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Congrats on a great AFL career with the Dees Brad. You retire on your terms, still playing seniors, in the top 10 games for the club, a Captain and a loyal clubman. You have a lot to be proud of. Now get to work on those sons for us, we need good footballers.

Yes there is. The other end is held be my wife. Don't worry he's a good bloke.

So what has this thread taught us? If what bitter Freo supporters say about CS's time at Freo happens to be true... for a CEO, Schwab makes a pretty ordinary List Manager or Recruitment Manager. Now that footy has evolved to the point where all clubs employ teams of people to perform those roles and make those decisions, whilst the CEO focuses on making the club strong off-field, what exactly is the problem..?? Are some really worried that he'll march into Tim Harrington's or Todd Viney's offices, and demand they make moves that are clearly not in the club's best interests? I'm not sure what the fear is, but it doesn't seem rational. If we're going to say he's not fit to be the club's CEO, can we at least judge him on his ability to perform the role of a CEO, and back the board to ensure he stick to just that? (or put them under scrutiny for failing in performing their role).

Can you read? Way to miss the point genius. I said he should see out his 3 year contract - that's hardly proclaiming him savior of the club. Sacking him before that wouldn't even give him the chance to prove himself a dunce like yourself & the cabal of dullards ruining these boards think he is. Unlike yourself I don't turn on the club & can critically assess someones performance based on facts, not my own set of unrealistic expectations & gut feelings. As I stated earlier this club will be just about dead if we sack Neeld after 5 minutes in the chair. I'm Melbourne til I (or it) die(s) I wont follow another club, Thanks for your interest though. Maybe you'd be best served not following the Bangkok Bongs so arduously? The only hot air around this subject is the methane emanating from your mouth. So? Do you really think Malthouse will want to coach us if we stab his former 2IC in the back, 5 minutes in, after he himself put him forward for the Dees job? Go the Bangkok Bongheads!

Thanks for that. You should put that in a Hero-gram or whatever they are called...

The right decision. Green gets to call the end in a fitting way. A loyal and dedicated demon. Well done Brad. A mentoring role would be good in the future.

Neeld is the coach of the MFC for 2013 and 2014. Is he any good? I seriously doubt more than 1% of Demonlanders have the slightest idea. I certainly don't. What I am confident of is that we have a fairly poor list. Neeld or whoever is going to take at least the next two years to make any worthwhile change to that. We have no choice but to sit tight and go with the blows. I hope we show some improvement in 2013. But all the talk about Mark Neeld is at this point a waste of time and produces nothing but division. Lets just back him to get us out of the hole we are currently in.

...sprinkle it with anthrax and send it to himself.

Well done Brad, and good call. It must be hard, I thought there was something coming after those goal celebrations. Great career, great highlights, lots of courage and one of the best set shots we've ever had. All the best.

At 2 years in the system he is not even close to getting a game in an injury belted team. He struggles at VFL level. He does not show basic commitment to a contest. If 2014 is the date you believe he should be a regular player then he has to improved bucket loads. And its not just putting on a few kilos either. And if the FD did have a plan that was 4 years before making a contribution then he better turn out to be as good as Wayne Carey because its a terrible waste of a first round pick. Its more than reasonable to have expected Cook to be pushing for an AFL spot in his 2nd year. Its also reasonable to expect that he would be showing the traits of a talented footballer than drew him as pick 12 in the draft. He isnt showing that at all.

I wish him well, hope he has a fantastic recovery and a great pre season on his way to a reviving his career in 2013.

His final game should be in round 23 but a fitting send off at the G against Adelaide in rd 22 would be the way to go. Been a wonderful player over the journey but it's now time to bow out gracefully. I hope he and the club are in amicable talks to make this happen. * Edit: Well done Brad, you did the right thing. Congratulations on a wonderful one-club career in the red and blue.

Should we just rely on blind ignorance then? Give it a rest.

I'm disappointed to be honest. He's been a bloody good player for us. That said, I suspect Neeld wants the forward line to look a lot different next year - and that's good news. Bring on Cloke.

Sorry for taking the thread off-topic... The blocking tool has gotten a massive workout since I discovered it about a month ago. This site is now much easier to read without having to wade through the useless contributions of the mentally feeble and hysterical rantings of the loonies.

Congratulations to Brad on coming to terms with this decision, it wouldn't be easy and now he can start to reflect on a good footy career at seasons end. Will have played 255 games by seasons end and most likely 350+ goals. A very accurate kick of the football and he should remain proud of his footy career and having the privilege to captain the oldest club. The red & blue. He has handled most things with class and dignity throughout his career and this is no exception today. Clearly admired by the players and fans and has given plenty of excitement for all concerned. He clearly loves the club, will remain a one club player. Respect B.Green.

