POST MATCH DISCUSSION

[Dwight Schrute 16,751]

Howe isn't giving his all in my opinion. Brad Green, Brad Johnson, these guys played tall, and Howe is a much better mark than them. There's no reason why he can't be kicking 3-4 goals a week. Has he even kicked one this year?

A big part of it is he is copping the best defender and they are wearing him like a glove, but i agree, i think he is used to getting the 3rd or 4th defender and not having to work so hard to find space, now he is just totally out of depth

[Fat Tony 4,403]

A big part of it is he is copping the best defender and they are wearing him like a glove, but i agree, i think he is used to getting the 3rd or 4th defender and not having to work so hard to find space, now he is just totally out of depth

It is mostly that we aren't getting it into our forward line fast enough.

[Slartibartfast 15,761]

It's just so depressing when you watch a round of AFL footy and see some great games, close contests and tight battles, and then you rock up to watch your team (something that we all love doing) and the game is not even a contest at any stage. You get nothing from it - no highlights, no memorable passage of play, nothing to enjoy - and perhaps even worse you don't feel any emotion. I just sat there watching the game totally withdrawn, with no rage and no anger at what was unfolding in front of me. Can you imagine a more peaceful 100 point loss? Normally you would feel gutted, but not us Melbourne supporters, we've had it all beaten out of us to the point where we just turn up waiting for it to happen.

I take a broader view of AFL footy than many here and as I was walking home from the game on Sunday I wondered what I'd do to help the club if I was running the AFL.

I couldn't come up with anything that is in any way possible. Some will argue for a priority pick but one PP next year will not solve our problems. The AFL have helped secure a competent CEO who has lured a competent coach but the problems seems so deep I just wonder how long is needed to rectify the damage done over the recent past and whether the MFC will survive that period.

I know Scoop and know what a passionate supporter he is and what a passionate supporting family he comes from. I'm much older than him and in the not too distant past used to have restless nights in anticipation of a MFC game. But like Scoop I sat through Sundays game with not any excitement, no anticipation, no emotion and no anger. I just expected it. When we kicked our second goal in the third quarter I couldn't understand our supporters excitement. I reckon I'm as welded on as they come but on my walk home I also wondered how I could add some excitement to the year (because excitement is what footy used to be) and I'm seriously considering following another team for the year. Not forever, not paid up, but just to try and put some fun into footy. I've watched many of my passionate friends lose interest. They didn't want to but they just aren't interested in witnessing regular 100 point thrashings any more. They just don't enjoy being totally non competitive and I think, like me, many saw hope this year only to see it gutted on Sunday.

I was absolutely bullish in the preseason. I saw a Darren Lehmann like led recovery. But as Choko said in a post, the players are mentally shot just as the supporters are mentally shot.

Franky31 is another I know. His posts in the last few weeks are atypical and reek of the frustration of investing emotionally in this mob and I don't blame him. At least he has the energy to be angry but I'm not even angry any more.

Tasmania will most probably have a team when the next TV rights come about. 19 teams don't seem practical. If we don't emerge very quickly and reactivate the supporter base there will hardly be a whimper when the oldest club in the competition is relocated. And that might suit the AFL very nicely.

The next 10 weeks might well tell the most important part of our history.

[Fat Tony 4,403]

I take a broader view of AFL footy than many here and as I was walking home from the game on Sunday I wondered what I'd do to help the club if I was running the AFL.

I couldn't come up with anything that is in any way possible. Some will argue for a priority pick but one PP next year will not solve our problems. The AFL have helped secure a competent CEO who has lured a competent coach but the problems seems so deep I just wonder how long is needed to rectify the damage done over the recent past and whether the MFC will survive that period.

I know Scoop and know what a passionate supporter he is and what a passionate supporting family he comes from. I'm much older than him and in the not too distant past used to have restless nights in anticipation of a MFC game. But like Scoop I sat through Sundays game with not any excitement, no anticipation, no emotion and no anger. I just expected it. When we kicked our second goal in the third quarter I couldn't understand our supporters excitement. I reckon I'm as welded on as they come but on my walk home I also wondered how I could add some excitement to the year (because excitement is what footy used to be) and I'm seriously considering following another team for the year. Not forever, not paid up, but just to try and put some fun into footy. I've watched many of my passionate friends lose interest. They didn't want to but they just aren't interested in witnessing regular 100 point thrashings any more. They just don't enjoy being totally non competitive and I think, like me, many saw hope this year only to see it gutted on Sunday.

