Melbourne has announced a systematic leadership strucutre review, hiring the same firm which reviewed Geelong's on-field leadership structure last year (with some success, I s'pose we can say).

I for one thing it's well due, and I don't think I'm alone in holding just a little bit of anger that Neitz has had to carry so much of the leadership burden almost single-handedly, taking the field when he should have been given more time to recover. It particularly bugged me when I was having a look over his player stats today.

Putting aside for a moment the two injury blasted years of 05 & 07, he has been an incredibly consistent performer -

Year Goals Disposals Brownlow Votes

02 82 228 11

03 65 185 8

04 69 187 10

06 68 204 10

05 and 07 were both characterised by Neitz taking the field despite having injuries (including multiple injurues each of which would have sidelined a mere mortal) in order to provide a leadership presence . With a better leadership team in place, Neitz will be able to take the time necessary to recover from injuries and will be a 50+ goalkicker for some years to come.

Anyone at Demonland have ideas on the best plan to deal with the leadership problem?

he has been more than just a leadership option. even when injured he is our best forward. he is big and strong and can kick 50 metres. you cant put zac dawson on him, even if neitz is only on 1 leg. now that we have newton blooded we might see neitz rested when he gets injured instead of played. tho it is probably a year too late...

Anyone at Demonland have ideas on the best plan to deal with the leadership problem?

Neita in a mentor role, with a 3 men leadership group:

- Junior

- Green

- Brock

This will give us a wide spread of leaders that will appeal to a variety of age groups within the club, while still maintaining a small enough group to ensure unity and continuity.

To complement this group, I would also like to see a "young leaders" group that will consist of 5 or 6 kids being groomed into a leadership role, and given the extra responsibility of mentoring the new draftees.

With a whole new coaching approach, I think 2007 can be a transitional year for our leaders and leadership styles.

(Ugh, I really need to stop studying marketing!)

Remember when Neitz did his knee against hawthorne and he kicked a 55 metre goal before limping off the bench!!

LEGEND

Also against the filth on the queens birthday when he shouldn't have played and he kicked 60m

you have to love this bloke!!

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Like you said, they are reviewing it because they realise Neita is the only fully fledged leader out there. The review is necessary only because the 26-30 brigade are weak leaders. They're not DEVOID of leadership (Robbo, Green), but they're certainly not nearly good enough.

I'm pleased they're taking action, but it's about 2-3 years late and I don't know that it'll make any difference. The leaders just aren't there... Yet.

the whole thing - china, leadership, logo - sounds really positive to me, and fills me with optimism

really looking forward to the next couple of years

We have to remember that we dont have that grate list. If we keep him as captain (witch we should) that gives Newton a chance to fill the roll without getting the no1 or 2(robbo) back men.

Its like what we did with trav now that hes gone Mclean will get the no1 tagger and thats not going to help him to much.

We have to remember that we dont have that grate list. If we keep him as captain (witch we should) that gives Newton a chance to fill the roll without getting the no1 or 2(robbo) back men.

Its like what we did with trav now that hes gone Mclean will get the no1 tagger and thats not going to help him to much.

im not sure what neitz being captain has to do with which defender newton gets?