And so, the last remnant of the 2000 Grand Final team departs. Thanks for 13 terrific years. His heroics in the 2000 QF are permanently etched in Melbourne folklore. Green sits 7th on our all-time goal kicking list and in two games time will be outright 6th on the games list. He's been a very good and clean player, and one of my favorites. I'm glad he chose footy over cricket or soccer, even if he'd still get a game with either of those national teams. Look forward to his send-off against Adelaide.

Congrats Greeny. Classy til the very end. Thanks for the memories over the years and the wonderful way in which you continously represented our club. A fantastic clubman who always gave his all.

I reckon we'd do that deal in a heartbeat. I also reckon we'd trade pick 7 for Caddy if we don't consider that a clear better option will fall to us at that pick. Better to get a quality youngster with two years senior experience under his belt than have to wait for another kid do that apprenticeship. Inject Pick 3, Boak, Caddy and Viney into our side and we are suddenly a whole different proposition in the middle of the ground. And Boak won't command 800k. But I would be prepared to give him a five year deal. That may be the clincher in fact.

We take him where we get him. Funny thing, Selwood not elite pace, not elite kick, but a thirst for the contest and tough as nails. Where would you take him now? Viney is the toughest kid going around and he can play. The story I hear from the local boxing coach who also trains another AFL club is that Viney is the toughest bloke he has ever trained, we loose nothing picking him up early in the draft. Would be great if we could get him in the second round but it's probably just not going to happen.

I agree rpfc And it has been covered to death, but i truly believe if Viney doesn’t end up as a demon it will my era's equivalent to the norm smith sacking. It would haunt the club for decades.

I've just been watching last night's OTC and I must say that Roos is a malicious toss bag when it comes to Melbourne. He never misses an opportunity to sink in the boots. He seems incapable of discussing our club in a rational manner and I'd be interested to know who or what it is that winds him up when it comes to the MFC. I also found it interesting that the panel had to justify itself about the McLean interview and even more that Don McLardy's comments were totally misrepresented immediately afterwards. By only playing McLardy's comments denying that our players don't give their all when they run onto the field and ignoring what he said about the issues surrounding list management being a fundamental of our game (as clearly reported in the media) was a low effort and misleading to viewers. The sniggering of Sheahan and Roos that followed was pathetic. It left me in no doubt that these blokes do have an agenda and it's left their credibility on this subject in tatters.

Lost me.

I'm not sure what the fuss is about Caddy. Why would we trade Tapscott for the 5th or 6th best player in a wooden spoon side. FFS, he had 11 possessions against us on Sunday. I'd need to be convinced he was running on one leg to excuse that performance. I'd rather have the grunt of Tapscott. At least he knows how to make the opposition nervous.

I am not posting as regular because I am getting rather bored with the negativity and the constant hijacking of threads by a minority But back on topic I had the opportunity on Sunday to ask Josh Mahoney a direct question to which he gave me a direct answer, which I am sure he won't mind me quoting re Lucas Cook and Jack Fitzpatrick I will have to paraphrase a bit because memory not the same as it used to be I asked "with the rumour we are chasing Travis Cloke, does that mean we don't think Cook and Fitzpatrick will make it" He answered "don't believe everything you read about Cloke, but saying that young players need time to develop, especially key position, at least two or three years, and the Club can't afford to stay at the bottom for that time, so there is a need to try and recruit ready to go players, whilst the younger ones develop"

i must say this is one of the best articles on the topic of Mark Neeld. i read this some time back but i still feel it is quite relevant. Neeld is taking us in the right direction but instead of listening to me just read the article. GO DEES!!! http://www.bigpondsp...05/default.aspx

I think by Brad's speech this was his decision. He realises that he isnt going to win a premiership with the club and doesnt want to be hanging around. It shows the signs of a great clubman when he realises its best to let a youngster have a go. It also explains why he carried on like he did on the weekend, I guess his mind was made up then. Well its now time for the second tier players to step up and take charge. It will be weird not seeing Brad running around next year in the red and blue. I will always remember the 200 QF aginst Carlton where he got us back int he game. I noticed Fev tweeted about it to today. I reckon he made those comments about getting on board because he actually wants to see this club get somewhere and see his team mates have some success.

An olympics meme....

One issue I struggle with with regard to club imposed discipline is why they inevitably fall back on suspending players from home and away games I know the theory but it not only punishes the player but also the team, the club, the supporters and the sport in general We all want to see the best players and best team out on the ground I wonder why they can't find more creative ways to effectively discipline players without the broader impact on so many other's enjoyment

Well done, Brad. You are a gentleman and a courageous and skilled leader of our club. I hope that you may feel able to stick around the club and help mentor the next generation.

