Now where have I heard something similar to that before.......

Oh, that's right: empty platitudes served up after round 1, 2013, when, surprise, surprise, the players couldn't be arsed. Why even bother emailing the club when you know this is all that you're going to get in response. (In my defense, I was just made redundant when I sent my previous misguided email, and I'm sure you all remember that particular trainwreck of a game.)

I'll believe we've turned the corner when I see it. We've seen glimpses, but obviously, they're still nowhere near it.

Those emails are vastly different, firstly the a in afternoon has gone from upper to lower case and secondly the R in regards has gone from lower to upper case.

There is no question that our best is better than the last 2 or 3 years.

From 5 years ago:

"""

The Demons scored the opening goal after just 21 seconds and led seven goals to one after little more than 10 minutes in a horror opening for the Swans.
Melbourne posted 50 points (8.2) to just two goals in a dominant first quarter, Sydney's worst start to a game in almost two years.

"""

Not so sure our best now is better than that day - I was there, and it was the closest thing to good footy I'd seen since the Rev and Swooper teams in their prime.

I have no interest in words from the Club. Show me the wins.

From our website - Roos explaining what he intended: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-08-26/were-heading-in-right-direction-roos

I had a laugh at this: “You understand sometimes people misinterpret what you say. I’m happy to correct that, whether it be Caroline Wilson’s article today (Wednesday), which was spot on, but I think Robbo is still a bit confused. But that’s OK, I’ll address that with him on Monday night [at AFL 360].

Roos in fine form: calling out Robbo's 'confusion' (which to me seems to be a permanent affliction ). 360 may be worth watching again next week just to see that little tet-a-tet!

Now that I have had a laugh I feel a lot more positive about the last few days.

I can't imagine a winter without supporting the Dees whether they regularly break my heart or not.

So I am back on board the Roos bandwagon...yes I know I forgive easily...

To the players please put up a decent effort in the last 2 games...you owe us to show some ticker.

What [censored] me off was Roosy saying he 'lives' his job but people like lawyers & doctors etc who write him emails go to work 9-5 and can switch off when their day at work is done....... Are you that out of touch Roosy? You just named 2 of the most stressful professions out there & my lawyer father has been working mostly 7 days a week for 40 years!! Going to the footy is one of the few things we do to have a break from our daily grind (which often gives me sleepless nights too buddy) & all we've been served up as 20+ years of loyal membership is a half assed performance like the last 2 weeks & then for you to put it on us for being negative!! How bout giving me a [censored] reason to be positive?!?

I've been one of Roosy's biggest fans around here, & maybe we are a bit of a negative bunch. But so are many tiger fans I know & I've never heard Dimma complain!!! Your paid $1m+ to coach footy mate, not save people's lives like doctors do. Most jobs engulf people's lives, that's why footy often means so much to people, it's there chance to forget their stress (unless they follow the mfc).

There is no question that our best is better than the last 2 or 3 years.

From 5 years ago:

"""

The Demons scored the opening goal after just 21 seconds and led seven goals to one after little more than 10 minutes in a horror opening for the Swans.

Melbourne posted 50 points (8.2) to just two goals in a dominant first quarter, Sydney's worst start to a game in almost two years.

"""

Not so sure our best now is better than that day - I was there, and it was the closest thing to good footy I'd seen since the Rev and Swooper teams in their prime.

I have no interest in words from the Club. Show me the wins.

Stop bringing up that game. It's relevance is only getting lower and lower.

As you said - 5 years ago...

How the [censored] would Thomas know any of that? Pipe down, Thomas. You were a failure as a coach and an ordinary footballer.

C&B, if you are going to interpolate, then please read the post in context. At no stage did I say that the players I named are mentally weak. I said they're buggered - physically - from carrying most of the team thus far. It is the lack of mental toughness and a diminishing skill level as you go down the list, that is, in my opinion, the root cause of the drop off. I have the utmost admiration for those "5 or 6 players' I named, but they need some of their team mates to lend their support.

