There are as many views to football as there are people really but one that often resonates among a fair few is the notion that sport , at the elite level especially , is a game played between the ears.

What this suggests is given  the vast majority of all playing are similarly fit  and able  then there must be a particular aspect that separates the winners from the also-rans. This quality is invariably ascribed to all that which goes on in players minds, both in the contest and prior with preparation.

A very big part of this mental state  is what is colloquially known as the buy-in. It's to do with belief not only in the individuals ability and preparedness to use it 100% but what he/she can contribute, what their fellow players are capable of and belief in them and a commitment to the strategies of the coaches and club in general.  When this happens great synergy develop resulting in the sum being greater than its parts.

Another thread asks where or what we might achieve in 2017. Whatever that will be will be only and because of the degree of buy-in  that occurs. If there's a less than 100% harmonic then the machine doesn't purr at its loudest.

I'm noticing , and had this discussion with some ( not all Dees either )  that Melbourne seems to be finally gelling. Players are buying in A very noticeable example is Jesse Hogan. I mad a comment ( numerous times ) through the season that he didn't seem 100% committed out there. His body language, his play and results all spoke to this IMHO.. I had the thinking ( still do ) that if he were to 'switch on' he would become that remarkable beast of a footballer we all wish and hope he can. He's signed, he's become a Demon ( wholeheartedly )  he's come back from his break fit and stronger, physically and more importantly I feel mentally.

Petracca realises he'd been stuffing around. He's also back fitter, leaner, and more hungry to show the club, his team mates and the long suffering supporter that he , and the club mean business.

The buy-in can come from unexpected sources too. Jordan Lewis surprised the football world with a trade request to....Melbourne. He believes this is the team going somewhere and he wants in.

The players , with only an exception or two have returned in excellent shape and demeanor .  The coaches have the footies out early. They  have bought in too, Bought in to the players abilities finally being at a level to lift the gameplan to 'attack'

So when we/you are at the footy, at training of even just listening to interviews etc take note of the attitude  than emanates. There seems little "might" around these days  and a lot more "WILL" and where there's a will as they say , there's the way.

Often when comparing teams ,players etc  you wonder why Team X seems to be doing better than Team Y when really the cloth and the cut seem near identical. The difference I suggest will be the degree of buy-in, the difference will be level of commitment to the contest. Players, teams that have bought in go harder, higher, longer.The individual lift becomes infectious and sustaining.

This is why that long sought success will finally arrive. From the buy-in.

Go Dees

 

Cynicism is the natural protective blanket of most Melbourne supporters but I think there is a lot of sense in your post Beelzebub.

When you combine the factors you mention with the natural enthusiasm injected by a new coach (okay not new in the ordinary sense) the players can enter the season with a feeling of confidence and commitment.

Confidence can be a brittle thing however so it is very important that we get a few good performances under our belt early in the season. From there.... who knows....we may even come to look upon the Darwin game as a welcome winning break from the winter slog

7 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Cynicism is the natural protective blanket of most Melbourne supporters ......

Yeh, sure. Ha ha.

1 hour ago, beelzebub said:

There are as many views to football as there are people really but one that often resonates among a fair few is the notion that sport , at the elite level especially , is a game played between the ears.

What this suggests is given  the vast majority of all playing are similarly fit  and able  then there must be a particular aspect that separates the winners from the also-rans. This quality is invariably ascribed to all that which goes on in players minds, both in the contest and prior with preparation.

A very big part of this mental state  is what is colloquially known as the buy-in. It's to do with belief not only in the individuals ability and preparedness to use it 100% but what he/she can contribute, what their fellow players are capable of and belief in them and a commitment to the strategies of the coaches and club in general.  When this happens great synergy develop resulting in the sum being greater than its parts.

Another thread asks where or what we might achieve in 2017. Whatever that will be will be only and because of the degree of buy-in  that occurs. If there's a less than 100% harmonic then the machine doesn't purr at its loudest.

I'm noticing , and had this discussion with some ( not all Dees either )  that Melbourne seems to be finally gelling. Players are buying in A very noticeable example is Jesse Hogan. I mad a comment ( numerous times ) through the season that he didn't seem 100% committed out there. His body language, his play and results all spoke to this IMHO.. I had the thinking ( still do ) that if he were to 'switch on' he would become that remarkable beast of a footballer we all wish and hope he can. He's signed, he's become a Demon ( wholeheartedly )  he's come back from his break fit and stronger, physically and more importantly I feel mentally.