I was absolutely bullish in the preseason. I saw a Darren Lehmann like led recovery. But as Choko said in a post, the players are mentally shot just as the supporters are mentally shot.

Franky31 is another I know. His posts in the last few weeks are atypical and reek of the frustration of investing emotionally in this mob and I don't blame him. At least he has the energy to be angry but I'm not even angry any more.

Tasmania will most probably have a team when the next TV rights come about. 19 teams don't seem practical. If we don't emerge very quickly and reactivate the supporter base there will hardly be a whimper when the oldest club in the competition is relocated. And that might suit the AFL very nicely.

The next 10 weeks might well tell the most important part of our history.

Tasmanians already follow there own teams and players won't want to live there. It is not a viable option IMO.

[P-man 13,168]

There's always next week, BB.

If we lose to GWS by 100 points, you can take some temporary leave.

[gsmith12 491]

I'm as frustrated as I ever have been in the team I have supported with much passion for over 60 years.

When I read the team for the Eagles clash on Thursday however, I thought a belting was almost a certainty.

Missing 6 automatic selections when fit, most of them talls, and with Fitzy and Tom under fitness clouds, I knew what was in store against a very good side stacked with quality big men.

I am comforted by the reality that we are getting more of the footy, not so how we are disposing of the Sherrin.

Roos is only two weeks in I'm telling myself.

[Scoop Junior 2,963]

I know Scoop and know what a passionate supporter he is and what a passionate supporting family he comes from. I'm much older than him and in the not too distant past used to have restless nights in anticipation of a MFC game. But like Scoop I sat through Sundays game with not any excitement, no anticipation, no emotion and no anger. I just expected it. When we kicked our second goal in the third quarter I couldn't understand our supporters excitement. I reckon I'm as welded on as they come but on my walk home I also wondered how I could add some excitement to the year (because excitement is what footy used to be) and I'm seriously considering following another team for the year. Not forever, not paid up, but just to try and put some fun into footy. I've watched many of my passionate friends lose interest. They didn't want to but they just aren't interested in witnessing regular 100 point thrashings any more. They just don't enjoy being totally non competitive and I think, like me, many saw hope this year only to see it gutted on Sunday.

I guess the one thing we have that cannot be lost is passion. You either have it or you don't.

Your friends may be disillusioned, disgruntled, have lost interest, etc., but I reckon the passion is still there, it just needs to be re-ignited.

The major disappointment for me is that footy is a huge passion of mine (and many others on here) and we are not really getting anything from that passion. It's like if your passion was playing guitar, and everyime you pick up the guitar the strings fall off and you can't play.

Footy can be so much fun, derive such a great range of emotions and provide unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately for us Melbourne supporters footy has not been like that for the last seven years. The things that we used to love - the anticipation and excitement the night before a game, the feeling when the crowd goes wild after a crucial goal is kicked or the momentum starts to build with the Dees, looking forward to watching the replay of the win, working out who needs to beat who in order for us to move up the ladder - we have not experienced any of this over the last seven years.

As I said though the passion is still there and I'll keep going to games. We've just got to hope the experience and excitement returns sooner rather than later so we can enjoy our footy again.

[rpfc 27,453]

The Tassie chestnut...groan.

I will let you know when Tassie are anywhere in their bid - I am related to a consultant hired for their last failed bid.

They are already a tapped market and they have the Hawks and NMFC 'tapping their arse' - they are not getting a club in the foreseeable future.

[Sir Why You Little 34,444]

I guess the one thing we have that cannot be lost is passion. You either have it or you don't.

Your friends may be disillusioned, disgruntled, have lost interest, etc., but I reckon the passion is still there, it just needs to be re-ignited.

The major disappointment for me is that footy is a huge passion of mine (and many others on here) and we are not really getting anything from that passion. It's like if your passion was playing guitar, and everyime you pick up the guitar the strings fall off and you can't play.

Footy can be so much fun, derive such a great range of emotions and provide unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately for us Melbourne supporters footy has not been like that for the last seven years. The things that we used to love - the anticipation and excitement the night before a game, the feeling when the crowd goes wild after a crucial goal is kicked or the momentum starts to build with the Dees, looking forward to watching the replay of the win, working out who needs to beat who in order for us to move up the ladder - we have not experienced any of this over the last seven years.

As I said though the passion is still there and I'll keep going to games. We've just got to hope the experience and excitement returns sooner rather than later so we can enjoy our footy again.

i often wonder if Cameron Schwab still scans this site.

He must be so proud of his achievements of turning this once great club into a complete shambles...

