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Thanks. A new player will go up each day.All current day players. Enough looking back. It's time to look forward.

Got there at 3:40 so missed the first 40 minutes but stayed until the end at 4:40. Can neither confirm nor deny that the time was changed to allow the players to watch the NBA finals. Neil Craig running the show very vocal and engaged, looking good in his short shorts and long socks. I missed any/all of what Frawley, Dawes, McKenzie, Macdonald, Viney and Jamar did. When I got there they were doing a match simlution drill. Regulars in blue, back ups in white. Spencer and Gawn in blue, Fitzy in white. Tapscott in White. Byrnes in blue. Clisby in blue - I expect to see him soon in the AFL team. Some nice passages and others (Spencer kicking OOTF from 10 out infront of the behind post) that were more suited to a team 17th on the ladder. A reasonable vibe and most blokes working hard. Hogan stood out with his work rate and also he won't tolerate niggle from Dunn or McDonald. On McDonald I really see a bad future for him if he doesn't learn to kick. He needs to back himself, his slow and deliberate style is just as bad as his aggressive spraying it style. He needs major remedial kicking or he won't make it as a player. Maia Westrupp was surprisingly effective at finding the ball and getting to the right spots. Needs to work on his handball but I've seen enough to say hey he's worth another year and some more development. Similarly Dom Barry shows some nice patches but he really has to work on how timid he is at a lot of things in his training. He needs to train with more oomph if he wants to play with the big boys. After the main drill it was into group drills and also a lot of little specialty drills that dragged on as some players left. Mainly the mids practiced clearance work with Spencer Fitzy rucking and some of the mids wearing the hip protector gear. Jones, Magner, Sylvia, Couch's hardness stood out and the way Toumpas can run to receive in the right spots. Terlich left after the main drill finished after getting some work on his lower back. Still able to run freely just might be a bit tight. Little drills everywhere such as Jack Watts and Matt Jones practicing tackling each other and not getting evaded. Watts looking a bit more physical but wouldn't want to bring what he did to this drill to AFL level. He needs to not only wrap up an opponent but then drop them. Same for Matty Jones. He's a bit too much arms with is tackling at this stage as well. Towards the end Strauss and Andrew Nichol who's a big bloke and still in good shape had a good wrestling contests over a few rounds. Obviously they are trying to work on Strauss' physicality. He's not soft but if he wants to be a starting defender he needs to relish the contact. He's no different to Dunn or Watts in that regard. Take home points: - If today is an indication expect training under Craig to be less regimented but more hands on from what I saw under Neeld - Spirit within the group seemed pretty good - Big Maxy Gawn is a larrikin loves showing off to whatever crowd - With a few injuries to better players the class of training might suffer - Terlich and Jamar candidates for mystery injury of the week - Clisby getting close to an AFL debut - Cam Pedersen needs the phone number for lite and easy. With his 3 year deal he can afford it. He should shout Leigh Brown a few meals as well, he's trained off since preseason

You say you're not going to give my post "further thought" and then proceed to write a book. He got rid of 15 players, including Petterd, Gysberts, Martin, Moloney, Morton, etc. after year one, not as soon as he got to the club. You really think he walked into the club and said, "look, I know you've won 8.5 games the last two years in a row, and I know you have a plethora of top 20 draft selections, and I know that senior players, such as McDonald, Bruce and Yze have just departed, and I know that you already have one of the youngest lists in the competition, but I reckon we've got to rebuild the playing list straight away". You really believe he told the Board that a rebuild was required ? And you say you're not going to give my opinion further thought ? No wonder you like Neeld, you're as delusional as him, or at best totally naive and duped by his nonsense. More likely Neeld said, "I'll change the culture of your playing group, we know they can attack, but I'll make them accountable and defend; you've got great young talent already on your list and I'll develop them into quality senior players and I'll move some on after I've had 12 months to look at them." THAT'S a far more likely scenario. FFS, Bate wanted to be traded to the Dogs, but Neeld wouldn't have it, because he wanted a look at him. There was ZERO utterance of a rebuild when he was first appointed. The goal posts moved AFTER his first 12 months when he decided we were [censored]. He rightly knew the midfield was the problem, but he also came from a system that loved big key forwards. I laud the club for getting Hogan, because I recognised he was a once in a generation talent. The targeting of Hogan can be treated as a separate entity and just a really good decision. I accept that Neeld came to the conclusion he needed to rebuild aspects of the list, such as the midfield, but if you think he sat in on his job interviews with Melbourne and said the list needed to be stripped back again and rebuilt, you're mad. And you say, "Why don't I have the right to be angry with the Administration of this club?". Who says you don't ? We all know they've been hopeless. Knock yourself out, just don't be sucked in by Neeld's complete spin.

