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Ok thanks for letting us know Nash!

I can't for the life of me understand how people can want Grimes as captain. No doubt he's got leadership qualities and when he's out on the park I love the way he goes about it but the poor guy has been struggling from one serious injury to another. For crying out loud let him get some games into him, hell let him get a close to full season before we thrust this important responsibility on him.

I heard Mick Malthouse mention on SEN that the important thing for Neeld in the first few years is that he controls as much as possible, until he has everyone working to his vision and they have earnt his trust. I expect that to be the case so let's not overstate the impact Royal will or won't have on the overall game plan and performance of our mids. I think the appointment of Greaves as an assistant says more than the shift of Royal to midfield coach. I read it as Royal has a couple of years left on a contract, has been around the block and can share a few things with Greaves who will eventually take over from Royal once his contract expires. How often is a midfield assistant coach appointed? That to me says that Neeld might not have full faith in Royal and it's more of a case that we'll use him where we can rather than pay out a contract. That's my interpretation of it all anyway.

A friend of a friend is an old vfl footballer, who played with hawks but is a mad demons fan, has alot of contacts still with melbourne, was talking about Neil Craig already agreeing to terms with Melbourne and he was saying "its looking good now we have got Craig". Didn't go into too much about it and everytime I ask him who he knows, he just winks and says footballers know footballers Normally I would just blow this off, but he told me about Neeld 4 days before it came out in the press. Don't bite my head off, just passng on a msg... I know its a friend of a friend but I thought I would share anyway.. Take it if you wish

Another straight shooter is Dave Misson...Cool. This Pre eason is going to be one to remember, our young boys are going to step up. Reminds me a lot of 1953 when Norm Smith started his coaching reign....Bails has already done a lot of work...Now it all gets ramped up. Good times ahead Fellow supporters...We must embrace this time & increase our number of Premiership Cups over the next Decade....

I will be introducing a mobile theme in the coming weeks. I just wanted to nail down the web theme first which also looks great on the iPad. The mobile theme should look great on the iPhone. Stay tuned.

I think Mark Neeld will have an amazing impact on Nathan Jones... Jones is a tough, fitness freak with average disposal and average understanding of the game at this point. Seeing the wonders Neeld worked as midfield coach of Dane Swan I can see Jonesy being Neeldy's "boy" and helping Jones take the next step as an AFL player.

It was tough for Howe to make an impact in that game.

I'm surprised you've read this forum for so long and haven't picked up on the fact that role players are fine, it's the elite players that set you apart and that is where we are sorely lacking, particularly in the midfield. If you doubt this just look at the decline of teams when their elite players are not replaced, injured or suffer poor form. Brisbane, PA, WB last year (Johnson, Lake, Cooney etc), Adelaide (Edwards, Goodwin, McLeod, Burton) and Saints this year (Hayes, Reiwoldt, Gilbert, Goddard). Look at WC with Cox, Kerr and Glass all playing well. Last to top 4. It's why the loss of Scully is so important and why replacing him with elite potential so critical.

To continue the teaching analogy, let's remember that the assistant coaches are working to a curriculum, but they're not writing the curriculum. Neeld is doing that. Royal was implementing Bailey's defensive vision last season and next season he'll be working out of Neeld's lesson book. Of course top line assistants (like Neeld was) can contribute greatly to the development of a game plan but in Melbourne's present situation, where they'll largely be learning a new playing style, having an assistant who is a good teacher and communicator should suffice.

He's progressing well and is on track to be injured again by round 6, 2012.

Can we just leave the game alone for once?

I attended a Before the Bounce event that Royal spoke at and he left me nothing but unenthused. He stated that a key principle he had with our backs was to never leave them in a one on one contest, a player should always go and help out. That puzzled me considering I would back Frawley and Garland one out against most opponents. I then witnessed us give up 4 goals that day from having too many players up at the contest.

In the beginning the Sporting Gods created Football and it was with form. The form of an oval and and oval upon which to perform. But the Oval was void and without life and so they created teams. In the first there was Melbourne and then all others were created in its likeness. As by day the oval basked in sun but at evening it was darkness lay across those that came to see the teams. The Sporting Gods moved across the water , the Yarra, and said "let there be light" and upon this the lights of the MCG came on; so much light !! But these Gods had forsaken their own and the team Melbourne languished in purgatory. The Fuschias wilted without sun. Melbourne was not to be without destiny though and from the forgotten barren lands of the Junction Oval the team would rise again to take its righful place before the people. A plan was hatched and men set out upon a Mission and the Mission was got. The Mission now setout a plan for men and they will rise in the image of Demons. These Demons will know no equal and they will lay asunder all those that dare test their might. So sayeth the word...and the word was Melbourne

It's appointments like these that should make those who've chucked in their hard earned to help this club feel good about their contribution. It is making a difference and that difference will be felt on the field.

