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If he's pale and skinny ill spew

There are elements that Neeld has promised to deliver, which from the various bits and pieces I hear from those close to the club, I believe are being delivered upon and I still believe in them. This is the stuff like demanding elite preparation, training and fitness standards and so on, as well as delivering players clear messages about what is required to improve. I also heard an interesting story about how the 'fringe' players last year being told in no uncertain terms what they had to do in order to be retained, the only one of them bothered to do them is the only one of that group still on the list. BH in another thread called in to question Neeld's approach to these fringe players including Gysberts, Moloney, Petterd and Morton, making the assertion that players won't improve if they don't have the confidence of the coach. I agree with this in part, but I also agree that if players are going to take an obstinate attitude towards taking direction from the coach, they do themselves absolutely no favours. As a senior coach trying to pull everyone on to the same path, I can understand you might sooner or later declare that enough is enough. A whole season is surely enough for a player to see the writing on the wall and pull his head in and these guys didn't. Guys like Chris Dawes and Colin Garland have said they believe in the coach, and I believe they're being sincere. The one thing that is obvious though is that we're being smashed on the field in a matter that is completely unsustainable, and this is why the coach will go. For whatever reason, when it comes to on the field, the message is not getting through, or it is but it's a poor message. Either way, I can't see how this cycle is going to break without a change. The performance of our players, mostly, have been limp and lifeless. Their confidence is destroyed. I honestly believe we're not as bad as we're playing - certainly we're a bottom eight side on merit, but we're not 100+ point drubbings to Essendon bad. I believe a change at the top and a fresh set of instructions will go some way to breaking the psychological barrier the players are behind. With the way we've been playing and the deep hole the players are in in their minds, I can't see how the coach can possibly be retained. It's okay to point at the age and inexperience of the list, and the lack of quality through our midfield, but I think it's a huge leap to get from there to "it's okay to routinely lose by 10 goals". It's not okay. The other thing very alarming about Neeld's tenure to date is that the goalposts keep moving, and even this year they've moved (5 year plan - since when?!). His complete surprise at our lack of competitiveness early in the year is horrifying - it really did sound like nobody was behind the wheel. These are the things I see as our goals moving forward: Find a coach who is a good motivator and knows how to press the right buttons for different players. Better 'screening' of the coach during the hiring process is essential. Ensure the parts of Neeld's plan that are working are maintained. We need to be training and preparing at the same level as the best clubs, if not better. Back the players that we've got. I don't think all our players are as bad as they're being made to look due to their heads being in the wrong place. I don't expect 15 changes again this year. I had this post interrupted a million times so I didn't get to ride my "trains of thought" all the way through as I'd have liked, but I hope I'm making some sense. Either way, while I have some sympathy to the sentiment behind this thread, I can't see how retaining Neeld is at all viable.

I'm not attempting to defend Morton's AFL career, but I truly am sick of people using that footage as some sort of attack on him. If you had seen that game, you'd know that he wasn't running away from Lade, he was moving to create the next play; the ball was behind Lade and Morton saw the play coming towards him so he ran off to make space and present.

Ok so I've been a bit of a Neeld basher in the past but for some reason I want him to get the chance to see out his contract with a bit of support. I'm not getting sucked into his development talk its just I think he has literally had to start again. The game plan he is trying to implement isn't too different to most other teams - play on, back yourself, high skill level, get back on defence when the opposition has the ball. The big difference is he doesn't have a midfield and the players can't translate training skills to match day. He has brought in 2 very good players in Clark & Dawes and a bunch of stop gaps. I hear people saying rodan, pederson, Byrnes, etc are a waste but who would have taken there place on the list? Bailey recruited athletes, light framed athletes who still to this day struggle to dominate games. At seasons end should he be in charge I have faith that Neeld will get us that big fish midfielder, possibly 2. If we can get the ball into a fit forward line of Clark, Dawes, Hogan, Watts, Howe... Happy days. If players choose to leave at seasons end because he is to hard on them are they really fit to wear the jumper? I think we have suffered this much we don't have anything to loose so show him some support... Just my 2 bobs worth

This is a fantastic article, and it's spot on. It takes each argument against Neeld and provides a fair counter. It is unbiased, doesn't attempt to make Melbourne a laughing stock, nor attempts to make Melbourne sound any better than we currently are. Well-written, balanced and fair analysis.

I conclude from this thread that we should re-hire Dean Bailey as senior coach.

I want one ticket. I want to see those people who are clamouring for change to go and talk to McLardy and the current Directors and have their say and for those people to structure the best board for this club going forward. There is no need for a blood bath - there is no need for a full challenge of the board. I hate to break this to those who want to see some action come the end of the year but those that are asking questions of McLardy and are willing to put their hand up are not talking to Jeff Kennett, they are not chatting up a outside puppet for a coup - they are talking to the Demons that are currently running the club and telling them they are willing to help. McLardy will go and a few new Directors will arrive and we will be the stronger for the bloodlessness.

