hemingway

You suppose I am a ghost, however remember that all the main religions believe in some form of afterlife whether it be spiritual, the separation of body from soul, or the on-going cycle of death and rebirth. Of course the details vary but the essential elements remain the same whether it be early Yiddish teachings, Vedic (Hinduism) philosophy, Christian theology or Islamic teachings. That is the explanation of why I have returned in a form that allows me to watch footy and write on this site. Philistines, boors, oafs, ignoramuses, louts, yahoos, hoons, vulgarians, plebeians, atheists, sceptics, heathens, beasts, brutes, peasants fail to understand these deep issues. That excludes you OD but perhaps not some notable posters on this thread who are concerned with their vanity and matters of the flesh. Short term pleasures but forever condemned to hell, a rabid dog scouring the gutters of Mumbai looking for scraps. Hineni, Hallelujah, Samsara OD.

Very handy when walking the dog.

Sign him for 5 years? Perhaps not a leap of faith but an act of faith. These days 5 years is a long time in most employment fields. However, most of the top coaches have been in their jobs for 5 or more years. So signing Goodwin for 5 years would appear not to be a big risk if you rate him as a good coach and feel confident that the team is on an upward trajectory. A more conservative approach to appoint him for less than 5 years is perhaps safer but sends a different and less positive endorsement of the coach and the direction of the team. Having said all that, if the relationship between Coach and Board remains strong the contract issue and duration should not be a matter for conflict or disharmony. Also, it seems that today, footy contracts are fluid and flexible or in plain speak, don’t mean much. Barring an absolute disaster in 2019 you would expect Goodwin to be around for some time, so extending his contract for 5 years would probably not be a big risk. It would be a vote of confidence in the coach that would be reinforcing for both coach and players. Also, it would maintain the current perception that the footy club is strong, harmonious and going places. That transformation of public thought and speak is important to the clubs development and the way it views itself.

That’s a matter of opinion.

Old and proud OD. But as they say your only as old as you feel, although my creaky bones, dust and shroud suggest otherwise. But the spirit is strong.

Moon, are you telling me that Bitter But Bent actually exists in a recognizable form ? Just assumed that he was an insecure little man with big man complex seeking reassurance, a sense of identity and a purpose in an otherwise sad existence in rural Romsey . You mean he is not a little guy in hat, glasses, gaberdine overcoat and a kit bag with cut lunch in rainbow paper ?

Just acknowledging Biffin's beautiful prose. It shows insight and lucidity and was just wonderfully descriptive. And I know you appreciate being in the limelight.

His ""look"" is the way he is. There are lots of guys who don't smile or look happy. They may be ecstatically happy but don't show it. Like others I am not unhappy that he is gone. All the talk about him over the last 2 or 3 years has been time consuming and a drainer. He is a young man who wanted to go home and he has done so with....buckets of money. Its like Watts. It gets to the point where enough has been said about this guy. ....he is a footballer that's all.. Well and truly over him.

Good line of argument but still leave alone for 2019. Use the season to evaluate for 2020 and beyond. Jonesy may well wish to handover end of next season if he is struggling for form or a place in the side.

We have to handle Jones final years with respect and integrity. He deserves nothing less, and that also goes for the captaincy issue. Nothing to be gained and possibly some damage by making Viney sole skipper.

In years gone by fans would have enjoyed the cameos from Petracca as they did with other gifted players that shone brightly but intermittently. Today fans expectations along with those of the footy media are high. Players are expected to perform to their optimal level all the time. The pressure on all players to play 100 min every week at optimal level is exacting on mind and body. And it takes its toll on longevity. But Petracca is not Viney, Brayshaw, Oliver. Do we want him to be ? Does he work hard enough? Do we really know ? My guess is that he is a sprinter not a two miler and that he will excite us and disappoint us. I suspect he is what he is, and his personality and style will dictate the way he plays. He is flashy, like the guy with the Ferrari. He is not going to hop into a Toyota Prius. You are not going to drive the Ferrari around Australia but you will drive it down Beach Road.

Clubs hold on to good coaches. Coaches rarely leave unless they are sacked, or about to be sacked. They invest in development, game plans, coaching staff and most importantly their players. Think Clarkson, Buckley, Hardwick, Longmire, Simpson, even Scott Bros. Goodwin will join their ranks.

Devious and mischievous.

Ricky like most who played in this period showed glimpses of potential but like most had his limitations. He also had his injuries. During this period, I find it hard to distinguish or seperate the performance and capabilities of individual players from the team. The chicken or the egg ?

Put holiday first. It sounds as if you will deserve it when the time comes around.

Sorry Jane. My comments were meant to be ironic not serious. I am rarely serious. Nevertheless my apologies.

Would there be much to negotiate? Surely, a company would have X $ in its marketing or advertising budget, and that would be that. it just depends whether that is enough for a back of the jumper sponsor.

Fasting and intermittent fasting has been a dietary, health and religious habit for thousands of years. These days traditional medicine incorporates intermittent fasting as an aid to better health, think 5/7 diet. Western civilization would be healthier with longer lifespans if people incorporated fasting as part of their lifestyle. Full-time sportspeople have to be sensible about it but it is sustainable particularly for weight reduction and management. In addition, there are many liquid supplements that provide protein and energy without the need for 3 meals a day. It has great benefits managed in moderation.

You would think with all the positive media attention over the past 3 months that sponsors would b e knocking the door down. Perhaps indicative that it is getting tougher to attract large reputable companies to sponsor risky footy clubs, and justify the decision with Board and Shareholders.

Thanks for your critique. Very diplomatic. Spur of the moment can bring you undone.

Quite right, on the money. I have too much time on my hands at the moment. I actually like Jane's post and regret my embellished meanderings. This often happens after I write something as I spiral into recriminations and shame and start thinking about drowning my sorrows. In regard to my real persona, you are aware of "split personality" or as my psychiatrist calls it these days ""dissociative identity disorder."" Explains everything.

I see that you really do have all the worries of the world Jane. This must be a very stressful decision! My experience of life tells me that you can't have your cake and eat it. Most people would kill to have these choices. So your big decision does sound a trifle boastful and indulgent. Sorry Jane, I can't feel sorry for you. It seems you may be a public servant, academic or bureaucrat that finds making a decision difficult. For me its a no brainer. Work conference, boring. Holiday, replaceable, any time. Winning finals and the GF is a lifetime experience and memory. If you want to cash in on a free airfare for an Italian holiday, I feel even less sorry for you. If you live in many parts of Melbourne, and, in country Victoria, people don't have holidays or if they do, they save to go to the Murray or down to Rosebud. Now here's an idea, just go with your gut! Otherwise, you may end up blaming everyone else for the wrong decision.

he definitely adds an X factor and his bursts can be inspirational and team lifting.

great summary.

Classic, sums up a lot of innovations and technology applications. We find this all the time in every sphere. There is an increasing gulf between the techno experts and the rest, but that's another story!