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I'm just excited that he wants to see "competitive football". Finally someone comes out and says Melbourne needs to be "competitive", it's a fresh change.

As a paid up member of both the MFC & MCC i would have preferred McClardy to address 186 head on for 10 minutes and then answer some questions. Then say "that's it." To refuse to discuss it i have to quietly disagree. It is a moment in our history that does need some discussion between members and the club, so at least we are all on the same page, even if we do not all like it. The details of 186 should not be forever kept as hazy as the sacking of Norm Smith has been. We need unit on all levels. Without, we are dead and gone.

Rhino you're quite right that the Board is not responsible for the last 47 years but they are responsible for the last 4 and we, as members, surely have the right to question them about the events of that period. If I'm reading the reports correctly attendees were asked not to ask questions about last year. Surely I've misread that. Is the Board really saying "I won't answer questions about the last 12 months"? If that's the case it a gross omission of accountability and responsibility. Can you imagine the CEO of BHP asking shareholders not to ask questions about the last 12 months, especially if things happened that were very poorly handled? I'm bemused at this forums confidence in McLardy. McLardy was the one who, as a Board member, decided to interview the leadership group about the management of the club without reference to the rest of the Board in the week prior to W186. That was a gross misjudgement on so many levels and showed me that his understanding of a Boards role is poor and he was not suited to the role. That he is Stynes best mate and Jimmy wanted him President has allowed him the position out of respect for Jim. For him as President to refuse to discuss the last 12 months shows his judgement is not improving. Jimmy has been a wonderful figurehead for our club but as a member I feel a bit disenfranchised that Jimmy's retirement was announced on the day of the AGM, McLardy appointed Chairman and we as members were given no time to approved or otherwise this move. As for Neeld, I've said for a while that he is a poor public performer and that seems to be shown again last night. But so what, I'm much more interested to see if he can coach. None of us know that at present.

I can't agree with this. AGMs are not supposed to be entertaining. Take me to a long colourful AGM full of argument, debate, requests for information etc - and I'll show you a fragmented organisation with a divided membership.It was precisely because it was a short positive AGM that I thought it was probably the most encouraging I have been too. Traditionally coaches have not spoken at AGM's. Often AGM's are held when the players are on leave. Neeld was asked to be brief - so that the players could get home for dinner and bed. I'm glad he didn't keep them sitting there so that he could preach to the converted. Whether or not we come to love Neeld depends on our on-field performance. I'm pleased that he, at least, realises that! Jim's departure did introduce an edge of sadness into the night - but the fact that it was a just routine AGM was very much a plus

His responsibility is not to PLEASE YOU but to coach this football team to finals football. I personally don't give a stuff how you felt and I will see at the END of the years to weather he is a good coach or not. Dean Bailey was great at selling hype to the members papers and corperates but where did that get us. GROW UP

It's still the best haircut in all of Western Sydney.

I'm happy about this draw for 2 reasons: 1) It'll be a good early test of how our new game plan holds up against the better teams, and will give Neeld something to work on before the season starts 2) I can watch us play live 2 weeks in a row, regardless of whether we lose the previous week. So unlike always, it's 3 solid weeks of games, as opposed to 1 week of games, then 2 weeks of practice runs in remote country towns where the grounds are normally in crap condition. Also good to get some much needed practice at Etihad.

Saturday, Mar 3 Aurora Stadium Hawthorn vs. GWS Giants 3.40pm Fox Footy This looks like an R18+ classification to me - I just don't see Clarkson or the Hawks taking any prisoners.

Jim is the one footy person who's respected, admired and loved by everybody associated with the game, and probably by many who have nothing to do with AFL. This is a remarkable thing, I can't think of anybody else of whom this could be said. And he's thoroughly earned every microgram of that respect, admiration & love by his quality as a person, an athlete, and a leader. Hate to think where we'd be now if it wasn't for Jim and his leadership.

