Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

I'm not sure if it's been referred to here but Russell Howcroft introduced Peter Jackson to a group of members yesterday in the Ryder (?) room. I never expected to attend a MFC meeting where the depth of feeling from the membership base was as ugly, aggressive and in a sense disrespectful to our appointed officers as at the Dallas Brooks Hall in 1996, but in its own way it was even worse. This was not a meeting that was organized with well drawn battle lines but a regular event where a Board member informally addresses the members.

Jackson said nothing different in this meeting to what he'd said all day in his media blitz and while the members welcomed his honesty and common sense they turned on an inept Howcroft. It started with Jackson telling us of a dysfunctional Football Department with no clear lines of responsibility or reporting and an administration which was similar. These comments, while not mentioning Schwab or the Board, were scathing as he outlined that the clear principles of Governance and operations had been ignored, misunderstood and abused.

A member of the audience turned to Howcroft and asked how this Board had allowed all this to happen in the 4 or 5 years of their watch. Howcroft dodged the question saying as a member based organization we could all stand for election. He has an unfortunate manner and his smugness and lack of empathy with the mood of the audience led to interjection and abuse being hurled at him and the rest of the Board.

Jackson clearly understands footy. He immediately engaged the members. He knows what a good footy club looks like. He understands Boards, Administration and corporate structure. He knows this Board is a failure.

In 2008 Jim Stynes and Don McLardy approached the Gardner Board and told them they were out of ideas and needed to move on for the betterment of the MFC. To the Gardner Board's eternal credit they recognized a better Board, read the tea leaves and saved the Club from a battle that would achieve nothing.

It's time for Don and his merry men to look in the mirror, remember history and now identify a better Board and stand aside. They have reduced this club to its lowest ebb in history and made it the most unattractive of propositions. They can do one good thing - find a better alternative and move on.

What makes this absolutely painful is that some of us have recognized the clear failings of Don, Schwabby and his merry men for ages. Anyone with any training or experience in how business work could see this. And yet this Board who have so much individual talent couldn't.

I'll never understand that. There is no doubt their hearts were in the right place but the damage they've done is incalculable.

  • Like 36

Posted (edited)

Don't often agree with you Bob but I cannot find anything to fault in the above.

I have been saying this board is in the end responsible for our current position.

The majority have been there five years.

Time to move on people and this "well if you don't like it stand" is a poor response.

So you are the best of a bad lot mr Howcroft is that the answer?

Edited by old dee
  • Like 2

Posted

It pains me to say it, if the same board and CEO were not appointed by Jim, then perhaps the issues would have been more widely accepted eariler on.

Jim was such a powerful and loved figure that the emotional attachment to everything he touched made these guys above critacism

  • Like 7
Posted

Thanks for the info Bob

Pretty damming stuff - and I have no reason to believe you would lie

The one thing that gives me hope is that there are still people out there with a passion for this club and maybe we can turn our darkest hour in to our finest hour (in the words of the great leader Winston)

  • Like 1

Posted (edited)

In 2008 Jim Stynes and Don McLardy approached the Gardner Board and told them they were out of ideas and needed to move on for the betterment of the MFC. To the Gardner Board's eternal credit they recognized a better Board, read the tea leaves and saved the Club from a battle that would achieve nothing.

It's time for Don and his merry men to look in the mirror, remember history and now identify a better Board and stand aside. They have reduced this club to its lowest ebb in history and made it the most unattractive of propositions. They can do one good thing - find a better alternative and move on.

What makes this absolutely painful is that some of us have recognized the clear failings of Don, Schwabby and his merry men for ages. Anyone with any training or experience in how business work could see this. And yet this Board who have so much individual talent couldn't.

I'll never understand that. There is no doubt their hearts were in the right place but the damage they've done is incalculable.

Don and co. might have left the place in a bigger mess as they received it in and it might be time to hand the reigns on to someone else. Just as long as they don't hand back the keys to the inept board of cronies who put us in the position in the first place.

Edited by Timelord
  • Like 1

Posted

My belief is the board needs to be spilled, Peter Jackson needs to drive professionalism and accountability throughout the organisation, instil better values and make some clear staff choices.

Then we need a priority pick, a handout from the AFL and a few Hail Marys.

  • Like 1
Posted

What makes this absolutely painful is that some of us have recognized the clear failings of Don, Schwabby and his merry men for ages. Anyone with any training or experience in how business work could see this. And yet this Board who have so much individual talent couldn't.

I'll never understand that. There is no doubt their hearts were in the right place but the damage they've done is incalculable.

Who are 'some of us'. How do you recognise the 'clear failings' being on the outside ?

I am intrigued also by Peter Jackson comments on structures when I am sure Neil Craig was brought in to help clear up the reporting lines/structures. Also having come from a successful club in Adelaide he should know a bit.

