The Yarra

Josh Kelly would be a risk. Very skinny but top endurance and silky left foot.

Gee Magner would give us some depth in the Seniors midfield. Must play against the Saints.

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.

Just been told by J.Rawlings that Toumpas will play down back tomorrow.

Does Mark strike any one else as just a really ordinary sort of bloke?

Watts start to hit some form in the forward line under Bailey in 10' and 11. Despite the slow start this would still be on track given the 3-4 year development phase we allow for KP's. When Neeld arrived, Watts was give. 5 or 6 games in a fully dysfunctional side before being uprooted to the backline. Since he's been played on the wing, again down back and a little forward. I'm stating the obvious but how can we expect Jack to develop and really own a position if he's not given the chance to do so. This year is about development now so i implore Neeld to leave Jack in the forward line. With Clark returning, Dawes down there and Howey as well, Jack getting the third best defender won't be a bad thing for the kid.

I heard Tim Watson make two statements this morning I wholly agree with. Name one football club to have succes without a fully functional board & that the fish always rots at the head.

Sells hope!

There is something so good about watching the Melbourne Football Club play on the MCG come Queens Birthday. This week I call on fans. And we are exactly that - Fans of the Melbourne Football Club regardless of who's coach or administering, to get to the G.

Bail will be retained. Not neccesarily a decision I agree with but if you go back and have a look at our better ball movements - Bail gets involved. Whilst he does make blunders in posession, his spread from the contest makes him a handy outside link up player. I'm all for getting development into those who will feature beyond 13 so it's Sylvia, Davis & Nicholson for McKenzie, Dunn & Rodan.

You think Hawthorn or Sydney would send their second best mid back through the ressies? Please.

Rodan was OK on the weekend but will he be at Melbourne in 2015? Play the kids Mark!

What is Prestia thinking? Everyone knows Melbourne have the best footy trips

Today's board room decision is a good one. There are real deficiencies in the way Neeld goes about things but to sack him today would be been a decision of much hipocracy against a board already under the pump for countless reasons. A bold decision in the face of media imploring McLardy and co to be trigger happy is a show of strength. Upon appointing Neeld in 2011 he was charged with the task of Restructuring the football department, changing club culture and tightening the defensive aspect of the game plan. Who's to argue his not met these indicators? The decision to appoint a first year coach must be backed up with at least two years to prove himself in the position as he comes to grip with being a senior AFL coach. After all the guy didn't take on a list of superstars. In the face of adversity, finally some unity. Lets now see the President and CEO get on the front foot. Create some positive press. Go Dees.