Neeld apologists ... state your case.

[Richmont 4]

What an incredibly stupid post.

Hats off Richmont, I think the is the dumbest rant I've ever read on this site. No doubt, it'll attract a few 'likes' though.

Personally, I'd be very happy if you disassociated yourself from this club. Forever.

I have the upmost respect for Ron Burgundy however perhaps the alternative to my suggestion is to continue accepting mediocrity (at best). For we have wasted 6 years of coaches taking the club backwards. Thats the alternative!

[McQueen 17,864]

Excuse me for not bothering to read roughly 90% of this thread.

I just could not believe the absolute INACTION that was there for all to see in that bloody coaches box. Neeld had given up in the second quarter.

FFS Mark Neeld

FFS Brian Royal

FFS Neil Craig.

FFS Jade Rawlings

FFS Leigh Brown

FFS all of the development coaches too.

Do these guys not have enough brain power and footy smarts to at least have a plan "B" to stem the absolute carnage that played out before us today?

ED: How could I forget Chocko...

Edited March 31, 2013 by McQueen

[Travis Boots 157]

Today had nothing to do with game style it was work ethic.

Ok, would you mind explaing the game plan neeld is trying to implement?

[stuie 7,374]

Excuse me for not bothering to read roughly 90% of this thread.

I just could not believe the absolute INACTION that was there for all to see in that bloody coaches box. Neeld had given up in the second quarter.

FFS Mark Neeld

FFS Brian Royal

FFS Neil Craig.

FFS Jade Rawlings

FFS Leigh Brown

FFS all of the development and line coaches too.

Do these guys not have enough brain power and footy smarts to at least have a plan "B" to stem the absolute carnage that played out before us today?

ED: How could I forget Chocko...

Having a Plan B implies they had a Plan A...

[tonatopia 278]

Malthouse changed his plan at half time and nearly won the game.

After the game, our coach asks the journalists whether they have any ideas?

dear god......

this calls for a 2 year extension

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

I have the upmost respect for Ron Burgundy however perhaps the alternative to my suggestion is to continue accepting mediocrity (at best). For we have wasted 6 years of coaches taking the club backwards. Thats the alternative!

Believe me, I'm as upset with that performance as you are.

The fact that Malthouse rates Neeld as highly as he does gives me confidence in his ability. I think he'll demonstrate his worth to us in due course.

However, the one thing we need from supporters right now is for them to renew memberships, and get behind the club - not go running.

I hated today's performance as much as anybody.

I just hope it was an aberration.

[Pirlo 813]

Let's be clear with a few things.

Neeld inherited the worst list in the AFL. He still has the worst list in the AFL; there's only so much you can do in 18 months. What Dean Bailey did to this club will be felt for years to come.

Having said that, Neeld has to take responsibility for coaching a side that continually fails to be competitive. All summer we heard about how we were aiming to be more competitive, about how we were aiming to win more quarters and lift our intensity and be harder and tougher. He's failed on all those counts. To come out in Round 1 of your second year after a year of complete crap and to show no visible sign of improvement, and to look exactly like you did the year before, is the fault (in part, at the least) of the coach.

If we 2013 goes like 2012 (not many wins, but worse, continually lacking in effort), there have to be serious questions over his position. But that shouldn't happen right now. We gain nothing by changing coaches right now. It may end up being the case that we gain a lot come the end of the year.

Dean Bailey won 16 games and drew 2 in two seasons. Neeld would love a record like that, and he was given the exact same list as Bailey had those years. Why do Melbourne supporters act like Bailey was the worst thing that ever happened to this club?

[stuie 7,374]

Believe me, I'm as upset with that performance as you are.

The fact that Malthouse rates Neeld as highly as he does gives me confidence in his ability. I think he'll demonstrate his worth to us in due course.

However, the one thing we need from supporters right now is for them to renew memberships, and get behind the club - not go running.

I hated today's performance as much as anybody.

I just hope it was an aberration.

Maybe Mick just rated Neeld highly because he didn't want any offers from MFC?!

Plus, we have 20 odd aberrations in the last 12 months... Don't know if there's a word for that....

Edited March 31, 2013 by stuie

[tonatopia 278]

Believe me, I'm as upset with that performance as you are.

The fact that Malthouse rates Neeld as highly as he does gives me confidence in his ability. I think he'll demonstrate his worth to us in due course.

However, the one thing we need from supporters right now is for them to renew memberships, and get behind the club - not go running.

I hated today's performance as much as anybody.

I just hope it was an aberration.

You should join the board Ron, I have a feeling you would fit right in.

[stuie 7,374]

Dean Bailey won 16 games and drew 2 in two seasons. Neeld would love a record like that, and he was given the exact same list as Bailey had those years. Why do Melbourne supporters act like Bailey was the worst thing that ever happened to this club?

I'm not saying Bailey was great, but I've never felt as hopeless leaving the ground every week as I have since Neeld started coaching.

Edited March 31, 2013 by stuie

[Pirlo 813]

Have a look at who we have in the coaches box champ..... its not rocket science

Coaches are the new draft picks. NEELD, BROWNIE, CRAIGO AND JADE are the new SCULLGOVE, JIZZBERTS AND TAPPY!

