Leaderboard

For those with bunched knickers regarding Mitch Clark, he's trained with us under Neeld for as long as every other player has. Neeld said it was a clean slate for everyone. If he and the other coaches like what they've seen from Mitch, how long he's been here or where he's from is irrelevant. He's fit to lead the way these coaches want this team to be lead, you should be thankful he's brought that bonus attribute with him. I for one think he's exactly the type of leader we need around our forward line, with the timid types we have floating in and out of there, he'll set an example and let others know what is and is not acceptable. Great choice.

I don't know if it's been mentioned before but I reckon this tweet is all class. It's from Brad Green: Well played Brad and let's hope you're back to your absolute best in 2012.

So I was having a beer late yesterday at the Royal Saxon in Richmond (not a bad pub) with my Brother when we decide to toast the new captains and leadership group. We also decided to write down our best 22, which we usually do on the back of a coaster about this time every year. Alas, they didn't have any coasters, but we were able to improvise. We started at the back pocket, but, for my Brother Bartram wasn't a consideration. I said, you better pen his name down because he'll be in the team. He was horrified because as some others here point out his kicking is most definitely a liability. But I persisted. I said to my Brother, how often do you see Bartam lose a contest ? He said, not often. I said, how often does he get beaten one-on-one ? He said, not often. I said, how often do you see him get goals kicked on him ? He said, not often. I said, what's his pace like when covering small forwards ? He said, pretty good. I said what sort of tackler is he ? He said, yeah good. But then he said, you can't have someone with his kicking skills coming out of the back-line. I said, I agree that it's an issue, but I believe that Neeld's game-plan will be far kinder to Bartam than Bailey's. Bailey relied on low percentage pinpoint passing that was hardly conducive to Bartam's game. Neeld's game-plan relies heavily on winning contested footy, dishing it off quickly to play makers, or scrapping a kick along the boundary line and starting again. Neeld's game-plan relies on protecting space and dictating where the game is going to played. Far more than ever Melb will be attempting to play the game on their terms. Neeld is far from stupid and he knows Bartam's deficiencies, but he also knows his strengths and the coach and player will work to utilise those strengths and minimise those weaknesses. I'll reserve judgment until the season proper, but I can see why Bartram could be a valuable and tough little bastard under Neeld's direction. Pound for pound Bartram is also one of the strongest at the club. Some, including Range Rover, think he'll be a club leader, but mainly down at Casey, I disagree.

Mitch Clark was also one of the first outsiders to commit to Neeld's vision for the MFC - and I rate him for that, because historically we've never been able to attract the bigger names to this club (eg, Luke Ball). Initially, I don't think Clark wanted anything more than to win the respect of his team mates and the coaching staff, and clearly he has achieved that. Many people will no doubt say he only signed because of the money. But the underlying reality is that there had to be more than that that attracted him to us, particularly at this point in his career. He wouldn't have signed if he had thought we were likely wooden spooners for the next four years. I reckon Clark has essentially committed the rest of his career to this club, and I think it's great that Neeld is rewarding him for that. As an aside, Neeld talked about this club developing a 'hard edge'. Dropping Green, Moloney, Rivers and Davey within 4 months of him being appointing coach. Well, that shows a 'hard edge'.

Some players are just born leaders and it doesn't matter whether they are any good on the field. Two years ago, when Jack Grimes was 20 and injured, I met with some very high ranking people at the club about a different matter. I was told then that Grimes missed out on a leadership group by a whisker. At 20 and having played less than 20 games. Some people have it, and some people don't. Bartram clearly has it by the bucket loads, and it has nothing to do with his talent. When guys like Davey are picked into the leadership group, you think, well of course, they are so bloody talented. And then you realise how terrible a decision it is to choose a leader based on their talent ranking. Davey, Green, Bruce, Yze... I can go on. All damn good players. All damn poor leaders. Junior, average player, brilliant leader.

I don't get why people are so bewildered by Bartram's selection. Since when do you have to be the best and most skilled player to qualify as a quality leader? Bartram works his butt off and has done so since the moment he arrived at the club. He is about as talented as bloody Nick Maxwell, and if every one of our players worked as hard as him, we would never lose by 186 points.

If that happens then it just legitimises the decision.

