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MFC Powerbrokers

bush demon
in Melbourne Demons

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So much to be said about Jim, Don and all Dees supporters in the early 2010s. I wholeheartedly agree with comments in the article; the AFL was a different time back then and I’m sure they were hoping we would fold to make us one of the expansion clubs.

Sure we didn’t get the coaching right (and that was extremely painful), but to wipe out $5m of debt post GFC, survive two expansion clubs / compromised drafts, and finally the introduction of free agency… makes you feel very proud.

Go Dees

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    So many great people at our club, some we still don't know much about... excellent article (series).

    To anyone with access, how do we compare to other clubs?

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    In the article, it quotes Pert as saying he didn't know any other club that gets that type of support from benefactors.

    I think these guys are great. It seems like they don't look for rewards like having a say in football matters etc.. They are just passionate supporters.

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    The main takeaway for mine is that the incredible facility out at Casey includes indoor kicking areas. Take note, anti-soccer ball brigade! 😅

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    13 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

    The main takeaway for mine is that the incredible facility out at Casey includes indoor kicking areas. Take note, anti-soccer ball brigade! 😅

    indoor kicking area is also great for soccer Ghostwriter!

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    And that's why l never was concerned we would get the extra funds we need for the caulfield project. Donors can leave themselves an amazing legacy

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    1 hour ago, Rednblueriseing said:

    To anyone with access, how do we compare to other clubs?

    based on the articles in this series, we are miles behind by comparison with other clubs

    our rich supporters are TIGHT with their money - if a multi billionaire is our biggest donor at ONLY $1m it says how much our mega wealthy supporter base doesn’t actually put their money where their mouth is

    reality is that while the median mfc fan is 'wealthy', the fact that it’s old money and a small supporter base means that there are few genuinely big hitters

    and, by dint of that demographic, when they do spend their money it's not on a football club - it's on the climate initiatives, medical research, etc. and less so even on art or education, let alone sport

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    As an MFC and MCC member, I’ve always seen my membership fee as a donation — a gesture of loyalty, not investment. Over the years, it’s added up to tens of thousands of dollars. And I know I’m not alone — there are thousands of supporters just like me.

    It’s a donation made in hope — hope that somehow endures, even as we inevitably shoot ourselves in the foot.

    2021? That was five glorious minutes of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy lifetime. And strangely, it’ll probably be enough to sustain my love for this club until the end.

    And still, we turn up. We always do.

    Edited by Queanbeyan Demon

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    17 minutes ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

    As an MFC and MCC member, I’ve always seen my membership fee as a donation — a gesture of loyalty, not investment. Over the years, it’s added up to tens of thousands of dollars. And I know I’m not alone — there are thousands of supporters just like me.

    It’s a donation made in hope — hope that somehow endures, even as we inevitably shoot ourselves in the foot.

    2021? That was five glorious minutes of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy lifetime. And strangely, it’ll probably be enough to sustain my love for this club until the end.

    And still, we turn up. We always do.

    couldn't agree more

    our dyed-in-the-wool demons are incredibly loyal - but it's a very small cohort in comparison with the 'big' clubs

    it's why we compare / contrast with the likes of footscray and the aints NOT the filth, tigs, baggers, or peptides

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    1 hour ago, whatwhat say what said:

    based on the articles in this series, we are miles behind by comparison with other clubs

    our rich supporters are TIGHT with their money - if a multi billionaire is our biggest donor at ONLY $1m it says how much our mega wealthy supporter base doesn’t actually put their money where their mouth is

    reality is that while the median mfc fan is 'wealthy', the fact that it’s old money and a small supporter base means that there are few genuinely big hitters

    and, by dint of that demographic, when they do spend their money it's not on a football club - it's on the climate initiatives, medical research, etc. and less so even on art or education, let alone sport

    Fair call, hopefully the can be leaned on when the time comes to get our home base finished. The only way I can see this club growing is to actually have a home we can be proud of, entice good players and play regular finals... it's hard to gain any traction when your near the bottom

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    A great article! In particular interest was the Thurin and Barlow families. Good to have a few multi-millionaire and billionaire supporters.

    Having such a long lasting legacy as contributing to the Melbourne Football Club is highly regarded in my eyes. Every little bit certainly helps so that the Melbourne Football Club not only survives but thrives for future generations.

    With so many generous benefactors who are passionate Demons supporters I am hopeful that our Home Base in Caulfield will have enough funding to get built.

    I am still buying lottery tickets, but maybe one day I will become a generous benefactor too! 😉

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    14 hours ago, bush demon said:

    Wow, what a great read for times like these:

    https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/roll-up-your-sleeves-and-do-something-the-money-men-and-funnyman-behind-melbourne-20250314-p5ljk6.html?btis

    What a great bunch of Demons

    A lot of those Groups were set up by Stynes, not long before he died.

    Young Business people who could contribute in meaningful ways.

    I know a couple of them, and they do a huge amount of work….

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    Don Argus is a MFC fan - has he been in coteries etc?

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