"Look at me! I'm Davy Crockett"

I had my first pre-season soccer training session last night. At the soccer club I was widely ridiculed at the start of last year for saying I would rather lose Tom Scully to GW$ than Jack Watts. Since then my steadfast defense of Jack Watts as a future superstar has become something of a running joke at the club. The boys love nothing better than winding me up about Jack. Anyway, one of the boys at the club was involved in running the Cadbury super team promotion in blacktown last week, where 20 AFL stars ran a clinic for youngsters. Jack Watts was up there, as was Tom Scully. My mate is an avid North Melbourne fan and said he went there expecting Jack Watts to be a tool, but said Jack was an absolute ripping bloke and readily interacted with all the staff organizing the event. Tom on the other hand was aloof and barely spoke to any of the staff and came across as an arrogant nob, kept to himself and didnt really even interact much with the other players up there.

He would probably pinch the umpires coin too!

Saw this on facebook fwiw, if I was living in melbourne I would be there in a flash - " Foxtel is looking for 20 Demon fans to help film an ad in Melbourne next Tuesday from 8am-11am at Southbank. If you want to see your face on Fox Footy all year, email [email protected] with your name, photo, phone number and list of club apparel that you own. If you’re successful, Fox Sports will contact you. Good luck! "

3rd highest avg winning margin in 2011 (after Collingwood and Geelong) seems somewhat competitive. Also had the 2nd highest losing margin. Competitive to me is just a general word that could apply to many things but what I am far more interested in is consistency. That gap between the side's best and worst is the biggest thing I want to see rectified in 2012.

Why would the club want to delve into sensitive matters regarding the current CEO, and other widely reported issues between the FD and admin, with a strong media contingent present ? Why give them any more fodder to interpret past proceedings any way they see fit ? What happened happened. It's been dealt with extensively and we move on. The finances are solid and those that have been at the helm of poor on-field results have been shown the door. As for Neeld ? If you're a supporter that needs to be cajoled, motivated, or appeased by stirring prognostications about the year ahead from someone that has just stepped through the door then you need your emotions tempered. The list is in pretty good shape. If some genuine A graders and a star or two emerge then the future is bright. Even Neeld can't provide those certainties right now.

Twin brothers. It's a little known fact that George actually covered for Carlos at Woodstock. When his G string broke and he couldn't play his instrument because he didn't have a replacement, he was booed off the stage. It wasn't the first time that George had suffered such a mishap and he subsequently came up with that well known saying, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". Yes, it's important that we remember our past mistakes and do what is necessary to ensure that they're not repeated. At the same time it's also wrong to obsess over the past and the message from the meeting was clear that the club's focus is firmly set on the future and that seems to have been the case for the last six months - so let's move on.

My biggest question of the night is regarding an issue that no one has commented on which I find suprising, unless Ive misunderstood the explanation. THat is, Greg Healy's placement as CASUAL Football Director. Please correct me if im wrong but does this mean that the MFC, a club competing with sprting powerhouses for a premiership, has filled this absolutely critical postion with a Casual appointment. Why is this not bothering anyone. Why is everyone over the moon about Healys appointment in a casual capacity. to me that is the biggest negative of the whole evening. It has been brushed under the carpet. I am hoping i have misunderstood this and welcome any comments on this matter.

TRUST.....

I call it either Rugby League or League. Ruby Union is always referred to as Rugby, and they are two different sports, with almost separate supporter bases. Normally I wouldn't bother correcting anyone on an AFL forum, but the conversation was about media exposure of different sporting codes, so the distinction needs to be made. Part of the debate was about the Reds and the Brumbies, and for WYL to express how big Rugby is up north and that Packer made a lot of money out of it, and that people watch it at leagues clubs, is incorrect. Not trying to nitpick, just wanted to clarify it when we are specifically talking about sporting code exposure.

Something which gets overlooked by media pundits spruiking that we pulled the trigger early on him. Even some supporters.

What's wrong with having your age on the back of your jumper?

Never underestimate Rugby in the Northern States. It is huge. Kerry Packer made a lot of his $$$ off the back of it. In Melbourne we go to games and we watch other games. Up north they watch it at home or at a leagues club. Exposure to Advertising signs is still achieved both ways.

