mo64

You obviously don't know the history of the VFL. The Commission was formed to save the VFL clubs from themselves. Your beloved Melbourne would have been in the firing line to merge (does that sound familar) or become extinct like Fitzroy. If you didn't have clubs in the northern states, the revenue from media rights would be a mere pittance to what it is now. Do you think that clubs survive on memberships and gate revenue? Major sponsorships for Victorian clubs are contingent on having national exposure, not just the traditional football states which is you want. Jacko's views, as are yours, are narrow minded.

Half the clubs of those 12 signatories were technically insolvent. His beliefs are antiquated and Mike Sheahan realised it was pointless discussing the fact.

You were the one who said that characters like Jacko brought fans through the turnstyles. He didn't because supporters weren't interested in his antics.

I don't recall our crowd numbers swelling when this buffoon was at the club. He did have an impact when he played for Brunswick in the VFA. I went to a game against Coburg at the City Oval, and 13,000 turned up. Usual crowd was 1,000. I'd put Jacko in the same class as Clive Palmer. Small minded people will agree with what he's saying without realising that he's only doing it to for financial gain.

We played finals in 3 of the 4 years, so it certainly wasn't a hinderance. The club's culture has gone pear shaped since Daniher got the flick, and the club has never seemed to be interested in winning to this day. As others have pointed out, the Geelong dynasty was made up of kids who played in a VFL premiership. The Bulldogs 2014 VFL team was made up of their current young guns. And 5 players from the 2015 Box Hill premiership team were running around in the all powerful Hawks team last week. Nasher's notion of putting Oliver on ice is ludicrous.

The problem with Vickery, like Dawes, is that he has no inclination to be a 2nd ruckman, so he doesn't address a need.

This is the wrong post for this discussion, but where has the things you've outlined take us? A coach that wins 7 to 9 games in their 3rd year is a failure. Roos' reputation and media friends have allowed him to avoid greater scrutiny.

TBH, I'm not big on Roos type recruits. Michie, Newton, Kennedy and Bugg were all fringe players at their previous club, and nothing has changed. GWS have lost McCarthy and Boyd in recent years, and Tomlinson still can't get a regular game.

Agree on Marchbank and WHE, but not impressed with Tomlinson.

The SEN discussion about Watts copping a battering in the ruck was valid. As for Vickery, he ticks all the boxes other than being able to play good football. That's a big sticking point for me.

This will be my final point. Just as I give Barassi little to no credit for our success under Northey, I'll give Roos the same if we bolt up the ladder under Goodwin.

Based on your logic, which I fail to see, if we succeed under Goodwin, will McCartney receive all the credit for development or Roos?

This argument has been done to death. McCartney was sacked for a reason. He was a poor coach. Unless he could have achieved in his 4th year what Beveridge did in his 1st year, your argument is merely guesswork. I'm praying that Goodwin is a better man motivator and matchday coach than Roos, otherwise we'll go into freefall once again.

TBH, I'm envious of Hawthorn. They've always had a strict payments policy. When a superstar like Franklin starts chasing the big bucks, they didn't get in a bidding war. They knew Buddy was leaving, and they just accepted it, and moved on. Same applies to Brad Hill now, although money isn't a factor. Players stay at the club for less than their market value, and free agents in the twilight of their career are attracted by success, and are also prepared to play for less. Hawthorn are the envy of every club in the league. As a club, we should compare our situation with the Dogs. They've re-signed all their young guns to long term deals. IMO, that's a result of Beveridge's instant impact compared to Roos' slow burn approach to success.

Yep, my mistake. But still wasn't considered a 1st rounder.

Cook wasn't an Under 18 All Australian. He was picked in the TAC Cup Team of the Year, and was not considered a 1st rounder, let alone a top 10 pick.

There's no doubting that we need Tom Mac to stay. But if he's serious about wanting to be part of a successful MFC, then he wouldn't be putting a ridiculous price on his head, as confirmed by Tom Harley at the Swans. He's done nothing to warrant a massive salary, but we know the football landscape, and clubs will throw money at him based on potential. I don't share Picket Fence's opinion of him, but you massively overrate T. Mac. He's a fantastic aerobic athlete who doesn't know how to get in the right positions to marshall the backline, and can't get near N. Riewoldt whenever we play the Saints. His disposal and decision making are below par. He's not even in the top 10 key defenders for All Australian consideration. To be successful, we need to attract some top end talent, and that requires salary cap space. If T. Mac isn't prepared to accept a salary based on what he has achieved rather than potential, then he's no better than Scully.

When you're playing football for a living and earning approx. $300k, it shouldn't be too hard to go to work every day.

He's slightly better than Leroy Jetta. He'll struggle in an average side.

Not sure that either Hill or McCarthy joining Freo impacts their ability to entice Hogan next year. Neither player will be on big coin, and I don't see Freo giving up a lot of either.

Probably the biggest upset win by us in my memory. I seem to recall that we had a lot of key players out. Stinga had a blinder. Our win against the Bombers after 190 in 1979 was the most memorable home and away match I attended. Robert Walters kicked 9 against 2 state reps in Kenny Fletcher and Garry Foulds. Went with a bunch of Essendon mates which made it more enjoyable.

1987 Elimination final v North. The roar of the crowd when we ran onto the field was spine-chilling. Seemed like 90% of the crowd were supporting us. And a one-sided massacre was icing on the cake.

God help us if we go down the route of drafting or trading for athletes. I wonder if the players use a gps on the ground when setting up their defensive zone. Or maybe it should have been used to locate the St. Kilda forwards. The Hawthorn and Geelong dynasties have not been noted for REAL speed. Football nous and kicking skill goes a long way.

Your whole argument is all about "can or may". If the football club isn't big enough to accept criticism, which in this case is warranted, then let's close the doors now. The poor precious souls have had their feelings hurt.

Why not? He's not a paid employee of the club. He's on the radio 5 mornings a week, and it's his style to be emotive about football. It's not like he just targets Melbourne for criticicm. He'll call it as he sees it. The football media is largely made up of ex players. Some of them see themselves as football analysts, others see themselves as entertainers. Ox falls into the latter category.