Clearly there are many factors that have contributed to our current state, but I can't help thinking that the alignment with Casey continues to weigh us down and doesn't provide the right environment to help bring on our younger players. Sure, I understand what the club is trying to do by tapping into a growth corridor, but Casey is a weak, poorly administered club, whereby survival is very much a year to year proposition.

During the days of the Sandringham alignment our younger players were subjected to a successful culture and played with some of the VFL's best week in, week out. It was a very good partnership, and although it might not have had the overall long-term marketing benefits that may (or may not) exist out at Casey, for most part it helped instil a winning way amongst our players.

Given our poor track record of player development, perhaps it's about time our VFL pairing is revisited? It may be too expensive for us to go it alone in the near future, but if we're serious about professionalism, this relationship needs to be looked at hard.

Clearly there are many factors that have contributed to our current state, but I can't help thinking that the alignment with Casey continues to weigh us down and doesn't provide the right environment to help bring on our younger players. Sure, I understand what the club is trying to do by tapping into a growth corridor, but Casey is a weak, poorly administered club, whereby survival is very much a year to year proposition.

During the days of the Sandringham alignment our younger players were subjected to a successful culture and played with some of the VFL's best week in, week out. It was a very good partnership, and although it might not have had the overall long-term marketing benefits that may (or may not) exist out at Casey, for most part it helped instil a winning way amongst our players.

Given our poor track record of player development, perhaps it's about time our VFL pairing is revisited? It may be too expensive for us to go it alone in the near future, but if we're serious about professionalism, this relationship needs to be looked at hard.

Couldn't agree more. The number of players who have gone backwards in that environment is staggering. I'm terrified for Hogan. Surely they can't stuff him up?

That was rhetorical. They'll have him running of a half back flank in no time.

That was rhetorical. They'll have him running of a half back flank in no time.

Watts already has that position

He'll play back pocket

Get a grip. If there is a problem, it has been from the MFC side.

For the past 2 or 3 years, Casey have finished high up the ladder, only to have MFC players stripped from their teams for finals. An absolute disgrace.

MFC treat the Casey club/team with contempt. There's your problem.

Ed: needless to say, Casey have been flogged in subsequent finals. Look at Geelong for a good role model.

Edited April 7, 201312 yr by Mono

Actually Casey have been a very good team in recent years and only Melbourne not allowing their players to play in the finals has prevented Casey from achieving any great success.

Clearly there are many factors that have contributed to our current state, but I can't help thinking that the alignment with Casey continues to weigh us down and doesn't provide the right environment to help bring on our younger players. Sure, I understand what the club is trying to do by tapping into a growth corridor, but Casey is a weak, poorly administered club, whereby survival is very much a year to year proposition.

During the days of the Sandringham alignment our younger players were subjected to a successful culture and played with some of the VFL's best week in, week out. It was a very good partnership, and although it might not have had the overall long-term marketing benefits that may (or may not) exist out at Casey, for most part it helped instil a winning way amongst our players.

Given our poor track record of player development, perhaps it's about time our VFL pairing is revisited? It may be too expensive for us to go it alone in the near future, but if we're serious about professionalism, this relationship needs to be looked at hard.

Yeah your right you know. I think there's a good club near Bendigo who's a pro unit, with a good coach.

But your already way ahead of me aren't you. Do you have his phone number yet on your speed dial?

If it wasn't so true you'd laugh.

Get a grip. If there is a problem, it has been from the MFC side.

For the past 2 or 3 years, Casey have finished high up the ladder, only to have MFC players stripped from their teams for finals. An absolute disgrace.

MFC treat the Casey club/team with contempt. There's your problem.

Ed: needless to say, Casey have been flogged in subsequent finals. Look at Geelong for a good role model.

With the utmost respect Mono, the Fev debacle was enough reason to severe ties then and there. Clearly that recruiting move wasn't in the best interests of the MFC - and really that's what I'm talking about here. Finding the right solution for Melbourne's player development. It doesn't appear to be out at Cranbourne.

Edited April 7, 201312 yr by Swooper Northey