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To say that we have had a disappointing season under Mark Neeld would be a gross understatement. MFC fans anticipated huge improvement on 2011 but were hugely disillusioned. I have nothing but praise for the manner in which Mark Neeld and the football department have reacted to the disaster that has been MFC this year. Enticing 'good' players to our club has been an almost impossible task these past couple of years. It would seem that things have changed. Neeld has set standards from which he has not deviated. He knows exactly what needs to be done to transform us to a tough and competitive team. By the end of next week we could well have several experienced players from other clubs who will become positive role models for our youngsters on and off the field. Neeld's has been a polished performance and I, for one, acknowledge his huge efforts. I'm excited!

The 3 way deal is done Announcement within 2-3 hours just a few details to iron out such as Dawes signing contract alteration etc Well done Dees, a nice deal indeed imho

People forget quickly just how rubbish Melbourne were this year. Being worried about pick 20 being "overs" is silly, we would be getting an experienced, strong and proven forward who would be a pillar to the team's structure.

I don't know if this guy can coach yet, but with his GM skills he would be unbeatable in Madden.

I'm not a massive Dawes fan but am fast becoming a massive Neeld fan. The club looks like it can start heading north and he seems to be in control at the helm. I'm ready to buy in!

Will you?

So was Baileys authoritarian style the reason Beamer had a problem with binge drinking, inevitably having some effect on his performance. Was Bailey's authoritarian streak the reason Beamer played at Geelong when he must have known he was in no fit state to take the field. Nah, it's all Neelds fault. Should have molly coddled the spoilt brat

[censored] the haters who said nobody wants to play for Melbourne. And ADC, FFS I think you need to end the torture for yourself and find another club to support.

Good call. I wonder how long it will take before it is hijacked. The other thing i really like are the players that Neeld has got are all training animals who are fully commited to doing the work required to play AFL. Couch, Magner, Clark, Sellar, Byrnes and Dawes are all highly respected in terms of their focus on training and are all solid citizens (Byrnes is doing the Kokoda train in his off season FFS).. To me this is so important and is a clear statement of Neelds approach and what he considers to be to key to success (as he has made super clear time and time again). I honestly believe this point can't be emphasised enough This is how you change culture. The young players (current and new guys) will be surrounded by older blokes who go for it 100% and not only will set a great example will also not hesitate i suspect to make it clear what is required to succeed. In essence its like drafting in a new leadership group. very instructive that Clark was put in the LG from the get go. It would not shock me for one or more of the new recruits going into the LG next year. This will be the culture Hogan will be joining. No short cuts and the party boy element cut out of the club I love it

Dawes was attracted to Melbourne as we put a dental plan in his contract - something his last club wouldn't!

If this doesn't come true, I'm taking my likes back.

Who in the world would trade a pick 11 from a couple of years ago for a pick 48 now? That's absurd and I hope to god there is no truth to it. I don't rate gysberts highly, but that's still a ridiculous trade.

First time post, long time reader Dawes may not be the best player in the league but we are pretty sh*t at present and he is what we need. Congratulations on mark need and co for what they have achieved this week with viney, hogan, Barry and hopefully Dawes. At least we are heading in the right direction at last and hopefully it will be easier to convince my wife and son to attend games . Pick 20 might sound high for him, but we could do a lot worse in the draft at pick 20

Me too. Can't wait for 2013 to start. This is the excitement we should have had a couple of years ago and not the "Claytons" event we ended up with !! I don't expect a flag in 2013 or probably not even 2014 (50 years anniversary), but if this trade period doesn't create a club with a future, I may as well follow another football code. Go Dees!!

Having done a bit of research it seems a knuckle fracture in round 15, 2011 curtailed Dawes promising season. He came back at the end of the year, but wasn't the same player. It's clear he's a confidence player and it's been noted on Collingwood forums that he wasn't able to play as a key forward for the entire 2012 season. He won't be asked to pinch hit in the ruck for Melbourne and should be able to settle permanently as a key forward. Also, like Clark last year, Dawes is 24 and his best years should be 24-28, but let's see what he produces in 2013. Here are his stats for the first 12 games in 2011 when he hit career best form at CHF before his fractured knuckle. Average disposals per game: 16 Average marks per game: 5 Average goals per game: 1.75 - extrapolated over 22 games would be 39 They're fine figures for a CHF for half a season and I suspect the reason Neeld has been so keen. The query is whether he can recapture that type of form. If he can he'll be a handy acquisition and foil for Clark.

