Open Letter from Don McLardy

[Sir Why You Little 36,963]

What this all boils down to is:

sit back and watch while the club burns.

I understand that immediate action may seem a tad harsh, but the fact is this club has been going backwards a little more each year since 2006. We are now in a phase of rebuilding a rebuild.

I am of the belief that we can continue rebuilding as much as we want, but if the foundations are rotten, the structure will keep collapsing.

This change needs to come from the top down, and while I included the board as a whole in my letter, I think more than anything, we need to lose CS and DM. We need to appoint a fresh and competent leadership at the very top of this club, and once they are in place, we can work our way down the list and replace as needed.

i have to agree with this.

The foundations are rotten. No matter what is built it falls down.

Let's see the Andrews Report. It is the only way we can guage any answers.

[Dockett 32 1,239]

For a small supporter base, we appear to have copped our fair share of peanuts.

Targeting volunteers with vitriol, spamming the media, publicly posting private letters, holding yourself out to actually know the solutions... All posts of sheer stupidity that cost me 10 minutes I can never get back.

The biggest joke is, if McLardy listened to most of you peanuts, he would have 16 contradictory things to do.... And all would be wrong.

Agree and just think the if the football dept and players got their s..t together and simply won a few bl..dy games most of this would go away.

We have been fed how fit we are, how well we have trained, how better our list is, how well we have drafted, but we are on the bottom with a percentage of 28%? We have also been advised that the objective was ( last year) that we were to be the hardest team to play against yet we appear/remain one of , if not the softest?

Ok boys something has to change or we will simply be presented with more of the rubbish of the last two weeks.So I would like to see total all out aggression as a not negotiable. I would like to see this taken into consideration at selection from the first ruck to the substitute. On this subject agree with Greg Wells who suggested we need more mongrel in the side.

Not quite sure how to put this and I hope I'm not right, but could it be a possibility that some players coming out of contract could have already been got at "a la T$" . Could they be simply going through the motions and protecting their bodies for something beyond this year? I say this as it doesn't seem to me that a few are playing with anything like the intensity expected from AFL players. On the basis of recent performances they should be dropped for this week anyhow to at best help them with their focus until they pull their fingers out.

[old dee 23,778]

i have to agree with this.

The foundations are rotten. No matter what is built it falls down.

Let's see the Andrews Report. It is the only way we can guage any answers.

that is buried so deep wyl that a atom bomb could not get to it.

I suspect because it cans everyone from the board on down.

[rpfc 28,254]

Simma - you come on here and give your intentions to the community.

What do you want me to say? Empathise with you? I can. Understand where you are coming from? I did. Endorse it? That is not your right to demand that.

I gave my views on what you proffered yourself.

You have decided to make a decision to ask for your money back - you can do that, but what do you expect me to say?

You should expect what I said, and be damn thankful that we are all passionate enough to be chewing each other out right now.

[ex52k2 238]

Heres how I see it, one side wants to keep the status quo and give the board a chance to do its thing. The other side wants to fire everybody.

Now I am only an ingnorant 25yr member, but can someone from either side explain to me how in our 6th year of rebuilding, umteen coaches, more plains than the allies on dday we can only kick TWO second half goals in two games and concede 22 in the same time frame.

Arnt we supposed to be better this year than last year? Isnt that the plan! Wasnt that what we were told? How far do we have to go back before we go forward? We dont have much % left to play with. Having been to every home and away game in Vic in those 25 years bar one[ wifes grandmothers 100 birthday party] do you think it would be too much to ask for more than TWO BLOODY GOALS.

[simma02 53]

Simma - you come on here and give your intentions to the community.

What do you want me to say? Empathise with you? I can. Understand where you are coming from? I did. Endorse it? That is not your right to demand that.

I gave my views on what you proffered yourself.

You have decided to make a decision to ask for your money back - you can do that, but what do you expect me to say?

You should expect what I said, and be damn thankful that we are all passionate enough to be chewing each other out right now.

Didn't recall actually asking you to say anything specific to be honest....... I like others on the community are merely sharing my views on the club and the action I've taken. Don't need anyones sympathy or endorsement. People are free to do what they wish. I've decided I cannot financially contribute to the demise of the club any more... Once I'm satisfied that the club is being run properly and my money is being put to good use then I'll rejoin. I did not take this decision lightly, I can tell you that.

[old55 23,369]

"pea-hearts" jumping off and cancelling their memberships is one thing but "pea-brains" who can't see that there is a fundamental problem with the way we're being coached is another. 24.22 to 2.5 in 2 second halves - that's a disgrace, it shames the entire club and destroys its fabric. Old-fashioned strict man-on-man contested footy does not allow this destruction to happen. Sure it couldn't have won us either game but it would've stopped the bleeding.

