Foundation Heroes

[Slartibartfast 17,190]

As most know I was worried about this Board, the CEO and the coach quite some time ago. Having said that I didn't think it was this bad. For these reasons and the fact that I didn't see it as a sustainable business model I didn't become a Foundation Hero but I have supported the club for over 25 years and I hate to think of the amount I've put in over that period.

The Foundation Heros are a group of generous MFC supporters who eliminated the club's debt, their contribution was significant and the single achievement of the Stynes/McLardy Board. They have been remembered at AAMI Stadium (as I understand it) and were promised success and professional management of the club and their contributions would be the cornerstone of a new era.

But reports in the press that we are again unprofitable and heading into significant seven figure debt must be distressing to them. Much of the loss is being attributed to AFL fines, legal fees and payouts of contracts of CEO and potentially the coach and others. All of these expenses were avoidable with sound and sensible management which they comprehensively failed to deliver.

I know that there are a number of Foundation Heros who read and post here and I'm interested in their reaction to our situation and whether they would again help the Club out of this position. For my part I'll continue to contribute in the way I do because the Club is much greater than a bunch of misfit administrators and because what I do is within my sustainable business model. But this administration should know that my ongoing support is despite and not because of their effort. Frankly I'm angry and appalled at how they've trashed my contribution.

How do our Foundation Heros feel?

[Redleg 40,834]

As most know I was worried about this Board, the CEO and the coach quite some time ago. Having said that I didn't think it was this bad. For these reasons and the fact that I didn't see it as a sustainable business model I didn't become a Foundation Hero but I have supported the club for over 25 years and I hate to think of the amount I've put in over that period.

The Foundation Heros are a group of generous MFC supporters who eliminated the club's debt, their contribution was significant and the single achievement of the Stynes/McLardy Board. They have been remembered at AAMI Stadium (as I understand it) and were promised success and professional management of the club and their contributions would be the cornerstone of a new era.

But reports in the press that we are again unprofitable and heading into significant seven figure debt must be distressing to them. Much of the loss is being attributed to AFL fines, legal fees and payouts of contracts of CEO and potentially the coach and others. All of these expenses were avoidable with sound and sensible management which they comprehensively failed to deliver.

I know that there are a number of Foundation Heros who read and post here and I'm interested in their reaction to our situation and whether they would again help the Club out of this position. For my part I'll continue to contribute in the way I do because the Club is much greater than a bunch of misfit administrators and because what I do is within my sustainable business model. But this administration should know that my ongoing support is despite and not because of their effort. Frankly I'm angry and appalled at how they've trashed my contribution.

How do our Foundation Heros feel?

Pretty much the same as you.

[old dee 23,781]

I am not a FH BB

But your thoughts pretty much cover it.

I have said on another thread I am prepared for the begging bowl again around October.

Once again I will contribute a modest amount that I can afford.

Ch---- this is so familiar

[The Chazz 4,077]

I am not one, but am more than willing to become one under a new regime.

[Satyriconhome 10,716]

I am not a Foundation Member, but I think the denigration of the administration is a bit over the top

There are separate issues here.

iIf you think the administration is at fault for hiring Mark Neeld and his team, then you are wrong, it was on the recommendation of one G Lyon

Cameron Schwab had to be removed because of the associated 'stench' he carried from the tanking affair, so therefore we need to wear the payout

At the moment we are taking financial hits from 3 things, membership is down from last year, attendance is down from last year, both obviously an effect from the way the team is playing and fines or payouts

We still have 30000+ members and a full list of sponsors,, so the administration must be doing something right

[Sir Why You Little 36,971]

I am happy to contribute as long as the incoming President, coach, Board & CEO (if Jackson is not there past 6 months...i think he will stick around) have considerable experience & success already achieved.

If the MFC hire a whole set of Rookie hopefuls again i shall withdraw all financial backing.

This really is the line in the sand moment.

The Red & Blueprint has done a full 360 in 6 years.

But what happened after the 2010 Swans Massacre..What went sour?

We were on the right track till that point.

Edited May 29, 2013 by why you little

[Slartibartfast 17,190]

iIf you think the administration is at fault for hiring Mark Neeld and his team, then you are wrong, it was on the recommendation of one G Lyon

Who made the decision to put Lyon on the coaching selection panel? McLardy, Schwab and Stynes. They are admin.

Schwab was sacked because he was no good and he approved tanking. That has cost us an extraordinary amount.

No amount of criticism of those in charge of our situation "over the top". We are where we are because of them.

[66frank 63]

I am a foundation member and would contribute again only if the AFL oversee our finances.

As much as i despise the AFL (for a variety of reasons), at the moment I don't trust anybody at the club now or in the past.

Jimmy was great for what he did to unite and financially save us.

Unfortunately his illness was cancer and it caused his death.

Little did he know that his beloved Demons were also riddled with cancer. Fortunately because of him and with the help of the AFL the cancerous issues that engulf the MFC will be curable.