This guy is a radio troll nothing else, he's no better than some d'head that loves to get up our nose on the blogs, so the more we comment on him the bigger hardy he gets. You can bet your life he scans this site for some sort of reaction and we never let him down. If a troll comes on here we can ban him if a troll gets on the radio we can ignore him, that's what I do, I never listen to him and never worry about him. To the point at hand I'm very glad for the club and for Neeld in particular, he's put his nuts on the line chasing players over the last two years and he's nabbed a couple that they thought we never would. It may make those on here that think he hasn't got it sit up and take note. Good effort Mark and the rest of the football department involved.

Hogan is a year younger, the same height, but weighs 20 kgs heavier. Somehow, I think we might have got it right this time around.

Jesus H Christ. Martin is so ridiculously overrated. What has he done besides looking like a footballer and having good specs on paper? Was found out badly against Freo when Jamar went down.

Jack Viney CAN knock a guy into next week! Jack Viney went to Dave Misson and said my pre game snack will be a grilled cheese sandwich...Misson complied. Jack Viney has already been announced the 2013-2033 brownlow medalist. Jack Viney has a bigger heart than Phar Lap Jack Fitzpatrick, tried to give Jack Viney fashion advice...sadly Fitzy died from a headlock related injury. Jack Viney last year challenged to Brent Moloney to a drinking contest..the loser had to [censored] against the bar and be ejected from the club. Jack Viney sells his urine to Dane Swan and Lance Franklin.... Feel free to add your own facts!

Assuming a few things still to go right ... BUT am I justified in sensing the page turning over in the Demons story? Additional to physical capability, these new incumbents seem to bring a bag of maturity, responsibility & positive attitude that has eluded us for a little while. Is Neeld getting together a fresh group of Demons who are going to role model his objectives? So far so very good!

Jack will have his spot on the wing or half back. Has all the assets to play the wing really, really well and in addition he is 196cm and 95kg - imagine trying to match up on him. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Watts is a prototype outside mid.

I posted in another thread some time ago now that I thought Neeld would revolutionise the Melbourne Football Club and drag it out of the past in to the present, well he hasn't let me down. We are starting to behave like a professional club and not like a bunch of rank amateurs, this is only a start but it brings me joy, we are going after what we want and getting it. Baby steps we have to get some runs on the board but in a few years to come players will want to come to our club and won't have to be enticed. Well done Mark and crew.

I think the leadership culture has now changed. Because Neeld's gone 'f*** it, it's my side, I'm going to lead it and screw the rest.'

There were 3 other clubs circling this morning....i actually thought the Dogs had finalized the deal so i am most suprised...Many people forget....Neeld Coached Dawes & Leigh Brown played alongside him...So they would know what they are getting.

Since 2008: New board New staff New coach No debt and profitable balance sheet New leadership team New young captains New experienced players New strategy First full preseason with all these changes It feels like being in a new car - everything is so shiny and smells so good!!

Pick 20 isn't good enough LOL. You couldn't make it up.

I'll say!

Agree Binman, wish all the best for Liam, hope his life takes a turn for the better

Definitely. Is dangerous as a small forward as well. Great fit for us and will be cheap as a Delisted Free Agent

Project players are supposed to come out of the back end or the draft, or better still, the rookie draft. No first round pick should ever be a 'project player' fcs. If that's what he is, it's a disgrace.

Looks like its happened...Pederson Dawes and Farren Ray. Totally new look team for 2013 Plus Byrnes, Barry Viney and Wines orToumpas Cant bloody wait!!

Dawes > Martin

I would do that deal. If it is an actual rumour that is...

Was at Brisbane airport last night, waiting for the same plane as Beamer. He looked fit, and the smile, as well as his iPhone, didn't leave his head for the hour or so that he was there. He was with a sickly, smirking character, who might have been his manager. I took an instant dislike to him. Chewing gum like he was some big shot Baseball manager or something. Looked like the sort of bloke who carries a knife in his sock......... Don't know why I bothered posting that. Anyway............... Good luck Beamer, I hope everything works out well for you.

It appears that no one is interested in him as his name has been put out there. A number 12 pick 2 years ago who is now unwanted. If he is delisted it is a monumental drafting disaster. Everyone before him in his year and the next few after him are well into their AFL careers. We will have literally thrown away pick 12 in that year.

Too many on the mark. That's a certain 50m penalty.

I think the "dictatorial - authoritarian - school teacher-esque" style gets overplayed a bit about Neeld. I think some people here - not you cfe, because you're new - use it because they acknowledge change is occurring; some have their noses out of joint. They don't blink when a Malthouse, a Worsfold, a Parkin, a Pagan, a Clarkson go about their business in their manner because they've been doing it for a while. Sheedy would have been the same early days. You think these guys didn't cause any dissatisfaction at their respective clubs? They did. Time and again. Because Neeld is new and young, I believe some here view him as the "who is this upstart, who does he think he is changing the fabric and way we do things" type. I dare say many of the coaches mentioned would do the same if in Neeld's position.