1972 - A RETROSPECTIVE by Whispering Jack "Long, long time ago ..." (the opening line of the Don McLean song American Pie which was the # 3 single of 1972 according to Billboard Magazine - see footnote) This might be hard to believe but in 1972 there was not a single Jack on the playing list of the Melbourne Football Club. To compensate, there were six Johns and five Peters but, to prove that not everything changes over time, there was still only one Max although he was destined to make his mark in another sport. The captain's name was Frank (Davis) and he, along with Barry Bourke and John Townsend, was one of the three remnants of the club's 1964 premiership team - the last of its twelve flags to date. The latter two had stood alongside each other on grand final day, Townsend the leading goalkicker on the day with three, Bourke scoring one and also taking an important saving mark in the dying moments of the game. In turn, some of their teammates had been at the club as far back as 1953 when the Demons were a lowly young team thirsting for success that was, as it happened, just around the corner. So there were two decades of separation between the players of the Melbourne Football Club as season 1972 dawned. Another four decades have come and gone since then and the club, with a new coach is again placing its faith on youth and hard work in anticipation ... But for now, let's go back in time to 1972. THE DETAIL Coach: Ian Ridley Captain: Frank Davis Finishing Position: 8th Best and Fairest: Stan Alves Leading Goalkicker: Greg Parke (63) Best First Year Player: Ross Brewer After fading out and missing out on the finals in 1971, the mood was buoyant and coach Ian Ridley declared his team's motto for the season would be "This Is It" - appropriate for a team that had not seen finals action for eight long years. There was some hope for the Demons in the fact that they had won the Under 19s premiership in 1971 and several talented youngsters were on their way up but were they good enough to make the transition to senior VFL standard? The team tuned up for the season with a bonding and training trip to Sydney and reports from pre season practice was positive leading up to the season's opener against reigning premier Hawthorn. Melbourne, Collingwood and South Melbourne had voted against the McIntyre Final Five system but its introduction gave the club a greater chance of making its first finals series since 1964. THE PLAYING LIST 1. Max Walker 11 games, 1 goal 2. Robert McKenzie 8, 0 3. Trevor Rollinson 6, 0 4. Tony Sullivan 18 , 0 5. John Gallus 8, 8 6. Frank Davis 21, 0 7. Graham Osborne 13, 7 8. Peter Keenan 16, 13 9. Peter Yeo 3, 1 9. George Lakes 2, 0 10. Lloyd Burgman 7, 12 11. Greg Wells 22, 34 12. Mike Collins 13, 6 14. Barry Bourke 22, 0 15. Stan Alves 21, 22 16. John Townsend 12, 9 17. Denis Clark 9, 2 18. John Tilbrook 9, 10 19. Ray Biffin 20, 0 20. Laurie Queay 2, 2 21. Graham Molloy 21, 7 22. Ray Carr 4, 11 23. Peter Sinclair 8, 8 24. Ross Dillon 11, 5 26. Col Anderson 2, 0 26. Greg Parke 20, 63 27. Ross Brewer 17, 15 29. Noel Leary 1, 0 30 . John Letcher 12, 0 33. Gary Hardeman 21, 10 34. John Clennett 17, 13 35. Paul Callery 22, 23 37. John Reid 1, 0 38. Wayne Delmenico 1 , 0 39. Peter Dilnot 1, 0 41, Stephen Kerley 14, 1 45 . Henry Ritterman 12, 4 46. Geoff Harrold 2, 0 50. Shane McSpeerin 6, 3 54 . Peter Williamson 4, 0 THE OPENING ROUND The opening round game of 1972 between Hawthorn and Melbourne at Glenferrie Oval on Saturday, 1 April, 1972 was famous for all the wrong reasons. Late in the second term Hawk goalkicking sensation Peter Hudson, who equalled the VFL record of 150 goals in a season on the day his team won the previous year's grand final, found himself wedged between Demon defenders Ray Biffin. His knee buckled and his season was over. Indeed, his career was severely curtailed. The 21,513 fans at the ground watched in stunned silence as the Hawk forward, who had kicked 8.1 in less than half a game was carried from the ground. Hawthorn held a 27 point lead at the main break but the excitement went out of the game with Hudson's departure. Both sides went goal for goal in the second half with the home side prevailing by 29 points by the time the final siren sounded. Despite the win, the loss of Hudson turned out to be too much for Hawthorn who missed out on the finals finishing in 6th place. Melbourne went on to win 10 games after losing the first three and finished two spots behind Hawthorn which it beat in the return game later in the season. Hawthorn 4.3.27 9.4.58 10.10.70 15.14.104 Melbourne 1.3.9 4.7.31 5.11.41 10.15.75 The Team: Backs B. Bourke R. Biffin J. Letcher Half backs F. Davis G. Hardeman A. Sullivan Centreline G. Osborne P. Sinclair S. Alves Half forwards L. Burgmann G. Molloy R. Brewer Forwards F. Dillon R. Carr J. Townsend Followers P. Keenan G. Wells P. Callery 19:20 G. Lakes M. Walker Goals Ray Carr Greg Wells 2 Stan Alves Ross Brewer Paul Callery Ross Dillon Peter Keenan John Townsend. Best Garry Hardeman Stan Alves Tony Sullivan Paul Callery Peter Sinclair Greg Wells The Hawks also won the curtain raiser when their reserves beat the Demons in the reserves by 14.19.103 to 12.7.79. Goals Clennett Parke 3 Ritterman Tilbrook 2 McSpeerin Morgan Best Clennett McSpeerin Kerley Hawthorn made it a clean sweep in the Under 19s winning 20.9.129 to Melbourne 12.19.91. THE SEASON The early optimism was shattered by losses in the opening three games of the season with Footscray and Collingwood prevailing over them after the opening round loss to Hawthorn. There was a breakthrough with a big win over the Swans but, as the season progressed, those early losses and some narrow defeats (2 by one point, one by five and a couple of others thanks to poor kicking at goal) left the team well short of a chance of making the finals. Perhaps the sole consolation was that a win in the return game at the MCG ended up costing the Hawks a finals berth. It was disappointing that although a number of youngsters were blooded (9 first year players), the club went backwards by one position on the ladder in Ridley's second year as coach. They were to slide again the following year and wouldn't see finals action again for another decade and a half by which time every degree of separation had been exhausted although there was a young bloke named Robert coming through the fourths (Under 17s) which won their premiership in the Melbourne Boys League who was about to make his mark at the club. WINS & LOSSES 1. Hawthorn LOSS 2. Footscray LOSS 3. Collingwood LOSS 4. South Melbourne WIN 5. Richmond LOSS 6. Essendon WIN 7. Carlton LOSS 8. Geelong WIN 9. St. Kilda LOSS 10. North Melbourne WIN 11. Fitzroy LOSS 12. Hawthorn WIN 13. Footscray WIN 14. South Melbourne WIN 15. Collingwood LOSS 16. Richmond LOSS 17. Essendon LOSS 18. Carlton LOSS 19. Geelong WIN 20. St. Kilda LOSS 21. North Melbourne WIN 22. Footscray WIN LADDER Carlton 134.3% 74 Pts Richmond 117.7 % 72 Collingwood 133.0% 66 St. Kilda 115.6% 56 Essendon 108.3% 56 ----------------------- Hawthorn 111.1% 52 Footscray 94.7% 44 Melbourne 105.9% 40 Fitzroy 96.8% 36 Geelong 84.2% 28 South Melbourne 65.1% 8 North Melbourne 62.9% 4 BEST & FAIREST Seniors: 1st Stan Alves 2nd Greg Wells 3rd Gary Hardeman 4th Barry Bourke 5th Paul Callery 6th Greg Parke Reserves: 1st Denis Clark 2nd John Gallus Outstanding Service Henry Ritterman Ross Dillon John Cumming Under 19s 1st Frank Giampaolo 2nd Ian McGuinness Outstanding Service Peter Slade Peter Watts Neil McMullin Under 17s 1st Robert Flower 2nd James Ahern Outstanding Service Glen Campbell Guy Moorhouse Best Clubman Ian Kavanagh THE BOTTOM LINE The club made a substantial profit for the first time since 1956 turning a $7,493.80 loss in 1971 into a $8,923.30 profit. A major reason for the profit a finals ground hire payment of close to $44,000.00. LIGHTS OUT The introduction of a final five the night series redundant, leaving Melbourne the last ever champions under that format. ANNUAL REPORT 1972 from the Melbourne Football Club Annual Report ... In presenting the Annual Report for Season 1972, one must record a drop from Seventh to Eighth position on the Premiership ladder, and a decline from 46 Premiership points in '71 to 40 points in '72. Perhaps the