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Get this, Just got the mother-in-law, a since inception west coast supporter, to become an MFC interstate member. She will only attend the one game at Subi this year in round 2. It will be an interesting circumstance. For those who view the country interstate memberships as not valid enough to be included in the overall tally, think again. All memberships are meaningful and need to be recognised.

They do at Collingwood - I think they are also known as Adults and Juniors memberships...

I have been a member for over 20 years and this year moved to Sydney. It has not stopped me from becoming a member. Let's go demon supporters.

What I don't get about this poaching thing is why Demetriou is concerned about clubs poaching other clubs' assistant coaches while proudly applauding GWS poaching a 19 year old kid after playing one season and a year ahead of the end of his contract. Smells of rank hypocisy and arrogance but that's the AFL these days.

Personally, I like the idea of Melbourne fans singing the Melbourne theme song before a game. You know, that one Stynes sang after every win he played in, the same song he loved getting Melbourne members to sing while linking arms at every single MFC event I went to while he was President (and normally more than once). Yeah, I'm happy with the true beating heart of Melbourne supporters being expressed as they sing that their heart beats true for the red and the blue...

I think its important to remember that events like this are symbolic recognition of the many people who do excellent work like Jimmy. By recognising one individual we are not diminishing the work of others but in fact celebrating that the selfless work of many is something our community values.

I shouldn't show my anger but I will as I am reading a bit criticism of Jimmy having a state funeral.(not on here - Sun and Age comments on articles) "Lots of people do good work for charity and their work doesnt merit a state funeral". I for one do charity work and will never receive a state funeral. I for one have not founded an organisation that has helped over 60,000 young Australians. Many celebrities have lent their names to charities that have helped raising money in the short term and then run out of steam as their "celebrity status" dissipates( not that I will ever criticise any efforts to help others). Whilst Jimmy has maintained a certain level of celebrity Reach has become what is not because of Jimmy lending his name but because of his committment ( and others) to the cause. I suggest to anyone that says lots of peoples do good charity work (which I applaud) that goes unheralded to go and research Reach and see the enormity of what it has done and continues to do in large measure due to its founder. Does Jimmy deserve a State funeral ? No. He deserves a federal funeral and national day named in his honor.

1. We advertised the position. Anyone had the right to apply 2. Its not all about Collingwood, Geelong lost one too. 3. It didnt affect the Grand Final 4. Did Eddie play by this motto when he poached Malthouse 5. Neeld wanted to stay and coach the finals, but it was Malthouse who told him to leave. 6. I'd rather get the coach I want than wait for the smorgasboard after the season ends to find a coach. Id accept a fine for the right coach! 7. AFL is introducing free agency - isnt that a type of poaching? 8. AFL is riddled with corruption, they need a big clean out. AD has all his puppets licking the cream off his hands. 9. Integrity? Well AD, why dont you mention Scully? Oh thats right, it was a masterstroke wasnt it.... well you know what, so was us getting Neeld. 10. AD GFY.

I seem to remember a certain backline assistant coach breaking his MFC contract after just renewing it and dashing off to join pretty-boy Hirdy In the cases of Neeld/Sanderson under new AFL conditions, they would still apply, accept new contract beginning at end of current one, tell no-one at old club, sit out contract , then take up new contract at new club. So whats the difference. Both volunteered to sit out their existing contracts but clubs decided no. Oh, thats right, its all about integrity!

I remember Collingwood actually spruiking the virtues of Neeld before we signed him .Now they cry and whinge after the fact which is just typical Filth . Anyway ,tough [censored] to them .

Eddy is a whinging pissant.

Bump C'mon all you pikers (you know who you are). Time to put the apricots on the block

This is a lovely piece from the Irish sports site 'The Score': http://www.thescore.ie/readme/jim-stynes-inspired-thousands-to-reach-for-the-sky-including-me/

I'm in. Work comp as well worth about $1200 but still can't tip against the DEES.

For those interested in supporting Jim's work and the club, I reckon the Demon Heartland program is a pretty good way of doing so. $50 allows 10 kids who would not otherwise be able to attend the footy to come and see the Demons play and be part of the MFC family. In addition to giving the kids a great day out (well, hopefully it's a great day on the scoreboard) you are helping to build the club's young supporter base.. the kids all sit together and get MFC merchandise and a visit by the club's mascots along with injured players and the like. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/demon%20heartland/tabid/13640/default.aspx

They are sore losers, always have been & always will be, especially whilst the ego maniac McGuire is in charge.

