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Back for finals.

Further to Robbies insights: the best part of the night for me was the video contrasting the experiences of playing football in their day with Hassa Mann, Robbie Flower, Todd Viney, Rod Grinter and Jack Grimes. Before the match we were told stories of pasta, steak etc, while Hassa told of being recommended a mixture of 4 raw eggs and worstershire sauce....which he promptly vomited! JG's speciality is a smoothie with 12 bananas! The stories of cigarettes being smuggled out to players at 3/4 time and trainers running out with a hip flask of whiskey isn't something that happens today either.... Best part was the enthusiasm of everyone, especially the players who are just so upbeat now that they can see and experience what Roos is drumming into them about how to play and how to win. And the Foundation Heroes put in yet again....$600,000+ on the night. One supporter alone pledged $60K!! With another 32 Heroes signed since last year, the group gets even bigger. This year PJ and PR signed up as well! A fantastic night and good signs that this Club is on the right track, and has a most generous group of supporters that enables us to achieve things otherwise that would not be possible....

Just got home a very good night no announcements just a few words from PJ, Josh Mahoney, George Stone and PR about what it takes to be a successful team and how you need good people in all positions. They are convinced they have those people in place and that the team is good enough to take it up to the other sides. Sat next to Jeremy Howe and he's convinced they have a chance to beat any team they play and they are looking forward to playing Port next week. I suggested he should take Wingard and he said he'd love the opportunity, then Chip came over and he reckons he should, it will be interesting to see who does. They followed Roosy on match day when we played the Bulldogs and it was great to get an insight in to what goes on. They had him miked up and showed him talking to the players before and after the game as well as at all the breaks, plus what instructions he was giving during the game from the box. He challenges the players about what they did during the game and why didn't they do it differently as they were told. They had an auction which went extremely well and the FH raised in excess of $600k. PJ said we need to get more members and the figure of 35k is unsustainable if we want to grow as a club the players are starting to show some improvement so they are hoping that the membership will as well. Chris Dawes got up and spoke on behalf of the players and I'd have to say he is a very impressive person, he feels the players are capable of matching it with the best and wants the supporters to stick with it as we are getting there. All in all a good night and if anything else springs to mind I'll post it.

My understanding is that he would be a delisted free agent and able to go to the club of his choice. He would not be required to go through the draft. It is also my understanding that he retired knowing that this was an option. I understand he has never completely given up on playing AFL again for Melbourne if his mental health improved as such. I was told all this the week before he retired.

Just noticed he will be up my way this Saturday (wangaratta). Il be watching the TAC game aswelk and will definitely go up and shake his hand and mention that I probably speak on behalf of most supporters that I thank him for bringing back the enjoyment of supporting the Melbourne Football Club again.

I mentioned this was what was happening on the Hogan thread last week and a couple of people on hear got stuck into me for making up rumours?!!??!?! Those people should apologise. I will say one more thing. Don't be surprised if Roos remains as coach beyond this contract........

No they stayed away from that but PR said he's loving his time as coach and loves going to work every day, he said it p155s him off if people stop him in the street to talk about the swans he said I couldn't give a shyte about them he's Melbourne now. Howey reckons if we continue to play good football and show continued improvement Chip will stay. He also said Jesse loves being in Melbourne and is really laid back, spends most of his time at the club. He just got back from WA and there was no talk of how great it was there and how much he misses it so take that for what you want.

It's a donation Graeme you contribute $5k and that's i,t you don't have to put in anything after that or you can if you want. You get an invite to the dinner after that every year. Just one other thing the players are a bit jack of the media always finding an excuse for the other side for losing and not recognising the fact that we've played well. The boys are stoked at the moment and want more wins, they genuinely believe they can take on any other team. It's been a while since we've had a team with that sort of self belief. Roos is a genius, he's turned a bunch of disbelievers in to a team of believers.