Posted

It pains me to say it, if the same board and CEO were not appointed by Jim, then perhaps the issues would have been more widely accepted eariler on.

Jim was such a powerful and loved figure that the emotional attachment to everything he touched made these guys above critacism

This board has been soft since its inception and I am not surprised that they wont accept resposibilty for the mess we are in

Try to raise some more Money off the members Don see how far you get .What a joke!

Posted

Don't often agree with you Bob but I cannot find anything to fault in the above.

I have been saying this board is in the end responsible for our current position.

The majority have been there five years.

Time to move on people and this "well if you don't like it stand" is a poor response.

So you are the best of a bad lot mr Howcroft is that the answer?

the problem Isn't this board, it's 20 something Years since we had a good & visionary board.

this is the problem, of consecutive failing boards & admins for generations of players past. not developing to their true potential. This Board however good or other, is trying to clean things up, & in the process, lets hope they eventually turn this "Once Great" footy club back into a Footy Club again, & NOT an Organisation.

.

  • Like 1
Posted

Jackson was great speaking before the game yesterday, he appears to be relishing the challenge and spoke like a man who is staying.

He identified the inexperience across the board, he said all the right things in regards to Neeld - as to not put any pressure on Neeld.

On face value at least, he seemed very forthcoming, at ease and sure of himself and the direction the club needs to go down.

I think we are in good hands with Jackson as a CEO.

And, I don't think Neeld will see out May.

Posted

I'm not sure if it's been referred to here but Russell Howcroft introduced Peter Jackson to a group of members yesterday in the Ryder (?) room. I never expected to attend a MFC meeting where the depth of feeling from the membership base was as ugly, aggressive and in a sense disrespectful to our appointed officers as at the Dallas Brooks Hall in 1996, but in its own way it was even worse. This was not a meeting that was organized with well drawn battle lines but a regular event where a Board member informally addresses the members.

Jackson said nothing different in this meeting to what he'd said all day in his media blitz and while the members welcomed his honesty and common sense they turned on an inept Howcroft. It started with Jackson telling us of a dysfunctional Football Department with no clear lines of responsibility or reporting and an administration which was similar. These comments, while not mentioning Schwab or the Board, were scathing as he outlined that the clear principles of Governance and operations had been ignored, misunderstood and abused.

A member of the audience turned to Howcroft and asked how this Board had allowed all this to happen in the 4 or 5 years of their watch. Howcroft dodged the question saying as a member based organization we could all stand for election. He has an unfortunate manner and his smugness and lack of empathy with the mood of the audience led to interjection and abuse being hurled at him and the rest of the Board.

Jackson clearly understands footy. He immediately engaged the members. He knows what a good footy club looks like. He understands Boards, Administration and corporate structure. He knows this Board is a failure.

In 2008 Jim Stynes and Don McLardy approached the Gardner Board and told them they were out of ideas and needed to move on for the betterment of the MFC. To the Gardner Board's eternal credit they recognized a better Board, read the tea leaves and saved the Club from a battle that would achieve nothing.

It's time for Don and his merry men to look in the mirror, remember history and now identify a better Board and stand aside. They have reduced this club to its lowest ebb in history and made it the most unattractive of propositions. They can do one good thing - find a better alternative and move on.

What makes this absolutely painful is that some of us have recognized the clear failings of Don, Schwabby and his merry men for ages. Anyone with any training or experience in how business work could see this. And yet this Board who have so much individual talent couldn't.

I'll never understand that. There is no doubt their hearts were in the right place but the damage they've done is incalculable.

Well said Bob. You are right on the money. It is time supporters stopped making excuses and we must move to be a better position soon.

Posted

After hearing Jackson's raw assessment of our club, I immediately saw how far we are from other clubs in terms of getting the right experienced people to do their jobs in a professional environment where sustainable success is the no1 priority. People who are bringing and applying their high level of knowledge to make the club run and play to the best in the AFL. Jackson is an honest, professional, insightful CEO. We'd do we'll to keep him beyond the 6mth contract he has, assuming he'd want to stay. Gotta say, he makes Cam Schwab look like a childish amateur.

  • Like 3
Posted

It's time for Don and his merry men to look in the mirror, remember history and now identify a better Board and stand aside. They have reduced this club to its lowest ebb in history and made it the most unattractive of propositions. They can do one good thing - find a better alternative and move on.

That may be far easier said than done. Who do you know that is smart, steeped in corporate ways, succesful, wealthy, has time to devote and is motivated enough to drink from the poisoned chalice? Oh yes, you need to find several of them not just one.

I feel that this Board would walk, as the previous one did, if there was a viable alternative. I would imagine they are devastated at the current situation.