I think we should prepare ourselves for the very real possibility that we will have pick 1, not 2.

MFC.

Against Hawthorn our players had 1000 less AFL games experience than Hawthorn. (Our most "experienced" player was David Rodan). Actually that side had only 100-200 more games experience than GWS . Included in GWS was a Midfielder No 1 Draft pick (arent we missing something ! Now a 4th year player) Look at the impact of Ablett on the development of Gold Coast because on the field he makes them play the way they need to play, but Watson is not available nor is Ablett nor Sellwood, Mitchell et al.). I am sure Mark would have loved to had the luxury of being able to throw the Southern Stand at one of them. When criticising MN , Nathan Jones was a 2 grab player 2 years ago. Look at him now, he is holding (trying) our midfield together. Evans is less than 21 and has missed a year through injury so there is enormous upside to him. As MN has said he has recruited longer term with Toumpas, Hogan and Jack Viney . So we have 3 midfielders (not Hogan) with the potential to be elite Midfielders, plus Trengrove, Grimes,Terlach , Matt Jones. ( I wish I could put Jordie in there just on effort alone !!) Our defence is getting together with Mc Donald,Frawley ,Garland & Terlach . Watts will come good ( Look at Tommy Hawkins) . Our Forward line with Dawes, Clark ,Hogan, "Jumping Jeremy" Howe and the crumbers, Jack W The future does not look that bad it is just a little further away than we would like !!

How about... Morton who was rubbish anyway, Gawn who will re-sign soon (his value is hard to determine and contract talks are probably progressing slowly as management works through it with the club), Blease who hasn't earnt games and Howe who is learning versatility and becoming a better player for it. I guess we can all look at it differently though Stu.

On current form we couldn't beat anyone.

On another note, I notice that Brad Scott got his comeuppance after making some remarks about Melbourne's situation. Karma.

Things must be on the up and up at Fairfax. They can now afford a ghost writer for Wilson. She couldn't possibly have written this pap because nowhere in the entire article does she call for anyone's resignation.

did you read my post I said I am not saying Kennet is the best option but we need to look at everyone I dont care if its a demon or not I want the best and I want the best for MFC now if thats Kennett and he is committed 100% and with what he brings to the table then Fantastic or if its Geoff Freeman then thats great too but I want the best I dont care who I want to see My kids follow the same club I do and be proud but I am happy to look at anyone who is prepared to help MFC become strong and be feared again I am curious of who if anyone will be on his ticket , and of course if anyone else will stand up

Hogan is a good field kick, but obviously needs work on his set shots. To be worried by any facet of his game, considering he's the best talent to walk into this club in 40 years, is neurotic.

I believe Danny frawley made a very succinct comment on triple m today , when discussing melb, that the last thing his nephew wants is another person in 3 years telling him something different to do again. Maybe the reason there is doubt over these guys is they would actually like neeld to stay. I have never seen or heard anything to suggest that any of these players do not "get on" with neeld. I refuse to believe anything that any media person says about our club especially as the standard of journalism regarding the mfc has been nothing short of gutter journalism.

No it's not. Casey Scorpions 5.3.33 9.7.61 14.11.95 21.15.141 Collingwood 2.1.13 3.3.21 5.6.36 7.9.51

I would really like to know what the players actually think. For me, the signatures of Sylvia and Watts are the litmus test. Some players have reputedly 'bought in', but I want to see 'buy in' from these two players and Frawley (in the form of a contract extension) - ideally, asap. No use entering another rebuild if we can't even keep the required players who are already on our list. In fact, does anyone have any knowledge as to where the contract discussions are at?

I think the idea that we are getting the results we expected is utterly dishonest. What a pile - who before the year started thought that the bombers was a 148 point loss? Or port was a 13 goal loss-to-be? You are re-writing history to substantiate a position that is untenable. Try not making things up. And the club is a failure. After 7 years we are still pathetic on-field and disorganised off-field. Which bit is a "success"? I'd like to think that the case to retain Neeld must, by default, recognise the horror the club had become - otherwise there is no excuse for his shocking record.

Sad how few posts there have been in response to this article compared to the endless sack everybody calls in other threads. (This may be wrong as I've given up reading the other repetitive threads and maybe the article has been quoted there.)

Craig Smoker yeah???

I can. Brogan will retire and they have only Giles left. Jamar would be a big get for them as I can't see them getting Leuenberger, who they want. Gawn, Spencer, Fitzy in the ruck with Sellar and Pedersen pinch hitting and maybe with Mitch for a few minutes here and there. Also we could rookie another young ruckman.

