Caroline Wilson's descent into gutter journalism

[Lucifers Hero 39,723]

There's undoubtedly someone who fed the former UN investigator Haddad and Clothier the 'new evidence' which was mentioned in one of Wilson's initial articles - which has since been revised. The same stooge probably has Wilson on speed dial and such knowledge you're referring to.

Decided to google the said Haddad: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/former-un-officer-takes-afl-bet-role-20110412-1dcnd.html April 2011. Looks like a very draconian data base the AFL has.

Haddad doesn't seem like someone to be trifled with...wouldn't like to be one of the 'witnesses' being interviewed atmo. No wonder the club may feel that past/present staff are being 'heavily coerced'. He sounds like one scary dude.

[Lucifers Hero 39,723]

http://www.theage.co...1031-28k86.html An encouraging article by Martin Flanagan in the The Age.

BTW: Is there an opposite to the 'Midas Touch'. If so we have it!

Or, is it just the Norm Smith Curse that just won't leave us alone!

Some HOPE! Maybe, just maybe the NSC has left the building: http://www.theaustra...-1226507834798Patrick Smith putting the heat on AD and AD holding his line re 'no-team tanks'

To read select the title from the link and paste into browser

Edited October 31, 2012 by Lucifer's Hero

[frankie_d 1,471]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/trying-times-with-a-team-that-wasnt-very-good-20121031-28k86.html An encouraging article by Martin Flanagan in the The Age.

BTW: Is there an opposite to the 'Midas Touch'. If so we have it!

Or, is it just the Norm Smith Curse that just won't leave us alone!

From the Flanagan article

"However, this week's report that there was a tacit agreement among the coaching staff not to win games takes the matter to anew level. If proven, a grey issue turns into one that's black and white.

"

Not too encouraged by that...

[Guest José Mourinho]

IF PROVEN.

Without recordings of conversations, I'd say that's impossible.

[Rob Mac...... 638]

That's what annoys me, if Melbourne are cleared of any wrongdoing then she should be held accountable for making false and damaging claims.

Actually im inclined to think that its not the mfc thats the story as much as some once connected to it.

However my contempt for her grows by the hour.

Caro is not just reporting the facts, she's deliberately misleading and manipulating her readers. Eg. her "We tried to stop tanking" Age article today says:

"Former coach Bailey said via a text message on Wednesday he would make no comment on his role in the deliberate losses until the investigation was complete,.."

Here Wilson's intentional ambiguity makes it falsely appear Bailey admitted to deliberately losing by texting something like, "I'm making no comment on my role in the deliberate losses until the investigation is complete," when in fact he probably just said "No comment."

That is deliberately misleading journalism from a professional writer!! ...designed to manipulate the reader into thinking Bailey admitted in a text that there were deliberate losses.

Read more: http://www.theage.co...l#ixzz2AuHpTgZe

Edited October 31, 2012 by Rob Mac......

[pantaloons 2,019]

The way old Caro is going, we're going to have to dump our second sponsor this year.

[rpfc 28,373]

The most aggravating issue for me is that there seems to be a massive disconnect between what the investigators (through the medium of Ms Wilson) see as tanking and what the AFL (through the medium of AD) see as tanking.

Perhaps they will converge at some point but one of the primary reasons I have evolved my thinking towards AD's view of tanking - that tanking starts and ends with the players - is that you can't effectively prove coaches are 'forfeiting' matches through other, much discussed techniques. That is why you need a narrow interpretation.

If Clothier has such a broad definition then his fishing expedition may well kick up a great deal of dust but nothing if any great consequence.

[QueensBirthday 186]

Caro hasn't added one piece of information to back her illegal defamatory assertions. If you trawl through her article looking for a diamond in her septic tank she calls an article, you will be smeared with sh¥~ and underwhelmed.

The beguiling Headlines she slaps on her filth are going to be the poison that kill her career. So keep it up Caro, I'm loving it.

I will resurface today her 'Oracle Like' statement on Footy Classified that "Carlton will not win another game this year." Let's get the blow torch back on her and make sure her profound smugness comes back and bites hard!

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

The most aggravating issue for me is that there seems to be a massive disconnect between what the investigators (through the medium of Ms Wilson) see as tanking and what the AFL (through the medium of AD) see as tanking.

Perhaps they will converge at some point but one of the primary reasons I have evolved my thinking towards AD's view of tanking - that tanking starts and ends with the players - is that you can't effectively prove coaches are 'forfeiting' matches through other, much discussed techniques.

This is where you and I differ, I think tanking can also include moves made by coaches if it can be proven without doubt (the hard bit) that the motivation was to deliberately try to lose matches.

[jnrmac 20,058]

Reflecting on this overnight....

Andrew D has made a huge song and dance about anyone proving tanking will have significant and major ramifications - 'they'll never work in this industry again' etc He is clearly saying to the general populace 'we are serious about tanking' but he is also saying to industry participants 'don't go there or you will be crucified'. Only an idiot would admit they weren't trying. Sadly we seem to have a few of those. Without a smoking gun this goes nowhere.

The can of worms would be horrendous for the AFL if it was opened. The AFL would lose control of the agenda because the Govt and bookies would have massive legal claims against them. AD would be under severe pressure in his job and he is intent on keeping it so it won't happen.

Sit back absorb the media crap. Say nothing. Move on to next weeks story. Hopefully it makes us stronger.

[rpfc 28,373]

This is where you and I differ, I think tanking can also include moves made by coaches if it can be proven without doubt (the hard bit) that the motivation was to deliberately try to lose matches.

So hard as to be rendered impossible?