Demonland now has a Like button feature on each topic and post. It's over there ---------------------->>>>>>

I beleive Jack will be on the panel tonight. He will do a great job. I wont see it tonight, so would be great to hear how he goes and if he has any news. Cheers

You are one very frustrating individual to communicate with. Nasher attempts to make a point. Belzebub misinterprets. Nasher reads own point again - sees how the words he wrote don't actually say what he meant, follows up with a reword so point is written as intended. Mea culpa. Belzebub replies, pointing out the first mistake for a second time. Nasher frustratingly acknowledges mistake for a second time Belzebub replies, pointing out the first mistake for a third time, accuses Nasher of backpedaling. Nasher bashes head against the desk, very hard.

Yet curiously I couldn't post on the old Demonland from my iPad, but now it's a dream! Love the upgrade!

What I find funny is the possibility that Carlton thought they had trumped us by securing our fitness guy Hocking, but we scored Misson and it would seem they set their sights too low. Maybe out smarted themselves?

maybe...lots of lovley money in those recycled pape bags hey !! lol Im still really a bit flumoxed as to whether we really need Craig. Is he essential or a bit of a "cherry on top" ?? We have a fitness guru. we have caoch who seems quite able ( in terms of ability and nouse ) . Dees even have a back up in expanding Mahoneys role. Im rather curious by it all to be honest. The club seems to be ticking all the boxes currently somaybe this is another box. Maybe Im just not used to this club being at the forefront of things !!! lol

Oh my god I always forget that The Footy Show sucks and just enjoy it for what it is!! Then some randoms on a forum remind me that it is sexist dribble and then I just stop watching it.... Thank god people love mentioning that they don't like it so we all know and can now be further educated and grown up. Looking forward to watching The Footy Show with the other thousands of people who do.

probably feels sorry for us after '88 I know I felt very sorry for myself afte that game.... somethng to do with amber stuff

I don't trawl through every forum topic so I apologise if this has been mentioned several times already - but Chris Dawes is the one we should be chasing... hopefully the Neeld link will help facilitate this.

My 2c worth, Id have Dermot, I know everyone hates him but he has mentioned on radio he would like to help the demon forwards.

Again, the club has a clearly determined strategy to be competing for flags around 2015, not "any time soon". Our drafting patently illustrates this. I would much sooner strive for flags than have drafted Palmer, Rich, Darling etc and reach a peak ladder position of 5 or 6 over the next five years.

Old dee I may be wrong here but I believe what they are saying is along the lines which I am thinking. I dont think Long term drafting of Cook was an error Darling is as big as he is going to get and he is also as good as he is going to get. There is a lot of tall timber in that Eagles forward line so naturally he has been well assisted. I have seen him play for a number of years so believe I can judge him farily accuratley. 6 Clubs who overlooked Rhys Palmer in the 2007 draft were slated but look at them now If Cook does not surpass Darling then I will tilt my hat to you I am just glad we draft with foresight not for the now

I would prefer Norman Gunston... no doubt he would bleed red and blue

Im thinking ( possibly hoping ) Neeld has an effect on everyone esp about half a dozen Again , he seems to have a history or player-whispering Nathan's downfall often is not the quality of disposal, but the logistics of it. If he can find a clam and a confidence to weave that extra second ( or part thereof ) to weigh up a better off-load he will take huge steps. A little less crash bang and a little more poise.!!

So excited! Not only do I get to see a Dees Player on the Footy Show, but they are actually GOOD in the media. Loved watching Beamer earlier in the year but Jack comes across as far more comfortable (see Before the Game) and good for a laugh. Guarantee they'll take the [censored] on his Energy Watch acting haha.

I may well have missed your point because I actually don't read much but the comment above caught my eye. We have the second youngest list in the competition and you're thinking that we should seek improvement? You think that Neeld will want a developing list to get better and won't be happy with a team that finished where we did. Insight. Thanks. I'll think on that.

Left-field suggestion, but I'd try Bartram in a forward pocket. His ferocious attack on the ball, tackling and defensive skills would make him great at applying forward line pressure and keeping the ball in the F50 arc. His disposal and decision making would be less of an issue - he'd only need to focus on kicking the ball straight at goal, centring it, or kicking to the obvious option. It would remove a lot of the indecision he faces when trying to advance the footy upfield. A similar sort of thing seems to have worked with Jake King. It's funny, we've sorta seen a reversal of roles in recent times. Creative players to the backline, not so much to play tight, but because of the drive they give out of the backline and into the forward line. Defensive structures make their defensive skills less critical. And conversely, hard-at-it defensive types deep in the forward line, to lock it in there once it comes in. To create that frenzied pressure that leads to goal opportunities. The switch from the hunted to the hunter. Don't be surprised if you see it.

I know he's contracted, but I would be extremely happy if Dunn was off our list by hook or by crook. The guy is a dead set fraud

I lol'd. Unbelievable that some want him to be captain - I'd start with "regular player" myself.

Crouch's Under 18 coach describes him as the "complete package" and my information is that he will become an elite midfielder - North Ballarat midfielder Brad Crouch one of the stars to watch. I have a feeling about this kid despite the following which might be off-putting for some:- Mind you, that should keep the predators from Carlton away from him !