[Damo 2,988]

For 17 years a bunch of old hacks(we weren't then and some will say speak for yourself) and myself do circle work twice a week. The demon jumpers used to make up 20% of the colours "going around". We are an inner circle of demons. Most of us have lost kids to other clubs. Now Im getting emails from the most fervent supporters I know truly asking at what time do you give in.

All I can say is that like a nick name you hate (Ive had a few) you cant change your label. Even if you follow the saints or North, everyone who knows you knows you will be a demon forever.

[Slartibartfast 15,761]

The Tassie chestnut...groan.

I will let you know when Tassie are anywhere in their bid - I am related to a consultant hired for their last failed bid.

They are already a tapped market and they have the Hawks and NMFC 'tapping their arse' - they are not getting a club in the foreseeable future.

You say that with the same confidence you expressed in Neeld, McLardy, Stynes and Schwab. Your view, held by many, failed to anticipate a reasonably foreseeable outcome.

http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/cmon-tassie-we-need-a-team-effort/story-fnj4f7h7-1226862240976

Try and think ahead this time or you'll be protesting in front of AFL house as the players board the boat to Tassi.

[Fat Tony 4,403]

You say that with the same confidence you expressed in Neeld, McLardy, Stynes and Schwab. Your view, held by many, failed to anticipate a reasonably foreseeable outcome.

http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/cmon-tassie-we-need-a-team-effort/story-fnj4f7h7-1226862240976

Try and think ahead this time or you'll be protesting in front of AFL house as the players board the boat to Tassi.

Our best option, if we were to consider a relocation, would be to merge with GWS or GCS. Tassie would be disaster.

[praha 10,278]

There is no media market in Tassie. It won't work.

[Akum 2,660]

I take a broader view of AFL footy than many here and as I was walking home from the game on Sunday I wondered what I'd do to help the club if I was running the AFL.

I couldn't come up with anything that is in any way possible. Some will argue for a priority pick but one PP next year will not solve our problems. The AFL have helped secure a competent CEO who has lured a competent coach but the problems seems so deep I just wonder how long is needed to rectify the damage done over the recent past and whether the MFC will survive that period.

I know Scoop and know what a passionate supporter he is and what a passionate supporting family he comes from. I'm much older than him and in the not too distant past used to have restless nights in anticipation of a MFC game. But like Scoop I sat through Sundays game with not any excitement, no anticipation, no emotion and no anger. I just expected it. When we kicked our second goal in the third quarter I couldn't understand our supporters excitement. I reckon I'm as welded on as they come but on my walk home I also wondered how I could add some excitement to the year (because excitement is what footy used to be) and I'm seriously considering following another team for the year. Not forever, not paid up, but just to try and put some fun into footy. I've watched many of my passionate friends lose interest. They didn't want to but they just aren't interested in witnessing regular 100 point thrashings any more. They just don't enjoy being totally non competitive and I think, like me, many saw hope this year only to see it gutted on Sunday.

I was absolutely bullish in the preseason. I saw a Darren Lehmann like led recovery. But as Choko said in a post, the players are mentally shot just as the supporters are mentally shot.

Franky31 is another I know. His posts in the last few weeks are atypical and reek of the frustration of investing emotionally in this mob and I don't blame him. At least he has the energy to be angry but I'm not even angry any more.

Tasmania will most probably have a team when the next TV rights come about. 19 teams don't seem practical. If we don't emerge very quickly and reactivate the supporter base there will hardly be a whimper when the oldest club in the competition is relocated. And that might suit the AFL very nicely.

The next 10 weeks might well tell the most important part of our history.

I can understand this, but I have a hunch it's not too far away.

I wonder if Roos, remembering their great fast attacking ball movement in that game in 2010, made the assumption that that they could do it naturally and it was something he didn't need to teach them. He didn't realise how much that was knocked out of them in the past 2 years.

The JKH goal was interesting. The ball rolled to Bail in traffic deep in defence, he charged through a gap and ran hard and direct. Dunn had only about a metre break on an opponent, but Bail kicked it well to Dunn's advantage (I had to replay it a couple of times to be sure it was Bail) and Dunn was good enough to mark it. He saw JKH charging through the middle, again with only a small break on an opponent, and kicked it in front of him, so he could run on and goal. A hard smart run, two intelligent (tho' not necessarily pinpoint) kicks and a goal.

Sure, the WCE foot was well off the pedal at that stage, but it showed that hard running and intelligent disposal is not beyond them - even guys like Bail.