charge of failure might be levelled against the team, but this would be most unfair and unjust to a club which suffered many narrow defeats over the season. Although we rarely rose above the middle of the list it was accepted by opponents and critics alike, that we were a side to be respected, and no team approached our matches with over-confidence. The brilliance of our younger players was generally admired, and it was no surprise at the end of the season to find Melbourne players in Greg Wells, Gary Hardeman and Stan Alves polling so well in the Brownlow Medal. To this splendid trio one must include players such as Ray Biffin, Ross Brewer. Paul Callery, Dennis Clark, John Clennett, Wayne Delmenico, Geoff Harold, Peter Keenan, Stephen Kerley, and Peter Williamson who are all young players who must improve, and to have this group backed up with the skill, determination and experience of Frank Davis, Barry Bourke, Ross Dillon, Greg Parke and Tony Sullivan, then we boldly declare that Melbourne will improve its position in 1973 and we have set our eyes on the Final Five and are determined to achieve this position. We are still recruiting widely, both interstate and in pur Country and Local Zones, and we are delighted to have included in our Metro­politan area the City of Chelsea and all clubs contained therein, this will be a most profitable area, as will be the Waranga North Eastern League which has been a new addition to our Country Zoned areas. New players will be encouraged within our limits, and we are certain to produce a much stronger final list in 1973, than we had in '72. On the administrative side the club is very well geared with many sub-committees working to improve our financial position which'has become No. 1 in priority on all V.F.L. Clubs' agenda, and we are very appreciative of the work our members of Committee are doing on the club's behalf, reference is made elsewhere in this report to-these mem­bers, but special mention must again be made of our Senior Coach. Ian Ridley. When Ian.Ridley was appointed as Senior Coach in 1971 he brought with him a new enthusiasm which is burning as brightly as ever, his desire for success has been accepted by the team, who are all very much behind him in every demand he makes. Whilst he has the support of the team, he has more importantly the respect of the Team, and with this attitude, coupled with the skill of the players we will not fail. Backing Ian Ridley we had in 1972, Bernie Massey, former defender, Assistant Coach who had the satisfaction of reaching the Grand Final with his Reserve Eighteen, and Brian Gray was again Coach of our Under 19's, another side to make the Final Five and play in the final series at the M.C.G., whilst yet again Gordon Duff led the Under 17 team to another well won Premiership. Of great assistance to Ian Ridley was Laurie Prosser our Physical Fitness Adviser, and assistance was rendered in our early training running sessions at Caulfield by John Hicks. Ken Carlon was again in charge of Recruiting, ably supported by Bill Deans, Roy McKay, John Osborne and Rick Mollison, with Allan McKay as our Metropolitan Public Relations Officer. The miles that Ken covers in the Country Zones and the hours away from his home, leave us very much in his debt, and we must acknowledge the great work all these gentlemen do in recruiting for us. This year we conducted our Best and Fairest voting in public at the M.C.G. This proved to be an outstanding success, and will be a feature at the conclusion of the 1973 season. After a most interest­ing count Stan Alves was the Winner of our Best and Fairest award, and praise must be given to this great clubman. His play has always been an inspiration to all, and many of our younger players have endeavoured to model their football on Stan's and he could be paid no higher compliment than this, we know that he will continue to thrill us with his great play and his splendid example for many years to come. Our runner-up Best and Fairest players were Gary Hardeman and Greg Wells in that order, Gary Hardeman climaxed a great year's football by travelling overseas with Carlton to play our football in Europe as a member of the All Stars team. Gary's excellence as a player was also evidenced by his selection in this year's Victorian Team he played in the key positions of Centre Half Back and Centre Half Forward and was a star wherever he appeared we are fortunate to have a player of his ability in our side. The same praise can be showered on Greg Wells who was a brilliant and spectacular member of our team, in being voted runner-up to Len Thompson in the Brownlow Medal. Greg Wells confirmed our own Selectors' judgement who placed him as our own Best and Fairest in 1971. Greg has everything that pleases our spectators to our game, a most brilliant player he will star in V.F.L. football for many years to come and is a potential Medallist every year in which he plays. Barry Bourke's effort in finishing fourth in our voting list cannot be over-emphasised, throughout the year Barry had to overcome injury and soreness and week after week excelled in his effort on the Back line, his dependability, courage, and team spirit are an object lesson to all our young players. Trophies for outstanding service were won by Paul Callerv. Tony Sullivan and Greq Parke. Each player gave us great pleasure during the vear. and each in his way means a great deal to the Melbourne Football Club. Paul Callery with his great determination his never say die spirit, Tony Sullivan with his con­sistency, the ability that rarely permits a mistake, his great leadership that commands everybody's respect, and Greg Parke with the amazing skill in marking and his uncanny sense of position play as the team moves around him, spell the qualities that we see in abundance in the team of today. We sincerely believe this team to be the best Melbourne team since 1964, and look forward to the players them­selves confirming this statement. A special reference should be made of the performance of Ray Biffin in 1972. Almost with the beginning of our Season it was found that Ray Biffin had suffered a Hernia, and it was suggested that the operation should be conducted immediately for this annoying occur­rence. However on Ray's request this was deferred until the season had ended, praise must be given to Ray for a most courageous and effective season, when one realises the burden he imposed upon himself in the club's interest one must be loud in praise of his courage and team spirit. Our best First Year player in a very good group was Ross Brewer, who exemplified the skill and ability in our club today, it is quite certain that Ross will develop into a star in V.F.L. football and will represent Melbourne for many years to come. Financially our club had a much better year, aided very much by the draw in the Final series which gave us an additional Final round at the M.C.G. It would appear however that there might be some slowing down of the development at Waverley, and that more money may be diverted to the V.F.L. Clubs who are badly in need of assistance in this direction. The progress that has been made at Waverley is indeed commendable, but it is high time that the clubs which comprise the V.F.L. should be assisted in their efforts to meet the increased payments they will be called upon to meet from our own players. CAPTAIN AND VICE-CAPTAIN Special thanks must be conveyed to Frank Davis and Barry Bourke who again acted as our leaders on the field. Frank by his example and devotion to his team is an ideal Captain, his great courage inspires the younger members of the team, and with Barry Bourke who is equally inspiring in his approach to football we have been very well served in 1972 by these fine young men. We thank them most sincerely. OUR COMMITTEE Dr. Duffy again presided as Chairman of the football club for season 1972. It would have been more pleasant to have reported greater success because of the time and effort that Don Duffy displays in his role as Chairman, but, as mentioned before, we feel that this must surely come in the very near future. Our sub-committees continued to meet regularly two or three times a week in an endeavour to improve our club's position. Our Committee in 1972 comprised the