Dean Bailey was a guest on SEN 1116’s ‘Hungry for Sport’ segment this morning. It was a 15 minute interview.

Basically, the upshot was:

Flexibility – Players have shown aptitude to be flexibility from its varied training venues through to the need for some players to be up to speed in a number of positions. DB said he is looking for footballers over athletes, and wants to improve those aspects (flair, ability, etc) that got them on to an AFL list, ie play to the players strengths.

Expectations – Strong belief that we can win. MFC will go out to win every game / quarter from the NAB Cup to the regular season.

Playing Style – DB identified that we have a strong forward line. We have very strong contested one-on-one marks in Neita and Robbo. DB advised that we will specifically be trying to get the ball in quickly, increase our inside 50s stats and kick more goals.

Players who Surprised – DB identified Daniel Bell (size, strength and speed) in particular and also Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland and Simon Buckley (attitude) as players who have surprised him (based on his perception from Port Adelaide days).

Leadership – (KB queried selection of Adem Yze and Brad Miller) DB advised that players were given guidelines as to what behaviour, characteristics and values constituted "leadership". DB stated that the issue of "leadership" is one that is subject to on-going review, ie it is not just a one off process, it is one that must be shown/demonstrated on and off the field. Behaviours need to reflect what we want to see going forward. He cited Kane Cornes, Dom Cassisi and Josh Mahoney as prime examples of players who became recognised leaders at Port after being "overlooked" for a time.

Coaching Panel – On the issue of Josh Mahoney KB asked about the coaching panel. DB said that he had been directly involved with both Josh and Sean Wellman – both quality people, smart, show common sense and have a good work ethic. He referenced Paul Williams as a second year developing coach and that we have two development coaches in Kelly O'Donnell and Mark Williams. DB stated that with the number of players under 24 that the coaching panel reflects the nature of the list (my words "young and developing").

2008 Draw - DB is not phased by the draw. He said that 13 or 14 matches at the G is brilliant after only getting on it once or twice a season while with Port.

Nathan Carroll - DB said that the leadership team had spelt out behaviour and guidelines to all players and that Nathan had crossed the line one week later.

Brad Green's Omission from Leadership Team – DB said that Brad was disappointed. The leadership team spoke to Brad about the areas of improvement. DB said he treats both Brad and Jeff White as leaders of the club and that both are in for very good years.

New Dees getting an Early Taste – DB said that Cale Morton is in line for one game in the NAB Cup. He also said that Stefan Martin, Aussie Wonaeamirri and Shane Valenti would probably get a game in the NAB Cup.

All in all, I thought that DB handled himself well – he sounded thoughtful and answered the questions honesty and with good humour. The more I hear of DB the more impressed I am. I think we have a keeper here.

Underlying impressions I have of DB are that he is very, very down to earth guy who will tell it as it is, reputations don’t count for much. On balance, attitude and work ethic will be rewarded over someone who is seen as a player with brilliant skills but suspect work ethic.

Thanks for the comprehensive summary Phile. A good and informative read.

All good stuff.

Love the talk of Buckley!

Hope we blitz Geelong round 1 of NAB cup and get some more members on from that game alone.

While it may sound good to hear people who try will get a game over lacklustre talent, I don't really rate it. Thats how we will end up with more Nicho's, williams and Godfreys in the team. Im sorry but I'll take Bruce over Godders anyday of the week.

All good stuff.

Love the talk of Buckley!

Hope we blitz Geelong round 1 of NAB cup and get some more members on from that game alone.

While it may sound good to hear people who try will get a game over lacklustre talent, I don't really rate it. Thats how we will end up with more Nicho's, williams and Godfreys in the team. Im sorry but I'll take Bruce over Godders anyday of the week.

Contradictary to that is the following statement:

"Flexibility – Players have shown aptitude to be flexibility from its varied training venues through to the need for some players to be up to speed in a number of positions. DB said he is looking for footballers over athletes, and wants to improve those aspects (flair, ability, etc) that got them on to an AFL list, ie play to the players strengths."

I didn't get the same underlying impression as Demonophile. The impression I get is that DB believes that we are a skillful side that needs to improve our discipline on and off the field. Hopefully that will bring a greater level of consisitency in our play.

Players who Surprised – DB identified Daniel Bell (size, strength and speed) in particular and also Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland and Simon Buckley (attitude) as players who have surprised him

I think we'll find that our opinions about what constitutes our best 22 (see the "Best team on the park" thread) might be radically different by half way through the year, or maybe even after the NAB Cup.

I think we'll find that our opinions about what constitutes our best 22 (see the "Best team on the park" thread) might be radically different by half way through the year, or maybe even after the NAB Cup.

agree 100%.

despite my personal beliefs and those of other demonlanders there are certain players who i think will be regular starting 22 players for atleast the first 10 weeks of the 2008 season.

they include:

Brad Miller

Adem Yze

Simon Buckley

they include:

Brad Miller

Adem Yze

Simon Buckley

Always said it to anyone who would listen, long before joining demonland, he is gonna be wiked.

The comments on Brad Green were interesting - said Brad was very disappointed and has been training so hard that at times he's had to pull him back a bit.

I think Green might be instore for a very good year. Being dropped from the leadership group wasn't a kick in the arse he deserved, but he might use it as a bit of extra motivation this year.

Did Brad Green have a bad year last season? Thought that he was probably played out of position but showed that he will be a 200 game player for the MFC.

His ommission from the leadership group was a shock for me but if he shows the attitude and determination to become one of the club;s elite players, he may still captain the MFC.

I am sure from the interview that attitude and determination were not weak points for Brad Green. I would be interested to know what DB's leadership criteria. I had thought Green had it all over some other more fancied players.

I do note that DB said "DB stated that the issue of ‘leadership’ is one that is subject to on-going review, ie it is not just a one off process, it is one that must be shown/demonstrated on and off the field." So there is hope for Green. I just wonder how he was not adjudged at meeting that criteria.

What I liked about the interview was that Dean was very measured, calculated in the answers he gave and the manner he gave them, me thinks the change of wind is drifting across the MFC in a big way, all I hope is that on game day he is good as what he doing now.

Yeah I really liked his interview. There was no [censored] about it, no trying to be something he's not. He was honest and came across as very intelligent.

God I'm looking forward to meeting him or hearing him address the crowd at an aftermatch function.

Good feelings about him, but as someone said it will be interesting to see if he can carry this composure on match days.

Brad Green in today's little paper also says it how it is.... how he was peeved at being overlooked, etc, etc...

In the past I have been critical of Greeny but last year he showed that he can do the hard tings, the little things but more importantly play unselfish footy - running off the ball, shepherding, tackling, communicating...

I am expecting big things from him this year - hopefully a settled position on the wing but with his ability to be adaptable he could be a pinch hitter...

He is without doubt a leader of the club and even though not in the group, he will continue to do the acts of running back with the flight, putting his body on the line, doing the unselfish acts that make players want to go into battle alongside you...

he is also a favourite at after match functions - speaks very well and passionately about the Mighty Melbourne Football Club!!

Always said it to anyone who would listen, long before joining demonland, he is gonna be wiked.

Buckley this is. What makes youi think that he will be good? Im a bit unsure but interested in what you see in him