made AFL and get paid big dollars for it.

I'm really and truly over it. To see the club begging for money from members while we are in this state reminds me of the dead set bloody loser heroin junkies that ask you for money to get a train out to somewhere for a fictional job interview.

It's the little things as well like players stealing each others phones and tweeting shyte like "I'm a superstar get on me for the brownlow!" If somebody in my workplace stole my phone and did this I would flat out shove their phone up their #$^# until it came out their %&%#ing throat. Show some professionalism FCS.

And for the last time get rid of the stupid bloody trumpeter before our boring as buggery home games. Whatever it is they are trying to do isn't working and we look like a bunch of toffee nosed [censored] ends.

Always darkest before dawn is it? Well $% you and the horse you rode in on.

And none of us seem on the same page re players we need.

I remember suggesting in one of our drafts that we consider picking up Matthew DeBoer as a draftee or rookie. I got howled down for this one as well.

Some people wanted players like motlop, & other flash & pan players.

Some people only want AA grade players but have no workhorses.

We need plenty of hardness to start with & plenty of honest footballers. They need to hold back the skilled yet soft players until these skilled players HTFU & earn their games.

This is the way to create Values & a Strong Culture...

Stop giving games to Talent alone, until they throw their bodies in. sorry Cale, JW, Benny, Have a FU@#eN Dip, & HTFU...

This should be the starting point.

[titan_uranus 25,045]

58 - 25.

I don't have the stats, but I'm guessing a similar situation exists with most non-WA clubs in WA games.

It's frustrating. That crowd really seems to be able to get a sway over the umpires over there. I remember Brad Scott saying they're a vicious mob.

[BangkokDemon 96]

I understand your point of view BD and if correct processes had been followed I may agree with you, but they weren't and we don't have the luxury of another 1-2 years. The situation is serious and too many people want to avoid responsibility and deflect the attention solely to the players, which is wrong.

I just re-read your post.

What you say is actually the problem.

Forever and a day the players have been let off lightly.

In fact the whole club has been let off lightly.

We have been too "nice", for too long.

We have had the best of the draft for the last few years, but we haven't been able to do much with it - so far.

If we had chosen Natanui over Jack Watts, woud he have become the force he is at the Eagles?

I doubt it.

We would have made excuses and said things like "we don't want to rush it" and unfortunately that would have been the only option had.

We didn't (and still don't) have A class players to pay along side.

Many of our older more mature players, were lazy and one dimensional.

They had never been taught how to defend - even in the backline.

So when Neeld came along with his strong belief in defensive to be offensive style of play these older guys (with a couple of exceptions) had trouble doing that.

They were used to giving us fans a hard-on one week with no punishment the following week should they not do it again. I think Colin Sylvia is guilty of this - so was Moloney but you can go back to the days of Robbo, Yze, Bruce and so on to find others who perpetuated this culture in the club.

Neeld is trying to weed out players who continue along these lines.

If we were still under the coaching of someone like Bailey, I might agree the situation is desperate. But we now have a coach who has a plan.

It is also obvious some players cannot cope with what the coahes are asking them to do.

And, want they are asking is no more than sides such as Hawthorn, Geelong and others in the top echelon serve up, week after week.

[mrtwister 652]

I don't have the stats, but I'm guessing a similar situation exists with most non-WA clubs in WA games.

It's frustrating. That crowd really seems to be able to get a sway over the umpires over there. I remember Brad Scott saying they're a vicious mob.

I just looked at the stats and nobody else is even close. Hawthorn lost the count by about 10 to WCE and NM to WCE by about the same and comments were made. That's partly my point. Comments were made after their games and they were nowhere near as badly lopsided. But will anybody say anything about our circumstance? Course not.

Edited September 1, 2012 by mrtwister