On AFL 360 tonight they crossed to Dawes who is at the MCG for the Sleep at the 'G and Robbo asked him who he will be sleeping next to tonight. Dawes' response (or words to the effect): "Alex Rance as he is still laying down somewhere on the half-forward flank". Whack! Classic response.

Great news confirmed on MFC site..

That reminded me of another story told last night by Rod Grinter..... Apparently Swooper had arranged for the team to run a cross-country in the Ballarat area, but warned them that parts of it would take them through private property. So they were told to be careful about what they did on the run. Unbeknown to the team he had arranged for a couple of the local yokels to fire some shot-guns as they passed through.......no doubt encouraging a concerted effort on the run, and apparently John thought it hilarious....but perhaps not the players at the time! Again, I doubt we would see that happening today.

Demonland never ceases to amaze me. Last year people were complaining that the reviews of VFL players was too soft, this year the reviews are too critical. Great entertainment though.

I reckon people are reading waaaaaayyyy too much into this. My take on it is that here is a young fit guy who has probably trained / worked out every day since he was a kid. Then came the injuries, and then the Black Dog, during which it can be extremely difficult just to get out of bed, let alone get to the gym and maintain your (physical) health. As others have noted, keeping active physically plays an important part in your mental health, and it would seem Mitch is now at that point, recovery-wise, where he feels he can start being active and healthy again. That doesn't mean he's training for football, or that football is even on his mind. He probably just wants to start feeling good again and is now in a position to work towards that. C + B: You knock others for making definitive statements yet you're adamant he's thrown his life away and will regret his decision forever and day. The truth is that unless you know Mitch personally, or have discussed it with him, you're guessing just like the rest of us...

If Roosy stays on in some other capacity after the 3 years, then it makes me believe the likes on George Stone will stay on as well. He shouldn't be forgotten as an integral part of the coaching group.

I had a chat to Jordie on Monday night, he is embracing everything, wants to get back into the team, loves working with Daniel Cross, gets "really good and honest" feedback, knows exactly what areas he has to keep working on.

Plus the players put in $10,000 in as well.

that HAS to be a troll

Many well meaning individuals came to our club in fairly recent times with good intent and yet we continued rocking and rolling along a dubious track until the inevitable happened and we derailed. In Railway terminology we were in the dirt !! The planets aligned and gods conspired and lo and behold one Peter Jackson emerges from the mist and takes charge. I suggest , with deference to any good works prior , that all MAJOR things good came to be as of this man taking the helm. There are those out there with influence, who have ears and have the ear. I implore these to do all that can be done to convince this man to remain at his desk for the foreseeable future. Obviously Roos gets on well with this man and they share a vision. Both are important but in this instance this topic is about retaining PJ. Those that can.......make it happen..........pls

When I first read this word I thought it was some sort of reference to black magic or some such.. Fortunately not... just a typo.

I would love to see Daniel Cross sign for 2 years. He is not that old and is supremely fit. He could even do a Fletcher maybe!

http://boundforglorynews.com/afl-bloodlines-potential-father-son-nominations/ MELBOURNE Jake Lovett (Danenong Stingrays) Son of: Brett Height: 192 cm Weight: 80 kg Position: Utility 2014 Games: 1 Draft Eligible: 2015 Melbourne fans would be salivating over the prospect of running machine, Jake Lovett. Although a different type of player to his father, Jake is a high-possession winning on-baller, with damaging disposal and has a tendency to be aggressive. Although he’s played just the one game so far, he didn’t disappoint. In round five against the Western Jets, the smooth moving live-wire was a ball magnet, running through the midfield and pushing forward at will. His line-breaking runs were of serious note, as he collected 21 disposals to match his three marks and five tackles. Oozing class, Lovett finished with a tidy disposal efficiency of 76 per cent and was named in Dandenong’s best despite a three-point loss to the Western Jets. Billy Stretch (Glenelg) Son of: Steven Height: 179 cm Weight: 70 kg Position: Wing/Half Forward Flank 2014 Games: 2 Average Stats: 10 disposals 1.5 tackles, 1 goal Draft Eligible: 2014 Known for his elite running capacity and his damaging kicking efficiency, Billy Stretch has got class in spades. His kicking efficiency ranks in the elite – and that’s off both sides. Playing for Glenelg, Stretch was selected in the three senior trial games, where he made an influence and would’ve kept his place in the side had it not been for the AIS’s tour of Europe. The good news is for Stretch, is that upon returning – he slotted straight back into the senior side against Adelaide, and finished with 10 disposals, three tackles and one goal. He’s already tasted what life at Melbourne is like, undergoing placement there for one week under the AFL-AIS program he’s apart of. The plaudits came thick and fast for Stretch who was professional, diligent and took everything the group through at him. Jake Lovett listed as 192cm? Holy crap!! An aggressive and classy 192cm midfielder who can break the lines with his pace?! [censored] me!!!!

