Bang Bang Bang

Yeah you're probably right, but rewind 12 months and Essendon were a very similar boat to what we find ourselves in now. 2010 was their 6th consecutive year out of the final 8, they had a rubbish gameplan with a rubbish coach and I'm sure a lot of their fans were wondering when things would ever look up. 12 months on and they will play finals. Probably won't do much, but Hird (as much as we hate to admit it) has got them back on the right track. Edit: I forgot they made the 8 in 2009... but they may as well not have bothered with the way the Crows slaughtered them.

Has looked better at AFL level than he has at Casey. Did some great things today. That run out of defense in the third quarter that nearly resulted in a Jurrah goal was probably the highlight of the game.

No player on our list (and very few in the league) are capable of dominating the way Sylvia did today. Sure, he doesn't do it every week, and he is coming off some lukewarm form, but you don't trade away players of his quality if you can avoid it. On Grand Final day do you want Colin Sylvia playing for your team, or the opposition?

Disappointing result because I was expecting to win today, a couple of key moments go our way and we win and get the 4 points. But alas, we didn't. The 4 points are meaningless in the overall scheme of things anyway. It's never fun losing to Richmond, but they had more confidence coming into today and were lucky enough to be 7 points up when the siren went. It was a pretty even contest. Annnnyway, I was hoping to at least see some positives that can be brought into 2012 and I think I got what I wanted. Blease was really impressive, his kicking is excellent and his pace breath-taking. Was a long wait with this kid but I think he'll repay us in spades. Bennell played a good game, great pace, ball use and went hard at the pill and the man. Well done JB. Morton was good I thought. Although some will disagree. Ball use pretty good. Once again our senior players let us down at crucial moments, in particular Davey who would have to be some chance of not being at MFC next year. Chin up guys, a couple of soft wins to finish the year, a new coach to weed out the dead wood, and we may see big improvement in 2012. If Essendon can do it, then so can we.

You've summed up my thoughts as well. Although it's got to the point where personally I'd be genuinely surprised if did re-sign. I guess we'll find out in the coming weeks.

Not sure what the fascination in the media is with experienced coaches. Malthouse, Clarkson or Roos would be nice but that's a pipe dream. Seeing names like Eade, Ayres and Laidley thrown around makes me nervous - why would we go after any of these types? None have experienced any real success. Laidley in particular, what did he ever do at North? Nothing! I reckon an experienced and successful assistant like Neeld, McCartney or Sanderson would be the best fit, barring a Malthouse/Clarkson/Roos miracle.

It may have just been SOS trying to cover up the fact they've been negotiating with players throughout this year, given they're not really allowed to do that (not that the AFL seem to mind). I think Scully's gone but would seem strange for him to call a presser off his own bat in March when he had already agreed to terms.

You'd think that McKenzie and Petterd are certs for the final bench, while Gawn would be the likely casualty for Jamar. That leaves 2 spots between Morton, Nicholson, Blease and McDonald. I'd like to see McDonald get a guernsey and also Nicholson.

Well I wasn't at the dinner, but the quote in today's Herald Sun ("Can't comment, don't want to comment") doesn't fill me with much confidence, and Don's reference last night that the club won't be paying over the odds for any player leads me to believe the club is aware of Scully's decision. Could be wrong and have heard that Viney, Gawn and Trengove suggested Scully is still every chance of staying, but that's just the way I've viewed the situation. My uncle who was there last night certainly thinks he's on the way out.

I take it by some of Don McClardy's actions and words last night that the club has conceded he has gone?

Sorry to get this thread back on topic, but what was the go with tonight? Were all the players there? Would seem strange if they were talking about Scully's future while he was there sitting in the audience. How convincing were the claims he would stay? Thanks for the existing reports too guys! Sounds like a good night for the club.

Great news especially the 4-year extension of Trengove who is one of the most impressive all-round young players I've seen come into the club. No doubt he could have held off talks and bumped his price up through external offers and improvements on the field, but committing now is testament to the guy's character! Perfect timing for the announcements too. Not all doom and gloom at MFC.

Steve Silvagni on TAC Cup Future Stars said they put forward an offer to Scully in that small window at the end of 2010. Hmmmmmmm Check out the "Lyon Hunting" video on the Footy Classified website if you want to see for yourself. Towards the end of the vid.

I reckon Watts and Trengove are too young to take on the huge responsibility of being captain at this stage. Love both kids though and would contemplate leadership roles for both.

Agreed. I always seem to score the "knowledgeable" types in my vicinity.

I absolutely love this guy. Is he a shot for the B&F? I could be wrong but when someone plays a lone hand in a big loss, they clean up with the votes. Watts is becoming renowned for this!

I frequent BigFooty a lot and can confirm that the guy who posted that elaborate theory is full of it. Makes up all sorts of nonsense to create a stir on there, and succeeds.

One thing I found interesting was when Garry started talking about Tom Scully. He said if (when) he gets involved with the club, one of the first things on his agenda would be to get Tom Scully, his parents and management together and try and convince him to stay. If Scully hasn't made up his mind yet, could Garry's influence sway him to stay loyal? What's their relationship like? I know Scullygate is almost old news after what's happened over the past 48 hours but I still think it's going to shape the footy club going forward.

Beating up on mediocre interstate teams at the MCG and the Gold Coast isn't a lot to write home about though. The Essendon win was a ripper, but alas, not enough. And the main thing is that 66 points is an abhorrent average losing margin, yet Wallsy looked at it and chose to completely ignore it.

Anyone watch One Week at a Time? So frustrating hearing those buffoons vent their spleen. Loved how Wallsy said "Ignore their average losing margin of 66 points for a minute, they've still won 7.5 games" Then almost seemed to take the credit for Brisbane's era of dominance.

I like the sound of Mark Neeld. Has tasted success, and is ready to step up. Clarkson would be golden, as would Malthouse, but let's face it, it ain't gonna happen. Viney will get the gig if we make the finals.

We are talking about the worst defeat (or close to it) in VFL/AFL history. 186 points is not going to look any better on Wednesday than what it does today. The board acted swiftly and appropriately.

What a rabble. Senior players can f*** off and worry about getting a kick. Let Jimmy and the board sort the rest out.

I really liked what Dean Bailey did for the club (in some respects), but the correct decision has been made. All the best Dean, I'm disappointed that things ended so abruptly, but at the end of the day, for this club to get back to the top, it has to be with someone else at the helm. Watch us [censored] the Blues this week. I can sense it.

Well that's a f***ing disgrace if true (the protest part). I, along with 35,000 others pay good money to support this club and if they go out and deliberately don't give 100% then we all deserve a full refund. Can someone explain to me why players would be so upset with Schwab anyway? He's the CEO, they kick a ball around. What's the link and what's he doing that has been so bad?