Peter Jackson: review of the board coming ...

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

The main impression I got from Peter Jackson was his resolve to address and repair the issues confronting the club. He didn't sign on to the end of 2014 if he thought this couldn't be done.

He stressed that it was a club problem and not one that boils down to any particular individual.

Jackson said that the structures at football department were not right and he repeated the comment made previously about the CEO having four different people reporting to him and that this was problematic. He said that the club had invested for success but it certainly didn't come this year and was never going to come right away looking at age of the list.

He said he didn’t feel the decision to appoint Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove (note PJ – it’s not Trengrove and a repeat will bring a rain of tweets from Supermercado upon you!) was in itself wrong but he asked where were the players like Mitchell or Ling with the experience to support them?

Jackson added that the club’s problems go back at least three or four years and are due to poor list management back then. There is therefore no short term immediate fix. He said bringing in some of the older players introduced recently was OK indicating that he understood the need to bring such players into the club for what they could bring with them.

He believes that list management is the most important function at a football club. He is confident that the current list and recruiting management is much better than it has been previously and believes we made some very good recruiting decisions in 2012 and will get better.

He added that we're a nice football club but we need to be ruthless like Geelong is now compared to how they were around 2005-6. We need to be an elite football organisation that demands success as do clubs like Geelong.

On the club’s financial position PJ said that it had made modest profits in recent years but when the wheels fell off at the beginning of the season and crowd numbers fell, it impacted drastically on our financial position. Crowds of 13k v Gold Coast of $28 v Hawthorn (their home game) are not help to our bottom line or those of other clubs.

PJ was positive about our ability to turn things around both on and off the ground. We can restructure without impacting on our ability to do business.

We do need support and next week he has a meeting with the AFL commission and will present a plan. We have the support of the other clubs which don't want to see any club struggling with crowds as low as 13k.

He added there will be an announcement at the weekend about a review of the Board.

He finished by saying we were not a basket case and he regarded it as the best challenge in football.

Peter Maynard who works in the sponsorship area pointed out the mutual benefits of our partnership with the NT government. Disappointingly, the club's attempt to lure South China Airways to sign a lucrative sponsorship agreement (which was under negotiation for two years) has collapsed. The club only received that news recently after talks stalled in early April.

Great read WJ thank you for sharing

So in other words, we should be pointing our fingers at Barry Prendergast for the state of the club, and maybe even Bailey??

It is refreshing to hear that Jackson has come to these views. For me, it reinforces my belief that since Neeld and Co took over, that we have been heading on right path and that things are going to get better.

I think it's pretty obvious that our problems started in the Bailey era. Recruiting, premature moving on of senior players, failure to put in place the proper standards etc etc.

I also really like the statement regarding Trengove and Grimes.....PJ recognises that although the move to make them captains may not have been the best move, he seems to acknowledge that there has been a lack of leadership amongst the player group in the past, and that there were possibly few alternatives to the Jack's.

It makes me feel less insane . I am with you PM - although results are not showing right now I still believe with hard work results will come. And we have to fix the very top of the club.

I am not prepared to blame anyone solely for the club's predicament - Neeld has played his part as well by cutting blokes who had played 40 - 100 + games. but if we ever wanted elite performance it had to be done.

Reading WJ's comment and listeing to PJ I have faith he can help restore this club

[GM11 776]

The main impression I got from Peter Jackson was his resolve to address and repair the issues confronting the club. He didn't sign on to the end of 2014 if he thought this couldn't be done.

He stressed that it was a club problem and not one that boils down to any particular individual.

Jackson said that the structures at football department were not right and he repeated the comment made previously about the CEO having four different people reporting to him and that this was problematic. He said that the club had invested for success but it certainly didn't come this year and was never going to come right away looking at age of the list.

He said he didn’t feel the decision to appoint Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove (note PJ – it’s not Trengrove and a repeat will bring a rain of tweets from Supermercado upon you!) was in itself wrong but he asked where were the players like Mitchell or Ling with the experience to support them?

