Craig for the top job in 2014

[rpfc 28,779]

9 games.

Caretaker is a job no-one should take, the way fans expect the undeliverable.

He is a proven coach of men and we will have him or Eade or Williams and I am comfortable with that.

[chookrat 4,268]

If Craig gets the Job then that's it for me over FOREVER no more memberships.

Too tared with the same brush as Neeld A big ginormous NO from me.

Name for me one player thats shown anything under Craig??

NO NO NO!

So if Craig is senior coach next season and we start winning will you still not buy a membership FOREVER?

Good luck with that.

[corowa 216]

From what I see and hear about Craig I would be more then happy to see him coach in 2014

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/under-the-pump-demons-boss-fires-up-20130818-2s4nv.html

A lot of people on here want more blood to spill, keep wanting to hold people responsible - I ask you when does the blood letting stop and the rebuilding begin?

Don't look purely at the results/scoreboard - a brand new coach (Eade or Chocco) isn't going to magically turn the results around - just like sacking Neeld was never going to change our fortunes in 2013.

Although I would love a laugh if someone can argue that Craig hasn't met their expectations

Look at the Facts people - Craig has done well with the list that he has at hand - he is developing players and implementing a game plan that if you saw in the 2nd qtr against Freo looked like it offered something for the future.

He talks the talk - I'd give him a go in 2014, I reckon this bloke has the respect and the balls to get the job done. I like what I hear and see of Craig...... I don't believe in magic soloutions I believe in hard work and I reckon Craig will deliver

Although Neil Craig is an intelligent and articulate bloke who has had coaching success at Adelaide he has still had the misfortune of being at MFC during what is probably the worst era of our history.

He has been part of the coaching team which has failed to develop players and win more than one game. Rightly or wrongly his suitability to be our senior coach has been tainted by what has happened these past two seasons.

How big or small a part he has played does little to change the perception of failure that many members have regarding the whole coaching team.

Neil Craig might well be the best person to coach the team but many would argue that it would be better to clean out our failed coaches and start with a fresh team.

[Ted Lasso 19,549]

i think eade or williams would be a breath of fresh air, new ideas and so on, craig i dont think has a good enough track record in terms.of building a team

[rpfc 28,779]

i think eade or williams would be a breath of fresh air, new ideas and so on, craig i dont think has a good enough track record in terms.of building a team

You didn't get to the part where you explain Craig hasn't built a team.

They invented the term 'Crowbots' to describe the way his teams all worked hard back and forth, ran all day, and had 22 competitors on the ground.

No-one has given me a decent reason to not want Craig that is simply related to the perception that he would be 'tarred by Neeld.'

Craig is a different class of coach to Neeld and should not suffer the ignominy of having his career be overshadowed by the unmitigated failure of another.

[Guest]

You didn't get to the part where you explain Craig hasn't built a team.

They invented the term 'Crowbots' to describe the way his teams all worked hard back and forth, ran all day, and had 22 competitors on the ground.

No-one has given me a decent reason to not want Craig that is simply related to the perception that he would be 'tarred by Neeld.'

Craig is a different class of coach to Neeld and should not suffer the ignominy of having his career be overshadowed by the unmitigated failure of another.

Spot on with the bit how he shouldn't have had his career tarnished by the failure of MN.

But the truth is, he has.

We can only go on the results we see and as much as his hand was a bad one (I believe he got given a 2 of diamonds, a joker card and a card marked 'How to play pinochle'), we can only go on the results we have seen.

I believe Neil was the perfect stand in for the rest of this season. We needed someone experienced to stop the club imploding upon itself. Whether or not he has achieved this (the club may very well still collapse and results like yesterday don't help) is up for debate. I thought it would take a minor miracle for him to hold on to his job. He needed to get the boys to show genuine improvement. Truth is all he has done at best is to stop further bleeding.

[Fat Tony 5,262]

There are much better alternatives IMO.

Craig is too defensive and lacks imagination. I would prefer to see us play kids, have a crack and get flogged than play two players behind the ball.

[alias275 259]

You didn't get to the part where you explain Craig hasn't built a team.

They invented the term 'Crowbots' to describe the way his teams all worked hard back and forth, ran all day, and had 22 competitors on the ground.

No-one has given me a decent reason to not want Craig that is simply related to the perception that he would be 'tarred by Neeld.'

Craig is a different class of coach to Neeld and should not suffer the ignominy of having his career be overshadowed by the unmitigated failure of another.

Well said rpfc.

"As his strong, superbly drilled Crowbots stormed to a 11-2 record with a whopping percentage of 171, there is a growing impression the game's "Nutty Professor" has emerged from the laboratory with a foolproof formula for footballing success, his methods far too clinical and sophisticated for his dunderheaded opposition."

Said about Neil Craig in 2006. SMH link to article here.