I suppose the question has always been - even in 2010 - can they ever be capable of doing this under pressure? If we can't hurt the opposition when we've got the ball, we're going to struggle, no matter how many possessions or clearances we win.

And if Roos can't get them to unlearn kicking-to-stationary-contests and relearn attacking ball movement, nobody can.

[praha 10,278]

I don't care how much of the pill they got, how improved our midfield is, or how depleted our forward line is, they were deplorable.

This video goes to some length to show a handful of instances that demonstrate how lacking the team was on the day. From a few seconds into the game they stopped running and didn't care. This video is damning.,

[Sir Why You Little 34,444]

I don't care how much of the pill they got, how improved our midfield is, or how depleted our forward line is, they were deplorable.

This video goes to some length to show a handful of instances that demonstrate how lacking the team was on the day. From a few seconds into the game they stopped running and didn't care. This video is damning.,

and some on here still said they saw improvement!!

Game over 10 minute into the first Q.

It was disgusting.

[Damo 2,988]

There are many reasons why this is uncalled for, unfair and disgusting.

But its really funny.

[nutbean 8,837]

and some on here still said they saw improvement!!

Game over 10 minute into the first Q.

It was disgusting.

There was improvement.

Last year we never got near the ball - got creamed in the possession and they walked around us like we were standing still.

Sunday we got lots of the ball and then gave it up to the eagles and they walked around us like we were standing still.

In all seriousness - we stunk it up big time on Sunday - but last year we didn't get the ball at all so we didn't fumble it or turn it over. So far this year we are horrific ball butcherers, we are fumblers and poor executors. But as opposed to last year at least Roo's doesn't have to teach them how to actually get a football. He just has the monumental task of teaching them what to do when they have it in their hands.

[Sir Why You Little 34,444]

There was improvement.

Last year we never got near the ball - got creamed in the possession and they walked around us like we were standing still.

Sunday we got lots of the ball and then gave it up to the eagles and they walked around us like we were standing still.

In all seriousness - we stunk it up big time on Sunday - but last year we didn't get the ball at all so we didn't fumble it or turn it over. So far this year we are horrific ball butcherers, we are fumblers and poor executors. But as opposed to last year at least Roo's doesn't have to teach them how to actually get a football. He just has the monumental task of teaching them what to do when they have it in their hands.

Merely a different stink Nut.

We are still as inept at this point.

[jumbo returns 6,488]

We are an AFL sponsored club.....but for how long? When Demetriou goes, the new CEO may have another agenda.

As far as recruiting goes? [censored] them too!

The AFL should do our recruiting for us as well.

[nutbean 8,837]

Merely a different stink Nut.

We are still as inept at this point.

agree 100%.

And I will not defend the drivel which was served up and some of the half hearted efforts.

HOWEVER - you cannot improve if you can't get the ball in your hands. To some extent that is one of last years problems that has somewhat been fixed.

Roos has hit it on the head where he says he has to separate not having a forward line and some of the errors that were evident on Sunday.

[Sir Why You Little 34,444]

agree 100%.

And I will not defend the drivel which was served up and some of the half hearted efforts.

HOWEVER - you cannot improve if you can't get the ball in your hands. To some extent that is one of last years problems that has somewhat been fixed.

Roos has hit it on the head where he says he has to separate not having a forward line and some of the errors that were evident on Sunday.

Oh yes. Not denying we got the ball. But when 5-7 year mids fumble and don't spread like a first gamer the "improvement" is negated in my eyes.

I was shocked on sunday. I didn't even yell at the TV!! It was that bad....

[Scipio 5,868]

I don't care how much of the pill they got, how improved our midfield is, or how depleted our forward line is, they were deplorable.

This video goes to some length to show a handful of instances that demonstrate how lacking the team was on the day. From a few seconds into the game they stopped running and didn't care. This video is damning.,

That video makes me sick.

[Bitter but optimistic 21,247]

Howe isn't giving his all in my opinion. Brad Green, Brad Johnson, these guys played tall, and Howe is a much better mark than them. There's no reason why he can't be kicking 3-4 goals a week. Has he even kicked one this year?

Brad Green knew how, when and where to lead. Howe needs to learn this. Brad Green was a far more physical player than Howe and could play body on body footy. Brad Green was goal hungry and demanded the ball. We don't seem to have anybody with that attitude.

[ManDee 7,077]

Brad Green knew how, when and where to lead. Howe needs to learn this. Brad Green was a far more physical player than Howe and could play body on body footy. Brad Green was goal hungry and demanded the ball. We don't seem to have anybody with that attitude.

We do, he is injured.