I'm really sick of collingwood. First theyre all for the league expansion and compensation is fair but don't you dare take anyone from collingwood or we will crush you. I acknowledge it would be more than slightly annoying to lose a coach in finals but from what I remembered neeld offered to stay and you showed him the door. Geelong have lost ablett, Thompson and a slew of assistant coaches over the last few years. You don't see them constantly complaining do you Eddie? They just got on with the business of winning premierships.

I resigned my brothers, so its +2.

+3 more yesterday morning when they must of read my mind and called me up about 10 minutes after telling my wife I should renew. Freaky. Go Dee's.

I have my Reach #11 jumper. Will be wearing it with pride soon.

point no. 10 +2

WHY ARE WE ALWAYS GETTING DRAGGED INTO THESE STUPID ARGUMENTS?????? Nobody mentions Dean Wellman who left with a year to go on his contract?? Nobody talks about Carlton tanking the last 11 games of the year to get Judd? Nobody talks about Carlton tanking to get Kruezer? Nobody talks about Carlton winning 3 wooden spoons in a row? Nobody talks about how we were stiffed by Scott Thompson. A few talk about who we were stiffed by Scull and his fat dad. They all talk about Melbourne. Stuff 'em. I am sick of Melbourne being dragged through the mud on these stupid issues. What are we - cursed?? Stynes, Broadbridge, Wight, Barassi, Norm Smith........aaaarggghhhh As for Coaches. If clubs stop sacking coaches mid contract then guess what might happen?? People might actually start honouring contracts. (rant over)

You can add one to the total...finally got on board and joined. Go Dees!

yeah the hypocrisy is monumental and just coincidental that it follows collingwood's public bleating point no. 10 +1

What a load of hooey ( the article !) The problem is, as opposed to players who have to honor contracts if the club says so, clubs so far have been sympthetic to assistant coaches applying for senior gigs. (lets not mention Collingwoods poaching of a senior coach into a senior coaches role) So let the assistants apply whenever and let them be appointed whenever but be professional like Neeld was and take up his offer when he said I will assistant coach until the end of season. Sanderson also volunteered to stay. You cant have it both ways - either keep the assistant on until seasons end or dont complain if you chose to let them go. I dont think I would like to see the AFL go down the road of making assistant coaches honour their contract if they have a shot at a senior coaches role. (I will admit it is a lot murkier about assistants moving prior to contract end to be an assistant elsewhere)

Dear Jim , Well done on a brief but inspirational life . Hope you and Sean are taking it easy up there . You were all quality . The world is a better place because of you . Slancha.

Beer loses its head, Curry repeats.

I would like to offer my heart felt, sincere apology, for generalising lapsed members as fat, lazy and possessing a set of balls. I now realise that many lapsed members could also in fact be skinny, idiotic and in possessing of a set of boobs. My deepest regrets.

That was amazing from Garry on TFS. Absolutly heartfelt and honest. Please, please find yourself a copy and watch it. Wonderful tribute.

I was thinking Nicho more in Round 3 against Nahas - Tynan may just not be ready for him yet.

Every games winnable you just have to believe.

The jury is still out on that jnrmac.

Well now we have activated both compo's we will most likely try all sorts of tactics, gameplans & player positions all year, that way Neeld can take what he wants out of it, create his own gameplan for 2013 and have a cleanout of players to suit his style and draft accordingly. From what I have seen Neeld is going right back to basics and educating the players from scratch again so I dont expect much this year. I dont think the emphasis will be on making the 8, but getting the right systems in place for an assault in 2013. Neeld will have in mind the lower we finish the better picks we will have, and no Im not saying we will tank, it just takes the pressure off him to do whatever he likes. Personally I think a winning culture in infectous and invaluable but I'm not Mark Neeld and it will be interesting to see how we go about things this year. Most likely finishing well down the ladder but setting the right foundations in place.

Another Demonland thread criticising our loyal senior players that have been hung out to dry by the MFC youth policy. What a surprise!

And that would be great, if his name was James Triton...

Well someone better tell him that... his twitter account is JamesMagner.

I would prefer one that can keep his feet.

Roost it you list 7 players above so if your "several others" mean s seven. You are going to delist / trade 14 players! You are dreaming were are you going to get 14 players to replace them of at least equal ability?

Can't believe it .Balls in a pink shirt .Is nothing sacred?

Out of contract this year. Was battling to get a place in the best 22. Injury will only put him further behnd the 8 ball.

It was an obvious decision and I would gave been gobsmacked if they hadn't.