15 hours ago, DubDee said:

It's becoming clear what messages King sold to the MFC -

Culture is a big issue

Clear out the trouble makers and anyone that is not 100% committed - Trac, Clarry gone

Bring in senior Leadership as Gawn/Viney can't do it all - Mihocek and Steele in

Bring in more youth - 4 more first rounders to join the 4 from the last 2 years to join Kozzi, Rivers and co

Now for the new attacking game plan!

I personally like the approach although it is tough to watch in real time. Trying to hang on to what was not working does not make sense.

Genuine question: What leadership skills or experience does Mihocek have? I've always liked him as a player, but am not aware of his leadership experience. Was he part of Collingwood's leadership group?

35 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Genuine question: What leadership skills or experience does Mihocek have? I've always liked him as a player, but am not aware of his leadership experience. Was he part of Collingwood's leadership group?

Good question, and a fair one. Mihocek’s never really been the loud, front-of-room leader type AFAIK, but leadership today looks a lot different to what it once did. Our thinking around it has evolved a lot over the last decade, even though in hindsight it probably always should have been obvious. It’s less about title and more about presence, consistency, and influence.

From all reports, he’s the kind of person who shows up the same way every day...disciplined, humble, and team-first. That sort of consistency/steadiness builds enormous trust. When someone like that joins a group, it quietly raises standards without noise...effort becomes normal, and the culture settles around reliability rather than words on a [censored] wall...

4 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

Good question, and a fair one. Mihocek’s never really been the loud, front-of-room leader type AFAIK, but leadership today looks a lot different to what it once did. Our thinking around it has evolved a lot over the last decade, even though in hindsight it probably always should have been obvious. It’s less about title and more about presence, consistency, and influence.

From all reports, he’s the kind of person who shows up the same way every day...disciplined, humble, and team-first. That sort of consistency/steadiness builds enormous trust. When someone like that joins a group, it quietly raises standards without noise...effort becomes normal, and the culture settles around reliability rather than words on a [censored] wall...

Yeah this. Sometimes it's just about filling your club with good citizens who set the right example. A young kid comes through and sees all the senior players are serious driven professionals, that's how you drive culture.

3 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

Good question, and a fair one. Mihocek’s never really been the loud, front-of-room leader type AFAIK, but leadership today looks a lot different to what it once did. Our thinking around it has evolved a lot over the last decade, even though in hindsight it probably always should have been obvious. It’s less about title and more about presence, consistency, and influence.

From all reports, he’s the kind of person who shows up the same way every day...disciplined, humble, and team-first. That sort of consistency/steadiness builds enormous trust. When someone like that joins a group, it quietly raises standards without noise...effort becomes normal, and the culture settles around reliability rather than words on a [censored] wall...

Agree, and he will attract a good defender, play a role without a lot of fuss, but allow the others around him to do their job. I think having him and Melk up there will make Fritsch & Roo's task easier.
The more interesting question is where King see's Petty's role? Defence or forward.

16 hours ago, DubDee said:

It's becoming clear what messages King sold to the MFC -

Culture is a big issue

Clear out the trouble makers and anyone that is not 100% committed - Trac, Clarry gone

Bring in senior Leadership as Gawn/Viney can't do it all - Mihocek and Steele in

Bring in more youth - 4 more first rounders to join the 4 from the last 2 years to join Kozzi, Rivers and co

Now for the new attacking game plan!

I personally like the approach although it is tough to watch in real time. Trying to hang on to what was not working does not make sense.

I also don't think it's complete coincidence that we got a forward, a backman and a midfielder. Even on the field and in training drills the new blood helps with the theme of "under new management". There'll be players amazed how despite being almost the same everything that the feel round the club and in matches will be so different.

Oh, and clearly it made sense to add to the ruck stocks too.

42 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

Good question, and a fair one. Mihocek’s never really been the loud, front-of-room leader type AFAIK, but leadership today looks a lot different to what it once did. Our thinking around it has evolved a lot over the last decade, even though in hindsight it probably always should have been obvious. It’s less about title and more about presence, consistency, and influence.

From all reports, he’s the kind of person who shows up the same way every day...disciplined, humble, and team-first. That sort of consistency/steadiness builds enormous trust. When someone like that joins a group, it quietly raises standards without noise...effort becomes normal, and the culture settles around reliability rather than words on a [censored] wall...

We're very lucky to have your insights and expertise on this site, son. 👏

43 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

Good question, and a fair one. Mihocek’s never really been the loud, front-of-room leader type AFAIK, but leadership today looks a lot different to what it once did. Our thinking around it has evolved a lot over the last decade, even though in hindsight it probably always should have been obvious. It’s less about title and more about presence, consistency, and influence.