following: Representing M.C.C. Committee: Dr. D. G. Duffy, Messrs. D. Ferguson, J. R. Mitchell, T. C. Trumble. Representing M.C.C. Members: Messrs. K. Carlon, R. S. Geary, F. V. Hughes, A. L. V. King, N. Lockwood, M. McLean, N. J. McMahen, G. W. Patterson. Representing M.F.C. Members: Messrs. G. A. Lenne, J. P. McGrath. Co-opted Official: Mr. G. M. Swan. Representing M.F.C. Reserve XVIII: Mr. R. Miller. During the year, certain changes were made in Committee and we were pleased to grant leave of absence to Dr. D. P. Cordner who left us in April of this year to travel overseas and retired from the Committee at that time. His place was taken by Mr. J. R. Mitchell who was elected as a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club and now represents that Committee. Formerly, he was a representative of Melbourne Cricket Club members. We were also most pleased to welcome Mr. Don Ferguson, the Treasurer of the Melbourne Cricket Club to our Committee representing the M.C.C. Committee and his presence is much appreciated. His interest and guidance on matters financial are of great value and we trust he will remain with us for many years to come. Mr. Mitchell's work as President of the Redlegs is also very well known and his long association with the Melbourne Cricket Club is also very much appreciated. Replacing Mr. Mitchell as a representative of M.C.C. members was Mr. Neil Lockwood who joined our Committee in July. Mr. Lockwood has been most prominent in club affairs and led the W.I.P. Committee which has contributed so much financially to the players in the incentive scheme and we were pleased to welcome him to our Committee. During the year, Mr. J. P. (Shane) McGrath, our former great full back, suffered a most severe illness which kept him from our meetings for some months. However, we are pleased to report that he is back in full health and joined us towards the end of the season. All members of our Committee are truly hard working individuals comprising such men as Ken Carlon, who is in control of recruiting for our club and spends many hours carrying out this most important task. Mr. Reg Geary and Bill Patterson are closely involved with the operation of our Business Committee, and we are very fortunate to have such gentlemen devote so much time and energy to our Club affairs. A football team today needs businessmen as much as it needs players and we thank them for their continued efforts on our behalf. The work that Mr. A. L. King, our League Director, undertakes must once again be praised. Mr. King, a member of Committee since 1938, again controlled our membership ticket—and reserved seat sales, and in the final series, conducted sales of final series tickets. It is to the credit of Mr. King and Mr. Bill Langley that so much praise was heaped upon them by our supporters who were very happy with the manner in which our tickets were distributed and the many oppor­tunities they were given to purchase these tickets. Our office received many letters of thanks and commendation from supporters for the work of these officials on that occasion. When one also considers the fact that Mr. King is our Director at the Victorian Football League and the leading role he occupies with that body, emphasizes our obliga­tion to him. Mr. Bob Miller, acting as Reserve XVIII Chairman and represent­ing that group on our Committee, has shown great confidence in this role and our Reserve XVIII Committee are most pleased with his attention to their requirements. We are very fortunate with the type of person that represents our Committee at the present time. CONGRATULATIONS We were again pleased to report that the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Sir Henry Bolte, K.C.M.G., again consented to act as our No. 1 ticket holder for season 1972. Sir Henry was most attentive at our matches and was supported at our Pre Season Dinner by Mr. Lindsay Thompson and later, our Federal Treasurer, Mr. Billy Sneddon. Sir Henry has now retired from his high office as Premier of the State of Victoria but we sincerely trust that we shall see him even more fre­quently in Season 1973. Congratulations are extended from the Club on the appointment of Cr. Allan Whalley as Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne. Allan is a very keen Melbourne supporter, a former member of Coterie and we are most pleased to learn of his appointment. Our congratulations must also go to the Carlton Football Club and playing coach John Nicholls, for their great performance in win­ing the 1972 V.F.L. Premiership. Their determined and professional approach is one that we envied greatly. However, we are still quite certain that Carlton are a side that we can challenge and look forward to meeting them in 1973. We must also congratulate Richmond on an excellent performance in season 1972 and though disappointed as they undoubtedly were in not winning that vital final match, they have had a most successful season. These remarks can also apply to Collingwood, St. Kilda and Essendon who comprised the Final Five. Congratulations are conveyed to Len Thompson of the Collingwood Football Club for his win in this year's Brownlow Medal. Len Thompson will undoubtedly develop into one of the most brilliant players ever to have played our game and the winning of another medal must surely come to this very great player. Reference has been made earlier to the magnificent voting of the Melbourne Football Club players in the Brownlow Medal. Greg Wells was runner-up to Len Thompson and secured 22 votes. He was closely followed by Gary Hardeman who was equal third with John Williams of Essendon and Stan Alves succeeded in gaining twelve votes. Our players were always at the head of affairs in the public counting of the votes and as a result, a great deal of interest in our club was created. Each of these three players figured high in the various awards that were made through Television and radio and, becoming more established V.F.L. players each year, it is quite possible that we will produce a Brownlow Medal­list in the very near future. Congratulations must go to our interstate representatives in Gary Hardeman and Stan Alves. They were most worthy representatives and represented our Club with great distinction. Stan Alves was selected as a member of the All Australian team and richly deserved this splendid honour. Reference is made elsewhere in this report to his success as Best and Fairest player for 1972. RESERVE EIGHTEEN AND COMMITTEE We have always been fortunate at Melbourne in the strength of our Reserve Eighteen and 1972 has been no exception. The Reserve Eighteen lost a very great administrator with the passing of Ray Read, but gained a fine leader with the appointment of former Melbourne player and now Senior Committee member in Bob Miller. We were all delighted when Bob accepted the Chairmanship of the Reserve Eighteen and he has led this group most capably. The Executive Committee which comprised Messrs. R. Miller, N. Parkhill, W. Rodriquez and E. Massey gave great leadership to the rest of the Reserve Eighteen, with Bill Rodriquez again acting as Secretary, with Noel Parkhill as Reserve Eighteen Manager, and Steve Stevens as Manager of the Under 17's we have a hard working group of officials who serve our club very well indeed. We are most fortunate to have them leading our youngsters and would like to thank them most sincerely. The Best and Fairest winner in the Reserve Eighteen was the hard working and at times quite brilliant player Dennis Clark, he was ably supported by our runner-up best and fairest in the Reserve Eighteen in John Gallus. Great Support to the team throughout the season was given by the other trophy winners in Henry Ritterman, Ross Dillon and John Cumming. The best and Fairest winner in the Under 19's was Frank Giampaolo, whilst our best and fairest winner in the Under 17's was a name to be marked down in the file for the future, player Robert Flower*. FOOTNOTE* The Billboard Magazine # 1 single of 1972 was Roberta Flack's First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Ironically, the club's 1972 annual report gave us our first glimpse of a bespectacled, scrawny youngster in the Under 17 team photograph being the last named player in the above report.