[Ted Lasso 19,549]

i think craig would be a good coach for a more established team, but we need to look at guys who have built teams from the ground up, eade to me has done this, develops players as well as anyone and is a new face for a group tainted by the worst era in the clubs history.

having said that id love to hang on to craig too

[rpfc 28,779]

Well said rpfc.

"As his strong, superbly drilled Crowbots stormed to a 11-2 record with a whopping percentage of 171, there is a growing impression the game's "Nutty Professor" has emerged from the laboratory with a foolproof formula for footballing success, his methods far too clinical and sophisticated for his dunderheaded opposition."

Said about Neil Craig in 2006. SMH link to article here.

This is what defines Neil Craig - not the actions of a head coach he was not responsible for or to.

We can sit here and judge based on perception if we want to - that is our right. But it would be foolhardy to eliminate a candidate because of your own failure with your last one.

[beelzebub 23,383]

I thought Craig mentioned somewhere that he wouldnt be coaching the rest of the year as being an audition for the job but more an opportunity for the players to develop and have the chance to play ( without as great a restriction on flair and ability ) Might just be me but running the flag up doesnt do that.

he might well still be on the list but hes losing ground rapidly with recent games.

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

As a caretaker of a club who has become a rabble with a list that has been unavailable or unable to perform in 2013 I am not really sure what people expected Craig to do? Did you expect a positive win loss record when he took over? Do people really think Eade or Choco would have done better?

I think people simply believe a fresh face will see wins - which is simply not true. Judging Craig on the win loss record is about as lazy as you get in making a judgement on a coach.

Fact is Craig is as qualified as Choco or Eade and has the inside knowledge of the list. He's brought in younger players to the side (Clisby and Fity to name 2 successful ones) continues to develop young players already in the side and has a great relationship with the players. Scores have been more competitive although there have been floggings by far superior sides and Craig speaks and presents well as well as promotes a good vision.

The MFC would be no worse off with Craig as a head coach in 2014 - I am happy for the MFC to appoint whoever...... but they'd be silly to discount Craig as easily as people have on this forum

Afterall Craig seems to be reading from the same page as our new President - that's unique in itself - That this club needs to harden up

[DeeMfc 621]

Underrated is Neil Craig. I'd be happy with any of the 3 but Craig does have more knowledge of where we are at and is liked by the players as noted above. The only question is if he can retain the OOC players and IMO If they are not sure they should go anyway.

[beelzebub 23,383]

I certainly didnt expect to win. I certainly didnt expect to start playing like we werent going to. Some of the coaching in recent weeks has been very negative in orchestration ( aka as white flagging )

[Ted Lasso 19,549]

id say choco is the most qualified of the candidates, has a flag, 5 prelims, 2 grand finals and well known as one of the best developers of talent in the comp.

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

I certainly didnt expect to win. I certainly didnt expect to start playing like we werent going to. Some of the coaching in recent weeks has been very negative in orchestration ( aka as white flagging )

So based on your assessment Craig doesn't deserve the job because they were beaten by better sides?

Thanks for sharing but unless you can articulate a decent argument against Craig rather then saying your disappointed the MFC got flogged against the Cats, Roos and Freo (what do these clubs have in common/?) then you're wasting our time

You don't address at any stage the position of the list - you simply expect Craig to do everything - play and coach

I don't mean to be harsh BB but I am pointing out how poor your argument is.... Better sides always [censored] uncompetitive units - I am pretty sure 99% of Demonlander should be able to tell you now that the MFC list is not at a competitive stage - yet you seem to expect/imply that the MFC should be competitive each week against well drilled units and finals bound clubs

You do realise we've won only 2 games this year for a reason? (The list is full of holes)

Edited August 19, 2013 by Unleash Hell

[beelzebub 23,383]

So based on your assessment Craig doesn't deserve the job because they were beaten by better sides?

Thanks for sharing but unless you can articulate a decent argument against Craig rather then saying your disappointed the MFC got flogged against the Cats, Roos and Freo (what do these clubs have in common/?) then you're wasting our time

You don't address at any stage the position of the list - you simply expect Craig to do everything - play and coach

I don't mean to be harsh BB but I am pointing out how poor your argument is.... Better sides always [censored] uncompetitive units - I am pretty sure 99% of Demonlander should be able to tell you now that the MFC list is not at a competitive stage - yet you seem to expect/imply that the MFC should be competitive each week against well drilled units and finals bound clubs

You do realise we've won only 2 games this year for a reason? (The list is full of holes)

Are you a simpleton, simpe minded or simply incapable of reading or rather comprehension.

if you can read...( if ) I said.. Slowly for you.. It was the nature of the losses not that we lost.