From all reports, he’s the kind of person who shows up the same way every day...disciplined, humble, and team-first. That sort of consistency/steadiness builds enormous trust. When someone like that joins a group, it quietly raises standards without noise...effort becomes normal, and the culture settles around reliability rather than words on a [censored] wall...

Thanks EO. you answered that much better than I would have!

15 hours ago, bing181 said:

And we tried to move Steven May.

Melbourne didn't want him. The 17 other clubs didnt. In recent years he's probably better known for non-footy stuff - comments towards Melksham, Gawn and how we should have beaten Collingwood in 23. I'm sure he knows he's on notice. Maybe he'll pull his head in and sees what he can do with his second chance.

I am thoroughly impressed with everything Kingy has done so far. Next year will look very different across the ground and hopefully we'll play better football and get back to where we belong playing finals in the next few years.

He has made brave moves in moving on many of Goody's protected favourites and facing down the selfish and unprofessional "me first" nonsense that crept in post 2021.

With these trades and sensible delistings he's clearly looking to address our kicking woes and lack of forward connection that many of us have despaired about for ages.

Forwards - I am pleased to see Spargo gone from the forward line and whilst not playing the same role, I rate Chekers much higher. He should be a good role model for JVR, Kenter and Jeffo if he works out. It will take pressure off Roo and Fritter and put an end to the nonsense of playing Petty out of position.

Midfield - Moving on Claz and Trac is painful because they could have been truly great but for circumstances, handling and personal behaviours. Coaching was also lacking as we tolerated shocking kicking by them for far too long. Hopefully Steele can fill the role and a new more accurate game style that finally connects the hard working mids with forwards. Steele reputed professionalism and commitment seems like an antidote to the disappointing attitudes of Clarry and Trac and that's reassuring.

Rucks - The Grundy move was a misstep, but bringing in Heath for Max is good timing and wise future planning.

Defence - It was a pity we lost McVee as he might have felt differently about the need to move west after a season under Kingy with a better team atmosphere. His style and skills would fit right in with how I expect kingy to set us up and Jiath is fast, but he's not going to replace Judd's silky skills and confident decision making.

I would have been happy with Maysie going because his off-field stuff is embarrassing, unprofessional and an unacceptable distraction. He looks like he's suffered too many cynical knees to the spine and ribs whilst flying our flag. He has always done that well to be fair and I never minded his mongrel aggression for us especially against guys like Hawkins and who deserved a clip! Unfortunately I think the pace is really dropping off, but again we now have the option of Petty back there. I'm not sure if Steven plays regularly next season, but I hear he's a good mentor and has a good mind for the game so hopefully this gives him motivation to get back to near his physical best and finish out his career with pride.

Coaching - The consensus across Demonland seems to suggest he's bringing in good assistants too, not just old mates without proven track records or has-beens dialling it in.

He has started with a thorough and much needed clear-out and on the basis of all this move I am really pleased with everything we've done before a ball has even been bounced (or thrown up)! Is anyone else feeling relieved and a bit positive or even blindly optimistic about the next couple of seasons?

3 minutes ago, Go Ds said:

Melbourne didn't want him. The 17 other clubs didnt. In recent years he's probably better known for non-footy stuff - comments towards Melksham, Gawn and how we should have beaten Collingwood in 23. I'm sure he knows he's on notice. Maybe he'll pull his head in and sees what he can do with his second chance.

I think you'll find that May is committed to Melbourne and we're committed to him (at least for 2026), and he will play a role next year. Not only leadership wise, but on field.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Adam The God

2 minutes ago, Hellfire Dub said:

I am thoroughly impressed with everything Kingy has done so far. Next year will look very different across the ground and hopefully we'll play better football and get back to where we belong playing finals in the next few years.

He has made brave moves in moving on many of Goody's protected favourites and facing down the selfish and unprofessional "me first" nonsense that crept in post 2021.

With these trades and sensible delistings he's clearly looking to address our kicking woes and lack of forward connection that many of us have despaired about for ages.

Forwards - I am pleased to see Spargo gone from the forward line and whilst not playing the same role, I rate Chekers much higher. He should be a good role model for JVR, Kenter and Jeffo if he works out. It will take pressure off Roo and Fritter and put an end to the nonsense of playing Petty out of position.