PS. Lets also not forget one positive while we are sinking the boots in, this board, together with their mates and other supporters, wiped off a $5million debt left by the previous Board. I don't blame the previous Board for that, as they, as do all Boards, tried to do their best. Nobody deliberately goes onto a club Board to stuff the place up.

  • Like 9
Posted (edited)

By all means, run for the board. By all means, get a ticket together.

But don't expect a group of Demons to go searching for their alternatives. I am certain that Jackson will restructure the FD and the admin and that inexperience an duplicated roles will fall victim to that.

I am also confident that McLardy will step aside. But to ask the board to find their own ousters?

If there are some impressive Demons out there with enough time to dedicate to the cause then they can make their intentions known and run for the board. I refuse to believe that renewal requires a bloodbath.

This board is not the enemy, not will their ousters be our saviour.

We are in this mess together and we have to maintain whatever small amount of influential, dedicated Demons that we can.

I want to see a new President maintain the bulk of the current AFL-endorsed board, add whatever individuals impressive enough to the board, keep/hire an industry standard CEO, and structure an efficient FD with a head coach that everyone gets behind.

That is the platform for 2014 and the long march to relevance.

Edited by rpfc
  • Like 13

Posted

Who are 'some of us'. How do you recognise the 'clear failings' being on the outside ?

I am intrigued also by Peter Jackson comments on structures when I am sure Neil Craig was brought in to help clear up the reporting lines/structures. Also having come from a successful club in Adelaide he should know a bit.

I might be wrong but didn't Peter Jackson say that there were no less than 4 lines of reporting all coming back to the CEO from the football dept, and that the CEO shouldn't be so close to football operations. That suggests more a deficiency with CS structures than Neil Craig.

Schwab backed off after the Geelong massacre but perhaps it wasn't restructured enough.

  • Like 1
Posted

So who's putting their hands up for the job?

Any takers?

You should run Jack. I'd support you. I'm not being facetious. I reckon you have the right mix of a level head and passion for our footy club that seems to be missing from some on our current board.

Posted

I might be wrong but didn't Peter Jackson say that there were no less than 4 lines of reporting all coming back to the CEO from the football dept, and that the CEO shouldn't be so close to football operations. That suggests more a deficiency with CS structures than Neil Craig.

Schwab backed off after the Geelong massacre but perhaps it wasn't restructured enough.

That of course doesn't explain the onfield perfomances.

Posted

It was Jimmy's Board & whilst Jimmy was a healthy President i believe there was harmony and unity.

But since Jimmy died the Board lost there purpose and direction. Don is not a leader. That has been proven with his last 2 written responses to the members.

We need new blood. Brand New. Hard & tough people who understand success long term. Jackson was not picked for nothing. He knows...

Posted

So who's putting their hands up for the job?

Any takers?

i would be willing to talk to people.

I have no experience at Board Level but i love this club so i am prepared to get involved Jack.

Discuss whatever over a long lunch...sure.

It is the supporters and members who will save this mess right now.

I do not know the answers, but am prepared to listen & learn.

Posted

The issue is as much about what can an alternative board offer - so far, no one has stood up other than David Schwarz and said they want to be involved.

Not to mention there's been any mention of WHAT they would do...and god knows we've been promised a few things in the last couple of years...

I hate to say it because I'm not a fan, but if ever Melbourne needed Neil Mitchell it is now.

We desperately need someone with a strong and visible public persona in our corner.

Schwarz would be fine I feel as he brings football knowledge and a strong public presence, but Mitchell brings the arrogance, contacts and cache that you need these days to create a real impression and help deliver results.

  • Like 1
Posted

The issue is as much about what can an alternative board offer - so far, no one has stood up other than David Schwarz and said they want to be involved.

Not to mention there's been any mention of WHAT they would do...and god knows we've been promised a few things in the last couple of years...

I hate to say it because I'm not a fan, but if ever Melbourne needed Neil Mitchell it is now.

We desperately need someone with a strong and visible public persona in our corner.

Schwarz would be fine I feel as he brings football knowledge and a strong public presence, but Mitchell brings the arrogance, contacts and cache that you need these days to create a real impression and help deliver results.

Neil Mitchell is only interested in one thing.................... Neil Mitchell. He will not promote anything, which does provide him with the direct kudos.

  • Like 3

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #24 Trent Rivers

    The premiership defender had his best year yet as he was given the opportunity to move into the midfield and made a good fist of it. Date of Birth: 30 July 2001 Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 100 Goals MFC 2024: 2 Career Total:  9 Brownlow Medal Votes: 7 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 350 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there.  21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have sli

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #1 Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons. Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 19 Career Total: 235 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 24 Melbourne Football Club: 9th Best & Fairest: 316 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #4 Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield. There could be more of that in 2025. Date of Birth: 7 August 2003 Height: 185cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 1 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1 Melbourne Football Club: 7th Best & Fairest: 347 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...