You've come no closer to answering my original question: If this list is so untalented, HOW did they get three excellent wins this year? You are now altering what you said before to talk about the talent not going deep enough - but it has been the same depth all year and that depth has been adequate for a great win on three ocassions. Why is it INadequate the rest of the time? How can this be?

We fcuking never should HAVE drafted Jack watts ................

Edit: too many froffeees

Edited August 26, 201510 yr by Henrietta Lumbago

We fcuking never should of drafted Jack watts ................

should HAVE

Last thing we want is to start eating our own....eg tigers

Roosy was stating some obvious facts about our club....

We all knew this was going to be a long term plan & rebuild, let Rossy complete his time...

Stay united!

What [censored] me off was Roosy saying he 'lives' his job but people like lawyers & doctors etc who write him emails go to work 9-5 and can switch off when their day at work is done....... Are you that out of touch Roosy? You just named 2 of the most stressful professions out there & my lawyer father has been working mostly 7 days a week for 40 years!! Going to the footy is one of the few things we do to have a break from our daily grind (which often gives me sleepless nights too buddy) & all we've been served up as 20+ years of loyal membership is a half assed performance like the last 2 weeks & then for you to put it on us for being negative!! How bout giving me a [censored] reason to be positive?!?

I've been one of Roosy's biggest fans around here, & maybe we are a bit of a negative bunch. But so are many tiger fans I know & I've never heard Dimma complain!!! Your paid $1m+ to coach footy mate, not save people's lives like doctors do. Most jobs engulf people's lives, that's why footy often means so much to people, it's there chance to forget their stress (unless they follow the mfc).

I heard the stereotype about lawyers/doctors. Is this Roos carrying through a stereotype grudge/image of the silvertail rep we may have had up till our split from the MCC in the 80s during his playing days?

Was one of my all time favorites/idols as a Roy Boy when I was a youngster as my first team was the Lions until about 6 and always my 2nd team thereafter. I would even give the "Roos" call at any Fitzroy games when we played agaInst them.

However, he has lost me on this. Sorry but I cant forgive a coach that pots his own supporters.

Like the players... he obviously doesnt give a crap about the supporters. So I wont be giving a crap or another red cent to them either.

Live by the sword....

Edited August 26, 201510 yr by Rusty Nails

I heard the stereotype about lawyers/doctors. Is this Roos carrying through a stereotype grudge/image of the silvertail rep we may have had up till our split from the MCC in the 80s during his playing days?

Was one of my all time favorites/idols as a Roy Boy when I was a youngster as my first team was the Lions until about 6 and always my 2nd team thereafter. I would even give the "Roos" call at any Fitzroy games when we played agaInst them.

However, he has lost me on this. Sorry but I cant forgive a coach that pots his own supporters.

Like the players... he obviously doesnt give a crap about the supporters. So I wont be giving a crap or another red cent to them either.

Live by the sword....

Boys, boys, boys; it's a game called Aussie Rules. There are winners, there are losers. Times change. From 1955 to 1964 we were the winners. From 1987 to 1992 we were thereabouts, ditto 1994, ditto 1998 and various years under Daniher. We've been shite ever since, none of it the fault of the Roos. What he's paid is irrelevant. He was employed to fix a stagnant, cesspool. Unfortunately there is residual dross to clear, dross recruited by men who ought to have known better. Then again, the draft is a lottery. Then again, when you drop in some names we've rolled the dice with and you can see that we ain't the best dice rollers in the business.

In the meantime, when Melbourne plays well - as it does all too infrequently - one can see hope for the future. Remember we would have looked a better side were Frost, Pederson, Kent, Salem, Tyson, Vandenburg, Petracca,Trengove etc been available more than they have been. Okay, the same scenario applies to every side.

I know I felt way more confident at the start of this year then I'd felt for a long time and I accept that so many of the club's efforts have been below par, but I still have faith that with the quality of the lads coming through - most of whom have had expectations way beyond their capacity thrust on them - that Roos has pointed us in the right direction.