Legality has nothing to do with this issue. I have a problem with being out at ridiculous hours of the morning drinking alcohol if you are professional athlete. This is a profession these boys have chosen and are paid handsomely for - part of the return is that players present themselves in the BEST physical shape they can. Point me at any Sports medicine professional that will tell me that staying at 2am drinking (irrespective of how many) does not detract in any way from being physically at your best. Its not about only about form - its also about a team rules. I am a one pot screamer (I wear it as a badge of honour) as opposed to my girlfriend who could drink Demonland under the table. So do clubs make two rules ? Ms Nutbean- go out and make merry as it has no impact on your form but Mr Nutbean, no going out for you young man. Team rules are there for a reason. If you chose AFL as a profession then abide by the standards and rules required. You want to go to Tramps to 2am in the morning and have a drink or two - fine- don't be an AFL footballer. There are choices.

All you can ask for from your players is loyalty, effort, courage and determination, and Brad delivered on all counts.Will be missed.

Great career, great bloke, well done Brad and thank you for giving it your all for the fans and the club.

Great servant to this club and would like to say thanks for his efforts, good luck in retirement Greeny, sorry I have another commitment and wont get to farewell you against Freo but hope to take my kids to your final training run to say goodbye

You lost me when you said "Bruce"- held us to ransom at every contract negotiation- thats his right like all players have the right - then the club made the decision on his last contract not to budge and he left. Players demand big money to play - and the club decides yes or no. The club not the player should decide when time is up- hopefully the player and club are in unison but unfortunately in Juniors case this was not so.It happens. So be it.

It's fitting that he bows out playing good footy. He's lost a yard of pace, going around in 2013 probably would've meant bowing out at Casey. Well done Brad.

It seems as though much of the debate on this topic is moot. Congratulations to Greeny on a magnificent career. 251 games & 346 goals is a fantastic return. Will never forget the QF in 2000 where he helped turn over Carlton. He could've left the club for individual success with another club but stuck fat. I respect his efforts.

maybe he is announcing he wants to be a 1 club player

Player and coach at odds about when that player retires? Jeez, didn't see that one coming. Never has happened before and never will again.

So you can't have an opinion on what you've seen first hand ? Do you think every poster that has strong question marks over Cook doesn't "grasp" the fact that KPPs take time ? A young tall can be young and not much good. They're not all great prospects just because they're young and under-developed. I've seen him live a number of times now, including against cellar dwellars Frankston, and the guy couldn't be more underwhelming. He's slow, there's not an aggressive bone in his body, he didn't work hard, and didn't read the play well. He's an OK mark, a good kick, he supposedly has excellent endurance, he's a good decision maker (when he gets it) but not much more. He was expected to go in the 25-35 range in the AFL's own phantom draft (which now seems generous) but he's another Barry Prendergast "special" at 12. The guy should be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Thats your view RR The sheer fact we had poor senior and middle range players would suggest to me that recruiting all kids was just going to delay any improvement. And do you always have to start every comment with the likes of "this is plain Rubbish"? There is no need to be so aggressive. It does nothing for your argument IMO except perhaps to get most people's back up.

What about me? It isn't fair, a so so list but I don't care...