Jackson added that the club’s problems go back at least three or four years and are due to poor list management back then. There is therefore no short term immediate fix. He said bringing in some of the older players introduced recently was OK indicating that he understood the need to bring such players into the club for what they could bring with them.

He believes that list management is the most important function at a football club. He is confident that the current list and recruiting management is much better than it has been previously and believes we made some very good recruiting decisions in 2012 and will get better.

He added that we're a nice football club but we need to be ruthless like Geelong is now compared to how they were around 2005-6. We need to be an elite football organisation that demands success as do clubs like Geelong.

On the club’s financial position PJ said that it had made modest profits in recent years but when the wheels fell off at the beginning of the season and crowd numbers fell, it impacted drastically on our financial position. Crowds of 13k v Gold Coast of $28 v Hawthorn (their home game) are not help to our bottom line or those of other clubs.

PJ was positive about our ability to turn things around both on and off the ground. We can restructure without impacting on our ability to do business.

We do need support and next week he has a meeting with the AFL commission and will present a plan. We have the support of the other clubs which don't want to see any club struggling with crowds as low as 13k.

He added there will be an announcement at the weekend about a review of the Board.

He finished by saying we were not a basket case and he regarded it as the best challenge in football.

Peter Maynard who works in the sponsorship area pointed out the mutual benefits of our partnership with the NT government. Disappointingly, the club's attempt to lure South China Airways to sign a lucrative sponsorship agreement (which was under negotiation for two years) has collapsed. The club only received that news recently after talks stalled in early April.

Thanks WJ.

Gives me hope that there will not be any knee-jerk decisions made that will destroy the careers of people with the club's best interest at heart.

And no self serving ex-politicians required!

[sue 9,106]

What a pleasure to read compared to the hysterical guff posted on this forum from people who want instant results and messiahs.

[Sir Why You Little 37,036]

What a pleasure to read compared to the hysterical guff posted on this forum from people who want instant results and messiahs.

Instant results...that's a bit steep The MFC supporter is the most patient species inside the Cosmos...

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

So in other words, we should be pointing our fingers at Barry Prendergast for the state of the club, and maybe even Bailey??

It is refreshing to hear that Jackson has come to these views. For me, it reinforces my belief that since Neeld and Co took over, that we have been heading on right path and that things are going to get better.

I think it's pretty obvious that our problems started in the Bailey era. Recruiting, premature moving on of senior players, failure to put in place the proper standards etc etc.

I also really like the statement regarding Trengove and Grimes.....PJ recognises that although the move to make them captains may not have been the best move, he seems to acknowledge that there has been a lack of leadership amongst the player group in the past, and that there were possibly few alternatives to the Jack's.

The issue of leadership, culture and recruitment preceded Bailey. If you look at our appalling recruitment from 2000 onwards you will see the seeds of today's problem were sown there. The problematic recruitment choices of Prendergast added to the problem. Our lack of proper development facilities and personnel over that period did not help either.

[Jarka 767]

Actually, I think you've said that to us.

Probably about a dozen times

[Longsufferingnomore 1,631]

WJ did you come away from the meeting with a different perspective on how the Club is travelling and where it is headed.

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

The issue of leadership, culture and recruitment preceded Bailey. If you look at our appalling recruitment from 2000 onwards you will see the seeds of today's problem were sown there. The problematic recruitment choices of Prendergast added to the problem. Our lack of proper development facilities and personnel over that period did not help either.

Yep poor administration decisions still haunt this club today - and it does go back to the Bailey era

The club thought it was clever following the trend of Tanking now look at us - as bad if not worse the the Carlscum football club of the early 00's

[sue 9,106]

Instant results...that's a bit steep The MFC supporter is the most patient species inside the Cosmos...