Are we going to go through this every time a player is injured for more than a couple of months? Depression isn't contagious. I think it is your 4th line - he's a kid who wants to play footy. He has a sore back. The rest is what we read into it.

Right now he's a lot better than top 50. 5th for clearances 4th for disposals 6th for effective disposals 9th for contested possessions He's in the top 10 midfielders in the game right now.

All this back slapping! I for one would like to thank the AFL for getting us Peter Jackson and by extension Paul Roos. The AFL are much maligned and they often deserve it, but they have done our club an enormous favour. Thank you AFL.

then you will tell him that he can have you if he wants

If he ever plays AFL again and it's not for Melbourne, it will be a travesty.

As a result of this post, i read the appraisals of the Casey players. I must say i am very pleased. Having a senior corporate background, one of frustrations of senior management is that often appraisals are not realistic in what they tell staff. Often they prefer to tell then what they think they want to hear. This helps neither the company, nor the individual. These feedbacks told it the way it was. None of these players could be under any illusion about what is required. Very Roos culture i would have thought, and a primary reason why we have improved so much. Well done (yet again) to the Roos/Jackson regime.

I have just read last weeks reviews by Brett Allison and they are brutal. I like it. I am not sure if he has done them in the past but they are quite different from what I have read before? Looks like Jordie is the only likely call up at the moment based on this.

Agree 100% he is the reason it all started and it would be a travesty if he left within the next few years. I wonder if the AFL still control the club from afar, if they still do I doubt they'd think the job is finished. We've had a heart transplant and we can't let the surgeon walk out midway through the operation.

I was there at the important moments.

Very happy to hear the players state the media finding excuses for the other side losing & not us getting more credit for winning scenario's has cheesed them off....Ive been thinking this every time we win... It will only drive the players more. It just means we take an underdog tag every week which I'm more than happy to take right now. Since we have been winning they (Media) wont fully Acknowledge that we DEE-Served the wins through sheer want and ability "NOT" because the other team lost the game.... & having many good coaching staff also!!! Not just Roosy exists. It seems they just want to mention Roosy being an ex-swan all the time...he did this at the swans and that...I know....HOW ABOUT ROOSY IS NOW A DEMON & acknowledge the players aswell. The players are believing...and delivering more often. Great to see!

it also keeps the players & everyone else, board, admin, etc, on their toes, to keep up their end of the bargain, to extract the digit & to take ownership of their failings & work hard to improve themselves & the club generally.

I always had the feeling that the whole 2-3 year thing was/is just leaving a back door unlocked - just in case Roos was to put 2-3 years in and we were still a complete basket case.. if at the end of 2016 we are, say,sniffing around the top 4 I feel like he will just stay on for as long as he needs to 'complete his mission'

Chip must honor his word and sign on now. The clouds are finally parting and sunshine is on the horizon.

Guys stop dreaming it is over. Get your minds around a future MFC without Clark. IMO there is only a slightly better chance of seeing Clark playing to the Dees than there is of seeing LJ suit up again for the MFC. If the dream gets you through the night go on dreaming But it is just that a dream daylight says it won't happen.