I just noted that he was continually being asked whether the Saints are rebuilding and he finally admitted they were. That of course only happens, when you are at the wrong end of the ladder.

One of the points made at this morning's Melbourne Business Community Breakfast by CEO Peter Jackson was that the club's financial bottom line is being impaired by poorer attendances than those for which the club had originally budgeted. My view is that those supporters who are therefore shunning the club be it for whatever reason - the team's performance, the president, coach, players, football department, club psychologist, whatever ... it's not really helping the cause and making his role as CEO in restructuring and reviving the club all the more difficult. I know it's a tough gig but we're not always going to be traveling as badly on field as we are at the present time. My view is that you can't claim to be a part of any future success if you don't support your club in times of difficulty. We should be out there in force against Collingwood on Monday.

Thank you Wayne

I hope he comes along and develops into a player but VFL reserves at 19 doesn't bode well. Reserving judgement at the moment!

The thing I'm looking for most from a President besides the obligatory experience and nous is passion for the club to succeed.

in the words of Midnight Oil - short memory. Tanking in 2010, the eight game for nil remember when Sacked Junior Mac oh what a mess short memory Tried to beat the cats one day , 186 forgot to play everyone said sack him now short memory Turned on us and cost us heaps, because of him were in this mess short memory Short memory, must have a, short memory

He's the "before" face.......

Dean was able to create a real strong connection with the players and his communication skills were second to none. However you aren't going to win games against good sides with one-way midfielders, poor defensive pressure and the small bodies he and his commrades insisted on drafting. Look at Sydney's drafting. Mark has his positive areas as well. He's very structured and methodical. Only time will tell if this approach works and the key word is time. I'm with Jackson in that Neeld at least deserves time in a settled environment to show he can coach.

RUFFLED FEATHERS by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions grabbed top spot on the VFL ladder and ruffled a few Magpie feathers after hammering finals aspirants Collingwood to the tune of a crushing 90-points at Casey Fields on Saturday. The Scorpion onslaught was led all day by midfield ball magnets Paul Couch who amassed 39 disposals and James Magner who had two touches less. Together, they dominated the stoppages and general play and were aided and abetted by some top notch ruckwork from Jake Spencer (19 hit outs to go with his three goals) and the emerging beanpole Max Gawn. Up forward, young key position player Jesse Hogan belied his tender age of 18 with strong marking and tireless work around the ground. The young tyro managed 15 possesions, taking 9 marks and had his kicking been on target (he scored 2.3) the rout would certainly have exceeded the 100-point mark. Former North Melbourne rookie Ben Hughes also chimed in with three nice goals. The Magpies opened brightly under the sunny skies and had most of the early play but once the home team adapted to the chilly breezes, it faced little resistance winning every quarter and coasting effortlessly to a 15 goal win. Indeed, apart from a little biffo and remonstrating at one stage in proceedings, the visitors hardly did justice to the jumper. However, they were beaten by a very good side. The Casey defence was strong with Troy Davis and Luke Tynan not only proving to be impassable but also providing countless springboards into attack. They finished with 27 and 26 disposals respectively and together with their fellow defenders, kept the Magpies down to a measly seven goals, less than half their average over their now broken three week winning streak against Geelong, Essendon and the Northern Blues. Davis, now in his third year on the Melbourne list and yet to play a game at AFL level is finally staking a claim for promotion. Casey's ruck dominance was achieved against a strong tall man division which included Ben Hudson and Jarrod Witts who along with Gawn at 208cm, is equal second tallest current AFL behind injured Docker Aaron Sandilands. Late inclusion Shannon Byrnes livened up the forward line with a couple of goals, a feat matched by Casey-South Melbourne cricket captain Jake Best. Twenty-third man Jarryd Drew got into the action with a goal after the final siren to cap off a great day on which the club also ran a successful debt demolition function before the game. The team has a break next week with the bye before taking on the Coburg Tigers at home on 23 June. The Development League team which rested this week, play away next weekend to fourth placed Werribee Tigers. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Shannon Byrnes 14 kicks 5 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 2 goals Mitchell Clisby 11 kicks 8 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles Thomas Couch 11 kicks 28 handballs 39 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 2 goals Troy Davis 14 kicks 13 handballs 27 disposals 5 marks 1 tackles Max Gawn 9 kicks 8 handballs 17 disposals 3 marks 26 hit outs 1 goal Thomas Gillies 8 kicks 7 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles Jesse Hogan 11 kicks 4 handballs 15 disposals 10 marks 2 tackles 3 hit outs 2 goals 3 behinds Neville Jetta 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 5 marks 8 tackles 2 goals James Magner 22 kicks 15 handballs 37 disposals 7 marks 5 tackles 1 goal 2 behinds Daniel Nicholson 16 kicks 11 handballs 27 disposals 1 mark 4 tackles James Sellar 6 kicks 7 handballs 13 disposals 6 marks Jake Spencer 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 3 tackles 19 hit outs 3 goals 3 behinds James Strauss 7 kicks 7 handballs 14 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles Rory Taggert 7 kicks 4 handballs 11 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles Joshua Tynan 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 7 marks 8 tackles Casey Scorpions 5.3.33 9.7.61 14.11.95 21.15.141 Collingwood 2.1.13 3.3.21 5.6.36 7.9.51 Goals Casey Scorpions Goals Hughes Spencer 3 Best Byrnes Couch Hogan Jetta 2 Drew Gawn Gent Petropoulos Magner Collingwood Broomhead 2 Clarke Hudson Mooney Paine Best Casey Scorpions Couch Magner L Tynan Hogan Davis Spencer Collingwood Mooney Allan Yagmoor Broomhead Riddle Hellier