Roost It, do you have any idea what Don McLardy has done for the Club over the last three years? When Jim took over the Presidency, he brought McLardy with him into the Vice-President's position. Do you think he would have brought him on board if he didn't have complete faith in his abilities. While Jim has been dealing with his health issues, Don McLardy has been the president, and has overseen the changes that everyone has been lauding over the last four months. Now, when Jim has made the decision to focus on his health and his family, there seems to be a number of people calling for McLardy's head. Unbelievable!

I was sitting directly behind the players at the AGM. During the speeches prior to Neeld's the players were fidgeting around, looking like they'd rather be sitting in larger chairs to fit their bulking up frames. Then Mark Neeld got up to speak. Every eye was directed at him. He had their attention from his first word to his last. That is what's important to me. I couldn't care less about how he 'presents'. If he's got the attention of the players, if they're hanging on his every word, absorbing and learning, he's got my vote. I'm not going to write off this season if we don't make the eight. I want to see improvement, week by week. If that happens I'll consider that Mark Neeld is doing his job as senior coach.

Unfortunately, I'm often at work, but I fail to see the point. "contradictarian"? Really? Re: Moloney, I'm fortunate enough to know Moloney personally (I wouldn't claim exceptionally well), and while I love the guy, I love the club more, and that comes first. Beamdoggy is very boisterous and gung-ho, but I question his judgment a lot of the time, and wouldn't be too quick to follow him, as he'd probably lead me into a foxhole. I see him as a follower, who is desperately trying to be a leader, cos being the captain is so appealing to a bloke like him. All the best intentions and desire in the world won't make the difference, if you lack the necessary skills. Unfortunately he's not a great leader, and I'm sorry, but we can't have a captain who leaves something to be desired in terms of intelligence. Harsh but true.