I actually share some of your blue sky junk, Rangey. If you listen to many media commentators they're convinced we're consigned to being ordinary for the next 5 years, but history shows that isn't necessarily the case. There's no doubt that you have to make intelligent list management decisions, as well as having a little luck, but things can change far quicker that many think. Between 1992-1994 the Swans won only 8 games. In 1993 they won one game for the year and they had a worse percentage than we have this year. They had the makings of some good players, which included Dale Lewis, Kelly, Creswell, Luff, Bayes, Dunkley, but in reality the cupboard was pretty bare. Three years later they played off in a grand final. They added from other clubs players such as Locket, Stewie Maxfield, Roos, Craig O'Brien, Derek Kickett and our own Kevin Dyson; and through the draft they picked up Micky O'Loughlin, Shannon Grant, Leo Barry and Stafford. They lost the GF to North, but from finishing last in both 1993 and 1994 they finished top in 1996 with 16.5 wins. In 2000 and 2001 the Saints had a combined 6.5 wins finishing last and second last. By 2004 they finished third on 16 wins. Through trades in that time they added Gehrig, Hamill, Capuano, Black, Brett Voss and our own Stephen Powell and through the draft Riewoldt, Kosi, Ball, Montagna, Dal Santo and Goddard. When Collingwood went down the ladder after the two GF losses to Brisbane many thought they'd be down for quite a while and they'd missed the premiership boat with the end of the "Buckley era". Who would have thought that within a few years of Buckley, Burns, etc. retiring that they'd win a flag ? Ultimately there are different ways to skin a cat. Geelong built their success through the drafts of 1999 and 2001 with astute draft picks, great Father/Sons and it was topped off with the addition of Brad Ottens. I tend to favour building through the draft for a chance of sustained success and I have no doubt that if we'd nailed every pick over the last 5 years we'd be a very formidable proposition, but what's done is done and even players that haven't shown a lot due to injury issues have still shown developmental potential. The idea of being aggressive with 'free agency', perhaps trading pick 13, as well as nailing quality picks in a good draft could transform our list quickly. An astute trade last year has already resulted in the best player on our list. I'm all for trying to get another big bodied mature key forward and possibly a Caddy type supplemented with picks 3, 4, and Viney. I see great benefits in getting Cloke, despite the cost, although many won't forget his poor year; and despite Caddy being awful on the weekend I won't judge him on one game. He's a talent with a big body and for anybody that saw him a few weeks earlier against Geelong you'd realise he can play. He's still only 19 with just 20 games to his name. Although, David King's comment on AFL 360 a few weeks ago, which I provide verbatim, "Caddy's a star", is typical media hubris. I reckon there's definitely merit in picking mature players to supplement our group and I maintain that we have a core list that can improve quickly. But I'll be gutted if they trade out picks 3 and 4. Right now Nathan Jones is better than Boak and he wouldn't command pick 4 in an open market. A big mature CHF to complement Clark, a few big bodied quality inside mids (Viney, Caddy, Wines), outside pace and class (Toumpas), small goal kicking forward outside of Blease, an elite kick or two from defence (maybe Strauss and another) and we're well on our way. We obviously won't get it all in this draft, but we can make big inroads.

He should definitely be offered another year. Absolute no brainer - for many reasons. Firstly, he deserves it. He's clearly still good enough. Second, it's a great statement as to the way we now treat loyal servants of the club and, in particular, our senior players (ie, we've learnt from the mistreatment of Junior and others during the Bailey years). In short, we've learnt from past mistakes and we're now intent on building a bloody good club culture. Sign him up. ASAP.

OTC is compelling viewing if only to see the new innovative ways Healy will use to mask his baldness. He has one of the more intriguing comb-backs I've ever seen. Anyhow, I must be one of the freaks who doesn't mind Roos. Everyone whose played under him loves him to pieces, and the culture instilled at the Swans is the envy of the competition. I think the man deserves to be listened to for that reason alone, and at least he isn't among the countless media personalities who change their opinions more frequently than their underwear based on who is the flavour of the week. That said, I wouldn't complain to having a new "expert" on the show just to freshen it up. Hird and Roos each served their purpose but I think it's time for another new rotation. All three of them love sinking the boot into us, but they're in good company in the media in general. Mike's insistence that the whole Brock revelations came as a total shock and were never discussed at any stage prior, was laughable to say the least. Mike needs to stick to Open Mike. Other than that, he needs to put out to pasture. This Johnny Farnham version of retirement he's adopted is growing tiresome. I'll still watch OTC regardless...because they discuss footy.

Lads, just becasue viney didnt dominate in the carnival doesnt mean he isnt a top 3-5 selection in the draft IMO. We've picked guys who have had good carnivals before and its clearly not the be all and end all. He has all of the 'un-teachable' attributes which will hold him in good stead for a long career in AFL footy - desire to succeed, he loves the contest, doesnt shy away from body contact =, reads the play well etc I think we take him when we have to, and if thats with pick 4 so be it.

Disagree Rob.......The kid couldn't mark....couldn't kick....and has just now learnt to use "his now" massive bodyCook can mark...can kick....just needs to get a bigger body......is now just 20 years old.......4 years younger.....

No it was a small group, but I asked him directly, if that makes sense, the group I was with all have very good 'bulldust detectors",so what we got was an answer, I have asked a couple of similar questions to Jade Rawlings, Leigh Brown and Mark Neeld on previous occasions and you get the same consistent answer.....I for one along with Nathan Jones believe we have the right people in the right jobs.....what they are doing is for the long term....it may be painful, it requires patience but it will work......developing Key Position Players being one part of it

Look Rangey I can run the conspiracy aspect too as well as anyone. I struggle though with your posts trying to distinguish between reasonable facts, reasonable extrapolation and just pure speculation. Pure speculation repeated by yourself and then by others doesn't make it more reasonable I'm pretty cynical myself but i'd like a little more 'substance' in some of the repeated accusations thrown about on here....but maybe i ask for too much