Harvey Wallbanger

So the two to be training with us are not tied to us......

AFL reports that 2026 draft prospects Xavier Ladbrook (another Xavier) and Darcy Szerszyn will be training with us. Anyone know anything about these lads. It does not seem that trhey are tied to us - i.e. via an academy?

It wasn't an attempt at an answer - just a bit of banter. Get off my horse......

Except Northey of course....

The general connection being they all played for Melbourne!?

I don't think signing off on the accounts on 21 November stops a President (new or old) updating the members on 16 December if indeed there had been any meaningful developments. The only addiitional contribution at the AGM was that our VP in charge "was learning a lot about politics". See my earlier post - it's all about politics, and departmental decision-making now. Being "closer than we have ever been" is a clever line, but if you have never been very close (maybe the prospect of building over Jolimont station around 2019/20?), what does it really mean?

The Racing Industry has its own strengths and lobbyists. As the main existing co-tenant the MRC has a say in lots of ancillary matters - i.e. where does the MRC house its equipment with both us and the school coming in. Where and when does a tunnel get built? I understand that a lot of the school's issues (with the MRC) were being addressed before Christmas which may have slowed down our progress. Given the school has an important option agreement with the MRC, the MRC approach to them is quite different....I am still hopeful that the project will proceed but it will take some political will - how strong are we in that area?

Can't give you any more if fans are locked out of Casey. Thought the Club was going to focus on improved Member Engagement....?

My information is that yes, the CRRT and the Club want the project to proceed. To the extent that they are involved I understand that the MRC is erecting roadblocks wherever they can. They have never wanted us, nor anyone else for that manner (e.g. the local community) on that site. This position has not been helped by the continuing changes to the MRC Committee and management. My own view is that a political conclusion will only occur when the Premier decides to knock some heads together, i.e. the heads being (1) the MRC and the Racing Industry and (2) the AFL and the Sports industry. Hopefully we come out the winner in that battle.

Well done Ghosty - I thought you might "phone a friend"?

18 years of incredible service to our Club. Our Chief Operating Officer who also acted as CEO in a very difficult year, last year. All the best David.

Exact words "...we continue to work closely with key stakeholders and (our Vice-President) is leading the project for the Board and has learnt a lot along the way about politics. .... it is a top priority for us .... we are not in a position to announce anything publicly tonight .... but we are really close...than we have ever been..... we know it is important for our players, our staff and our members.....we will share more as soon as we are able to...."

AMW told us previously he could join full training post-Christmas....not sure about Matthews.

Gastro apparently. Yes, I think it was Scarlett - looks like Wednesday is his day. Well spotted re Ryan Hoffman - had the official tracksuit on. Maybe a tackling specialist coach?

Hard to say - but they are clearly being cautious. Of all on our list he should be able to catch up on the conditioning. Even on the bike he goes hard!