As a diehard supporter devastated and despondent as to the position we find ourselves, I also don't want to be part of the negativity that other Club supporters, the Media and some of our own supporters are relishing.

We are generally all passionate supporters on this site and and the extreme disappointment we all feel is exacerbated by the fact that there are no clear answers to our problems. However, why can't we all put that aside and actually support the boys when they really do need our support. I know that the players will be really feeling the anger and frustration of their supporters and despite their outgoing positive comments they will be hurting. I really believe we have the team to turn it around.

Friday 3rd May, there is a light training run from 9.30 to 10.30 at Gosch's paddock. I really hope that we can get as many "supporters" there to show the players that we do support them and believe that they can turn it around. I know that we have the team to do exactly that but we will have to get through whatever is happening at the moment. I'm not making excuses for them. I just want to show them that we haven't given up on them. 

There will not be any BBQ's or marketing tents just plain old fashioned spontaneous support for our players. Let's bring back a sense of unity amongst members and supporters. Bring your dogs, children, neighbours and anyone that loves the MFC.

Edited April 29, 20195 yr by longsuffering

very true. we all saw the effect that we had on the team throughout finals and how we really helped to lift them. unfortunately, its gotten a bit tough and lots of people have hopped off the bandwagon. 

If we as a dedicated supporter base can get through Mark Neeld being our coach, than we will be able to get through this. 

Go Dees! 

47 minutes ago, longsuffering said:

As a diehard supporter devastated and despondent as to the position we find ourselves, I also don't want to be part of the negativity that other Club supporters, the Media and some of our own supporters are relishing.

We are generally all passionate supporters on this site and and the extreme disappointment we all feel is exacerbated by the fact that there are no clear answers to our problems. However, why can't we all put that aside and actually support the boys when they really do need our support. I know that the players will be really feeling the anger and frustration of their supporters and despite their outgoing positive comments they will be hurting. I really believe we have the team to turn it around.

Friday 3rd May, there is a light training run from 9.30 to 10.30 at Gosch's paddock. I really hope that we can get as many "supporters" there to show the players that we do support them and believe that they can turn it around. I know that we have the team to do exactly that but we will have to get through whatever is happening at the moment. I'm not making excuses for them. I just want to show them that we haven't given up on them. 

There will not be any BBQ's or marketing tents just plain old fashioned spontaneous support for our players. Let's bring back a sense of unity amongst members and supporters. Bring your dogs, children, neighbours and anyone that loves the MFC.

?

tbh I am disenchanted with the whole AFL, hardly watched our games let alone other teams and I’d usually watch 5-7 games a week plus all the Fox footy shows. 

 

Im the same @Gorgoroth, I really cbf with the AFL and the direction it's taking

I will always support the Dees and pay my membership but I don't want to go to games or watch or support anything the AFL is doing.

I suddenly have realised how some of the older generations feel, the game is changing and we won't even recognise it in 5 - 10 years.

We seemed determined to go down the American path of FA and selling out for the almighty dollar so gil and the players can fill their pockets. 

I will give anyone $10000 who can convince me a night GF is all about the footy and not the tv/corporate revenue it will make the AFL

 

 

I have been incredibly annoyed by the inequitable fixture for years but this anger has been overtaken by the unfair advantages given to certain clubs with these bloody Academies. 

Another player this year who is tipped to be in the Top few is a GWS Academy player. 

It is so far from a level playing field that my interest is now almost zero.  

1 minute ago, goodwindees said:

I have been incredibly annoyed by the inequitable fixture for years but this anger has been overtaken by the unfair advantages given to certain clubs with these bloody Academies. 

Another player this year who is tipped to be in the Top few is a GWS Academy player. 

It is so far from a level playing field that my interest is now almost zero.  

We have a recruitment zone as well.  All we need to do is use it. 

Edited April 29, 20195 yr by RalphiusMaximus

Absolutely @longsuffering.

I remember sitting through some miserable performances as a 5/6 yo in 85/86 and just pulling my beanie down over my eyes hoping that when I took it back up the team would somehow start turning the game around.  I have almost the same feeling at times this season.

But then we turned it around in 87 and 88 with a desperate workmanlike team, hungry for success, only to be heart broken.  The nineties so full of potential yet tuned out to be total frustration.  I'd rather forget most of this century.