Okay, armchair pundits like Matthew Lloyd and Gary Lyon have pointed out deficits in Roos's so called game plan but I'd like both of them to answer how one is to affect an alternative 'contemporary' game plan when saddled with troops like Terlich, Mat Jones, Bail, Riley and McKenzie. This is not meant as a slight to these men, I just acknowledge the fact that they are not up to the standard required of elite AFl players. And the bottom line is that apart from Jetta and Mc Donald, not one of our defenders would get a regular game with any other club. These are, please remember, inherited troops.

I also believe that when the bible claims that jesus turned water into wine it was having us plebs on, maybe begging us to aspire, most of us, to levels we're not meant to be at.

Roos was never going to turn a lot of water into wine at MFC, simply cos he ain't jesus.He's Paul Roos.

Boys, boys, boys; it's a game called Aussie Rules. There are winners, there are losers. Times change. From 1955 to 1964 we were the winners. From 1987 to 1992 we were thereabouts, ditto 1994, ditto 1998 and various years under Daniher. We've been shite ever since, none of it the fault of the Roos. What he's paid is irrelevant. He was employed to fix a stagnant, cesspool. Unfortunately there is residual dross to clear, dross recruited by men who ought to have known better. Then again, the draft is a lottery. Then again, when you drop in some names we've rolled the dice with and you can see that we ain't the best dice rollers in the business.

In the meantime, when Melbourne plays well - as it does all too infrequently - one can see hope for the future. Remember we would have looked a better side were Frost, Pederson, Kent, Salem, Tyson, Vandenburg, Petracca,Trengove etc been available more than they have been. Okay, the same scenario applies to every side.

I know I felt way more confident at the start of this year then I'd felt for a long time and I accept that so many of the club's efforts have been below par, but I still have faith that with the quality of the lads coming through - most of whom have had expectations way beyond their capacity thrust on them - that Roos has pointed us in the right direction.

Okay, armchair pundits like Matthew Lloyd and Gary Lyon have pointed out deficits in Roos's so called game plan but I'd like both of them to answer how one is to affect an alternative 'contemporary' game plan when saddled with troops like Terlich, Mat Jones, Bail, Riley and McKenzie. This is not meant as a slight to these men, I just acknowledge the fact that they are not up to the standard required of elite AFl players. And the bottom line is that apart from Jetta and Mc Donald, not one of our defenders would get a regular game with any other club. These are, please remember, inherited troops.

I also believe that when the bible claims that jesus turned water into wine it was having us plebs on, maybe begging us to aspire, most of us, to levels we're not meant to be at.

Roos was never going to turn a lot of water into wine at MFC, simply cos he ain't jesus.He's Paul Roos.

Have no qualms or argument that the list is far from AFL competitive dieter.

Nor was I stating that I expect instant results. I predicted 4 - 6 wins this season so hardly had high expectations.

What I do expexct from a top line coach is to at the very least see a hard nosed, never say die competitive outfit run out and give it their all for100 minutes every match win lose or draw.

The fact that they still dont after two pre seasons under Roos is a huge worry. You can cover some ugly traits like horrible turnovers and poor skills if the players are willing to die for the cause. But to do so they have to come out all guns blazing from the get go as a bare minimum.

Persistence in football will sometimes get you over the line in some matches provided every player commits. This is more about the players attitude and commitment than their skills/talent. Members will accept skill v talent equation and that it takes time to improve the list/skills with drafts etc and takes

You can have all the talent in the world but if you aren't going to fully commit you will more than likely be beaten by a more committed opponent, even if that opponent is the worst team in the competition, as Carlton were up until they met us on Sunday.

The members don't run out onto the ground and kick the footy etc. To pot the members is just rediculous and smacks of a man who is unwilling or unable to see the forest for the trees. The No.1 bare minimum a coach should be able to extract from a team is a committed agressive one that never quits at any point in a match.

We still have far too many players who are "deciding" when they wish to go or not.

No other club would/does tolerate this for long even though it does go on (eg, Carlton against the Hawks a few weeks before us).