Collingwood has a host of players who would struggle at other clubs if they were key players. Wellingham, Blair, Maxwell etc are average players that look like good players in a really good team. Varcoe and Mackie are the same at Geelong. But team is the word. The Pies play as a team and have a few genuine stars of the game. Even Simon Buckley looks OK in their team. Jones would be a gun, Petterd would be a star, etc. It's the cream we are missing, particularly in the midfield. Look at the I50's we concede. That's our midfield. Stats don't lie. Our fwd line is actually very efficient. It just doesn't get in their anywhere near often enough. And of course our ability to play as a real team. Too many go missing too often. Leaders - Ha! We have none that have played more than 80 games.

you nearly got the point...but Ive not even suggested many of our are even A grade. What im saying is whatever grade someone might think a player is...be a tad more demanding. One of the biggest problems with any list are the players that always appear adequate, but deep down we know they have varous shortcomings which in the main , because they are 'our' team we suddenly gloss over. An example say would be Sylvia.. He has all the hallmarks of a very talented and solid player with above average ability. So youd think hed be a very very good player. But hes not, or at least doesnt play to it. So how might a dispassionate new fella view Colin...like a fanatical Melbourne supporter ? I hope not. Bartram. Has many things going for him as a defender and many would automatically put him in our top 22 . But he cant kick for sh!t and who , if theyre honest doesnt shake when he has the ball ? Is this really where we would have the standard of our backmen ? Again, fans often smooth over the cracks. We need eyes that see all the cracks, see all the potential that can be changed, if indeed it can, or ...or move them on. Id be surprised if half that board wasnt vacant when Neeld put up his team.

BB have I missed something? I have seen nothing from the MFC that suggests they are interested in Craig. IMO this is another idea by the press. I am far from convinced we need him. With Mahoney now the "football Manager" Connolly General Manager Club Development and Misson Fitness manager I am not sure what Craig would do? where does he fit? Having said that the MFC will probably announce him on board tomorrow.

GWS recruiter Steven Silvagni might have been red faced at the AA Awards when he incorrectly read out the names of Robert Harvey instead of Robert Murphy and Sam Reid instead of his brother Ben but there was a sense of shock at Giants HQ yesterday when someone found one of SOS' recruiting dossiers floating in the Paramatta River. The confidential file marked "Tom Scully' contained photos of Jack Trengove giving credence to the belief that the recruiting staff had confused the two young Demons and offered the wrong player the big bucks. The mystery of why a grinning Kevin Sheedy has been been greeting the youngster with the words "g'day Jack" at training seems to have also been solved.

Like a bloke with the initials of TS???

As everyone knows - the midfield is the most important area. As for Royal, he has been around the block and is a career coach. I am certain, he would be more comfortable away from the backline. Having said that - it wasn't the backline's fault we allowed so many Inside 50s... I am, however, much more comfortable with Royal in charge of the midfield than West.

I think if Royal did not have 2 years to run on a contract we might have seen something different. At least he is now in charge of the area he excelled at rather than an area that was foreign to him.

Nice 1 W.J, I got a good laugh out of ya post, but look @ what good humour can lead 2,lol.....car'n the DEE'S

Looks that way Belze. With Gazza in the driving seat whippin' the horses! And Neeld having just grabbed hold of some of the reigns as well yellin' "shove over bro". This might have been the year it dawned upon the club as a whole, that we were probably trying hard in some areas, but actually when you stripped all the fanfare away....we were quite amaturish, in a comparative sense, with the big boys. The Cats may have actually done us a big favor. Obviously the top clubs have the $$, players and recent success and all that comes with it, resulting in them being a few years ahead of the rest of the pack. But i think we've finally realised that to be the best we have to become the best, or at least try and match them as best we can from the top down. Misson being just one more piece of a very complex puzzle. But we seem to be putting the pieces together quite nicely so far eh. Now for 40,000+ members in 2012 and another big sponsor on the other side of the jumper! And with success on the field in a few years....who knows....pushing 50,000 by 2014/2015 The Demon train has only just begun rollin' me thinks! My only concern at this point would be if Gazza jumps off before the full rebuild is complete. Hopefully he'll recognise he's still required until then and stay on for as long as it takes. Who knows, he might even change his mind and stay on indefinitely.

Ditto and nicely said. 2012 will be interesting. 2013....hopefully something pretty special

I don't think so Jack! For a start, Scully's a left-footer, and Jack kicks with his right. I think they would have spotted that. Sheesh!!!!!

Yeah, Greeny's getting his left and right foot swapped so we can try starting him on the other flank. Should also confuse the opposition for at least half the season.

We're really making a fist of it arent we. Its as if weve decided to stop stuffing around and get serious.

I'm going, should be a great night

Mark Neeld to appoint whoever the ..... he likes. I want to see him given the reins to the whole footy dept. Blind faith...maybe, I just sense that he is the right man for the right time at the MFC. I love Mark Neeld.