I would also be happy if we could get is as well. By get it I mean his signature on a contract.

Is Gysberts working harder?

Irrits.

This is one of the reasons that Roos would be the must get. He will make the older players want to stay, the youngsters keen as mustard to learn. Imagine how excited Viney, Toumpas and Hogan would be to play under Roos not to mention a Trengrove, Grimes, Watts. Then new draftees wouldnt be wishing against coming to the demons. Then you have sponors who would be climbing aboard to be part of the ressurgence. It would totally change the mindset of the club. But i dont think money is it all, Im sure hes set up for life. I think the club has to sell the romance of it. Turning the oldest club from the duldrems to premiership chance in 4-5 yrs. That would lock him into legend status and give him satisfaction of saving the Melbourne Football Club. Hes still young and i reckon his family would back him in while he is not to long out of the game. Fingers Crossed.

Saty....: "Nathan, do you reckon Mark Neeld has helped your footy ?" Jones: "Yeah mate" Saty....:"What do you put it down to ?" Jones: "Due for a rub mate, cheers."

Sack Neeld...! Sorry was having withdrawals...nice thread thanks for all of the updates

Sorry, I can't help myself on this point. I've heard 'Neeld is responsible for Garland's development' a couple of times now and I simply don't subscribe to the notion. Bailey and Wellman are responsible for his development. During Neeld's first season, Garland's output dropped off. It is only this year that it has returned. Considering Neeld couldn't get him playing in his first season, I'd give more credit to Garland for his own return to form.

Pretty much said the... Oh. Never mind.

Some people on here need to seriously pull there head in. Has anyone considered the impact of Neeld making statements like "I shouldn't have appointed Grimes and Trengove as captains, it was a mistake" might actually have on Grimes and Trengove, not to mention how they might be perceived by the playing group if he was to make such a statement. To make such a statement brings into question their position as captains. It would further destabilise the club and the playing group. Neeld not getting caught up in those questions is a very mature response. Neeld is well within his rights to focus on the fact that he was given 3 years to transform the club, and feel that he was not given the opportunity to do so after being cut loose after 18 months. I'm not saying it was the wrong decision, but there's nothing wrong with him holding that line. Neeld is obviously perceived as a very good football guy around the league. That is something that is earned over time and a reputation like that comes about for a reason. He may not be a very good senior coach, but that doesn't mean he is a bad football person, or extremely valuable assistant coach, and that is a brand he needs to maintain for the sake of his and his family's financial future.

the parade of hobblers would be quite numerous Id reckon !!

A communication between Demon Dad & Demon son that they agreed to open in the spirit of 'rejuvenation' Hi everyone, Got some nice feedback from Jack. It seems like the group’s work is being noticed and appreciated around the club. Feel free to share it around. We need all the good news we can get. Go Dees Steve Grimes G'day Dad, Wow! They really are a passionate bunch! It's amazing what they are all doing for the club and all of these plans moving forward. I really appreciate u helping out too. The Club actually made mention of this group at a Melbourne Function I was at this arvo. They spoke about the amazing work the group is doing and the massive number of memberships that were sold. Seems like this group is really building momentum, and hopefully will be even bigger and better next year! Thanks for the update. Love Jack

Watts was improved in this area against the Pies, that's for sure... interested to see how he goes on Sat night. I know one thing, Col Garland is probably pretty happy he doesn't have to man Milne Saturday night for the first time in a long time Vs the Saints.

Is it wrong that a part of me thinks you're taking the [censored]? #IbelieveinWattsy

I posted this in another thread but think it is relevant here too. Ater the Fremantle game: Neeld refused to accept his team's work rate was lacking after the Dockers feasted on uncontested possession to open a 71-point lead by halftime in the 19.16 (130) to 6.4 (40) defeat. "I don't think the effort was too bad ... when you put three guys behind the ball, those numbers get skewed quite a bit," he said. In the week after the Fremantle game: Neeld said he was not looking for short term measures and was determined to develop his youngsters for the long term success of the club Neeld said he choose not to flood the backline last week, when Melbourne was being dominated by Fremantle, because it wouldn’t help his team’s development. “It would have been an easy thing to go and put all these numbers behind the ball, but we aren’t going to learn anything from that ... we are coaching to develop these players,” he said.

My comment has nothing to do with the competency of Ratten, but I would be amazed if the 'bail-out' that is being funded by the AFL wasn't presented and discussed that they need to lure a big name coach, and quite possibly a very experienced Footy Operations Manager too. With such announcments comes expectation, better chances to lure players over, retain existing players, sponsorship, membership... it all would start to roll on from announcing established and proven performers. If we can't land one of the big names then sure he is a strong candidate, but personally I would be pretty disappointed if we name Ratten, Knights or Harvey as our new coach at the end of this. Because it means that we failed to land the preferred option. We were required to settle for someone else.