Petracca realises he'd been stuffing around. He's also back fitter, leaner, and more hungry to show the club, his team mates and the long suffering supporter that he , and the club mean business.

The buy-in can come from unexpected sources too. Jordan Lewis surprised the football world with a trade request to....Melbourne. He believes this is the team going somewhere and he wants in.

The players , with only an exception or two have returned in excellent shape and demeanor .  The coaches have the footies out early. They  have bought in too, Bought in to the players abilities finally being at a level to lift the gameplan to 'attack'

So when we/you are at the footy, at training of even just listening to interviews etc take note of the attitude  than emanates. There seems little "might" around these days  and a lot more "WILL" and where there's a will as they say , there's the way.

Often when comparing teams ,players etc  you wonder why Team X seems to be doing better than Team Y when really the cloth and the cut seem near identical. The difference I suggest will be the degree of buy-in, the difference will be level of commitment to the contest. Players, teams that have bought in go harder, higher, longer.The individual lift becomes infectious and sustaining.

This is why that long sought success will finally arrive. From the buy-in.

Go Dees

 

Who were the 2 out of shape? I presume Clarrie is one.

7 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

Who were the 2 out of shape? I presume Clarrie is one.

Much discussion on another thread I'll leave at that.

23 hours ago, chook fowler said:

Who were the 2 out of shape? I presume Clarrie is one.

I don't think "H" has bought in to being a cog in a Melbourne Premiership team! I would classify him as 'out of shape' mentally!

If they haven't bought in yet (after 3 years of Roos) they never will.

On 30/11/2016 at 10:26 AM, beelzebub said:

There are as many views to football as there are people really but one that often resonates among a fair few is the notion that sport , at the elite level especially , is a game played between the ears.

What this suggests is given  the vast majority of all playing are similarly fit  and able  then there must be a particular aspect that separates the winners from the also-rans. This quality is invariably ascribed to all that which goes on in players minds, both in the contest and prior with preparation.

A very big part of this mental state  is what is colloquially known as the buy-in. It's to do with belief not only in the individuals ability and preparedness to use it 100% but what he/she can contribute, what their fellow players are capable of and belief in them and a commitment to the strategies of the coaches and club in general.  When this happens great synergy develop resulting in the sum being greater than its parts.

Another thread asks where or what we might achieve in 2017. Whatever that will be will be only and because of the degree of buy-in  that occurs. If there's a less than 100% harmonic then the machine doesn't purr at its loudest.

I'm noticing , and had this discussion with some ( not all Dees either )  that Melbourne seems to be finally gelling. Players are buying in A very noticeable example is Jesse Hogan. I mad a comment ( numerous times ) through the season that he didn't seem 100% committed out there. His body language, his play and results all spoke to this IMHO.. I had the thinking ( still do ) that if he were to 'switch on' he would become that remarkable beast of a footballer we all wish and hope he can. He's signed, he's become a Demon ( wholeheartedly )  he's come back from his break fit and stronger, physically and more importantly I feel mentally.

Petracca realises he'd been stuffing around. He's also back fitter, leaner, and more hungry to show the club, his team mates and the long suffering supporter that he , and the club mean business.

The buy-in can come from unexpected sources too. Jordan Lewis surprised the football world with a trade request to....Melbourne. He believes this is the team going somewhere and he wants in.

The players , with only an exception or two have returned in excellent shape and demeanor .  The coaches have the footies out early. They  have bought in too, Bought in to the players abilities finally being at a level to lift the gameplan to 'attack'

So when we/you are at the footy, at training of even just listening to interviews etc take note of the attitude  than emanates. There seems little "might" around these days  and a lot more "WILL" and where there's a will as they say , there's the way.

Often when comparing teams ,players etc  you wonder why Team X seems to be doing better than Team Y when really the cloth and the cut seem near identical. The difference I suggest will be the degree of buy-in, the difference will be level of commitment to the contest. Players, teams that have bought in go harder, higher, longer.The individual lift becomes infectious and sustaining.

This is why that long sought success will finally arrive. From the buy-in.

Go Dees

 

BB l wonder what psychological effect the Dogs premiership has had on the playing group. Perhaps they note genuinely believe it is possible to win a premiership from here now that the Dogs have shown the way. Personally, I believe we have at least as talented a list as them, should we all apply ourselves. Perhaps the players now believe that as well!