The last couple of years have continued the roller-coaster ride and whilst I thought it was unlikely we would walk into a premiership this year in a cake walk, I've been really taken back by just how poor we have been to date.

I despise the current negativity around the team and consider our present performances as something more of a temporary frustration and disapointment than a more permanent imparement.  These trials and tribulations will make that elusive next flag all the sweeter when it finally comes.

For the real MFC supporters, Every Heart does indeed beat true for the red and blue.

Living interstate, I can't make it down to training on Friday, but will certainly be doing everything I can to cheer on the team down at Carrara in a few weeks and later in the year at the Gabba.

CARN THE MIGHTY DEMONS!!

Edited April 29, 20195 yr by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

I was there in 1987 when Gary Lyon broke his leg  on the outer wing at the Whitten oval and listening to the Hawks and Cats game for updates in the last Quarter as were the majority of the Melbourne supporters. The  crowd  cheering  with excitement as we all were stuck on the radio listening to the game down Geelong where Dunstall kicks the goal to put the Hawks in front with less than a minute to go.

The crowd goes wild as Melbourne are going to win but it is Hawthorn that wins and not the siren that blew at the Whitten oval against the Bulldogs. An amazing day as we win by 15 points make the finals for the first time in 23 years. The tear and joy and the smiles and elation a remarkable day of footy unforgettable. To see Robbie play in the finals was better than anything at the time.

Steven Stretch and Todd Viney come to memory when l watch Billy and Jack play.

OH WELL i GOT CARRIED AWAY.

Edited April 29, 20195 yr by nosoupforme
.

3 hours ago, Gorgoroth said:

tbh I am disenchanted with the whole AFL, hardly watched our games let alone other teams and I’d usually watch 5-7 games a week plus all the Fox footy shows. 

 

I've been much like you,  'Gg',  for the past 5Yrs or so... maybe longer ?

it started to hit me around 05 - 06 ish...  but still had some hope with the rebuild following those Yrs.

Jnr Mc's saaaaaaaaaforced retirement irked me.

And we went ahead,  and got it all wrong...  the club stuffed it again,  with how they went about it.  Kept the ones they should have traded for value,  and retired ones they should have kept.

Then ended up getting fined,  because of the unsophisticated way they went.

 

I hated the congested footy,  flood,  press,   what ever name invented this week, for it.   bullls-shizen.   It strangled the natural flow and randomness of the games instinctive styles.

Now it looks more like 2004 again... to a point.

But once again the Mfc has been let down by the timing of the AFL. 

 

Why is it that the Suits seem to hate the  Melbournefc... whether it be the AFL,  or others oof control...  and now it looking like the Libs giving collinwood $M70 zillion dollars,  to upgrade their admin/training complex.

 

And the Mfc are still homeless orphans,  still... & again.

 

.

What a good idea .......  to get to Gosch's paddock on Friday & support the boys.   A real opportunity to 'give back' & I'd bet the players would appreciate a little show of positivity.

I will be there!!!   Hope to see you too!!!

19 hours ago, DV8 said:

I've been much like you,  'Gg',  for the past 5Yrs or so... maybe longer ?

it started to hit me around 05 - 06 ish...  but still had some hope with the rebuild following those Yrs.

Jnr Mc's saaaaaaaaaforced retirement irked me.

And we went ahead,  and got it all wrong...  the club stuffed it again,  with how they went about it.  Kept the ones they should have traded for value,  and retired ones they should have kept.

Then ended up getting fined,  because of the unsophisticated way they went.

 

I hated the congested footy,  flood,  press,   what ever name invented this week, for it.   bullls-shizen.   It strangled the natural flow and randomness of the games instinctive styles.

Now it looks more like 2004 again... to a point.

But once again the Mfc has been let down by the timing of the AFL. 

 

Why is it that the Suits seem to hate the  Melbournefc... whether it be the AFL,  or others oof control...  and now it looking like the Libs giving collinwood $M70 zillion dollars,  to upgrade their admin/training complex.

 

And the Mfc are still homeless orphans,  still... & again.

 

.

 Collingwood were clever in disguising it as a proposal to benefit Victorian sport in general, women's sport, and sports research. Of course they will benefit as well. Having said that, where were our lobbyists to extract some money out of a Liberal government desperate for votes in Victoria because of what happened in the last State election? Our team is called Melbourne and the city is Melbourne, after all. Another lost opportunity.