[P-man 13,366]

Believe me, I'm as upset with that performance as you are.

The fact that Malthouse rates Neeld as highly as he does gives me confidence in his ability. I think he'll demonstrate his worth to us in due course.

However, the one thing we need from supporters right now is for them to renew memberships, and get behind the club - not go running.

I hated today's performance as much as anybody.

I just hope it was an aberration.

I was hanging my hat on Mick's vote of confidence as well, but what's the expiry date on that?

Supporters are running Ron. They've had enough. You and I might not be but others are.

[Richmont 4]

Believe me, I'm as upset with that performance as you are.

The fact that Malthouse rates Neeld as highly as he does gives me confidence in his ability. I think he'll demonstrate his worth to us in due course.

However, the one thing we need from supporters right now is for them to renew memberships, and get behind the club - not go running.

I hated today's performance as much as anybody.

I just hope it was an aberration.

Ron nothing would make me more pleased than to be able to feel unashamed when people ask which team I support. I would purchase my membership for the club immediately if I saw improvement. I am not expecting radical changes in this club in 6 months. I see the team finishing 14-17th this year and I couldn't care less where we finish on the ladder. I do expect to see effort - this is a non negotiable. I dont have time in my life to continually support this team if the individuals who play and thoes running the club are not 100% committed to winning and improving. But what I wont accept is putting myself through another 2012 season. I just cant. I cant continue to follow this club and get embroiled in the emotion of this club when its players refuse to do the most basic tasks. Granted, our list is sub AFL level and players cant necessarily help if they dont have elite skills - but tackling, pressure, following your opponent are all basic tasks that ANY player can follow. If our most loyal supporters ran out there each week there would be more loyalty to the team than what I watched of 21 players!

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

You should join the board Ron, I have a feeling you would fit right in.

Why exactly?

[stuie 7,374]

Why exactly?

Cos you're all about staying classy.

[tonatopia 278]

Why exactly?

because your a dreamer who accepts losing and passes responsibility to others for making big decisions that influence the future of your existence.

[Pennant St Dee 13,118]

Don't know how many times I have to say this.... IT'S NOT JUST ONE GAME.

Today was Ken Hinkley's first game, NOT NEELD'S. There's some friggin perspective for ya.

Stuie we get the message but FFS you can't sack a coach after Round 1( plenty were calling for Baileys head after Round 1 -2010) And don't use the Hinkley's first game line. I like others are questioning Neeld after today but I now really am questioning the player group. If they don't know what they are doing it's an indictment on them either because they have had 18 months to learn it or they should have went to him and said look we are struggling with this we need to simplify it (who knows maybe that could occur now like it did with Freo in 2006).

In regard to Hinkley he has a midfield head and shoulders above ours, he also had players running hard, putting their bodies on the line and bringing intensity. They are non-negotiables, Jack Viney, Matt Jones, Grimes & Clark brought those as did Blease for the short time he was on. Neeld changed things up a couple of times today and went man on man, we did okay for 10 or so minutes and on both occasions stopped the onslaught for a while. However Port had greater desire and ran off our players and basically wanted it more.

There were times when we had greater numbers around the ball, or when the ball was kicked to space, Melbourne players stood guarding space and while I accept that is a component of a zone it doesn't stop our players making a decision to attack the ball, to many times they stand and wait for a team mate to do it but the opposition player runs hard and gets to the ball or the contest. I think it's one of the reasons we struggle at kick outs due to lack of run and just waiting for the ball to come. This is the reason why Viney stood out for us today he ran and made the decision to attack the ball. In a nutshell our players are dumb and maybe Neeld needs to re-evaluate this and just play simple man on man footy.

So whilst I am concerned deeply after today I also know Neeld is aware he only has one crack at this gig and will also be aware if it isn't working and this continues he will be gone. Our players need to have a good look at themselves after today and if the majority of them have an ounce of personal pride those who line up next week will at the very least bring intensity and effort next week and a will to run hard in both directions.

I have said on another thread I am giving the player group till round 4 before I start making personal attacks. Neeld has till round 10 in my book before I make a final call

[hoopla 418]

Believe me, I'm as upset with that performance as you are.

The fact that Malthouse rates Neeld as highly as he does gives me confidence in his ability. I think he'll demonstrate his worth to us in due course.

However, the one thing we need from supporters right now is for them to renew memberships, and get behind the club - not go running.

I hated today's performance as much as anybody.

I just hope it was an aberration.

For years I've had reason to give up on Melbourne - but I've stuck it out - and I'm going to stick it out again. Ron is right. A week is a long time in football. Round 1 is often an aberration ............ and we can only hope that we will see it that way in a month's time.

[stuie 7,374]

Stuie we get the message but FFS you can't sack a coach after Round 1( plenty were calling for Baileys head after Round 1 -2010) And don't use the Hinkley's first game line. I like others are questioning Neeld after today but I now really am questioning the player group. If they don't know what they are doing it's an indictment on them either because they have had 18 months to learn it or they should have went to him and said look we are struggling with this we need to simplify it (who knows maybe that could occur now like it did with Freo in 2006).