I'm more excited that he wants to stay at the club beyond the 3 years. Coaching Director or something similar would be great. We just need him to stick around, and keep the current coaching group together, but with a new senior coach.

Hopefully a couple of key player signings will now follow

As good as spot as any to put this. Just watched the Roos Season review part 1 on Deetv. Roos is asked about his future. He says believes a succession plan is the way to go and mentions coaching two to three years a number of times. However right at the end he say's something along the lines of - ' 3 years coaching will see me out' . I reckon we 'll get 3 years with Roos as head coach, then a transition to an acolyte with much the same game plan and approach, with Roos staying at the club in some other role. Link: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-05-22/roos-mid-season-review-part-1

Wipe your chin

A great dream, but highly unlikely -Tattslotto type odds. IF, big IF, he decided that he wanted to return to AFL, perhaps to enhance his mental health recovery, AND attained the requisite fitness levels, would the AFL be prepared perhaps consider using their discretion, as they undoubtedly can, and in the interests of "mental health awareness", perhaps even supported by a certain former Hawthorn president and Beyond Blue chairman, make some sort of "special case scenario" that would allow him to return to MFC without being subject to normal draft conditions? Just a thought bubble really.

What happens if you get more than 100 1 per centers? Just saying.....

I asked a journo, who'd know, about this kid. "Will he make it?" "Dead certainty. Quick off 20, lovely left foot." That'll do me

Or, just have him provide run ALL game, as he has every game this year.

More worried about re-signing Roos and Jackson than anyone else.

And I wouldn't call Allison's report Neeldesque. Neeld was clearly giving the players mixed messages every week. The flip flopping at the selection table is proof enough of this. Roos and his team have been consistent in their messages and have stuck by the team. This is part of building that culture everyone is talking about.

I think technically he can sign with anyone as a delayed free agent. That certainly wouldn't be within the spirit of the rule or I imagine the spirit of our agreement with him. If he decides he wants to come back I hope he decides he wants to join the dees again. But I actually just hope he is Ok.

I know people want to dream, even fantisize over this idea but . Maybe everyone just needs to move on and let it be or dare I say there will be threads ad nauseam to this ideal. Sometimes things in life just dont work out. I wish Mitch happiness, as would I anyone. Im just not bothered by this any more. Our success isnt built on him, it never was. and we move on

Yesterday night I ran into a player who played in the game against Coburg. Having read what Welsh supposedly said, I asked him if he rated Welsh as a coach. He said 'yeah, great coach and even better bloke.' I was surprised and obviously by my look he asked me why I had asked. I responded with the remarks that were reported and whether they were on the mark. He went on to tell me that it was far from how the post match address went. It was clear possession wise that MFC players are the most important figures at Casey, and most influential in winning games, however on the weekend they produced 27 tackles between them I'm led to believe. 6 by Jordie McKenzie. Casey are in a development year and lost 3 of their best 4 players to other VFL/EFL clubs and they were the lynch-pin to the club. Everyone down there understands that, as do the Melbourne coaching staff he explained. He said the only remark Welsh made re. Demons players after game was that during the week he had players ask him what they were doing that was preventing them from playing AFL.. He said look at Paul's gameplan.. You need to be defensive orientated or you will not get a game. The listed player than produced 27 tackles between them, which defensively is appalling. I can't remember if there was a remark to those effects in his interview but it sounds to me like Welsh is dead-set on the money. Don't head back to Casey padding your stats. Play AFL style footy or else you won't get picked up.. Developing year of not half a team of listed footballers should not lose to a first year standalone side in Coburg. If he's not [censored] off at that as a coach, he never will be. I don't know Rohan personally, nor do I have any involvement with Casey whatsoever, but the last 5 pages have been incredibly slanderous based on nothing but media hearsay. Whether he is a good coach or not will be assessed at the end of the year, but let's put this bad coach, bad bloke mantra away for the remaining 3 months because it's simply not correct.