Took me a sec to work out what is going on but that's good. He's a good bloke is Captain Jack. But the hero remains you and your cadre of selfless Demons, 19. Thanks again.

9 years later, a integrity investigation reviewing the case determines that there had indeed been enough evidence in the first place to base a prosecution on it. Already, regardless of the outcome of Milne's trial itself, there will be a number of 'Victoria's Finest' facing severe, severe disciplinary action, and possible criminal proceedings of their own. This is not a prosecution that has been reopened lightly. I can't shake the thought of the horror any victim of rape would go through, to be dismissed and basically disparaged by the authorities even when there was a substantial amount of credible evidence available.

Absolute rubbish about Brad Green. Not a leader but a great player. Don't you remember his courage in running back with the flight of the ball to take one gutsy mark after another? He received some bad injuries because of his gutsy play. Also, it was very unfair to criticise his game in the GF . He was a FIRST YEAR Player and very raw and young.

Strangely enough, Melbourne has the greatest average winning margin in the AFL this year. I love statistics.

honestly this is just complete B s. if you don't agree please read the various articles in today's HeraldSun including all the stats.The Board did Not engage a coach to get rid of or downgrade senior players. It did Not engage a coach to start again with the list, it did Not engage a coach to recruit 4 has beens who couldn't get a game elsewhere, it did Not engage a coach to introduce a gameplan unsuited to our list. Neeld, who I think was out of his depth, made a series of awful decisions. I mention 1 which really irritates me. Many posters now have No time for Moloney. I disagree but respect their views. But please tell me what was the sense in downgrading Brad Green, a loved and respected Demon all his career;why should a man like Green be humiliated? The damage done by such moves was serious and permanent. The coach had no idea we would lose v Brisbane in R1 last year, did not realize that the 2 kid captains, would be out of their depth, and that a run of 9 losses had started. Sorry , I feel concerned for Mark Neeld, his family etc, but to suggest he should not have been sacked is fatuous nonsense

I think Craig is the perfect man to lead the club ATM. He is bullish about our list and maybe we can win more games than we lose. What a breath of fresh air, isn't it fantastic to have a coach that isn't arrogant, delusion, inflexible, stubborn and insane. I feel like flying. Hopefully the players feel the same way

Neil Craig is an asset and I think with a restructure underway, PJ will find the most suitable and clearly defined role for him heading into the future. I agree that taking charge of a development program could be a great fit. We have been so badly lacking in that area, that if he were dedicated to development full time, he could make a huge difference.

Pretty much said the same things as in his presser, virtually word for word in some instances.

It may have started as a rebuild, but under Neeld it had become a disintegration. And I don't accept it was a rebuild. That's a convenient term used by Neeld to excuse the pathetic performances. He never used the term "rebuild" in his first year. You say that strong clubs don't fold to speculation. Geelong has never experienced our plight. Geelong has never finished bottom 4 since the AFL's inception in 1990. Geelong nearly sacked Thompson in 2006. We'd kill for Geelong's performances from 2006. There's no point mentioning the Gold Coast. No coach of a start up club was going to be sacked after 2 years. Hawthorn sacked Schwab and Judge prior to Clarkson. But I suppose that was OK ? What you seem to be forgetting, or ignoring, is that this team was uncompetitive. It has a worse percentage than GWS. It has the worst percentage at this stage of the year in living memory. We barely win quarters of football. Almost half of Neeld's losses are by over 10 goals. He gave mixed messages when it suited him. He said we'd be better quicker than the media said. He said don't listen to them before the season started then conveniently says it will take 5 years after it's gone pear-shaped. Sadly, you've bought his unmitigated crap. You're definitely right that we embarrass the AFL, which is why Neeld had to go. His team's performances ensured that. We know the Board has failed miserably and we know Schwab is just as guilty. But it doesn't excuse Neeld's disastrous tenure, nor his delusional attitude. I put it to you that Neeld will stand alongside Murray Weideman and Royce Hart as the worst coaches in my lifetime. Apologies to Dennis Jones.

Thank Christ were back to debating the real issues affecting the club.

I like our current emblem. Not everything Schwab did was bad. Our current emblem was the work of Stynes as much as Schwab.

