Apparently Neeld and the assistants went too. Glad about that, Neeld needs to endear himself more to the group, win them over, start earning respect rather than demanding it.

That's right - from the footage I've seen, he's coming on all fire and brimstone - maybe trying to emulate his mentor, Malthouse. However, looking at Malthouse at 3Q time v Pies, he was just calmly addressing the players, rather than barking orders.

I believe Neeld will be a good coach, but agree with Stuie that he should develop his instructional style. He's learning too, of course, and as he gets more confident as a coach, so his demeanour will become more relaxed and assured.

I really hope so Jumbo. The last thing we need is lose a coach.

As an aside if Neeld did go and Viney became caretaker again would that be the first time a bloke has been a caretaker coach at a VFL/AFL club more than once (at the same club that is)

Not quite binman. Allan (?) McConnell of Fitzroy fame coached the Lions twice as a caretaker. Once in 1995 when Bernie Quinland got sacked. The second time when Michael Nunan resigned in 1996 after the merger had been announced.

If Viney were to step in again, the historical precedent would not be good!

Apparently Neeld and the assistants went too. Glad about that, Neeld needs to endear himself more to the group, win them over, start earning respect rather than demanding it.

Exactly what I was thinking Stuie. Neeldy seemed to come in with a bit of a holier than thou attitude in regards to some of the boys. It was like his basic attitude was: 'Well, I'm from Collingwood and you aren't even close to where we were as far as being hard and professional goes. I'm here to lay down the law and if you don't like then leave. No one will miss you.' I'm hoping that he starts trying to build actual relationships with the boys rather than just lording it over them. I know he has tried in individual cases but it would appear that has gone nowhere.

Edited April 10, 201312 yr by Guest

Personally I wouldn't have chosen Sorrento, it makes us look elitist. How about the big 4 caravan park in Braybrook? It might scare the shy@t out of them and give them an insight into what life has to offer post football.

Presume they chose Sorrento because there is a large enough place for them all get together for the night, it is relaxing, and they have training at Casey Fields this morning (closed session), which is only an hour away.

That was his brief, to change the culture. I suspect he came on a bit strong but I would rather that than molly coddling fragile egos.

My view stuie is how can it possible make us worse.

It is worth the effort.

Yeah I think it's a great idea, they've gotta try stuff.

There you go, stuie.

Maybe Neeld is listening too? And learning? And developing, just like the players?

Hopefully he's developing better than our players....

just tell all the boys forget about team rules for 2 days. Buy tones of slabs of beer and lock them in a room. Tell them to have a great time but talk and fight it out.

Yeah, maybe the boys could get Gawny to chunder in Neeld's bed. Is he down there, if he isn't, then some other nominated bed.

Hopefully Neeld remembered to give them all their milk and cookies before bed or they may get upset and revolt again on the weekend.

Was this already booked in or a hasty decision post-Schwab's departure?

Getting the team (players and coaches) together out of Melbourne is a very good idea right now as if they stay in Melbourne TV cameras and media microphones are likely to follow them everywhere. That would not only be a distraction, but any comment would be interpreted and re-interpreted to mean something it probably didn't and could start a new round of speculation. (Sort of like the hashtag #nowthatchersdead which was meant to be about Margaret Thatcher but worried some people that Cher had died).

Also, I have no doubt this type of activity improves trust among the team (although I don't believe alcohol is necessarily a key ingredient).

the way things are going for us this will turn into some boozy fight outside the portsea pub

Nah, that'd require some effort.

So much for a relaxing get away - looks like going to Sorrento has only made it easier for the press to dig their claws in!

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-04-10/demons-hit-the-beach-to-avoid-the-heat

Edited April 10, 201312 yr by Young Dee

So much for a relaxing get away - looks like going to Sorrento has only made it easier for the press to dig their claws in!

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-04-10/demons-hit-the-beach-to-avoid-the-heat

I just love whenever Matt Thompson is talking to the camera people behind him are trying to get on camera by acting "naturally".

I love how Neeld did not want to speak to the reporters.

Edited April 10, 201312 yr by Benson

I just love whenever Matt Thompson is talking to the camera people behind him are trying to get on camera by acting "naturally".

I love how Neeld did not want to speak to the reporters.

I thought it was quite funny that Matt Thompson and all those reporters traveled to Sorrento just to get 10 sec of footage of Neeld walking away. I wonder if Thompson and the Journos took time to go for a swim and get a tan or they just crouched outside the Demons accommodation 24-7 - (are journos human?)

Edited April 10, 201312 yr by Young Dee

Typical TV 'reporters' following Neeld waving mikes and asking questions and trying to make the bloke look bad for not answering. Of course he probably initially said "I'm not answering any questions, got more important stuff to do".

I would like to Neeld to look straight into the camera and say 'in all honesty, we have some important things to work out at the club right now, and we consider the media's involvement in this to be a hindrance rather than a help. So with all due respect I would ask you all to leave us to our business as nobody associated with the club will be giving any comment whatsoever'

I get the feeling that Neeld is done. He's got a few more weeks but then it's over.

Seems like Craig has already taken over proceedings.

I would like to Neeld to look straight into the camera and say 'in all honesty, we have some important things to work out at the club right now, and we consider the media's involvement in this to be a hindrance rather than a help. So with all due respect I would ask you all to leave us to our business as nobody associated with the club will be giving any comment whatsoever'

He probably said something along those lines at the start and then it was cut out to make Neeld look stressed

I just love whenever Matt Thompson is talking to the camera people behind him are trying to get on camera by acting "naturally".

I love how Neeld did not want to speak to the reporters.

Matt Thompson is the epitome of AFL journos - Fat losers who probably have never played the game, or havent done so since aus kick. Somehow watching a heap of matches over a load of beers, pies and chips has made them reputable.

Matt Thompson is the epitome of AFL journos - Fat losers who probably have never played the game, or havent done so since aus kick. Somehow watching a heap of matches over a load of beers, pies and chips has made them reputable.

I might send the HUN my resume. You've just described me!

Presume they chose Sorrento because there is a large enough place for them all get together for the night, it is relaxing, and they have training at Casey Fields this morning (closed session), which is only an hour away.

And Rob Pitt from the Sorrento Hotel is a good supporter.

I would like to Neeld to look straight into the camera and say 'in all honesty, we have some important things to work out at the club right now, and we consider the media's involvement in this to be a hindrance rather than a help. So with all due respect I would ask you all to leave us to our business as nobody associated with the club will be giving any comment whatsoever'

Agree

Goodvibes, that was a killer!

We did that a few years ago too after a bad lost and they went off to Lorne? and tell some "home" truths amongst each other. It didn't work.

it actually stank of follow the leader.

Geelong did it in their first premiership year where they went off together and were honest with each other so of course we did too.

The famous one was when the leadership group challenged Ablett Jnr.

One of my favourite quotes of Ablett's.

"I thought I worked hard and trained as hard as I could but when my peers questioned my application, I pushed myself to find another level in training and there was another level"

I'm hoping to god our players are brutally honest and a few stand up.

I'm hoping a certain Jack Watts talent can be harnessed.

Great post. I do recall the Ablett quote and I look at Nathan Jones and feel that I'm looking at that application first hand. Viney instinctively has that application as well I suspect. We need a few more so that it becomes the norm not the exception.

I know, for instance, that NJ does additional conditioning work for a block at my local gym. Very low key.

I get worried for MN when I see that he isn't prepared to front the media and Craig is. It might be true that the clip on AFL.com was edited but the amount of pressure this bloke must be feeling must be overwhelming.