23 hours ago, Gorgoroth said:

tbh I am disenchanted with the whole AFL, hardly watched our games let alone other teams and I’d usually watch 5-7 games a week plus all the Fox footy shows. 

 

Couldn’t agree more.

The 80’s and 90’s were the best era of football.

Too American now.

No more big key forwards kicking bags of goals.

No more specialist wingmen.

I’ve lost interest in the game too. Used to love it.

AFL are clueless.

20 hours ago, nosoupforme said:

I was there in 1987 when Gary Lyon broke his leg  on the outer wing at the Whitten oval and listening to the Hawks and Cats game for updates in the last Quarter as were the majority of the Melbourne supporters. The  crowd  cheering  with excitement as we all were stuck on the radio listening to the game down Geelong where Dunstall kicks the goal to put the Hawks in front with less than a minute to go.

The crowd goes wild as Melbourne are going to win but it is Hawthorn that wins and not the siren that blew at the Whitten oval against the Bulldogs. An amazing day as we win by 15 points make the finals for the first time in 23 years. The tear and joy and the smiles and elation a remarkable day of footy unforgettable. To see Robbie play in the finals was better than anything at the time.

Steven Stretch and Todd Viney come to memory when l watch Billy and Jack play.

OH WELL i GOT CARRIED AWAY.

Never seen anything before or since to match the crowd support as the Dees of 87 did their warm up lap, nice and slow to soak it all in in the first final in 23 years. Not even sure a flag will match that for me. If we ever do win a flag I will go to the very spot I was as a seven year old when we won in 64 and try and do my best drop kick in what was a paddock and now is a patch of bitumen.

3 hours ago, Nineteen said:

What a good idea .......  to get to Gosch's paddock on Friday & support the boys.   A real opportunity to 'give back' & I'd bet the players would appreciate a little show of positivity.

I will be there!!!   Hope to see you too!!!

Thanks 19. I'll be there with Demon Dog and hopefully a few more like yourself.

23 hours ago, nosoupforme said:

I was there in 1987 when Gary Lyon broke his leg  on the outer wing at the Whitten oval and listening to the Hawks and Cats game for updates in the last Quarter as were the majority of the Melbourne supporters. The  crowd  cheering  with excitement as we all were stuck on the radio listening to the game down Geelong where Dunstall kicks the goal to put the Hawks in front with less than a minute to go.

The crowd goes wild as Melbourne are going to win but it is Hawthorn that wins and not the siren that blew at the Whitten oval against the Bulldogs. An amazing day as we win by 15 points make the finals for the first time in 23 years. The tear and joy and the smiles and elation a remarkable day of footy unforgettable. To see Robbie play in the finals was better than anything at the time.

Steven Stretch and Todd Viney come to memory when l watch Billy and Jack play.

OH WELL i GOT CARRIED AWAY.

That game has to be the number one most exciting and important game I ever witnessed. The excitement level was so high, and the crowd so loud, it was hard to concentrate on the game itself! It was a struggle to see anything standing on the dirt among the crowd (why is everyone so tall?) but one of those great moments in life which you could tell your children with pride, I was there the day Melbourne made the finals. And Robbie was such a champion who deserved success. It was a pity he wasn't rewarded more.

On 4/29/2019 at 9:48 PM, goodwindees said:

I have been incredibly annoyed by the inequitable fixture for years but this anger has been overtaken by the unfair advantages given to certain clubs with these bloody Academies. 

Another player this year who is tipped to be in the Top few is a GWS Academy player. 

It is so far from a level playing field that my interest is now almost zero.  

If you want to get rid of the Academies, then we'd have to accept getting rid of father/son priority selections. Would you want that? 

I will always support and hope for the best and still go to games and defend them and get angry when someone bags my club.

But right now, im just off the entire club and i know winning will get me back on side but its not even just the losing, its the continual unprofessionalism that is really getting to me. Name 1 thing we have done right this year and i will give you 10 things we have stuft up. 

Until they start backing up their big mouths i will live in this state of apathy towards the club.

 

8 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

If you want to get rid of the Academies, then we'd have to accept getting rid of father/son priority selections. Would you want that? 

