DaveyDee

Just some quick snap shots for our interstate and overseas members - sorry Im not great with my spelling so you want get much chatter from me. - boys looked very positive, plenty talk, plenty one on one work with coaches - some of them never shut up. Big Jake Levers - nickname is snake. I will leave the rest of the write up to wiseblood he has a good handle on what to say Go Dees

Oh - I should make it clearer. If an AFL umpire makes a decision - and the player on the mark screams and shouts at the umpire and we get a 50m penalty against us - I would instantly drag the player, irrespective if I agree with the umpire or if I dont. Then I would in-struck my player - if the umpire makes a decision just get on with it no complaints. A culture is built both on and off the field.

If we are in there in the finals - I dont care who we play or where we play them, I dont care what we wear. If I had a choice out of but of course I understand we dont get a choice a/ Richmond , Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon and playing at the MCG or b/ Adelaide, Port, West coast or Sydney and playing interstate Its a no brainer I'm going for A every time, but ( note that word but) if we are told by the AFL we have to play a team on the B list - not a problem, I will take the good with the bad - no complaints from me. If we dont make the finals - I could not give a rats clacker who plays who where. Just to make it even clearer idiots like Bartlett ( and his fanboys) would find something to complain about even if their team made a grand-final. Then if they won they would start complaining they didnt win by enough. Myself on the other hand - if we made a grand final and we won by 1 point - I would be over the moon and no complaints from me. Same as the fixture, same as the venue, same as the time, same as what you wear - I'm happy to take what the AFL gives us the AFL has 17 other teams to try and keep happy - hell thats no easy task. Go Dees

Nay I'm happy to support Tom - for a $1m dollars a year over 5 years contract and the perfect job for my dad - hell I probably would have done the same. Just damn annoying we took him at pick 1 - but GWS where kind enough to give us Big Jesse Hogan so you win some you loss some. ( but please note I'm not commenting in public if I thought we won or lost the deal in the end - but no complaints from me. ) It could have been worse.

Great idea - has my support I'm happy to support any past or present player of our club.

Well said - Yes, "sports scientists" where AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou "pet hate" - I always listened to his warnings on them, AD was always happy to listen to us, but some at the MFC never want to listen to the AFL. I on the other hand support the AFL so I'm happy to listen to what they say. Yes, its also great to see Bulldogs and us increasing FD spending to the levels we are - makes me one happy little Demon. If it means we have to play games in Alice Springs - you will get no complaints from me if it means more money into our Footy Department. If it means we have to play games at 3.20 on a Sunday at Ethiad against whoever because thats what the AFL tell us to do - you will get no complaints from me. We have a bright future - at last we are getting a fair go from the AFL & the MFC, long may it continue. After we win a premiership, build our crowds, build our memberships, build our alternative revenue streams - Im sure things like fixtures, games in the Alice, clash guerseys can come back on the agenda. But I wont bother me where we play and against whom. Go Dees

Finally we have agreement - I too look forward to that day . Thank-you again for your personal attacks on me.

Chazz you need to do the work for yourself. I'm happy with the AFL, with the MFC and Demonland, I especially like the removal of the AFL media filter and talking direct to MFC staff both past and present - IMHO all are doing a good job.

Why, you support that idiot Bartlett on SEN, I can see why the station is going bust with idiots like that on the radio. I must confess he does think like a 6 year old child. I could not give a f where we play, when we play, who we play and what we wear when we play - as I said I leave that up to you to worry about. If it matters that much to you - go for it - give the "both" barrels. Ironically - You are starting to sound like a ex-CEO we had but today big boy its a whole new ball game. But I was happy to tell the last CEO I dont want to get involved in politics and picking fights with the AFL - I want what the AFL want. I care about our players - if we win - why great lets do more of that, if we lose why - lets do less of that but there is always next week.

I think what you say makes perfect sense. However, some brands will be a tad more aggressive and try to get in front of the wave, not just ride the wave. Then you can build a long-term relationship that can ride the highs and the lows - but I concede easier said than done. But if you remain positive, stay focused and consistent with your message - big brands are always looking for the right opportunity to grow in a partnership.