[jazza 1,323]

true BB

the board oversaw a group put together to find the right coach to fit the playing group for 3 years

thier recommendation was mark neeld and massive list turnover

the board rubber stamped every decision nobody else

simple isnt it. or IT IS WHAT IT IS

[Go the Biff 3,414]

I am not a Foundation Member, but I think the denigration of the administration is a bit over the top

There are separate issues here.

iIf you think the administration is at fault for hiring Mark Neeld and his team, then you are wrong, it was on the recommendation of one G Lyon

Cameron Schwab had to be removed because of the associated 'stench' he carried from the tanking affair, so therefore we need to wear the payout

At the moment we are taking financial hits from 3 things, membership is down from last year, attendance is down from last year, both obviously an effect from the way the team is playing and fines or payouts

We still have 30000+ members and a full list of sponsors,, so the administration must be doing something right

Lyon didn't just walk in off the street uninvited. That's beside the point of this thread though and there are many others to accommodate your argument. Here though, BB asked for thoughts re the Foundation Heroes

[Sir Why You Little 36,971]

Let me add. I am not a FH Member at present, but with the right appointments made, i am prepared to financially back a new ticket.

But this time it has to be right.

I would even be in the ear of Jeff Kennett. He has stated he wants a strong MFC in the comp.

[rpfc 28,262]

*Heroes

I am sure that those that gave during the Debt Demolition and continue to give feel the same as the rest of us about our current predicament.

How could they feel any different?

If your point is to illustrate the ineffectiveness of this as a business model you needn't bother - it's hardly advisable to rely on charity for your bottom line...

But that does not mean that we should not continue the raising of these funds. Collingwood organise donations from their wealthier supporters, the Tigers have their oft-reported Fighting Tiger Fund. Quite simply, if you are a Demon willing to give, we should take and spend.

[rpfc 28,262]

Let me add. I am not a FH Member at present, but with the right appointments made, i am prepared to financially back a new ticket.

But this time it has to be right.

I would even be in the ear of Jeff Kennett. He has stated he wants a strong MFC in the comp.

You don't quite understand the cataclysm you are rooting for.

All Board members will be working for free, and they all have to be Demons for the sake of loyalty and confidentiality.

It won't work to have a loudmouth Hawk as President of our club.

To put that mildly.

[Grapeviney 9,712]

I would even be in the ear of Jeff Kennett. He has stated he wants a strong MFC in the comp.

When and where did he say that? I heard him last year suggesting to Neil Mitchell that we should merge with Norf.

[Sir Why You Little 36,971]

When and where did he say that? I heard him last year suggesting to Neil Mitchell that we should merge with Norf.

I heard him on SEN before games not long after Jimma died saying how sad it was that the MFC was not a power.

John Kennedy learnt all his craft from Norm Smith.

We were the Power....

I am not a huge Jeffrey fan politically but he is the exact type we need to be able to stand up.

We do need some outside people.

[Sir Why You Little 36,971]

You don't quite understand the cataclysm you are rooting for.

All Board members will be working for free, and they all have to be Demons for the sake of loyalty and confidentiality.

It won't work to have a loudmouth Hawk as President of our club.

To put that mildly.

rpfc we have been picking Demons from our own tree for a long time.

We need some outside perspective and leadership.

Not the whole board, but definately some.

We are where we are...

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I would even be in the ear of Jeff Kennett. He has stated he wants a strong MFC in the comp.

LOL. Maybe you can be his running mate?

We should also ask Sir Alex Ferguson too.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

rpfc we have been picking Demons from our own tree for a long time.

We need some outside perspective and leadership.

Not the whole board, but definately some.

We are where we are...

Doesnt mean we select a person who rabidly barracks for another team. Nothing like a crippling conflict of interest.

[Sir Why You Little 36,971]

Doesnt mean we select a person who rabidly barracks for another team. Nothing like a crippling conflict of interest.

Last time i looked Jackson was an Essendon man.

But you just keep abusing people Rhino its what you do well.

If we do not get fresh perspectives inside this club it WILL die.

[mjt 640]

Who made the decision to put Lyon on the coaching selection panel? McLardy, Schwab and Stynes. They are admin.

Schwab was sacked because he was no good and he approved tanking. That has cost us an extraordinary amount.

No amount of criticism of those in charge of our situation "over the top". We are where we are because of them.

the board should have to pay out Schwabs contract, that was a disgraceful decision to give him 3yrs when under investigation, they have no respect for us supporters, who throws around 3 yr deals when your looking down a barrel , I tell you who , D Mclardy.

[mjt 640]

I also heard you pay FH in instalments now, I will be doing that when we find a new president.

[66frank 63]

the board should have to pay out Schwabs contract, that was a disgraceful decision to give him 3yrs when under investigation, they have no respect for us supporters, who throws around 3 yr deals when your looking down a barrel , I tell you who , D Mclardy.

There was a tanking investigation going on, to keep him on side and quiet they needed to do what they did otherwise the sh!t would have really hit the fan!

Just my opinion of course.

[frankie_d 1,471]

I am not a Foundation Member, but I think the denigration of the administration is a bit over the top

There are separate issues here.

iIf you think the administration is at fault for hiring Mark Neeld and his team, then you are wrong, it was on the recommendation of one G Lyon

The Board and the CEO are 100% responsible - they commissioned and then took the advice of the panel (G Lyon one member).

There is no way to avoid that - bet Gary's signature isn't on the contract.

[iv'a worn smith 1,979]

Those who are Foundations Heroes can attest to the undertakings which were given to them at the time they first reached into their pockets. Not happy.

[Slartibartfast 17,190]

Those who are Foundations Heroes can attest to the undertakings which were given to them at the time they first reached into their pockets. Not happy.

Thanks to those FH who have answered. Iv'a would you like to expand on the undertakings that were given?