Max Gawn.... A giant of a gentleman and bloody good bloke.

[Older demon 2,626]

Anyone who knows Max will understand he is incredibly competitive, trains to his limits, gives his all, is straight and honest and hates losing. After a loss his wife has said he comes home and takes a bit of time alone to cool his jets. 

After last years Carlton final he was out and had his son on his shoulders when some so and so let Max know that he thought he had lost us the game. Max was fuming not at the insult but that it was belittling him in front of his son. Everyone has boundaries and when they are crossed you do so at your own peril.

To answer WVW's question re  Max's accountability but unlike Goody he doesn't talk media speak and waffle about learnings and speak in riddles. He isn't a ghost who you never hear, we rarely if ever hear from the assistant coaches.

I give the club credit that Goody or Richardson speak on behalf of the club.

Max has a media profile because he is good. He accepts bad performances, always has your back and is so approachable with no BS. Remember how Viney copped nothing but flack for his lack of eloquence as a leader.

In short Max tells it like it is and is always accountable

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

56 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

It’s probably time to let the cat out of the bag WCW. What harm can it do now? And it will mean you don’t have to keep “implying” without “stating”, because there are too many who have not yet absorbed your hints to date.

If only everyone was as sharp as you, NC. 🙂 

[DubDee 24,106]

3 hours ago, Palace Dees said:

Believe it or not, who wins the popular vote will not make a scrap of difference.  The AFL in the past have given the AA captaincy to non club captains, making it a farce. eg. Franklin, Hawkins etc. Great players, but not great captains in the eyes of their own clubs. 

Max has been a fantastic player, leader and captain over many years.  I am not going to change my respect for who he is and what he has done for our club, and the AFL as a whole, simply  because his teammates let him down on the weekend. 

My whole reasoning for rallying for this is to say we supporters still believe in you Max. He is not the reason for our poor form. He is the only shining light in this storm on and off the field and he deserves our support.

 

He is a MFC legend but as captain, he has to take his share of the blame for our recent form

[ElDiablo14 4,817]

4 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

i find it puzzling that Max is exempt from any scrutiny. Folks are quick to call for Goody’s head, to point the finger of blame at individual players, the selectors, Greg Stafford, the FD in general, the list goes on. These are all opinions based on looking from the outside in. Why is it so that on this same basis of looking from the outside in, Max is never considered by fans to have any accountability? 

He definitely is, all leaders are accountable.

I have been pondering if a change in captaincy is due and necessary, after all Max probably only has two more seasons before retirement.

[ElDiablo14 4,817]

2 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

I'm kind of shocked.

Something went horribly wrong against Fremantle and I'd like to be alarmist but so many others have hit the panic button before me that the fun has drained out of it.

We came into the season seriously behind. I was thinking we'd be lucky to even have a 50/50 win loss record at the mid-season break. After the Alice springs disaster we're now 7w 5l and outside the 8 on percentage alone, and in this wacky season we're still one win short of the top 4.

Anyway, the problems are easy enough to identify;

Our forward line is an abject disaster. Not a single forward has been in form, and those who have been at least keeping the scoreboard moving or providing contests are the not the ones who can define a structure by contesting over and over - Fritsch and Pickett aren't built for the role, and Van Rooyen is eventually built for it but still too young to be doing it alone.

Our mature-age depth recruitment drove off a cliff. From the epic run of Langdon, Hibberd, Melksham and Brown all playing their part to make a team complete (and even Tomlinson had an important run of form before his injury), we've now had Dunstan, Hunter, Grundy, Billings, McAdam, Schache and Fullarton all cost us more than they have been worth to date.

And of course the elephant in the room of losing Angus Brayshaw right on the cusp of the season, when also previously losing the depth which would otherwise have come in, James Jordon. The hole in our hearts is matched by the hole in our list.

And the other elephant in the room of Oliver's messed up pre-season and 'just another midfielder' form. Simple statistics will say he is down about 20% on the levels he sustained consistently for seven years. That feels about right, but maybe exacerbated in the sense of "getting it 20% less, and then doing 20% less with it."

It is pretty clear that the emotional strain of holding it all together under such trying circumstances got the better of us at last, away in Alice Springs and without Lever's reassuring screaming keeping everyone in line.

None of this is a surprise or mystery.

And yet we're right in the mix after playing through one of the hardest draws of any club in the first half of the season.

Congratulations Max Gawn on being an epic captain providing the example of even-tempered grit and excellence the club so desperately has needed during this time.

Even Harmes would be better in our list today than a lot of the new recruits from the last 2 years.

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

1 hour ago, ElDiablo14 said:

He definitely is, all leaders are accountable.

I have been pondering if a change in captaincy is due and necessary, after all Max probably only has two more seasons before retirement.

Not on Demonland, he’s not. 

[Redleg 39,836]

4 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

I'm kind of shocked.