We should also chase Dale Garlett. The kid is on fire in the WAFL.

A former player? Got a name? So how long was he actually under Neeld for because being a former player doesn't really support the argument of Bailey>Neeld? And how do you gauge the current players feelings by a former players opinion?

Just throwing it out there 'Gonzo' and brings up a few possibilities which you've outlined. I think Clark may well end up are no 1 ruck which will give us an extra quality mid straight up.

I know it goes against the midfield grain but I wouldn't overlook Boyd either. Tambling, Buddy anyone...

No, our problems were of our own making. We should have been pushing top 4 this year and in contention over the next 2, we were supposed to be a step ahead but poor management at the club screwed us not the AFL. Richmond are the club that's really been screwed, they were (believe it or not) a year or 2 behind us in the rebuild stakes and they have missed out on some crucial draft picks that would have given them the class to go all the way. As it sits now GC will pass them next year and GWS may not be far behind. The Tiges are experiencing a false dawn.

You're really freaking me out.

When I first saw the concessions given to the start ups I felt both would win flags early. At this stage I am not sure GWS will however Gold Coast may win multiple flags. The concessions given these two were absurd and unheard of in any sport I can remember.

We wont trade pick 2, as we will have a proper coach, a new head of football, the FD department will be restructured and everything will be in order.. The number 1 focus will be on player development.

Please let us not keep talking about Sylvia, Watts and Frawley all going. We need them along with Dawes, Clark, Jones and Howe!

The majority of this board will not be on the new board. That is the whole point. They have not been up to it since Jimmy went down.

obviously they don't have the professionalism of Biff but the Russians and Chinese would like to think their athlete breeding and development programs were very successful thank you very much!

Without the expansion clubs we would have picked up Tom Lynch instead of Cook. We'd have better mids because they wouldn't have taken the best half dozen from the last two drafts. We would have drafted differently last year without the need to sell pick three to get Hogan (who would not have been available). I am 100% behind Neeld and want him to see out this contract and hopefully get the results next year to earn another one as well. I said well before he came to the club that we were unprofessional and that the people in charge didn't even understand how far off the rest of the league they were. He is exactly what I felt we needed for this to change and has done exactly what I expected him to do. I admit I thought we'd be more competitive by now, but I maintain that we are on the right track and that the results will come. After 50 years, I am willing to cop another season of pain to get the foundation well and truly set so that we can build properly.

Kennett has said our Coach must go. He has tonight threatened the elected Board and CEO and warned them not to pick a new Coach. This from a Hawks supporter and non MFC member, who is therefore ineligible to stand for the MFC Board. This self promoting, arrogant piece of work, is telling the elected board of the club and its officials not to go on with its business, because he may at some stage stand for election. What an absolute disgrace. We all want a unified club. It would be impossible under this bloke.

I think we will have PP1 and pick 2 or 3.

He can play, gets the footy and his disposal's good. Make him an offer he can't refuse. If he refuses it, somebody else overpays.

When I hear that the 'disgruntled' include people dumb enough to think that Jeff Kennett and The Ox could have any impact at all in turning the club around, or that we should bring in Sheedy as a new head coach, I pause. So many chest-beating egos, the 'I'm really red and blue so what I say, you do' attitudes, generation after generation of white-anting or public wailing by anyone at this club who feels like they aren't being given the control they 'deserve'. And in it all, in the absence of any meaningful statement of 'this practice should change', in the absence of real football or administrative insight, it just becomes a personal attack on whoever happens to be the incumbent.

No they don't. I don't. Plenty on here don't. You're not a 'most hardened supporter' if you have a breaking point.