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

I certainly didnt expect to win. I certainly didnt expect to start playing like we werent going to. Some of the coaching in recent weeks has been very negative in orchestration ( aka as white flagging )

And by white flagging do you mean they didn't try as there was only 1 on the bench for the second half of the game against Freo??? Am I interpreting that right BB??

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

Are you a simpleton, simpe minded or simply incapable of reading or rather comprehension.

if you can read...( if ) I said.. Slowly for you.. It was the nature of the losses not that we lost.

Haha I am the simpleton

You can't even articulate an argument agains Craig apart from the players didn't try and I am the simpleton

Way to get personal hahahaa

Oh by the way answer my above question - does one player on the bench against a well drilled unit amount to you as not trying???? Get a clue brother

Edited August 19, 2013 by Unleash Hell

[beelzebub 23,383]

And by white flagging do you mean they didn't try as there was only 1 on the bench for the second half of the game against Freo??? Am I interpreting that right BB??

White flagging means...no, not not trying...again ..you seem challenged.. The players ( in the main ) tried. Certain exceptions we all note. White flagging means setting up your side conceding the loss . Neeld was excellent at it. Craig seems to know a few things or two also.

What was Craig defending ffs..a 200 loss ?? would it have even mattered ?? What he did was put us in a position to deny ourselves any nuance of forward opportunities.

i.e he gave up the game. What a a message to send your players... hey guys its ok weve lost ?? f'n brilliant

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

White flagging means...no, not not trying...again ..you seem challenged.. The players ( in the main ) tried. Certain exceptions we all note. White flagging means setting up your side conceding the loss . Neeld was excellent at it. Craig seems to know a few things or two also.

What was Craig defending ffs..a 200 loss ?? would it have even mattered ?? What he did was put us in a position to deny ourselves any nuance of forward opportunities.

i.e he gave up the game. What a a message to send your players... hey guys its ok weve lost ?? f'n brilliant

All your emotional posting and lack or inability to discuss any facts on their merits indicates you know little about the club or you have a personal dislike to Craig

So you're wasting my time unless you'd like to discuss Craig

If you read or watch anything re Craig you'd find he states the club is at an unacceptable performance level for the whole year, with and without Neeld..... have a look at the link ihttp://www.theage.co...0818-2s4nv.html tell me how Craig accepts the loss?

To answer your other reference about giving up - what tactical moves did Craig miss? Should he flooded the backline with the whole team? C'mon mate you offer unrealistic feedback - How tacitcally do you compete with a top 4 side when multiple players for your team on the ground can't win their 1v1s??

Or were the players not playing for Craig just like Neeld - haha please tell me thats what you meant, it proves you have no idea. Clubs don't win without subsitutions, especially not clubs who have holes all over the ground

I don't think you have a clue about the club which is why I question it...... I don't think you like me calling you out.....All you've offered is waffle, no substance to this discussion at all

Edited August 19, 2013 by Unleash Hell

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

Just to prove I am not a bad guy BB - your argument would be much better served in the Jack Watts thread - I agree with you if you're talking about Watts

Not Craig - Coahcing and players trying are 2 different thiings

When you want to talk about the club making a stand against lazy inconsistent players - I am happy to discuss your argument with you - I stongly believe the club should make s strong stand against them

Edited August 19, 2013 by Unleash Hell

[beelzebub 23,383]

Happy to waste your time UH..

Im not sure you watched the same games

I have no idea about what you are particularly referencing in respect to not having a clue about the club. Very broad brush ..care to fill that in ?

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,939]

Craig's chances blew up in smoke when GWS kicked 7 goals agsinst us in the last qtr

[Cheap Seats 3,310]

Happy to waste your time UH..

Im not sure you watched the same games

I have no idea about what you are particularly referencing in respect to not having a clue about the club. Very broad brush ..care to fill that in ?

My pleasure BB - looks its all good but you started with the personal insults

You stated - the players white flagged - clarifying that NC sets up the team to loose - Since you are so passionate that this is NC's fault maybe you care to detail further how NC is being negligent?

Please explain to me with the talent available on Sunday - based on experience and talent how should have the team performed? I am trying to keep this as simple as possible as there are multiple scenarios that can be discussed

Freo are a top 4 side - are you saying Criag was expected to win the game? WIth multiple forwards missing were we meant to kick a bigger score - or was our superior midfeild meant to out run and out class Freo??? Please clarify

Only to top it off by losing 4 players and having 1 for rotations - How did Craig not meet expectiations?

If you check out this linl _ ill do you a favour advise you to skip to the last minute - http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2013-08-18/glen-bartlett-speech - Thats a pretty good endorsement of Craig IMO

I think people opinions on what this club should be acheiving in 2013 are very inflated - I don't mean to offend you personally BB I am trying to make a point that this Club needs a strong leader to caoch the Club and NC is a bloody good candidate you are willing to write off