It's a good article and it is obvious that Brad understands why he is not in the leadership group and wants to do something about it. Rather than dwell on the negatives he is now looking at doing more to get back in which shows a great maturity and attitude.

This scenario is very similar to Goodes at Sydney. He was devastated when he polled low in the leadership ballot. After a frank discussion with Paul Roos he wrote down everything that he needed to improve and to his credit, was able to tick them off at the end of the next season.

Morton, Grimes, Maric, McNamara, Cleney, Martin, Wonaeamerri, Zomer, Valenti, Meesen and Spencer would have all voted. That's 11 players on the list who have not played any football with him . That's 25% of the votes from people who, frankly, don't know. But they soon will.

And I wonder how much Frawley, Weetra and Garland know with limited or no AFL football experience and only 12 months in the system.

It great that there's been so much discussion and even angst on some forums regarding the make up of our new leadership group. I don't find the changes a big deal as it's hard to judge from afar.

It's a tad amusing though that many airing these opinions said very little, or nothing, while our Footy Dept was making mistake after mistake after mistake for the preceding 5 years, or so.

What ever pushes your buttons, I suppose.

Morton, Grimes, Maric, McNamara, Cleney, Martin, Wonaeamerri, Zomer, Valenti, Meesen and Spencer would have all voted. That's 11 players on the list who have not played any football with him . That's 25% of the votes from people who, frankly, don't know. But they soon will.

That's a great point Fan. It might also go some way towards explaining how Yze et al made it through. As a young person coming in to a footy club, there's senior players who immediately make their presence known to you, and I reckon Yze is definitely one of those guys.

It'll be very interesting to see who's in next year's leadership group. It's probably safe to assume list turnover will be back to "normal" levels so there won't be as many starry-eyed kids voting without having had a chance to form any but the most cursory of opinions.

I'm sick of hearing about the leadership group to be honest. I've never been a fan of the concept though. Why do people have to be placed in an exclusive "leadership group"? Can they not show leadership on-field by smothering in the wet, kicking an important goal or winning the hard ball without being part of such a group? Or off-field by encouraging teammates, getting alongside the new recruits or setting the example on the trainng track? Teams need a captain as the face of the players and their leader, with a vice captain to back him up when he's injured. What is the purpose of a "leadership group" that excludes some, yet includes almost 20% of the list? We can groom potential leaders for the captaincy without a leadership group.

I'm sick of hearing about the leadership group to be honest. I've never been a fan of the concept though. Why do people have to be placed in an exclusive "leadership group"? Can they not show leadership on-field by smothering in the wet, kicking an important goal or winning the hard ball without being part of such a group? Or off-field by encouraging teammates, getting alongside the new recruits or setting the example on the trainng track? Teams need a captain as the face of the players and their leader, with a vice captain to back him up when he's injured. What is the purpose of a "leadership group" that excludes some, yet includes almost 20% of the list? We can groom potential leaders for the captaincy without a leadership group.

I largely agree with you pantaloons. The concept of the "leadership group" seems to be quite "exclusive" and senior players which miss out can't help but feel on the outside. If I were Brad Green and Jeff White, I'd feel a bit hurt at being left out of the leadership group.

I largely agree with you pantaloons. The concept of the "leadership group" seems to be quite "exclusive" and senior players which miss out can't help but feel on the outside. If I were Brad Green and Jeff White, I'd feel a bit hurt at being left out of the leadership group.

20% of the list in the leadership group?

I'm a leader...and so's my wife

The most interesting thing about the article IMO is that the players were made to cast their votes in front of the whole team. It certainly eliminates any favoritisms that may have happened with a closed ballot.

From an outsiders point of view Green is definitely a deserving leader, but if this experience helps him to get better, than I'm all for it. He certainly won't lose any credit from supporters who understand his character and respect the way he goes about his footy.

He'll be back in the leadership group by next year, without a doubt.

The most interesting thing about the article IMO is that the players were made to cast their votes in front of the whole team. It certainly eliminates any favoritisms that may have happened with a closed ballot.

From an outsiders point of view Green is definitely a deserving leader, but if this experience helps him to get better, than I'm all for it. He certainly won't lose any credit from supporters who understand his character and respect the way he goes about his footy.

He'll be back in the leadership group by next year, without a doubt.

And one thing is for certain, no matter how hard they try and nit pick about certain values and leadership qualities, his performance on the field is what will win him his spot back.

He doesn't need to do too much different IMO - he'd have to be one of the most talented talented "footballers" at the club, and DB did say that is what he is looking for.

"That's 25% of the votes from people who, frankly, don't know. But they soon will.

I'm a Brad Green fan. For all the crap he cops on the websites he is brave, he goes when it's his turn, he does a job every week whether it's his natural game or not, he prepares his body well for the season and during the season"

What he said - on both points. I get heartily sick of negatives comments on Greenie on this site. Makes me wonder whether I've been watching the same game as these detractors.

Excellent comment on the vote, and an interesting scenario to watch play out this season - hopefully with a happy ending.

Great to have the footy back and the levels of optimism are high.... two years ago we played finals and last year we were talked of being top 4. since then we have lost depth players and the inconsistent Travis Johnstone.... the last three drafts have seen us recruit the best young talent available....

Furthermore, I hope Garry Lyon's heart to heart with Robbo, a fully fit Robbo and his return to the leadership group will make us see Russell Robertson the footballer this year...

Exciting times ahead!!

I'm sick of hearing about the leadership group to be honest. I've never been a fan of the concept though. Why do people have to be placed in an exclusive "leadership group"? Can they not show leadership on-field by smothering in the wet, kicking an important goal or winning the hard ball without being part of such a group? Or off-field by encouraging teammates, getting alongside the new recruits or setting the example on the trainng track? Teams need a captain as the face of the players and their leader, with a vice captain to back him up when he's injured. What is the purpose of a "leadership group" that excludes some, yet includes almost 20% of the list? We can groom potential leaders for the captaincy without a leadership group.

The selection process and concept of the "leadership group" gives the players a greater sense of power or ownership of the club.

I recall an interview with David Parkin, where he says that there are 2 types of players:

1. Those who participate at the club, ie; they do all the training, play footy and socialise with the other players.

2. Those who contribute to the club, ie; they do everything possible to become better players, and help the club succeed.

In 1995, he empowered the players with greater responsibility, such as taking training. He found that once the players felt they has some power and ownership, more players fell into the 2nd category.

It's generally perceived that Melbourne have lacked leadership. Hopefully under the new "leadership group", more players become "contributors" to the club.