Western Farce

i dont care if the bloke turns out to be a serial killer as long as the clubs win games. its not a popularity contest.

What am I blaming him for? These are opinion-based threads, and that's my opinion. He told me to read through threads on here to understand what "actually" happened, yet as you said, no one from the Club has made comment on. You may well be right that the players and coach are partially to blame, but I can't see how they are only partially. They are professional athletes in their chosen field. They got beaten by 186 points in a competition tha tis mean to be "even". How can the players not be mostly to blame? At the end of the day, they're the ones running out on to the oval, chasing the ball, trying to stop their opponents from scoring while actually scoring themselves. It's either that or we were just having a bad day, all 21 of them at once (with the exception of Jordie Mc and someone else - can't remember who). No side at AFL level should allow that to happen, regardless of the amount of crap that was happening offield. Players must take responsibility and my original post is that it is never to happen again, ever. Things are in place to make sure that if they have an issue, that it's left in the change rooms, not on the scoreboard.

I get that, but those teams can look at them and say "you can be the major sponsor for two clubs with that money and get exposure, or you can be minor sponsors to 5 clubs and be overlooked by people who only see the two brands that sponsor clubs (at least in AFL)." Again, that is a ROI argument that is valid. These big companies only care about being front and centre.

I was quite happy with Mark Neeld's speech last night - a little bit of insight, a little bit of humour (even at himself for being told to lighten up), his amiable targetting of a young supporter and making him feel important on the night, no false or rash promises (top 8 too low for some, top 4 too high?), the promise only of not dying wondering - and to leave no stone unturned - about all we can reasonably ask at this stage, the introduction of the 8 new players and a broad overview of the pre-season under a new regime. Anything that might have been offered about specific players other than the draftees - form, injuries, expectations, positional changes etc could have been asked during question time. No questions were forthcoming.

#8 "Jesus Voldemort what the fcuk happened to your head" #9 "When Dipper said he wanted to play "Cowboys & Indians" I didn't realise he was going to try and scalp me" #8 "You were lucky he didn't suggest "Doctors & Nurses" or he would probably have torn you a new one"

I tend to agree with Savoy with regard to Neeld but would not go to the extent of saying that the Club is pathetic. The question on culture was asked in a very agressive manner and was obviously preconceived as he was holding a piece of paper with his question written down. He was always going to be angry with any answer that he got. We all know that the "culture" at the Club was lacking but I believe we all have different interpretations of what "culture" actually is - is it the players/FD (previous) commitment or acceptance of mediocrity or is the culture of the Club/members. I dont know what this person was actually attacking and he was attacking. The way the question was put would have put the Board members on the back foot and in the circumstances I think it was answered suitably. As KD said Don agreed to debate the question after. Poor Cam got the bullet as Don was doing interviews. With regard to Neeld I agree he was at best simplistic in his speech, even his description of the new boys, well he could have given us a little bit more information. I got the feeling that he didnt want to promise the world but even an indication of what level we are aiming at ie the 8 would have been something more than what we got. For a Coach's first AGM it was an opportunity missed. To allow those passionate members get a glimpse of where we are tracking would have been more appropriate. Even a word on Liam's injury or some individual PB's being beaten etc would have wetted the appetite of those there. He certainly was not giving anything away on leadership either although I certainly believe he has already made his mind up. He said that that he been told that he was too serious and that he should lighten up. Maybe that is what we have - a coach who coaches single mindedly without distraction. Probably a good thing. Despite all of this I was happy that there were no big statements and as someone else said all in all the AGM was of a Club getting on and doing its business. I did like Craig's brief but illuminating reason for choosing Melbourne. On another note did anyone see Chris Connelly?

He did the same thing at the Bluey. And he is getting better at it! He hides his uncertainty speaking in front of crowds behind an abrupt and authoritarian tone. That was his attempt at humour and it wasn't bad... And let's face it - those sheets that are given to coaches to talk about at these sorts of meetings are meaningless: please talk about things you cannot talk about in a timeline that won't let you finish a coherent thought.

He's a hero in my eyes. Yes, he has made mistakes. But the best ones do. Thanks and you will be remembered fondly long after you leave us, and, in the end, isn't that a great mark of a human being?