True, with our crap midfield, any guys who could improve it are welcome. Big bodies are especially welcome. Contested Poss 17th - Melbourne 16th - Brisbane 15th - Saints 14th - Adelaide Clearances 17th - Saints 16th - Melbourne 15th - Adelaide 14th - Brisbane Team / Opponent Differential Clearances per game 17th - Richmond 16th - Melbourne 15th - Brisbane 14th - Adelaide Team / Opponent Differential Contested poss per game 17th - Brisbane 16th - Melbourne 15th - Saints 14th - Essendon Team / Opponent Differential 1st poss per game 17th - Richmond 16th - Melbourne 15th - Brisbane 14th -Saints Opponent Averages Clearances against 1st - Richmond 2nd - Brisbane 3rd - Melbourne 4th - Adelaide Opponent Averages 1st poss against 1st - Richmond 2nd - Melbourne 3rd - Freo 4th - Sydney Stats don't lie

Front & centre of The Age Saturday lift out. Nought Melbourne relegated to the centre pages buried amongst us & the Filth! Time to relocate Nought. You just do not rate in this city get out while you still can.

Who remembers all the talk about "Scully and Butcher"? Seems like an eternity ago now, doesn't it?

Yes, it's interesting how two guys that were successively drafted to the same club at similar ages can now be so far apart in so many ways due to different outlooks and descision based thinking. Whilst not bagging anyone, one player has made selfish and clandestine decisions, and may continue to do so, versus the other who it could be argued makes more selfless descisions, signing longer term contract when not needed etc. The contrast as the years and individual descisions roll by will be an interesting study for us onlookers. There exists even at this early stage an ever widening gulf of respect between the two.

What a waste, squandering the prestige number 1 draft pick on someone so undeserving.

The contrast between seeing the picture of Scully in a paddock somewhere with his shiny new GWS jumper and bogan haircut against seeing Trengove standing up in front of the press as the new MFC [joint] captain gives me goosebumps.