This is about the players and the coach's ability to motivate them or assist them in motivating themselves. They are all getting paid handsomely and have no excuses. We certainly shouldn't be used to deflect. Roos & the players need to win when expected to win like Sunday and stop looking outside for reasons as to why they didn't.

Have no qualms or argument that the list is far from AFL competitive dieter.

Nor was I stating that I expect instant results. I predicted 4 - 6 wins this season so hardly had high expectations.

What I do expexct from a top line coach is to at the very least see a hard nosed, never say die competitive outfit run out and give it their all for100 minutes every match win lose or draw.

The fact that they still dont after two pre seasons under Roos is a huge worry. You can cover some ugly traits like horrible turnovers and poor skills if the players are willing to die for the cause. But to do so they have to come out all guns blazing from the get go as a bare minimum.

Persistence in football will sometimes get you over the line in some matches provided every player commits. This is more about the players attitude and commitment than their skills/talent. Members will accept skill v talent equation and that it takes time to improve the list/skills with drafts etc and takes

You can have all the talent in the world but if you aren't going to fully commit you will more than likely be beaten by a more committed opponent, even if that opponent is the worst team in the competition, as Carlton were up until they met us on Sunday.

The members don't run out onto the ground and kick the footy etc. To pot the members is just rediculous and smacks of a man who is unwilling or unable to see the forest for the trees. The No.1 bare minimum a coach should be able to extract from a team is a committed agressive one that never quits at any point in a match.

We still have far too many players who are "deciding" when they wish to go or not.

No other club would/does tolerate this for long even though it does go on (eg, Carlton against the Hawks a few weeks before us).

This is about the players and the coach's ability to motivate them or assist them in motivating themselves. They are all getting paid handsomely and have no excuses. We certainly shouldn't be used to deflect. Roos & the players need to win when expected to win like Sunday and stop looking outside for reasons as to why they didn't.

Excellent

Roos talking to Matt Burgan on the club web site says he wants the players to come out and play angry on the weekend. He gets it, of course. The question is, do the playing group?

I'm concerned the players might think he has no idea.

Have no qualms or argument that the list is far from AFL competitive dieter.

Nor was I stating that I expect instant results. I predicted 4 - 6 wins this season so hardly had high expectations.

What I do expexct from a top line coach is to at the very least see a hard nosed, never say die competitive outfit run out and give it their all for100 minutes every match win lose or draw.

The fact that they still dont after two pre seasons under Roos is a huge worry. You can cover some ugly traits like horrible turnovers and poor skills if the players are willing to die for the cause. But to do so they have to come out all guns blazing from the get go as a bare minimum.

Persistence in football will sometimes get you over the line in some matches provided every player commits. This is more about the players attitude and commitment than their skills/talent. Members will accept skill v talent equation and that it takes time to improve the list/skills with drafts etc and takes

You can have all the talent in the world but if you aren't going to fully commit you will more than likely be beaten by a more committed opponent, even if that opponent is the worst team in the competition, as Carlton were up until they met us on Sunday.

The members don't run out onto the ground and kick the footy etc. To pot the members is just rediculous and smacks of a man who is unwilling or unable to see the forest for the trees. The No.1 bare minimum a coach should be able to extract from a team is a committed agressive one that never quits at any point in a match.

We still have far too many players who are "deciding" when they wish to go or not.

No other club would/does tolerate this for long even though it does go on (eg, Carlton against the Hawks a few weeks before us).

This is about the players and the coach's ability to motivate them or assist them in motivating themselves. They are all getting paid handsomely and have no excuses. We certainly shouldn't be used to deflect. Roos & the players need to win when expected to win like Sunday and stop looking outside for reasons as to why they didn't.

Exactamundo

Roos talking to Matt Burgan on the club web site says he wants the players to come out and play angry on the weekend. He gets it, of course. The question is, do the playing group?

So why didn't they play like 'maniacs' last week like Roos said they would? Roos clearly hasn't worked out yet how to make them angry and then direct that anger at the opposition.

Non-negotiable 4 tackle minimum from each player. FFS its only 1 a quarter. Gang tackles. Rub their faces in the dirt kind of angry.