[jackaub 1,402]

You're honestly telling me if he bunkered down and did no media, and said nothing, that supporters would be happy with that?

He can't win, Don, he just can't win.

Nobody is suggesting he says nothing just asking him to the truth with no spin We are all spun out

[rpfc 28,254]

Didn't recall actually asking you to say anything specific to be honest....... I like others on the community are merely sharing my views on the club and the action I've taken. Don't need anyones sympathy or endorsement. People are free to do what they wish. I've decided I cannot financially contribute to the demise of the club any more... Once I'm satisfied that the club is being run properly and my money is being put to good use then I'll rejoin. I did not take this decision lightly, I can tell you that.

Well, I am not 'contributing to the demise of the club' by not asking for my $300 back.

And I hate that you think of us as such patsies.

I am as filthy as you, and I intend to keep my voting rights.

[Jaded No More 68,867]

I honestly have no idea what some people here would have McLardy say.

Ranting and raving, declaring 'Player X is a spud', 'Neeld is the worst coach ever', and 'Cam Schwab must go!'?

That wouldn't start a [censored] in any way, obviously.

Yes, it's spin, and yes it's the same spin we've heard for years, but realistically right now McLardy is between a rock and a hard place. He responds to the (justifiable) backlash against the club since Saturday night, and gets kicked for responding with spin. He says nothing and is decried for hiding from the problem. He spins some home truths, the media have a field day and it's game over forever.

I have no doubt that things are being feverishly investigated behind closed doors, but there's no reason to air any of it in public given the state of the club as it is.

Deep breaths, people. Deep breaths.

I want him to shut up and get on with it.

Too much talking this week.

[P-man 13,366]

He can't win, Don, he just can't win.

Sounds like the perfect representative for our club.

[P-man 13,366]

"pea-hearts" jumping off and cancelling their memberships is one thing but "pea-brains" who can't see that there is a fundamental problem with the way we're being coached is another. 24.22 to 2.5 in 2 second halves - that's a disgrace, it shames the entire club and destroys its fabric. Old-fashioned strict man-on-man contested footy does not allow this destruction to happen. Sure it couldn't have won us either game but it would've stopped the bleeding.

If we get smashed by GWS to the tune of 7+ goals, I'll want Neeld out. A full year of this completely non-competitive tripe could be devastating to the already hindered development of this playing group.

[mjt 640]

Well, I am not 'contributing to the demise of the club' by not asking for my $300 back.

And I hate that you think of us as such patsies.

I am as filthy as you, and I intend to keep my voting rights.

Same.

[stuie 7,374]

If we get smashed by GWS to the tune of 7+ goals, I'll want Neeld out. A full year of this completely non-competitive tripe could be devastating to the already hindered development of this playing group.

If we lose to them I'll want him out, don't worry bout the margin.

[machine11 142]

wasn't it the same one he sent after 186

[Dr. Gonzo 24,163]

Have you forgotten what happened under Bailey, and where we were at when he left?How the [censored] can anyone be expected to have turned it around after such a short time?Not Matthews, not Roos, not Clarkson, not Lyon, not Malthouse, not Scott, not Hardwick ... None of them could have done any better in this time.I don't know why so many have these ridiculous ideas we should be anywhere else, considering where we were at.It's like walking starting at Melbourne, then cracking it when you haven't reached Sydney in a day.

People can excuse not having turned it around yet. What they can't excuse is continuing to go backwards at a rate of knots.

If Port Adelaide can turn if around in one preseason why can't we do it after 2?

[DEE fence 5,002]

Do not let the media set the agenda, you are an effin idiot if you do, but the club should very clearly explain what it plans to do and where it sees development coming from.

[old dee 23,778]

Do not let the media set the agenda, you are an effin idiot if you do, but the club should very clearly explain what it plans to do and where it sees development coming from.

We set the agenda

We give them so many stories it is approaching funny.

Do you really think the media influenced the results for last year and this.

Please tell me how the media has made us lose by an average of 19 goals this season?

[DemonOX 8,781]

DM is right in one are in that stability is very important and no knee jerk reactions.

Damned if u do and damned it u don't.

[DEE fence 5,002]

We set the agenda

We give them so many stories it is approaching funny.

Do you really think the media influenced the results for last year and this.

Please tell me how the media has made us lose by an average of 19 goals this season?

G'day OD

to answer your questions;

1, yes we do, I for one would be interested in an extraordinary general meeting, called in three months time where grass roots supporters if interested could call for a spill of some or all of the board positions and we have a election, after the board is given time to explain its plan.