I also forgot to mention - for your benefit I could not give a f who we play I could not give a f where we play I could not give a f at what time we play I could not give a f what we wear when we play. But feel free to give the club "both barrels" on any of the above topics For me what i do care about I care about how much money we are speading inside our football department - so we can develop our players - we can help prevent or treat injuries - we understand our player welfare needs, - we can support our players both past and present - when it comes to recruiting in both drafting and trading we understand the players and assess their "coachability" with our coaching staff. But unlike you, when asked by Mr Jackson I dont want to talk about negative subjects, I want to build a whole new positive culture at the MFC. Go Dees

Not a problem for me - in the past I've seen and heard many people give both our current & past employees "both barrels" but giving somebody "both barrels" when you come from outside a club can be somewhat interesting - I'm not sure you actually get your point across or find out why they made the decisions they did. But each to there own - I'm happy with the AFL, I'm happy with the direction of the MFC, I can live with the decisions of the past, I might not like the outcomes - but that is life. Thanks to the time of many people I have went and sought out or they have come to me in football Im content with the direction we are heading. Sure, I also appreciate people want a flag in 2018 and Im happy to hope for that also. I found AFL football is a tough game - we have good football people who give their best both past and present. Oh and just for the record - I like the direction Demonland is heading, those podcasts are outstanding.

Ahhh Chazz just came across your post - Thank-you for your personally attack on me. But last time I saw BP that was on draft night at the North Melbourne table and before that at the Carlton table - geez he must be doing something right. Im happy with BP - no animosity from me, no abuse and vitriol from me on or offline. Last time I saw CC he was sitting with the Gold Coast boys, before that the GWS boys and before that the Richmond boys - geez he must be doing something right, especially now Gold Coast is under AFL control. Im happy with CC - no animosity from me, no abuse and vitriol from me on or offline. Im sorry I can learn things from other clubs and people - I respect the position of head of football at all clubs, I respect the position of head of recruiting at all clubs, I respect the postion of head of junior development at all clubs. Football is not an exact science - you are dealing with human beings - I'm sorry I respect that fact. Do they get everything right - dont think so. But on draft night just out of interest - What table were you sitting on? And if you every do get the chance to meet them - Im sure you will share your animosity, abuse and vitriol towards them - or will you? Personally, I cant change the past - so I dont even bother wasting my time thinking about it. I will leave that up to you. Personally, I like the way we are heading as a football club, AFL "recommended" CEO, AFL "approved" board, we are happy to increase our spending inside our footy department and rebuild a positive vibrant culture free of politics - geez I could not ask for any more. I'm sorry, I dont share the same views as you. Go Dees

Interesting concept - I wonder how well it will work? I just have this sneaky suspicion Richmond, Hawthorn & Collingwood may not be "sent back to their $hith0les." You probably lucky you posted this on a MFC forum had you posted it on a public forum - some may say - do unto others as they do to you. Personally, I prefer to work with all AFL clubs.

Oh and just for the record I accept FD spending is a long-term investment of 7-10 years. I also appreciate many MFC supporters want results today - best of luck. Many, many supporters cant think past the last game we played, at least you can think on a yearly basis which is credit to you. However, you dont win premierships thinking year to year. But feel free to disagree with that if you want.

I understand. All the best in you endeavors. I've been lucky I've been exposed to the inside of multiple AFL clubs - and I can see what they are doing right and wrong. But I share your passion for the Dees & hope one day we can learn from other clubs, implement what they do right and learn from their mistakes. But if you are only exposed to one club thats not so easy at times. I dont want to pick fights with the AFL, I accepted we are in a National competition and the importance of FD spending for all areas ie players development, injury prevention & management, player welfare, recruiting etc, etc We have come a long way in a short time & long may it continue. We are a club committed to increase spending inside our footy department and long may that also continue. Go dees

Yes you win the prize for short term thinking - well done. Football department spending is a long-term investment - Now instead of thinking over one year, look over the last few decades. FYI Richmond was not an after thought - they have been late to the party in FD spending due to similar reasons to us. But while we were paying off debt they elected to invest inside there Footy Department and reduce debt at a slower rate.

