Closer to the end

[jnrmac 19,480]

50 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Hot take: Brisbane don't really play like Clarkson's best teams did at all. They play like Daniher teams. Fagan was a great Melbourne find who then went out with the bath water when Daniher reached the end. 

How did Brisbane end up with Fagan - they first had the AFL give them David Noble, the best administrator in the game. We chased after Roos, sure a good idea, but surely better is to get someone like Noble who will be there for the long haul.

Roos says he'll appoint a senior footy administrator knowing it's importance. Then he and the club decide Mahoney is up to it - based on what? Neil Balme - failed Melbourne coach, successful administrator at 3 other clubs.

Brett Ratten, wow what a great job he did with our mids for a season before Carlton snapped him up, why didn't we store that information away and get him back at any time since? Sean Wellman developed our backline under Bailey. Ran back to Essendon then left footy. 

Peter Jackson - a great hire. Yet there never seemed to be a long term commitment to him and a plan to have him stay or at least develop or pick his successor. Pert, I still feel unwell about.

Some of that's waffling, but the point is we don't seem to ever have any continuity. New board comes in, new CEO, new people in the footy department. Plenty of first time coaches do a great job - it's really hard to get experienced guys back in for another go in their prime. I've got no issue if we think the best man for the job is a first timer. I'm sick of the club being a first timer. There's just no institutional knowledge in the place.

It's all fluff. We're not even treading water. We're sinking, Before our eyes.

[DeeSpencer 23,635]

3 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

It's all fluff. We're not even treading water. We're sinking, Before our eyes.

I guess the point is there isn't really a we, just the latest collection of brave souls who climb on board for a turn.

When Eddie blows a giant hole in the Collingwood hull at least you know who they are.

[Dr. Gonzo 22,785]

Jeez this is depressing

I'm 38 and the thought of being 50 and still never having seen a flag....I don't even know how to verbalise that emotion

[Smokey 4,210]

I know many here have many more years on me, but in my 33 years following this football club I have finally realised something - I don’t enjoy watching us play. Watching the dees is associated with negative emotions every time. I don’t look forward to it and normally once it’s starts I can’t wait for it to finish. I expect us to lose every week. I couldn’t help but feel like that even in 2018. 

Why do I even watch? I don’t know. I think it’s time for me to care less about footy and become a fair weather fan. Wake me up if we ever play finals again. 

[DSP 1,488]

The saddest thing is you can SEE it happening before it happens - more often than not.

Its this endless cycle that we never seem to break out from for more than a game or two.

Reality is I am watching less footy and caring less (and less) as they weeks go by.

This team has killed my passion.

[Half forward flank 1,022]

Once members lose interest you never get them back, save for finals time. Life gets busy and you find other interests. We have an ageing membership and no reason except for family reason for kids to support the Club. Kozzie aside, not one exciting player. We have not been successful for x years and do not have a home base, Our coach is a SA, and a SA has never coached a Vic team to a flag. Mahoney is another SA ex player. Our president used to play for WC and came to Vic a decade ago looking for a Club he could rule. We own a good assett in the Bentleigh Club which often forgets Melbourne are playing, so you need to remind bar staff to turn on the telly. We had an old Big screen to watch it on but that broke. The Club has never thought to put on a supporters Lunch with a guest speaker at the dining room of the Club. So are we close to the end. As a Club to support, yes. As a Club as part of the Competion, maybe not, the corporate and big end of town band will play on for a while yet.

[Dr. Gonzo 22,785]

2 minutes ago, Half forward flank said:

We own a good assett in the Bentleigh Club which often forgets Melbourne are playing, so you need to remind bar staff to turn on the telly. We had an old Big screen to watch it on but that broke. The Club has never thought to put on a supporters Lunch with a guest speaker at the dining room of the Club.

I live on the other side of the Yarra so have never been to the Bentleigh club but if this is true it is a disgrace.

[Half forward flank 1,022]

1 minute ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

I live on the other side of the Yarra so have never been to the Bentleigh club but if this is true it is a disgrace.