I think you are getting confused with playing poor football and leadership. There might be a reason why Nathan Jones wasn't dropped from the leadership group ? I am not the biggest fan of his football abilities but I love his on-field leadership - his 1%er's, his desire to "lift" when the team is down. We suffered badly last year from stagnancy - no one moving, no one offering. Nathan Jones again and again would offer an option whether we were up or 60 points down. He may not have been getting the ball but he was trying to make a difference.. Thats what i expect of a leader. To me the mark of a leader is the ability to impose yourself on the field without necessarily imposing your on the ball/play itself. Leaders fall into two categories - subtle and non subtle. Robbie Flower ( like Wayne Carey) imposed his leadership by the sheer genius of their football no matter what the circumstance. Tom Harley was no genius on the football field but was a leader who did the little things that gained him so much respect - the perfect team player always doing the team thing, following plans and instructions to the letter and getting others to do the same. I would suggest that Nathan Jones falls into the category and I am certain that is what the FD feel about Clint Bartram. I have no problem with Rivers, Davey or Green no longer being in the group. I wonder if Moloney's demotion is not so much about his indiscretion but more about his gulf between his best and worst. Against top sides last year ( in his B&F year) he didnt give a yelp. I am not talking about possessions. Iam talking him putting his hand up and saying "I am here and am going doing to something to make a difference"

I think we needed to work harder as a group to break tags, the midfield group to me never worked well as a cohesive unit and were easy targets to pick off.

Fan, it's clear that you have concerns regarding McLardy and issues of corporate governance that stem from last year. Do you really expect the same level of corporate governance from a footy club to that of BHP ? I wonder whether it's this type of attitude of doing things absolutely by the book that has left the MFC behind by the more street savvy Carlton, Essendon, or Collingwood over the last decades. Melbourne is usually loathe to step on toes. I don't find that appealing (although we did cheat the cap and then own up ). I'd suggest that running a footy club will always be different to running a publicly listed company. I've no doubt that you're right in that good corporate governance wasn't followed when McLardy met the senior players and I know that you're far more knowledgeable about such matters, but I'm not certain that it's quite the issue you're making it out to be. Is it big picture stuff ? Or was it more important for McLardy to get a real handle on the issues that were causing an implosion within the club ? What would Eddie Maguire have done ? Would John Elliott have tightly held the corporate governance you crave ? Do you think Elliott would never directly go to a player, or cross certain boundaries ? John Elliott presided over an era that won flags. I've already mentioned Eddie. Would he interfere if he thought he had to ? Do you think he's upheld every perfect principle of corporate governance ? How about the way Essendon's President David Evans handled the sacking of Knights and the sham fisted way they interviewed potential candidates while Hird all but had the job ? Btw, I know that some will point to the parlous state in which Elliott left his club, and the lines can start to blur between strong leadership and outright cheating, but that's a whole new discussion. I don't think Don is about to start orchestrating under the table payments. The opportunity for such breaches are well and truly gone. I've given these examples to highlight how footy clubs are very different to any business on the planet. And I'm not saying that corporate governance should be thrown out the window, far from it, just that there will always be circumstances where a footy club may feel the need to do things differently. I've met and like McLardy. He's a successful business man in his own right, who met Jim through the Reach program. He's a down to earth no nonsense type. He's not in it for the ego, unlike some other recently retired presidents, or well known vote riggers. He's been around footy clubs for decades. There's just no BS about him. I'm certain that it's those types of characteristics that endeared him to Stynes in the first place. And he's ably supported by Spargo and Jelland who are also real doers. I'm a little bemused why you're bemused that supporters aren't up in arms over the process. It seems the logical transition to me, but may be you're concerned by more governance issues. As for not being able to ask questions at the AGM ? Apparently that's not quite right, as no doubt you've subsequently read. But do you really expect that you're going to get direct answers to the questions you want to ask in that type of forum ? Really ? The club knows it needs to move on, I know we need to move on and I suspect you do too. You were never going to get the answers you craved. Btw, I'm not sure McLardy is Jimmy's best mate. Apparently that title belongs to a former captain. Maybe Jimmy has lots of best mates ?

Jack you are right about Cale. After his very bad year last year he took on all the criticisms and got a personal trainer prior to the start of training. I think Cale will have a different year this year for a number of reasons and a few of you should back off with the comments or at least give him a chance. Go find another whipping boy.

Posted this in the locker room thread on brad green... Reckon it fits here as well Brad has been a loyal servant for many years, despite what many people here think you don't need a C or a VC beside your name to be a leader at a footy club. I'm 100% sure that Brad will take this as a challenge to set his goals higher than previously and continue to be the elder statesman of the footy club - he will remain a 'spiritual leader' for want of a better phrase and help guide the Jack and Jack combination away from his mistakes.

Harsh RR, give me a 'tries his guts out back pocket' anyday of the week at any level. not sure if you noticed these last 2 years he has taken 'wheels' spot in the side - all guts and determination, his disposal will occasioanally let him down, no more than anyone else in the side- you just notice it more due to the position on the ground, I'd trust him there more than pretty much anyone else we have to play the Small defender role. And yes if I was coach he'd probably be first picked - no quests asked he picks up the small forward, not many other role players at the club that pick themselves - everyone else depends on matchups and how we want to set up. Barty may not the most skilled, fittest (although he is one of the fittest at the club) I can't se anyone overtaking him in the short term for the small defender role, the only other options - bennell ( hmmm... Yeah NAH, Tappy - future lies as a midfielder, ??? - no one ele)

haha turns out there was a character called Tom Scully - apparently he was a priest! baaaaaahahaha oh so funny

A small forward role beckons if he is up to it. The ball is squarely in Flash's court to earn it .......... which is exactly how it should be!