I think you're right. Plus the accumulation of change at the club didn't sit well with him and he wanted freedom. Simply didn't want to be a part of the new professionalism in a way. It's a shame because I believe every club needs a component of that sort of character as long as they can pull in the same direction. I wish him well at Brisbane, and I'm sure he will enjoy his time up there under Voss and Browny.

Caddy has replaced any need for Gysberts. Mitch Brown is available and someone on another thread suggested we offer the compo for Rivers and I would add Moloney and Bate's, if he goes, if Rivers goes to them for Brown. Brown is a big boy with a lot of upside. If we got Dawes and Brown and maybe Pedersen that would be it. We could trade Martin then without concern.

Beamer's form during the year was deplorable, but it was the way he carried himself that ended his career at Melbourne. The team is far bigger than the individual under the new regime at our Club, and that's exactly how it must be. Unfortunately, I don't think Beamer saw it that way. IMO Melbourne are clear winners at this stage, but I will have no regrets if he gives Brisbane a couple of decent years.

I couldn't help but reply to this after Deeluded quoted it. My issue is not with your passion, nor your criticism, nor your free speech. We all have our concerns with how things have been, how things are, and how things will be. We are all Demons with varying levels of time as Demons. Your fundamental right to say what you feel is tempered by the fact that this isn't the public square, not that anything you have said is offensive or overly derogatory, but it is matched by my right to inform others whether your I believe your input is worthwhile. No-one here is in postition to judge another on their bonafides as a Demon, all I judge posters on is whether their posts are constructive to an argument or a discussion. We all detour from time to time, but I have found your positions as almost universally negative and excitedly pessimistic to the point that they take on a despairing quality. I initially thought this was deliberate as the internet is littered with what are known as 'concern trolls' whereby a person who is not of the forum attempts to 'inflame' the forum by touching nerves and poisoning discussion - but 'concern trolls' don't post what is quoted above. So I apologise for calling you a 'concern troll' but my opinion of what you post stands. Please take this as a constructive post, I don't get on here to get into heated arguments as much as billy, or Hannabal, or AoB, or Fan, would claim I do. That's it - end of whatever kind of post this was.

I was a broken record on this at the end of 2011 and start of 2012 - Beamer averaged 8 touches less in losses than in wins. And that was in the year he won the Bluey and came 9th in the Chas. He had trouble keeping up with the best midfields and as Neeld has said (http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=146068) - Moloney struggled to keep up with the game as it was moving faster and faster. The umpires got the game going quicker from stoppages and he couldn't set-up for contests.

Schadenfreude could still prove a useful AFL player....if he can get a clearance from the Bundesliga.

I've vouched for his leadership in the past, out one night, Cameron Bruce tried to round up the troops as it was getting late, no one listened. 5 Minutes later Moloney said let's go and everyone up and left. In hindsight, he was probably just leader of the party boys, he was popular amongst 'the boys' - not necessarily a true football leader. Especially not in the eyes of the new regime, who have assembled a pretty top notch group of leaders for our players to follow. Beamer went from top dog to on the outer, and the example not to follow. I don't think it sat well with him, his footy was deplorable this year which renders him useless. Age and lack of speed just add to why it wasn't worth keeping around and trying to fit him back in.

Could get a better contract and a chance to stay in Melbourne with all his friends. Could even play for a team that doesn't get beaten by Melbourne.

i'm with PF whatever way you look at it - this is a stuff-up by the club if Beamer himself didn't buy in/spat the dummy whatever, it is up to the club management to work it out, that's their job. You don't just let a situation transpire where your BnF winner is out the door for nothing 12 months later. I admit he did not have a good year on-field - there is obviously a reason for that and the club should have identified it and killed it instead of losing an experienced leader that we badly need.

Yes true, I'm sorry if I offended anyone and maggot was a bit too far. I did get a little carried away directly after reading the article to hear he is now desperate to prove the club wrong by finally working very hard to gain 3 kg in the off season, although thinking this dedication should of been shown at the start of the year. I will be more than happy to delete the post. EDIT: It also grinds my gears to think it was this club that gave him his first opportunity, knowing they have given him every chance to succeed, paid him a decent wage when yet he never really delivered. Even at Casey.

Sorry to disagree P_Man But I reckon when the players picked at 13, 14 and 15 have all played double digit games and our number 12 pick struggles to hold his place in the Casey seniors Let alone score a MFc game when had a long list of injuries and no forwards to the point we were playing Rivers Forward Then we have an epic fail on our hands, no amount of selections after that makes up for it. DB and BP took a big gamble and it failed in the largest possible way. I am not having a go at you but I get very tired of the excuse 17 other teams passed on JD. I think the more appropriate thing is 11 other clubs thought Cook was not a round 1 selection