Precisely. So in despair after patiently waiting so long, some members are prepared to endorse rash actions and the coming of a saviour. Some of us see that when you really are at rock bottom a time of deep reflection and care is required rather than the sort of reaction I was criticising. I'm hoping PJ is doing the deep reflection - he has or is getting the information, unlike us.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Yep poor administration decisions still haunt this club today - and it does go back to the Bailey era

The club thought it was clever following the trend of Tanking now look at us - as bad if not worse the the Carlscum football club of the early 00's

its not the youth push thats been the problem, its the lack of quality leadership setting the right examples, & the standards... & soft coaching giving games as presents that further established a weak work ethic.

& ordinary leadership was the problem at Carlton when the rot set in, & its been our problem as well, for more than 10 years...

... we haven't been a hard club since the mid to late eighties, & then, we were still in the shadow of the Hawks of that Era.

[DemonOX 8,791]

Precisely. So in despair after patiently waiting so long, some members are prepared to endorse rash actions and the coming of a saviour. Some of us see that when you really are at rock bottom a time of deep reflection and care is required rather than the sort of reaction I was criticising. I'm hoping PJ is doing the deep reflection - he has or is getting the information, unlike us.

Are u in charge of the "Neeld Fan Club" by any chance Sue?

[Hardnut 327]

Thanks for the feedback WJ - a lot of interesting material there and it sounds like PJ did a smooth job.

I agree that the current position MFC finds itself in is not due to any one person, but I have no doubt that MN and NC must go before further damage is inflicted on the Club. Whilst others may have cases to answer, the Coach must ultimately be held responsible - anyone who doubts this should ask themselves whether they would have followed MN's path - reading DL, I doubt there would be many.

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

The issue of leadership, culture and recruitment preceded Bailey. If you look at our appalling recruitment from 2000 onwards you will see the seeds of today's problem were sown there. The problematic recruitment choices of Prendergast added to the problem. Our lack of proper development facilities and personnel over that period did not help either.

Yep poor administration decisions still haunt this club today - and it does go back to the Bailey era

The club thought it was clever following the trend of Tanking now look at us - as bad if not worse the the Carlscum football club of the early 00's

Sorry Rhino I meant to say back past the Bailey era -

anywho

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

Thanks for the feedback WJ - a lot of interesting material there and it sounds like PJ did a smooth job.

I agree that the current position MFC finds itself in is not due to any one person, but I have no doubt that MN and NC must go before further damage is inflicted on the Club. Whilst others may have cases to answer, the Coach must ultimately be held responsible - anyone who doubts this should ask themselves whether they would have followed MN's path - reading DL, I doubt there would be many.

No one is questioning performance has been poor under Neeld (if we are just talking about game day results)

The one assumption you get wrong Hardnut is that the club is not rebuilding - I believe the board and Neeld believe the MFC is rebuilding, that is the only reason why Neeld has kept his job to date and as much as I am the minority on here I think he should get to at least the end of 2013 to prove he can do it.

Again I know I am the minority opinion on here and I cbf arguing my point but it has to be the only reason Neeld still has his job otherwise you are 100% spot on Hardnut

[sue 9,106]

Are u in charge of the "Neeld Fan Club" by any chance Sue?

No I'm not. I have no idea if he is the coach to lead us to the promised land or down the tube.

I want to see a careful measured process in determining what to do to fix the club. I don't see much of that on Demonland or in your comment, but fortunately for the club decisions will be taken elsewhere.

Where are all those complaints about group-think that I recall some of the anti-Neeld posters were so fond of making earlier? Not group-think when they agree with it perhaps.

[Hardnut 327]

No one is questioning performance has been poor under Neeld (if we are just talking about game day results)

The one assumption you get wrong Hardnut is that the club is not rebuilding - I believe the board and Neeld believe the MFC is rebuilding, that is the only reason why Neeld has kept his job to date and as much as I am the minority on here I think he should get to at least the end of 2013 to prove he can do it.