Midfield - Moving on Claz and Trac is painful because they could have been truly great but for circumstances, handling and personal behaviours. Coaching was also lacking as we tolerated shocking kicking by them for far too long. Hopefully Steele can fill the role and a new more accurate game style that finally connects the hard working mids with forwards. Steele reputed professionalism and commitment seems like an antidote to the disappointing attitudes of Clarry and Trac and that's reassuring.

Rucks - The Grundy move was a misstep, but bringing in Heath for Max is good timing and wise future planning.

Defence - It was a pity we lost McVee as he might have felt differently about the need to move west after a season under Kingy with a better team atmosphere. His style and skills would fit right in with how I expect kingy to set us up and Jiath is fast, but he's not going to replace Judd's silky skills and confident decision making.

I would have been happy with Maysie going because his off-field stuff is embarrassing, unprofessional and an unacceptable distraction. He looks like he's suffered too many cynical knees to the spine and ribs whilst flying our flag. He has always done that well to be fair and I never minded his mongrel aggression for us especially against guys like Hawkins and who deserved a clip! Unfortunately I think the pace is really dropping off, but again we now have the option of Petty back there. I'm not sure if Steven plays regularly next season, but I hear he's a good mentor and has a good mind for the game so hopefully this gives him motivation to get back to near his physical best and finish out his career with pride.

Coaching - The consensus across Demonland seems to suggest he's bringing in good assistants too, not just old mates without proven track records or has-beens dialling it in.

He has started with a thorough and much needed clear-out and on the basis of all this move I am really pleased with everything we've done before a ball has even been bounced (or thrown up)! Is anyone else feeling relieved and a bit positive or even blindly optimistic about the next couple of seasons?

Well said.

I'm feeling more confident about the future than if we were heading into 2026 with Goodwin, Oliver and Petracca (as much as all deserve to be remembered as MFC legends).

I wasn't expecting us to pay out Goodwin a year early but doing so set in motion the reset we needed. We can now focus on the future rather than cling to the false hope of re-creating 2021 with the same personnel.

BTW it's going to be hilarious next year if Oliver or Tracc are still butchering the ball or blazing away at goal and the new teams are surprised even though this has all been hidden in plain sight. 😂

Sometimes I feel new coaches take a year to assess what they've got before making changes to the playing list. That's not always a bad thing. However, whether it was driven by King or not, I like that he's coming in and changes are happening now, rather than in 12 months' time.

1 hour ago, Engorged Onion said:

Good question, and a fair one. Mihocek’s never really been the loud, front-of-room leader type AFAIK, but leadership today looks a lot different to what it once did. Our thinking around it has evolved a lot over the last decade, even though in hindsight it probably always should have been obvious. It’s less about title and more about presence, consistency, and influence.

From all reports, he’s the kind of person who shows up the same way every day...disciplined, humble, and team-first. That sort of consistency/steadiness builds enormous trust. When someone like that joins a group, it quietly raises standards without noise...effort becomes normal, and the culture settles around reliability rather than words on a [censored] wall...

Following on, some other thoughts....

It’s an interesting tension, what we value in character on the field often isn’t what we reward ogg it. The qualities that make someone effective in AFL, so things like, aggression, risk-taking, and a willingness to experience pain and potential injury (as in, we wouldn't expect that of the 'general public)— don’t always translate neatly into the steadiness, reflection, and restraint we hope to see in life outside the game.

For decades, AFL clubs (and sport more broadly) selected and celebrated players who could push past limits, dominate moments, and impose themselves. That’s the nature of sport.... it’s combative and instinctive. And those same instincts can sit uneasily in a world that is starting to more readily prize composure, empathy, and self-regulation. The same manner of toughness on the field can, off the field, become volatility... (and impact 'the brand', be it AFL, the club, or the individual), which then becomes a problem...So I get a little miffed when people expect one thing on the field, and then suprised about what occurs OFF the field... as though its a character flaw...

Modern leadership and development have started to recognise that distinction, that character isn’t just one thing nor a permanent fixture. Context becomes the lever for change.... what’s needed on the field isn’t always what’s required off it. The real skill lies in knowing how to shift gears deliberately, to recognise the environment you’re in and respond with intention rather than habit.

For me, that’s also where individual ownership matters. It’s not just on clubs or systems to manage that... it’s on each person to choose how they want to grow, and which parts of themselves they want to strengthen. In the end, that’s the essence of what I call 'the greatest skill' ™ 😆 — the ability to understand yourself deeply enough to adapt with intent. To know when to lean in, when to let go, and how to bring the right part of yourself to the moments that matter, given the context.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Engorged Onion