Absolutely. If it meant a 100% pure, unadulterated Draft, yes.  Who the bloody hell have we got from Father Son apart from Jack Viney who is just a good ordinary player.  Father Sons have won Geelong numerous Premierships. 

On 4/29/2019 at 8:53 PM, Gorgoroth said:

tbh I am disenchanted with the whole AFL, hardly watched our games let alone other teams and I’d usually watch 5-7 games a week plus all the Fox footy shows. 

 

Totally with you Gorg. My attitude to footy has taken a massive change this year and it was like that right from the get-go well before our nose dive. I still love the game and have gone to every Dees game in Melb so far but the interest seems to end there.

Last year I’d also watch 5-7 games a week (especially Fri night regardless of who was playing) AFL 360, FC, up to 5 footy related podcasts. This year I reckon I’d be lucky to watch more than 2 or 3 games a round, never watch FNF, never watch any of the shows (occasionally watch FC recorded a day later if lucky). I don’t have the patience for it and it’s boring. 

11 hours ago, goodwindees said:

Absolutely. If it meant a 100% pure, unadulterated Draft, yes.  Who the bloody hell have we got from Father Son apart from Jack Viney who is just a good ordinary player.  Father Sons have won Geelong numerous Premierships. 

Ronald Dale Barassi

24 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Ronald Dale Barassi

So it sounds like you agree. All I’m saying is that it is the best game in the world but with heavily compromised fixtures, home ground playing advantages, and inequitable drafting, it has lost a lot of older supporters.  Particularly from the non super power Clubs.

Thank goodness the Swans shot themselves in the foot and the AFL abolished the COLA. Wasn’t that a leg up for the NSW States. No wonder the Swans haven’t bottomed out for 20 years!  With COLA and Academies it would be nearly impossible to bottom out. 

25 minutes ago, goodwindees said:

So it sounds like you agree. All I’m saying is that it is the best game in the world but with heavily compromised fixtures, home ground playing advantages, and inequitable drafting, it has lost a lot of older supporters.  Particularly from the non super power Clubs.

Thank goodness the Swans shot themselves in the foot and the AFL abolished the COLA. Wasn’t that a leg up for the NSW States. No wonder the Swans haven’t bottomed out for 20 years!  With COLA and Academies it would be nearly impossible to bottom out. 

Do you have data that supports this? I would have thought if the AFL has "lost" supporters, it might have lost them from the younger generation. I'm also doubtful that any of "heavily compromised fixtures, home ground playing advantages and inequitable drafting" have had any impact on the general level of interest. I suspect most people don't think about any of those matters impacting on their level of interest.

And you're mistaken about my opinion. I like the concept of the father/son rule (and eventually daughter's for the AFLW, too). That we've not been that successful has more to do with the professional approaches of those who have (particularly Geelong and Essendon). They have clearly kept selected families (such as the Watsons, Fletchers, Danihers, Abletts, etc) involved in their club.

 

On 4/30/2019 at 7:58 PM, Nineteen said:

A real opportunity to 'give back'

Hold up, say what? I dont think paying members are the ones that need to give back. Its a two way street.

2 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Do you have data that supports this? I would have thought if the AFL has "lost" supporters, it might have lost them from the younger generation. I'm also doubtful that any of "heavily compromised fixtures, home ground playing advantages and inequitable drafting" have had any impact on the general level of interest. I suspect most people don't think about any of those matters impacting on their level of interest.

And you're mistaken about my opinion. I like the concept of the father/son rule (and eventually daughter's for the AFLW, too). That we've not been that successful has more to do with the professional approaches of those who have (particularly Geelong and Essendon). They have clearly kept selected families (such as the Watsons, Fletchers, Danihers, Abletts, etc) involved in their club.

 

It doesn’t matter how much involved an ex player is in their old Club if their offspring has no talent.  Look, I don’t mind the romanticism of Father Son, in fact, it is probably the only inequity that I could live with.  Are you saying to me that it doesn’t pizz you off that Collingwood, Essendon, etc never have to play Geelong in Geelong?  That nearly every year the NSW & Qld Clubs have access to an Academy player for a Draft Pick much higher than that players true worth?  That Collingwood make a Grand Final last year off a very soft Draw because we have such a compromised Fixture?