 

On ‎30‎/‎11‎/‎2016 at 10:26 AM, beelzebub said:

There are as many views to football as there are people really but one that often resonates among a fair few is the notion that sport , at the elite level especially , is a game played between the ears.

What this suggests is given  the vast majority of all playing are similarly fit  and able  then there must be a particular aspect that separates the winners from the also-rans. This quality is invariably ascribed to all that which goes on in players minds, both in the contest and prior with preparation.

A very big part of this mental state  is what is colloquially known as the buy-in. It's to do with belief not only in the individuals ability and preparedness to use it 100% but what he/she can contribute, what their fellow players are capable of and belief in them and a commitment to the strategies of the coaches and club in general.  When this happens great synergy develop resulting in the sum being greater than its parts.

Another thread asks where or what we might achieve in 2017. Whatever that will be will be only and because of the degree of buy-in  that occurs. If there's a less than 100% harmonic then the machine doesn't purr at its loudest.

I'm noticing , and had this discussion with some ( not all Dees either )  that Melbourne seems to be finally gelling. Players are buying in A very noticeable example is Jesse Hogan. I mad a comment ( numerous times ) through the season that he didn't seem 100% committed out there. His body language, his play and results all spoke to this IMHO.. I had the thinking ( still do ) that if he were to 'switch on' he would become that remarkable beast of a footballer we all wish and hope he can. He's signed, he's become a Demon ( wholeheartedly )  he's come back from his break fit and stronger, physically and more importantly I feel mentally.

Petracca realises he'd been stuffing around. He's also back fitter, leaner, and more hungry to show the club, his team mates and the long suffering supporter that he , and the club mean business.

The buy-in can come from unexpected sources too. Jordan Lewis surprised the football world with a trade request to....Melbourne. He believes this is the team going somewhere and he wants in.

The players , with only an exception or two have returned in excellent shape and demeanor .  The coaches have the footies out early. They  have bought in too, Bought in to the players abilities finally being at a level to lift the gameplan to 'attack'

So when we/you are at the footy, at training of even just listening to interviews etc take note of the attitude  than emanates. There seems little "might" around these days  and a lot more "WILL" and where there's a will as they say , there's the way.

Often when comparing teams ,players etc  you wonder why Team X seems to be doing better than Team Y when really the cloth and the cut seem near identical. The difference I suggest will be the degree of buy-in, the difference will be level of commitment to the contest. Players, teams that have bought in go harder, higher, longer.The individual lift becomes infectious and sustaining.

This is why that long sought success will finally arrive. From the buy-in.

Go Dees

 

These are inspiring words Bub; you need to get down to the club and give the players a pep talk.

6 hours ago, Dees2014 said:

BB l wonder what psychological effect the Dogs premiership has had on the playing group. Perhaps they note genuinely believe it is possible to win a premiership from here now that the Dogs have shown the way. Personally, I believe we have at least as talented a list as them, should we all apply ourselves. Perhaps the players now believe that as well!

I reckon it's a factor.

As is the administration who seems to have everyone reading from the same script.

Culture, belief, buy in.

even more important than mucking around with sports science, supplements etc to get that edge.

if the players buy in and believe everything else starts to fall into place.

I too was worried about Hogans body language last year. wrap to see him cracking in. great post bb

 

So those that don't buy in sell out??

10 hours ago, Red and Bluebeard said:

So those that don't buy in sell out??

actually....yes

On 11/30/2016 at 10:42 AM, Diamond_Jim said:

Cynicism is the natural protective blanket of most Melbourne supporters but I think there is a lot of sense in your post Beelzebub.

When you combine the factors you mention with the natural enthusiasm injected by a new coach (okay not new in the ordinary sense) the players can enter the season with a feeling of confidence and commitment.

Confidence can be a brittle thing however so it is very important that we get a few good performances under our belt early in the season. From there.... who knows....we may even come to look upon the Darwin game as a welcome winning break from the winter slog

Great comments by BB, but buy-in comes when players and club start to see improvement and progress toward their goals. This creates belief that what your doing in training and preparation is translating to competition/matches. This requires some measure of success and I think early success including against top teams will be critical. All athletes need to be feel that all the hard yards/training is paying off on the field of competition. In other words, winning games of footy.

i believe that 'buy in' has been a work in progress.. it helped us get a few wins last year that were out of reach in years past. after last year's excellent NAB challenge games, it seemed that we got over the line against GWS due to a belief that we were a good side and deserved to beat the opposition. hopefully that attitude permeates our season this year and we demolish the saints, roos, blues and bombers (and the rest) to finally rise up to where we should be.

the buy in is about to pay off.