Don't EVER compare that pathetic, stand-for-nothing, franchise to our great club who has stood the test of time for over 150 years and invented the sport we all love. When GWS have 12 premiership cups and some of the best players in the history of the game to boast about, then talk to me. Terrible comparison. Hope Scully is feeling sick with jealousy watching his old teammate receive the captaincy today. While Trengove will be leading his proud traditional club onto the G each week, Scully will be running around an empty unfinished ground with 3 fans and a dead possum on his head.

Over time Trengove may over take Grimes, but watching the press conference, Grimes just screams quality. I actually get quite emotional listening to him speak, he is simply sensational. This is taking nothing away from Trengove by the way. And on a side note, how amazing is it to think that Grimes grew up a passionate Melbourne supporter, like us, and he now has the great honour of being the captain. Amazing!

Green was an epic fail as captain, why on earth would you keep him in the leadership group?

He wouldn't be in the side each and every week if he didn't, because he doesn't have enough natural talent to coast by. Not to mention that you probably never heard team mates or coaches speak about Garland in the same way either. Just because we don't hear about it, doesn't mean it's not there. Grimes has spent effectively 2 years out injured, and he's captain of the club. That's how much influence he has on his teammates. Whether you know about it or not, is irrelevant.

I don't believe being in the leadership group is an automatic, you're in the team this week. You can be an awesome leader but out of form etc for whatever reason, and not be in the team. IMHO 22 spots are up for grabs every week.

The old leaders have slumped their shoulders and stared at their feet when things aren't going well on field, they've whinged and moaned when the ball isn't kicked to them, they've clearly squibbed body contact and feigned injury, they've been out on the town when they should be in bed, they've giggled through their response to the most humiliating defeat of the last 30+ years, and they've declared themselves fit only to come of at 1/2 time with doughnuts in the stats column. Maybe the kids don't respect them that much anymore.

My standing theory is that the better the midfield defence goes, the more value we get out of Rivers, given his ability to chop off attacks, but the cleaner the opposition attacks are, the less use he is. Kind of like Harry O'brien and Nick Maxwell at Collingfilth, they'd both be embarassing if it wasn't for the proverbial team defence that the Flies dedicate themselves so much to.

Are you suggesting that 'Captain Jack' is a slang term for something? haha It was also a track on Billy Joel's 'Piano Man' album.

You might be, but you've got to get over it. Life is full of disappointments. Every disappointment is also an opportunity for something different. If Brad Green gets the 'sulks', it would say more about him than the club. I doubt he will. I don't know why we think the club is going to somehow fall apart because a few guys get disappointed about being dropped from the leadership group, or don't make the leadership group when they've aspired to it. If every footballer who failed to make the leadership group at their club got disenchanted and pulled up stumps, half the players in the AFL would leave every year.

Maldonboy, i am reporting you for implying that Morton has anything resembling a positive quality. Mods! MODS!!! PS: Thanks for the writeup!

Bartram yes, but i find Garland a little under-appreciated in public and on this site. He never seems to get the same accolades for playing well even though he generally has the same amount of affect on a game as say a Frawley would. I think Garland in the leadership group is one of the more refreshing elements to come out of this announcement

Love 'em both.....I feel a bit emotional...... one a lifetime Demon, the other, Mister Loyalty !

I'm not in love with co-captains but I do love the choices. To those no longer in the leadership group ( particularly Beamer - probably the hardest done by) - it will show the character of each of them on how they perform and how they "lead" without having the official titles. Being named in a leadership group should be confirmation of the work you already do - you should be in the leadership group because you are already a leader, not try to be a leader because you were named in the group

That's wierd I thought $cully went up there and was instantly blown away by the facilities! Instantly! Because remember he hadn't signed anything and then went up there and BANG he was sold on the move! LOL, it's going to be a joy watching them get flogged every week.

I actually thought the opposite regarding this question. I thought he was referring to a losing culture derived from years without a flag and I felt he was unnecessarily aggressive in asking the question. The reply was OK- albeit on the run - to me the changes over the last few months indicate a big change in club culture and Don McLardy offered to debate this question one to one with anyone. I later saw the guy in an animated discussion with Cameron Schwab over this question but was not privvy to what was said by either party - and to be honest, didn't feel inclined to listen. If this guy treads these boards perhaps he would like to enlighten us, although I am aware we all pen our words here in anonymity. However the lack of that anonymity did not seem to concern him last night.

I was listening to SEN this morning they had an interview with Luke Power, when asked about T$ he slipped with , "if he can get his body right" and then changed the subject really quickly, I reckon he's was overlooked for the captain due to dodgy knee etc etc.

Gold .. no ... Platinum.

Spot on Paul...Why should i forget significant incidents to do with the MFC?? I shall remember all his career and move forward at the same time. Lies are lies, $6 million is a lot to pay someone who cannot be trusted....so let's all watch this one.

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...