It is absolutely true DrG . Years ago they had a room upstairs where the game could be watched. There would sometimes be 40-50 of us with the bar open. Over time in those lost years it was more often less than a dozen but it was still good value to be amongst others with the occasional friendly laugh at a skill error. And then the old screen would play up  a bit until finally the room was put out of action. So now or last year you sat in the pokies/lounge area and watched on an ordinary screen. That is where you needed to alert the staff to the game. The other option is the sports bar with all the racing going on on other TVs. All the while the dining area is vacant. it goes to the heart of passion at the Club. I do not understand how a keen young Manager at either the bentleigh club or Melbourne has not thought to put on a lunch every away game, get a few guest speakers, have a raffle, you know the drill and make a day of it. it is a no brainer. 

[deebug 1,754]

14 hours ago, dl4e said:

I agree with you but the real problem is we never give up. We are MFC junkies which has to be one of the worst addictions known to man.

I never, ever thought i would feel like this about our club.

I hope we can fix this?

[deebug 1,754]

1 hour ago, Half forward flank said:

It is absolutely true DrG . Years ago they had a room upstairs where the game could be watched. There would sometimes be 40-50 of us with the bar open. Over time in those lost years it was more often less than a dozen but it was still good value to be amongst others with the occasional friendly laugh at a skill error. And then the old screen would play up  a bit until finally the room was put out of action. So now or last year you sat in the pokies/lounge area and watched on an ordinary screen. That is where you needed to alert the staff to the game. The other option is the sports bar with all the racing going on on other TVs. All the while the dining area is vacant. it goes to the heart of passion at the Club. I do not understand how a keen young Manager at either the bentleigh club or Melbourne has not thought to put on a lunch every away game, get a few guest speakers, have a raffle, you know the drill and make a day of it. it is a no brainer. 

we used to have that at the G many years ago now. Players would come up to speak and there was a raffle, kids would swarm LJ, one night the whole side came up, it was great to get to speak with players, and coach.

I how miss those days?

[Gee N 25]

After watching this club for over 65 years yes 65 I think I’m done, been a member at least half of that time, but we never improve even  2000 and 2018 were  an aberration. The club asks for financial help we help because we love the club and want success . We recruit so called good players who don’t perform ,we fail to develop   draft picks and destroy those with real potential.The club culture does not exist, not a winning one .Anybody who challenges this soft weak attitude within the club doesn’t last long . We live and breath mediocrity . This club will never succeed until we have that win at all cost no matter what attitude that starts with the board down. With a coach that demands a winning, culture, that plays players that not only have the ability but give there heart and soul for this club.A coach who recognises his mistakes learns by them and changes .These are the things that  our club doesn’t have . Unless we change now this club is on a path to destruction and oblivion

 

[BW511 2,346]

15 minutes ago, Gee N said:

After watching this club for over 65 years yes 65 I think I’m done, been a member at least half of that time, but we never improve even  2000 and 2018 were  an aberration. The club asks for financial help we help because we love the club and want success . We recruit so called good players who don’t perform ,we fail to develop   draft picks and destroy those with real potential.The club culture does not exist, not a winning one .Anybody who challenges this soft weak attitude within the club doesn’t last long . We live and breath mediocrity . This club will never succeed until we have that win at all cost no matter what attitude that starts with the board down. With a coach that demands a winning, culture, that plays players that not only have the ability but give there heart and soul for this club.A coach who recognises his mistakes learns by them and changes .These are the things that  our club doesn’t have . Unless we change now this club is on a path to destruction and oblivion

 

I think this sentiment has probably been repeated many times in your 65 years @Gee N.

You've shown more ticker than the entire organisation for hanging in that long.

Across the league, I would be surprised if we weren't in the bottom couple of teams for admin, facilities, staff, players and overall budget. This is not an elite organisation and our results reflect that. Until that shifts, we will keep riding this merry go round of mediocrity

Edited July 6, 2020 by BW511

[Deemania since 56 6,314]

16 hours ago, Half forward flank said:

Something is lost in my supporting. I cannot put my finger on it. I think it is lost hope. I used to be the supreme optomist and would always back us in footy comps sometimes costing me any chance of winning. Lost a few bob with TAB and sportsbet over the years. Never again no matter how juicy the odds. 

Since 1956 I have supported Melbourne. Had some very great moments, so doing.

Before '56 I had stints of support for the Dons (my Dad played) and in '64, the Hawks coz Parkin did his teaching round as a student teacher within my classroom. Come finals time, I was back on the Demon bandwagon coz I had seen John Lord in person and Ronald Dale in the shops - and got to see the Dees regularly with family friends - all fanatics for the red 'n blue.