2, the stories are more or less a result of a lack of club unity, I think an external review that has a no BS term of reference be conducted - we could aks the AFL to use our 500k fine for this.

3, considering how heavily this forum is moderated, I don't see the need for anonymous user names, the people who snipe the MFC board should be putting up their names. I don't know whether CS is the problem or not, I'm in another country and rely on friends to tell me what is going on, but people with protected identities taking shots from the cheap seats doesn't help.

3.1, no the media doesn't influence the result at a primary level, BUT and I can say this from allot of personal experience, it makes a pretty uncomfortable workplace, and that affects how people do their jobs. This is why unity is essential, look how well EFC has stuck together considering the pressure of the doping story, that's what I want at my club, that I bleed about. I really think that post Bailey and with the terrible stories about tanking we are at year zero cambodia style. I see more pain, this is not an excuse for mediocrity I am very effin unhappy with the state of the club, I want a club that plays like Geelong did on the weekend. I don't think tossing the coach is the answer though, he needs the time. BUT we need to stick together.

4. I reckon that last comment is a reflection of the pain you and I are feeling, the media didn't have anything to do with it.

With much respect

M

[markc 975]

Heres how I see it, one side wants to keep the status quo and give the board a chance to do its thing. The other side wants to fire everybody.

Now I am only an ingnorant 25yr member, but can someone from either side explain to me how in our 6th year of rebuilding, umteen coaches, more plains than the allies on dday we can only kick TWO second half goals in two games and concede 22 in the same time frame.

Arnt we supposed to be better this year than last year? Isnt that the plan! Wasnt that what we were told? How far do we have to go back before we go forward? We dont have much % left to play with. Having been to every home and away game in Vic in those 25 years bar one[ wifes grandmothers 100 birthday party] do you think it would be too much to ask for more than TWO BLOODY GOALS.

nearly every game in 25 years wow what a fantastic effort

well done

[old dee 23,778]

G'day OD

to answer your questions;

1, yes we do, I for one would be interested in an extraordinary general meeting, called in three months time where grass roots supporters if interested could call for a spill of some or all of the board positions and we have a election, after the board is given time to explain its plan.

2, the stories are more or less a result of a lack of club unity, I think an external review that has a no BS term of reference be conducted - we could aks the AFL to use our 500k fine for this.

3, considering how heavily this forum is moderated, I don't see the need for anonymous user names, the people who snipe the MFC board should be putting up their names. I don't know whether CS is the problem or not, I'm in another country and rely on friends to tell me what is going on, but people with protected identities taking shots from the cheap seats doesn't help.

3.1, no the media doesn't influence the result at a primary level, BUT and I can say this from allot of personal experience, it makes a pretty uncomfortable workplace, and that affects how people do their jobs. This is why unity is essential, look how well EFC has stuck together considering the pressure of the doping story, that's what I want at my club, that I bleed about. I really think that post Bailey and with the terrible stories about tanking we are at year zero cambodia style. I see more pain, this is not an excuse for mediocrity I am very effin unhappy with the state of the club, I want a club that plays like Geelong did on the weekend. I don't think tossing the coach is the answer though, he needs the time. BUT we need to stick together.

4. I reckon that last comment is a reflection of the pain you and I are feeling, the media didn't have anything to do with it.

With much respect

M

I understand where you are coming from.

Unfortunately I see no chance of them calling any meeting.

They will not go willingly

[QueensBirthday 186]

There is a very disturbing thought I had about the direction of the MFC.

It seems like Neeld's carte blanche has been about wrestling all control away from the playing group. The focus has been in turning them into pieces on a chess board. That's not a winning culture. That takes away there being any on-field leaders.

The success that Geelong experienced was empowering the players. The total opposite.

This problem was created by Schwab when he implored Bailey to role out the new payment scheme to the playing group. It lead to a rebellion that got Bailey fired.

Schwab's the problem. First to go.

Edited April 8, 2013 by QueensBirthday

[stuie 7,374]

There is a very disturbing thought I had about the direction of the MFC.

It seems like Neeld's carte blanche has been about wrestling all control away from the playing group. The focus has been in turning them into pieces on a chess board. That's not a winning culture. That takes away there being any on-field leaders.

The success that Geelong experienced was empowering the players. The total opposite.

This problem was created by Schwab when he implored Bailey to role out the new payment scheme to the playing group. It lead to a rebellion that got Bailey fired.

Schwab's the problem. First to go.

You started out so well but then turned it into something silly...

[QueensBirthday 186]

You started out so well but then turned it into something silly...

You're funny Stuie... You want to talk about something off topic again? Go for it!