I am furious. We are an unprofessional bunch of mugs. But it's worse than that. Our club sells fraudulent hope, and ruins the careers of perfectly good and competent people, whether they be players or coaches. Make no mistake - Mark Neeld was told to come in and put a rocket up every single senior player. He was given unprecedented scope to do it his way and change the festering wound that is the MFC. Then, he cops it and has his career destroyed based on doing nothing more than executing his plan. Yes, it may have been a flawed execution, but he was given 3 years to do it because it was, and is, the hardest task in football. He didn't get the chance because everyone got spooked. Make no mistake - Bailey was told to lose. Then, when it suited, the administration turfed him too for not winning enough. When I think of all the money donated, all the functions where bulltish was spouted out of the mouths of these people. All the suspicions about disharmony, lack of professionalism were dismissed.... yet, it was almost all true. I get that almost all those involved in the above issues are going, going and gone from the club. But the lack of spine and the level of incompetence and dishonesty is literally breathtaking. Rant over.

Guys, I've already finished the banner and there are no past players. We've done that and it's time to move forward. The banner is completed and a new player will be revealed each day leading up to the game against the Saints. i appreciate the suggestions but I can't please everyone. I also can't just change the banner every few days or weeks as it takes a bit of time to do.

If we got Roos, fantastic. If we got Choco or Eade, still great and if we ended up with Craig, I wouldn't be completely disappointed. If we took another noob, I'd shoot myself in the foot and hobble away from this club.

I don't care if Williams has left clubs on bad terms to be honest. I think the players at both those clubs rate him highly but the management are the ones that have had issues. I'd pick a players' coach over a 'yes man' any day.

As others have said, there's such a thing as natural progression. If you open the thread to which I linked, you will see posters anticipated that not only would he get better, but he would be elevated to the leadership group. Not rocket science. Perhaps we should applaud the fact that he hasn't stalled like most of the rest of the list.

A feel good training thread at last. Takes me back to the pre season when everything was just fine and dandy.

Zero chance Peter Jackson appoints Knights as a senior coach again

Just got back from watching 20-30 mins and he (Watts) was training with intensity. Match simulation. One on one.

tonatopia shows a bit of class....

Rich, Rockliff, Redden, Leuenberger, Zorko, Mayes, Docherty, Longer, Karnezis, Golby.......

In my opinion it has too many ideas all thrown together. It is directionless because it has so many concepts that none of them end up being a focus. We're the Melbourne Demons, yet there's no use of the word "Demons" anywhere on it. Do we need a Southern Cross to signify we're Australian? Do we need a football to show we play football? What does the trident mean without anything to say we're the Demons? Are we gardeners? Poseidon? Neptune? To me, there's just too much going on and it seems confused. IMO we should be putting ourselves forward as the Melbourne Demons. Simple as that.

Beamer wouldn't play the way MN wanted him to. End of story. According to the HS was told to change the midfield set ups because Jamar to BM was too predictable. BM actively went against that with other players. MN had no choice but to cousel him and if he continued to refuse get rid of him BM refused to drop weight and run both ways - zero defesive skills BM should never have played in the 186 game. Again selfish and not a team player. I applaud MN for making the hard call on him but perhaps the manner of it was the issue. The decision for him to go was the right one. Lets move on.

I wouldn't rule out Ratten. Dark horse for mine.

IMO Roos , Jackson and the AFL are already talking Roos would require change and Jackson with the help of the AFL can make that happen It is not at all unreasonable to suggest that schwab may have been an AFL direction along with Neeld The AFL would want Connolly paid out and gone as well I think its all in the timing and we should know a few weeks after Neil Craig's 11 week coaching stint Jackson knows Roos would be a membership boom for the MFC While i don't believe in Messiahs i do believe many will look at it that way Jackson also knows Roos is an excellent coach for the current needs of the club and beyond Roos would want his own team Jackson knows that being onside with the AFL who would also agree with the appointment of Paul Roos would have a greater chance of gaining the money it needs to rebuild the club to the satisfaction of both the AFL and Roos Our List would look at the appointment of Paul Roos as an attractive reason to remain at the club Jackson already knows what a successful club looks and feels like and his recommendations would reflect that knowledge and experience in getting the best outcome for the MFC Ironically so does the AFL and Paul Roos IMO its a win all round

yes, and that's bankrolling the entire thing.. in reality its about the amount MORE that he will cost vs other options.. let's ay he costs 600K more than Eade or Williams, that's only 4000 members. It also doesn't take into account the additional earnings from gate receipts and potentially marketing/sponsorship as a result of performing better on field. From a financial POV Roos is a no-brainer, I can't believe anyone would say otherwise

The thing he had over Moloney with his pointing is that Neitz would do it after kicking one of his 631 goals during his record-breaking career at Melbourne. Moloney would do it when he couldn't be bothered manning up/running. Back to the banner - I like the old faves.

Retain Craig in 2014 for development role ...

Unless a new emblem comes wrapped around a competitive midfield it is irrelevant

In fairness, it'd actually be pretty hard to pull that off.