In regard to Hinkley he has a midfield head and shoulders above ours, he also had players running hard, putting their bodies on the line and bringing intensity. They are non-negotiables, Jack Viney, Matt Jones, Grimes & Clark brought those as did Blease for the short time he was on. Neeld changed things up a couple of times today and went man on man, we did okay for 10 or so minutes and on both occasions stopped the onslaught for a while. However Port had greater desire and ran off our players and basically wanted it more.

There were times when we had greater numbers around the ball, or when the ball was kicked to space, Melbourne players stood guarding space and while I accept that is a component of a zone it doesn't stop our players making a decision to attack the ball, to many times they stand and wait for a team mate to do it but the opposition player runs hard and gets to the ball or the contest. I think it's one of the reasons we struggle at kick outs due to lack of run and just waiting for the ball to come. This is the reason why Viney stood out for us today he ran and made the decision to attack the ball. In a nutshell our players are dumb and maybe Neeld needs to re-evaluate this and just play simple man on man footy.

So whilst I am concerned deeply after today I also know Neeld is aware he only has one crack at this gig and will also be aware if it isn't working and this continues he will be gone. Our players need to have a good look at themselves after today and if the majority of them have an ounce of personal pride those who line up next week will at the very least bring intensity and effort next week and a will to run hard in both directions.

I have said on another thread I am giving the player group till round 4 before I start making personal attacks. Neeld has till round 10 in my book before I make a final call

I haven't said anywhere that Neeld should be sacked after today, but it's horrible to think how many coaches have done more with their lists in less time.

As I said in another thread, going by today, it's either:

1) The players haven't "bought in" to Neeld's gameplan

or

2) Neeld doesn't really have a gameplan

[stuie 7,374]

For years I've had reason to give up on Melbourne - but I've stuck it out - and I'm going to stick it out again. Ron is right. A week is a long time in football. Round 1 is often an aberration ............ and we can only hope that we will see it that way in a month's time.

Aberration:

1. A deviation from the proper or expected course.

2. A departure from the normal or typical: events that were aberrations from the norm.

We've won 4 out of the last 23 under Neeld. A win would be an aberration, not a loss.

[Pennant St Dee 13,118]

I haven't said anywhere that Neeld should be sacked after today, but it's horrible to think how many coaches have done more with their lists in less time.

As I said in another thread, going by today, it's either:

1) The players haven't "bought in" to Neeld's gameplan

or

2) Neeld doesn't really have a gameplan

He has a game plan but for the sake of the club and his future he needs to realise if they are not buying in he needs to play one on one footy. I know the Hawks struggled to buy into Clarko's gameplan but their player group always brought the non negotiables and had some classy mids, which bought him time.

Unfortunately the time for big decisions is getting closer

[stuie 7,374]

He has a game plan but for the sake of the club and his future he needs to realise if they are not buying in he needs to play one on one footy. I know the Hawks struggled to buy into Clarko's gameplan but their player group always brought the non negotiables and had some classy mids, which bought him time.

Unfortunately the time for big decisions is getting closer

I just don't know if he can ever win over the players with the way he came into the club putting everyone down before knowing his Jamar's from his Jones's.

Watching the post match today Grimes looked like a schoolboy that had just been told off, not the captain of an AFL team. I have this feeling Neeld doesn't empower them and that's why we lack effort and confidence.

Edited March 31, 2013 by stuie

[bing181 9,193]

because your a dreamer who accepts losing and passes responsibility to others for making big decisions that influence the future of your existence.

"influence the future of your existance".

Big call.

It's a football match.

[Retrospective 104]

What happened to all the " Great stuff here we go really changing things up .....cutting out the dead wood...getting really fit....bringing in new culture with mature age recruits who can teach our boys professionalism" Blah blah blah

It can't all fall at MN's feet, the players didn't help him look any good today. But that didn't save Bailey.

How does losing to PTA (who won 1.5 games more than us last year, and have imploded) , by 13 goals in round one at home at the G compare to going down by 186 away to Geelong.

At least DB delivered to his plan.... got early picks (which we squandered)

Edited March 31, 2013 by Retrospective

[Macca 16,922]

Either the players take very little notice of the 'coaching staff' or they do take notice and we have a truly awful game plan. Either way we've got a major problem. This was discussed early last year 'ad nauseam' and the consensus was that it was the players not 'buying in'.

This current list is Mark Neeld's list. He cut 15 players from last years list and he could have cut a few more. He didn't cut any more so it could easily be assumed that he was content to keep the 30 odd left over. The new players brought into the club for this season would have to be with his seal of approval. So it's his team and the team's performances are on his head. That is the brutal reality.

Many on our list aren't up to it, so the players don't get off the hook either . Another 10 - 12 will possibly or probably go at the end of the year. That could make up to 25 - 27 delistings in 2 years. It may even be a few more, which is frightening thought.

The board and the administration have overseen all this - they must all take their share of the blame as well. Time for everyone at the club to put their hand up and admit that they are all part of the problem. No more finger pointing can go on. It's one in, all in.

Edited March 31, 2013 by Macca