Since '64, times were tough and successes were rare but there were moments and Demon teams that gave hope and awe. I can truly say that the MFC have had some of the greatest players to ever play the game. 

In 2020, rock bottom has been found and sadly in recent years, not for the first time. 

Before I leave this mortal coil, allow me to continue to dream of a premiership; in memory of the toil and work of our team 'greats' over the years, it is surely justified and overdue. By the way, let's also get a decent Coach?

 

[roy11 3,139]

Strange isn't it, 2018 one game away from the Grand Final - we think we're in the window and sacrifice pick 6 (KING) for May/KK. 

Fast forward to now and we've won 6/26 games, 4 of which by less than a goal.

Looking like a complete rabble most weeks.

Where are we as a club? and How do we get out of this mess?

 

 

[Sir Why You Little 35,318]

5 minutes ago, BW511 said:

I think this sentiment has probably been repeated many times in your 65 years @Gee N.

You've shown more ticker than the entire organisation for hanging in that long.

Across the league, I would be surprised if we weren't in the bottom couple of teams for admin, facilities, staff, players and overall budget. This is not an elite organisation and our results reflect that. Until that shifts, we will keep riding this merry go round of mediocrity

Listen to Bartlett on the phone last week, now i said i liked it, but with the way the club prepares for games, is he being delusional?

Seriously what does go on inside this Club

[Age 420]

42 minutes ago, BW511 said:

I think this sentiment has probably been repeated many times in your 65 years @Gee N.

You've shown more ticker than the entire organisation for hanging in that long.

Across the league, I would be surprised if we weren't in the bottom couple of teams for admin, facilities, staff, players and overall budget. This is not an elite organisation and our results reflect that. Until that shifts, we will keep riding this merry go round of mediocrity

This would have to be the case. I've said this before but I sent an email to the club late last year asking what further or higher membership options I could get, even what type of possible (small) sponsorship I could do. I had to follow this email up with a phone call as no one replied. The phone call went nowhere, was told that I would be contacted re this as I was talking to general membership and had to talk to someone else. Never heard back. I was trying to give the club more money and couldn't!!

Compare this to my tigers supporting mate who, on an unrelated call from the club,  mentioned he had a mate who was thinking about getting a tigers membership. They took the details and called him within 5 minutes of that conversation, had him the guy signed up in 10 minutes. 

[Deesprate 1,263]

13 hours ago, 58er said:

Agree 3 Dee we are lacking any confidence and ability to play with any conviction and style that makes even a reasonable season possible at this moment.

I tried to rationalise during the week fir this result by the thoughts that we ARE NOT in a premiership window. Too many players are not producing under pressure and that includes "stars" like Maxy Clarry Lever May Tommy  Mac Jack V Melk and Gus. We have some future players like Kossie Jacko Rivers Harley Fritschy but they won't develop properly or experience success if our seasoned players continue to get away with their efforts like today continually.

Trac was magnificent  today a Lone Ranger with Fritta and fir a while Hibbo had a purple last half.

That horrible pass from Clarry to Trac Summed it up A disaster of skill and carelessness and just plain football DUMBNESS.

Also the last 2 goals of the game to the Tigers indicated " of the great divide in all our defenders" that exists and why we let goals sieve. The ability is there but no cohesion and training of how to back up your mate take a handpass to get out of trouble. Is it any Wonder Jay Lockhart May not survive this initiation period  down back As Goody etc will lose patience as he tries to link up with his teammates in defending our goals. Rivers will survive as he is of the ability and temperament and class required to withstand our frailties.

The blame is IMO On Goody and the FD. Our stars look past caring at times although seem to try but in truth the efforts are disjointed erratic and each day we play NO ONE knows what we will get in performance.

Our best is not poised neither sustainable or realistic and is punctuated by skill errors in the attempt to msintain the standard.

We need a Hard demanding task master with team ethos to improve each individual AND importantly get a GAME PLAN That reflects our ability in today's modern AFL world.

Bartlett and Petty need to have  a word to Goody and Josh M of the time is now to develop players and the team not necessarily to win a flag but set us up fir success in 2021 and beyond.

After Glen Bartlett's interview last week I thought he was very honest and realistic.But others need to be reminded of the job at hand and urgency!

If any one questions my opinion fine BUT try and name any player on our list that he has improved since 2018 other than TRAC.