Wouldn't have thought this bunch of pea hearts has it in them....

So why didn't they play like 'maniacs' last week like Roos said they would?

....

Wouldn't have thought this bunch of pea hearts has it in them....

I think you might have answered your question. It's the players. As a group. They just aren't up to it. So you turn over as many of the weak links that you can.

What a sad conclusion after all these years. We just don't have the cattle.

Edited August 26, 201510 yr by frankie_d

So why didn't they play like 'maniacs' last week like Roos said they would? Roos clearly hasn't worked out yet how to make them angry and then direct that anger at the opposition.

Non-negotiable 4 tackle minimum from each player. FFS its only 1 a quarter. Gang tackles. Rub their faces in the dirt kind of angry.

Wouldn't have thought this bunch of pea hearts has it in them....

The worst thing is that I'm sure some us are allowing a tiny little spark at the back of our minds - all the controversy of the week will ignite the group and they will come out breathing fire, to record the upset of the year... this will not happen BUT even if it did, you could rest assured that having performed under the pressure of this week's discontent, the following week they would sink back into their comfort zone of doing SFA and losing handsomely. This is what infuriates me, WHY are they unable to build on their achievement and have some belief?

Hey, stop being so negative fellas......

Remember how under Daniher we had to get more ruthless? I reckon that squad would spank the current crop! Go ahead & prove us wrong this week against Freo boys!!

You've come no closer to answering my original question: If this list is so untalented, HOW did they get three excellent wins this year? You are now altering what you said before to talk about the talent not going deep enough - but it has been the same depth all year and that depth has been adequate for a great win on three ocassions. Why is it INadequate the rest of the time? How can this be?

No I haven't. The message remains the same. When the job that has to be done, is left in the hands of a few, who drag the rest of the group through with them, then this is simply not sustainable. You will not see and we have not seen wins being strung together. Until we see the workload spread more evenly across the group, supporter frustration will continue to abound.

Boys, boys, boys; it's a game called Aussie Rules. There are winners, there are losers. Times change. From 1955 to 1964 we were the winners. From 1987 to 1992 we were thereabouts, ditto 1994, ditto 1998 and various years under Daniher. We've been shite ever since, none of it the fault of the Roos. What he's paid is irrelevant. He was employed to fix a stagnant, cesspool. Unfortunately there is residual dross to clear, dross recruited by men who ought to have known better. Then again, the draft is a lottery. Then again, when you drop in some names we've rolled the dice with and you can see that we ain't the best dice rollers in the business.

In the meantime, when Melbourne plays well - as it does all too infrequently - one can see hope for the future. Remember we would have looked a better side were Frost, Pederson, Kent, Salem, Tyson, Vandenburg, Petracca,Trengove etc been available more than they have been. Okay, the same scenario applies to every side.

I know I felt way more confident at the start of this year then I'd felt for a long time and I accept that so many of the club's efforts have been below par, but I still have faith that with the quality of the lads coming through - most of whom have had expectations way beyond their capacity thrust on them - that Roos has pointed us in the right direction.

Okay, armchair pundits like Matthew Lloyd and Gary Lyon have pointed out deficits in Roos's so called game plan but I'd like both of them to answer how one is to affect an alternative 'contemporary' game plan when saddled with troops like Terlich, Mat Jones, Bail, Riley and McKenzie. This is not meant as a slight to these men, I just acknowledge the fact that they are not up to the standard required of elite AFl players. And the bottom line is that apart from Jetta and Mc Donald, not one of our defenders would get a regular game with any other club. These are, please remember, inherited troops.

I also believe that when the bible claims that jesus turned water into wine it was having us plebs on, maybe begging us to aspire, most of us, to levels we're not meant to be at.

Roos was never going to turn a lot of water into wine at MFC, simply cos he ain't jesus.He's Paul Roos.

We need someone who can work a miracle...

We need someone who can work a miracle...

Hopefully you are kidding. He is a big part of the problems this club has been going through.

Titus O'Reily is very funny, but every now and then he also gets serious and again he is bang on the money with this piece.