I get shy around exclamation marks, but I'm willing to believe the sentiment is fair.

I would argue that the key difference is that players now actually believe that if they make the extra effort, there will be results and reward for effort.

Not that long ago, the only reasons a player would try hard at the Demons would have been personal pride or desire to get a good deal at a new club. No reason to think that your efforts would make any real difference to the team's performance, ladder position, reputation, anything. 

So if 'buy-in' comes from, or even means basically the same thing as 'belief that there is value to making an effort and others will also do their share', then I'll agree wholeheartedly that it looks like there's been a big change at our club.

Of course, a bit of swagger, the arrogance to think you can solve it all with your superhero powers, provides a temporary bridge for certain individuals. Hopefully by the time reality hits those (glorious and entertaining) players, confidence in the team and shared burden will fill the void.

 

 

32 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

I get shy around exclamation marks, but I'm willing to believe the sentiment is fair.

I would argue that the key difference is that players now actually believe that if they make the extra effort, there will be results and reward for effort.

Not that long ago, the only reasons a player would try hard at the Demons would have been personal pride or desire to get a good deal at a new club. No reason to think that your efforts would make any real difference to the team's performance, ladder position, reputation, anything. 

So if 'buy-in' comes from, or even means basically the same thing as 'belief that there is value to making an effort and others will also do their share', then I'll agree wholeheartedly that it looks like there's been a big change at our club.

Of course, a bit of swagger, the arrogance to think you can solve it all with your superhero powers, provides a temporary bridge for certain individuals. Hopefully by the time reality hits those (glorious and entertaining) players, confidence in the team and shared burden will fill the void.

 

 

exactly !!!!!   I mean , very much the case 

On 01/12/2016 at 10:55 AM, CBDees said:

I don't think "H" has bought in to being a cog in a Melbourne Premiership team! I would classify him as 'out of shape' mentally!

For further discussion on "H" please refer to The SELL-OUT !!!! thread.

I don't believe in buy in, u have a good team or u don't, there are 18 teams they all can have a buy in, but the realty is that there will a top team and a bottom team, it's when u have a good team then u will have a buy in.

7 hours ago, don't make me angry said:

I don't believe in buy in, u have a good team or u don't, there are 18 teams they all can have a buy in, but the realty is that there will a top team and a bottom team, it's when u have a good team then u will have a buy in.

So you do agree... eventually 

8 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

So you do agree... eventually 

I'd buy into that agreement

It's a job, if you like the company you work for and manager and work mates then you are willing to put in the extra hours and go that extra mile. If your work mate are wankers and your boss is a tool then you only work your hours and jump on seek every afternoon look for another job.

5 minutes ago, ILLDieADemon said:

It's a job, if you like the company you work for and manager and work mates then you are willing to put in the extra hours and go that extra mile. If your work mate are wankers and your boss is a tool then you only work your hours and jump on seek every afternoon look for another job.

https://www.seek.com.au/jobs?keywords=footballer

9 hours ago, don't make me angry said:

I don't believe in buy in, u have a good team or u don't, there are 18 teams they all can have a buy in, but the realty is that there will a top team and a bottom team, it's when u have a good team then u will have a buy in.

Chicken....egg....

Essendon players bought in this year.

To paraphrase some well known Russian scribbler, every successful footy team is the same, all unsuccessful teams are unsuccessful in their own way. To me, the term "buy in" has no real meaning or application but is only a useful shorthand, catch-all phrase used to explain success. It belongs with expressions such as "leadership group", "shot on goal" and "it's a 1 point ballgame" that should be excised from our footy and sent to infect some other inferior sports.

Having been associated with the cyclical ups and downs with an ammo team for over 40 years, good years create confidence and momentum; in not so good years confidence and momentum are muted but not gone. When looking for symptoms of a healthy club, I prefer to look at the camaraderie, teamwork, encouragement and support among the players at training and on match days, not necessarily the teams success.