Outside of a document stating that our actions were intended for the sole purpose of losing games or evidence that Connolly enforced this edict at the post-Port Adelaide Match Committee meeting I fail to see how Bailey's actions can be so marginalised.

[John Crow Batty 8,863]

People should remember. Caro's work is only reporting on the matter. If there is real dirt it is to be revealed in the yet uncompleted AFL investigations. They have said they will not be providing a running commentary. Interesting that McLardy, CS and CC are still quiet. They know they are in trouble and their ears must be burning at what the witnesses have said. I doubt we will see any legal actions despite the posturing of some here. It will be a civil matter where balance of probability will decide the outcome and not hard evidence. Plenty of witnesses will sink them. Plus all out dirty laundry sight unseen will be hung out to dry for all to see.

Edited October 31, 2012 by america de cali

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

So hard as to be rendered impossible?

Outside of a document stating that our actions were intended for the sole purpose of losing games or evidence that Connolly enforced this edict at the post-Port Adelaide Match Committee meeting I fail to see how Bailey's actions can be so marginalised.

I agree, nearly impossible but nothing surprises me with Melbourne.

[rpfc 28,373]

I agree, nearly impossible but nothing surprises me with Melbourne.

Even these idiots wouldn't be so stupid...

I have just hexed us haven't I?

[Longsufferingnomore 1,631]

People should remember. Caro's work is only reporting on the matter. If there is real dirt it is to be found in the yet unseen AFL investigations. They have said they will not be providing a running commentary. Interesting that McLardy, CS and CC are still quiet. They know they are in trouble and their ears must be burning at what the witnesses have said. I doubt we will see any legal actions despite the posturing of some here. It will be a civil matter where balance of probability will decide the outcome and not hard evidence. Plenty of witnesses will sink them. Plus all out dirty laundry sight unseen will be hung out to dry for all to see.

Geez what is your problem. You sound like you are actually enjoying this. No matter how much you dislike CS, CC and DMc how could you want your Club to be put through the wringer like this. Dont hide behind your usual getting rid of these three and the rest of the Board will make the Club stronger. That is just crap. What we are witnessing could be at the worst the end of the Club. Ah then you could really be smug. But then where would you be able to vent your spleen because there would be reason for Demonland. You would then be a nobody with no one to listen to your constant moaning.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

People should remember. Caro's work is only reporting on the matter.

If she was just "reporting" on the matter she would have known the "Vault" was the name of the building, not the meetings. She would provide actual quotes not just heresay and she wouldn't put in throw away line about Brad Green being "disillusioned" without any evidence to support it.

If Melbourne are guilty then the club deserves its right whack, but she has in no way reported accurately or fairly on the matter.

Edited October 31, 2012 by Clint Bizkit

[John Crow Batty 8,863]

Geez what is your problem. You sound like you are actually enjoying this. No matter how much you dislike CS, CC and DMc how could you want your Club to be put through the wringer like this. Dont hide behind your usual getting rid of these three and the rest of the Board will make the Club stronger. That is just crap. What we are witnessing could be at the worst the end of the Club. Ah then you could really be smug. But then where would you be able to vent your spleen because there would be reason for Demonland. You would then be a nobody with no one to listen to your constant moaning.

I think you should be looking at the reality of the situation rather than mindlessly vituperating all over the place.

[Longsufferingnomore 1,631]

I think you should be looking at the reality of the situation rather than mindlessly vituperating all over the place.

AMC I unfortunately am looking at the situation with eyes wide open. You on the other hand are so intent on achieving your goal/agenda that you cannot see the wider picture here. I also do not "vituperate" mindlessly because I curse only you!

[7-UP 107]

I think you should be looking at the reality of the situation rather than mindlessly vituperating all over the place.

This must be like Christmas for you?

Even though the club you support look like they are getting hefty penalties.

[John Crow Batty 8,863]

This must be like Christmas for you?

Even though the club you support look like they are getting hefty penalties.

This may end up being a stalemate which would be the ideal outcome for us but will make CS, CC and maybe McLardy's positions untenable. I think the AFL would be happy with this. If they go so will the story.

[Longsufferingnomore 1,631]

This may end up being a stalemate which would be the ideal outcome for us but will make CS, CC and maybe McLardy's positions untenable. I think the AFL would be happy with this. If they go so will the story.

Will you?

[John Crow Batty 8,863]

Will you?

Positively. Best thing to happen to this club in years. The stench of tanking will fade and we will be rid of these incompetents.

[H_T 3,043]

This may end up being a stalemate which would be the ideal outcome for us but will make CS, CC and maybe McLardy's positions untenable. I think the AFL would be happy with this. If they go so will the story.

You're keen on them going, that you're clear about. Yet you have stated you "hope" the club isn't dragged down with them and penalised. I don't think you can have it both ways.

If the intention from those with an agenda is to focus on finishing a couple of individuals in high positions of the Mfc, it will be the club and it's supporters will cop the full brunt. Happy?

[Whispering_Jack 29,959]

This may end up being a stalemate which would be the ideal outcome for us but will make CS, CC and maybe McLardy's positions untenable. I think the AFL would be happy with this. If they go so will the story.

I suspect that's the outcome that one would expect after setting McLean up with Sheahan, Healy & co on On The Couch.

[John Crow Batty 8,863]

You're keen on them going, that you're clear about. Yet you have stated you "hope" the club isn't dragged down with them and penalised. I don't think you can have it both ways.

If the intention from those with an agenda is to focus on finishing a couple of individuals in high positions of the Mfc, it will be the club and it's supporters will cop the full brunt. Happy?

I don't think this club can move forward until they have gone. The bitterness and divisions they have caused are cancerous. This can not be swept under the carpet anymore.