Think its called moving with the times and many of the rule changes are a result of clubs/coaches trying to manipulate the system. The only rule change I can recall recently that was not the above - was the no second man up in the ruck, but that was disguised to save those dinosaur ruckman who the AFL recognised are near extinction and its a unique part of the game the AFL want to save.

Sorry, I thought I already had - think nearly all at AFL house recognise the Bears / Lions merger was a mistake and they did not get their people inside the club quick enough. However, that is rectified now. Next time although it will be described as a "merger" it will in fact be a takeover. Think the AFL feel the mix of teams interstate is right - hence Brisbane will be supported. Not that there is a problem today, but if any club is going it will be the over crowded Melbourne market. However, the equalisation fund is in good shape, the game is in good shape, the equalisation fund is being topped up by the maximisation of revenues thanks to the fixture and ironically MFC, Bulldogs, Saints and North are all fully behind the AFL to maximise revenues thru the fixture. Think Jackson has said numerous occasions - you earn your own draw/fixture so if we can rebuild our brand, rebuild our memberships, rebuild our crowds, rebuild our sponsorships, rebuild out TV ratings, maintain competitive football department spending and find alternative revenue streams we will be fine - as will all the other Melbourne based sides. I should add - which many around here want to conveniently forget is .... It was not that long ago we were writing cheques to pay off debt and play games at the MCG - if those days were to return Im confident the AFL will not step in if we are self managed.

I think you make an excellent point, 2 team town & 2 academies seems to be the strategy to grow the game in NSW. Its not easy to get into the Swans Academy they put a real emphasis these days on NSW talent - which I think is both right and fair.

That is a brilliant question. Probably as long as the TV companies & AFL sponsors want National Coverage and the AFL want to continue to grow the game in those areas of Australia Not really AFL is now putting their people into those clubs, it will only take time. I would suggest the market according to the AFL in the biggest strife is the over crowded Victorian Market, if revenues further dry up a takeover ( not a merger - the AFL learned from the Failed Brisbane - Fitzroy merger ) will be on the cards. But nothing will happen until a much clearer picture emerges from Pokies & TV rights. Plus the curve ball will come in via the 3rd stadium in Melbourne but that will be delayed until a Federal Election and the pollies are throwing out money for votes. No the obvious one was North Melbourne to Tassie, but think they AFL is now happy with the fly in fly out arrangements North & Hawks have in Tassie.

Yeah, its a tough one think the AFL work hard to put checks and balances into place - but if clubs want to push the boundaries let it be on their own heads if the line is crossed into "cheating." Ironically, and I know this may sound like bizarre. Cheats normally seek to get some sort of financial gain & if they do - this is normally how you catch them. But Im going to leave that there.

Great concept. However, it gets raised nearly yearly. One of our previous boards had the opportunity to buy the Lexus Centre prior to Collingwood going there and they didnt. So really we only have our-self to blame. Locations are always tricky, and to get universal agreement from MFC supporters - would be interesting. I'm not sure what the cost would be - but it clear many MFC supporters want the premiership before they further dip into their pockets. Your initiative might be a tad more than stabilising the ship - it might be a total refurbishment of the ship. Which done before a premiership the burden will fall on too few. But go for it - would have my support.

Dont forget the "supporters" should lay the foundations for the culture of the club, normally they elect the board, who appoints the CEO and all other key positions ie Head of Footy Dept, Coach etc. Our single biggest problem has been "the veil of negativity" ( as pointed out by Roos ) and the overtly political nature of our supporters ( as pointed out by Jackson) However, dont worry ... its why the AFL appointed our board and recommended or CEO - the AFL also understands SOME of our so called "supporters" are the problem. But such is life - we also have some of the best supporters who are loyal, resilient and have more than reasonable amounts of patience.

The past - you need to listen to Goody a touch more - what happened in the past has no influence with this current team. Its working to build its own future. Gone are the days we look backwards - today we look forward with the belief we are finally going somewhere as an AFL football club. Not to say the job is done - far from it - good 4-8 years to go. But we are on the right path.