"someone bet me $2 I wouldn't do it...not much I wouldn't do for more money"

"Habib told me this is what all the chicks dig up here uleh, but I reckon I look like a big zub!"

It certainly was flat (even the singing at the end) but I really put that down to finding out that Jim wasn't there because he was having another operation Yesterday. Many were there to say goodbye to Jim as President. CS certainly wasnt the same CS we are used to. He was almost circumspect in the way he presented. I am sure that he is a very clever CEO but that the blow up last year has left a few wounds which need time to heal. He certainly has lost a lot of weight!. The question by a member on the culture of the club I think was handled as best as it could in the venue with multiple media outlets there. Don mentioned that the Club had set out to be a more inclusive Club which he believed had been achieved (and I am sure we all would agree here). To my mind the gentleman was questioning the player culture and I dont believe the AGM is a place where that can be discussed with all the players in attendance. I did see same gentlemen concerned waiting to talk with Cam after the AGM so he may have got his answer then. If he is a member here maybe he could enlighten all of us. I was disappointed that more wasnt made of Garry Lyons work with the Club and it took a member to stand up at question time to thank both Garry and Todd before they were thanked on behalf of the Board. Don has been a surprise to some as to how well he has handled Jim's and his own position. I left feeling very confident that we are back on track as a Club. It is where we should have been at the beginning of last year. There was very little raz-ma-taz, ra ra-ing. It was down to earth, lets get on with the job, cant wait to get to round 1 kind of stuff. Russel Howcroft reminded all that the first chance to see the boys play is Feb 17 at Casey so get down there.

All of us on here have different ideas, and at times it can get heated and sometimes quite nasty. But we are ALL UNITED when the words Jim Stynes are spoken. I have shed tears today. But Jim you are still here and may that continue. This club must become stronger with you as the inspiration & accept nothing less. GO DEE'S 2012. September bound.

"I spent 6 years in Blacktown and all I got was this stupid f$&@ing haircut".

"Gee, I don't feel any different after that lobotomy"

i looked at it and wasnt completely sure, i have said previously i find it hard to read sarcasm on hear haha, even though i attempt it myself

Nice speech from Cameron - he deserves more credit than what he's given. Also thanked Jim and acknowledged we need to take some important steps forward after a disappointing year on the field. Our integrity was questioned and we took the opportunity to rebuild the football department with a new coach and others who we have attracted. The playing group has significant potential and we have great determination as demonstrated by our president. We've ridden a few bumps and that's part of life in our competition. We wanted to be the first club to appoint our coach and appoint a team around him - Neil Craig and the other new appointments to give our players the best chance to build great careers and our team to be judged by its results.

I see today they announced he will be wearing the number 9 at GWS. I dare say a bit of JT envy????

Photos would be good to see if Schwabby has bulked up in the pre season on too much chinese.

Slainte Jimma, May the road rise up to meet your feet; May the wind be always gentle at your back and the sun shine warm upon your face. May the welcome rains fall softly upon your fields And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

I love the payout on Tom. Makes me laugh. I'm not going to "get over it", nor do I want to. I'm going to nurture my bitter feelings toward our former player for at least his footy carreer. I'd advise if you are "over it" you'd best stay clear of threads like this one...

i reckon he'll stay

I doubt McDonald will get many games. His body was starting to pack it in two seasons ago. Will be captain of the 2's at best.

Mods can delete this if they wish, but I'll post a story about little Tom. That celebrity fatty show filmed a segment at GWS training, and Tommy was supposed to run at/through Dipper after a Dipper challenge, I'm told Tom "squibbed it", and Dipper proceeded to take the urine (in a jocular way) calling Tom a [censored] and such. Tom completely cracked the shizzles and stormed off. He had to be apologized for. I'm told sadly that won't go to air. I wouldn't run through Dipper either, at any weight, but what a joyless little boy Tommy is. Probably had flashbacks of bouncing off Phil in the back yard whenst trying to grab a sausage.

Stef Martin? You're on drugs.