Something went horribly wrong against Fremantle and I'd like to be alarmist but so many others have hit the panic button before me that the fun has drained out of it.

We came into the season seriously behind. I was thinking we'd be lucky to even have a 50/50 win loss record at the mid-season break. After the Alice springs disaster we're now 7w 5l and outside the 8 on percentage alone, and in this wacky season we're still one win short of the top 4.

Anyway, the problems are easy enough to identify;

Our forward line is an abject disaster. Not a single forward has been in form, and those who have been at least keeping the scoreboard moving or providing contests are the not the ones who can define a structure by contesting over and over - Fritsch and Pickett aren't built for the role, and Van Rooyen is eventually built for it but still too young to be doing it alone.

Our mature-age depth recruitment drove off a cliff. From the epic run of Langdon, Hibberd, Melksham and Brown all playing their part to make a team complete (and even Tomlinson had an important run of form before his injury), we've now had Dunstan, Hunter, Grundy, Billings, McAdam, Schache and Fullarton all cost us more than they have been worth to date.

And of course the elephant in the room of losing Angus Brayshaw right on the cusp of the season, when also previously losing the depth which would otherwise have come in, James Jordon. The hole in our hearts is matched by the hole in our list.

And the other elephant in the room of Oliver's messed up pre-season and 'just another midfielder' form. Simple statistics will say he is down about 20% on the levels he sustained consistently for seven years. That feels about right, but maybe exacerbated in the sense of "getting it 20% less, and then doing 20% less with it."

It is pretty clear that the emotional strain of holding it all together under such trying circumstances got the better of us at last, away in Alice Springs and without Lever's reassuring screaming keeping everyone in line.

None of this is a surprise or mystery.

And yet we're right in the mix after playing through one of the hardest draws of any club in the first half of the season.

Congratulations Max Gawn on being an epic captain providing the example of even-tempered grit and excellence the club so desperately has needed during this time.

You can add losing Smith without replacement, remembering his last game was in a final which saw him our major scorer.

JVR has missed games and we also lost Harmes who was depth. Spargo hasn’t played at all  and Hore has rarely played.

 

[Redleg 39,836]

30 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Not on Demonland, he’s not. 

I don’t know what you are implying, but it is difficult to criticise the best player in your team so far this year.

There are plenty more who do so much less.

If it’s off field, then I am unaware of it.

On field my only criticisms are his taps are not going to advantage enough and he can spray his kicks a bit. 

When a sole ruckman also averages about 25 possies it is hard to criticise.

I am more concerned why great disposers like Salem and Bowey can’t pass a ball 20 metres and why so many are clearly not putting in.

[Palace Dees 2,072]

So the bloke who just a fortnight ago was being hailed in the media as the greatest ruckman in the history of the game, not just Melbourne. Who is leading the 2024 AFL player ratings  and who will get his 7th AA this year is a big part of the problem?

What is that problem?

Well, we are now out of the 8!  For the first time in 4 years mind you, but shame Max!  Demon Discipline says he needs to be more consistent, yet concedes he'd be a long way ahead in the B&F. A complement? No, it's only because the rest of the team are so bad apparently.  Shame Max!

And I love you WCW, but the 'nudge, nudge, wink, wink' approach is really quite tedious. 

The Swans are seemingly way ahead at the moment, but remember, their only loss was against a team who had their only win. I don't remember them saying the sky was falling.

I was devastated on Sunday, but until then we were 4th in a really even year, Swans excluded.  Max has never been an enforcer, it's simply not him. So to tell him to get more physical in a game that is ever increasingly being sanitised is ludicrous. 

I have always bragged to friends and family that a reason I support the Dees is because our supporters are better. We don't cheer opposition misses on goal and boo every opposition player. Yes, I know I'm delusional in this regard but I like that Fantasy Island in which I live.

For my own sanity,  I feel I need a break from Demonland.  Keep fighting the fight Little Goffy and others. I hope to return when less fragile.

Go Dees! 🔴🔵

 

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

11 hours ago, Redleg said:

I don’t know what you are implying, but it is difficult to criticise the best player in your team so far this year.

There are plenty more who do so much less.

If it’s off field, then I am unaware of it.

On field my only criticisms are his taps are not going to advantage enough and he can spray his kicks a bit. 

When a sole ruckman also averages about 25 possies it is hard to criticise.

I am more concerned why great disposers like Salem and Bowey can’t pass a ball 20 metres and why so many are clearly not putting in.

Did I criticise Max? I didn’t. I simply questioned why he escapes accountability while everyone else is deemed answerable, especially after a monumental hiding. 

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

8 hours ago, Palace Dees said:

 

And I love you WCW, but the 'nudge, nudge, wink, wink' approach is really quite tedious. 

 

Well you know what? I’m not saying [censored] anymore. I should’ve learned my lesson last year. Clearly I’m a glutton for punishment. Not anymore.