Msybe that's why we have slipped so alarmingly in the AFL Club  pecking order.

Any one got Ross Lyons phone no as he is tailor made for our Club despite many people's opinion and perhaps  lack of respect Towards. That's not enough to not
give him the reigns based upon his record at two previous BASKET CASE type Clubs Saints and Freo!

I agree with all points bar one no one know what we will get as a performance. We no exactly what we will get and it isn’t pretty.

[Binmans PA 26,661]

5 hours ago, Half forward flank said:

Once members lose interest you never get them back, save for finals time. Life gets busy and you find other interests. We have an ageing membership and no reason except for family reason for kids to support the Club. Kozzie aside, not one exciting player. We have not been successful for x years and do not have a home base, Our coach is a SA, and a SA has never coached a Vic team to a flag. Mahoney is another SA ex player. Our president used to play for WC and came to Vic a decade ago looking for a Club he could rule. We own a good assett in the Bentleigh Club which often forgets Melbourne are playing, so you need to remind bar staff to turn on the telly. We had an old Big screen to watch it on but that broke. The Club has never thought to put on a supporters Lunch with a guest speaker at the dining room of the Club. So are we close to the end. As a Club to support, yes. As a Club as part of the Competion, maybe not, the corporate and big end of town band will play on for a while yet.

My understanding is we no longer own the Bentleigh Club, so that might explain it...

[Half forward flank 1,022]

12 minutes ago, A F said:

My understanding is we no longer own the Bentleigh Club, so that might explain it...

Not corect. We still own it.

[Purple77 970]

Bracing for the worst with this post, but I was a little disappointed with the auto renewals by supporters. I'd wager those hurting now, in this thread, will be the first people to renew their membership.

I'm no longer a paid up member of the club (after 15 years) as at the end of 2018, and nor do I intend to be, without results. There are several reasons why I've chosen this, but the key one in my view is that I really believe if we vote with our feet, and actually hold the club accountable to results, then that pressure o perform will only be a good thing. 

If they perform, fantastic, we renew and that is the most preferred outcome. If they don't, and we don't sign on... Dees might not survive... And honestly, I don't think that's such a bad thing either. Hands up who thinks the Dees this century has had a net benefit for you personally? 

I just really encourage everyone to reflect if they really want to auto renew.

Edited July 6, 2020 by Purple77

[Soidee 1,496]

My weekly fix has been to sit down and watch this club.  Screw them now!  The most vanilla club in the AFL.  The AFL must of had a gutful of this club not performing.  The players have been given the best fitness guru, they have been given every effing opportunity to improve.  The worst skilled team in the competition.  The coach  is hopeless, the recruiting team have failed.....not a cent more to this club.  Enough is enough.

[Happy Jack 195]

15 hours ago, 58er said:

Didn't they have a map ?

Ridiculous reason if a bye!! That's a weak pathetic comment with no base or truth and you know it!

Oh lighten up! Tongue firmly in cheek regarding the bye ?‍♀️

[YesitwasaWin4theAges 6,088]

We have no one at our club who has a passion for it. 

WCE- Nisbett

WB- Gordon

Port- Koch

Freo-  Bell

Ess- D'doro

Rich- Gale,Balme.

Please feel free to add others from other clubs.

etc etc etc....

MFC- Bartlett, Pert, Mahoney, Goodwin

Not one bit of MFC blood anywhere to be found.  That's why we have no culture other clubs have past players floating around and passing it on eg. Rohan smith, Sam Mitchell, Chad Cornes etc

We've got [censored] know one.

One of these positions should be held by someone with MFC blood.

 

 

[Pickett2Jackson 3,904]

Sometimes you have to marvel at the fact we carry the name 'Melbourne'.

We are literally named for the city where Aussie Rules was born yet we are irrelevant and havent seen success in over 5 decades

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

34 minutes ago, Win4theAges said:

Please feel free to add others from other clubs.

etc etc etc....

Not one bit of MFC blood anywhere to be found.  That's why we have no culture other clubs have past players floating around and passing it on eg. Rohan smith, Sam Mitchell, Chad Cornes etc

We've got [censored] know one.

One of these positions should be held by someone with MFC blood.

 

All our Prospectives are either wearing Corduroy Jackets and plaid pants,  Or they're in the Media somewhere.