Again I know I am the minority opinion on here and I cbf arguing my point but it has to be the only reason Neeld still has his job otherwise you are 100% spot on Hardnut

Understand your post 'UH' - I was in the minority last year - I do not believe the Club is actually rebuilding even though they may think they are - in fact, they are going backwards IMO.

[DemonOX 8,791]

No I'm not. I have no idea if he is the coach to lead us to the promised land or down the tube.

I want to see a careful measured process in determining what to do to fix the club. I don't see much of that on Demonland or in your comment, but fortunately for the club decisions will be taken

U dont c a careful measured process in my comment well bohoo.

It's been 7 yrs of a careful measured process. Time to act now.

I am sure we all want things to change some of us want it to happen quicker than others.

[rjay 24,928]

U dont c a careful measured process in my comment well bohoo.

It's been 7 yrs of a careful measured process. Time to act now.

I am sure we all want things to change some of us want it to happen quicker than others.

No, it's been 7 years of rubbish. We are acting now, CS was the first domino.

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

Understand your post 'UH' - I was in the minority last year - I do not believe the Club is actually rebuilding even though they may think they are - in fact, they are going backwards IMO.

You could be right mate - in the state the club is at who can really be 100% sure

I will admit I am an optimist - I will be shattered if you are right as this rebuild/disaster will last longer then 2013

Have a good long weekend mate - See you at the G

[Earl Hood 6,086]

OK I hear all the sophisticated, complex, club wide arguments from PJ but gee can't we just sack Neeld! That will solve everything.We know it worked wonders when we sacked Daniher and then Bailey (instead of CS). Oh hold on......!

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Yep poor administration decisions still haunt this club today - and it does go back to the Bailey era

The club thought it was clever following the trend of Tanking now look at us - as bad if not worse the the Carlscum football club of the early 00's

No it goes back before Bailey. did you miss something or do you think heaping unfair blame on Bailey will somehow make Neeld look better?

And if you are going to slam anyone for the tanking it should be those who chose to do it. The Board and CEO for starters rather than Bailey.

And FWIW, I agree MFC should have maximised its drafting options but geez we were inept and slipshod about the way we did it.

[old55 23,573]

What a pleasure to read compared to the hysterical guff posted on this forum from people who want instant results and messiahs.

Messiah Jackson?

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

No one is questioning performance has been poor under Neeld (if we are just talking about game day results)

The one assumption you get wrong Hardnut is that the club is not rebuilding - I believe the board and Neeld believe the MFC is rebuilding, that is the only reason why Neeld has kept his job to date and as much as I am the minority on here I think he should get to at least the end of 2013 to prove he can do it.

Again I know I am the minority opinion on here and I cbf arguing my point but it has to be the only reason Neeld still has his job otherwise you are 100% spot on Hardnut

He would need another pre season and another roll at the draft/trade week before he could prove that convincingly UH. He's probably rolling through the entire list again this year to sort out the balance of who he wants to retain and the type of players needed for next season.

How sold are you on at least seeing out the bulk of his contract through the most part of next season (subject to a threepeat!!) to see if he can prove he has what it takes at this level???

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Sorry Rhino I meant to say back past the Bailey era -

anywho

No worries Unleash.

[Whispering_Jack 30,130]

WJ did you come away from the meeting with a different perspective on how the Club is travelling and where it is headed.

Good question.

Jackson is highly experienced at what he's doing and more importantly, comes with the imprimatur of the AFL which means he has a great deal of weight behind him. There was also no doubt that he was going to perform well in front of this audience and no risks were taken. There was no question time.

It's been said before that talk is cheap, particularly in our situation but the fact that he's had a good look around, taken an extra twelve month contract and is planning measured steps to bring about change fills me with some confidence that we are going to see the sort of action that will make us a much better club at the end of his tenure.

His final words about taking us on because we present a great challenge echoes precisely what I've been saying for a while now - you simply need a positive mindset and an appetite for hard work to make it happen*.

(* and, as Essendon found out tonight, a bit of luck helps too!)