 

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

16 hours ago, Neil Crompton said:

It’s probably time to let the cat out of the bag WCW. What harm can it do now? And it will mean you don’t have to keep “implying” without “stating”, because there are too many who have not yet absorbed your hints to date.

I’m gonna go the opposite way, NC. It’s pointless implying anything to some people and I’m not about to betray any confidence so best I just clam up. Henceforth I’ll talk about banners and nicknames and that’s about it. Even that’s a stretch since it clearly bothers some folks that I use players’ nicknames in place of their given names *sigh*

[godees 806]

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Well you know what? I’m not saying [censored] anymore. I should’ve learned my lesson last year. Clearly I’m a glutton for punishment. Not anymore.

 

Well, how is this approach supposed to be helpful? Can’t breach confidence? Then don’t make suggestions about something that you can’t talk about. It’s annoying for those not in the know.

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

4 minutes ago, godees said:

Well, how is this approach supposed to be helpful? Can’t breach confidence? Then don’t make suggestions about something that you can’t talk about. It’s annoying for those not in the know.

Did I not just say this is exactly what I’m gonna do?????

Maybe don’t tell me what I shouldn’t do, ESPECIALLY when I’ve already stated that I won’t be doing it. You’re wasting your time.

[Neil Crompton 5,267]

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I’m gonna go the opposite way, NC. It’s pointless implying anything to some people and I’m not about to betray any confidence so best I just clam up. Henceforth I’ll talk about banners and nicknames and that’s about it. Even that’s a stretch since it clearly bothers some folks that I use players’ nicknames in place of their given names *sigh*

Can I say that if WCW cannot be her usual self on DL, then DL will be a lot poorer for that. She is, IMO, a breath of fresh air on here. I don’t always agree but I’m always entertained. Don’t change.

 

[drysdale demon 4,651]

2 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I’m gonna go the opposite way, NC. It’s pointless implying anything to some people and I’m not about to betray any confidence so best I just clam up. Henceforth I’ll talk about banners and nicknames and that’s about it. Even that’s a stretch since it clearly bothers some folks that I use players’ nicknames in place of their given names *sigh*

I woudn't be concerned with what other posters on here think of you in regards to your posts, don't let it bother you.

Edited June 6 by drysdale demon
spelling

[Deemania since 56 6,542]

On 14/05/2024 at 16:50, whatwhat say what said:

no it wasn't; it was about an mfc premiership

six stars outta five!

Seven out of five ... it made you feel as if you were part of the Premiership team; Max really put you there.

[Redleg 39,836]

11 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Did I criticise Max? I didn’t. I simply questioned why he escapes accountability while everyone else is deemed answerable, especially after a monumental hiding. 

That’s what I meant.

I didn’t say “you “ criticised Max.

It was in answer to Max escaping accountability, which usually means criticism, if people feel it is deserved.

My post is that it is hard for Max to face criticism, for his on field performance this season, for the reasons in my post.

Edited June 6 by Redleg

[No. 31 939]

Max as a father has the patience of a saint 😇😁

https://www.reddit.com/r/CarltonBlues/s/dmPaFjITG9

 

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

50 minutes ago, No. 31 said:

Max as a father has the patience of a saint 😇😁

https://www.reddit.com/r/CarltonBlues/s/dmPaFjITG9

 

Blessssss 🥹

 

[Gawndy the Great 9,008]

On 05/06/2024 at 21:27, ElDiablo14 said:

He definitely is, all leaders are accountable.

I have been pondering if a change in captaincy is due and necessary, after all Max probably only has two more seasons before retirement.

I have a feeling this year will be his last. There will be a massive reset this year I think and the next C and VC will be picked as part of that. Let Gawn concentrate on his twilight. 

[No. 31 939]

8 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Blessssss 🥹

 

George Gawn, future star Carlton ruckman, mid century 😁

[WalkingCivilWar 39,244]

Just now, No. 31 said:

George Gawn, future star Carlton ruckman, mid century 😁

Thank you for posting that vid. I’m in the middle of sending it to every family member of mine (diehard Blues of course) and so far it’s a massive hit! 🥰

[whatwhat say what 21,859]

1 hour ago, No. 31 said:

Max as a father has the patience of a saint 😇😁

https://www.reddit.com/r/CarltonBlues/s/dmPaFjITG9

 

shoulda kicked him off the bike and made him walk home

[Ethan Tremblay 29,861]

On 15/05/2024 at 12:06, Grapeviney said:

I must be the only one with a negative story about Max.

Saw him and his wife one night, and asked for a selfie.

He looked like he was going to punch me!

So I asked again - very politely - and he got even angrier, started yelling and swearing and said he was going to call the cops. 

I actually felt threatened for my safety at that point, so I left his house.

Just a warning to others that he's not as approachable as he seems. 

I hope you did an upper-decker in his toilet.