Mel Bourne

No, an 18 year-old punched repeatedly in an unprovoked attack, does not compare to the Melksham/May incident. The Continental incident? If it transpires that May did something similar to what Balta did then yeah, I’d want him gone. But I’m not aware of those details, so I reserve judgement I don’t lend my support to violent thugs just because they’re wearing a footy jumper.

It would absolutely serve as a deterrent to other AFL players who have notions of attaining special treatment in these sort of instances. For the record, if our club ever field a player who viciously coward-punched a person I’d tear up my membership for good.

I don’t think any of us are pleased about where the club’s at right now, but all the “yearning” in the world isn’t going to change much. Some will choose to try and enjoy whatever the day brings, and others will choose to tie themselves in knots. Unfortunately this season is a write-off, and once you accept that, things will get a bit easier.

I’m expecting Fullarton to kick thirty-two goals and really turn this season around… But seriously, congratulations to the fella. Not exactly the club-atmosphere he would have hoped for his debut, but may he have an enjoyable first time wearing the R&B.

Can we put him in robes and get him to sit on top of an artificial mountain in the Southern Stand, instead of coaching the midfield?

Great work on the new site, and continued appreciation for running the whole thing, folks. This isn’t specifically related to the new site, but can you offer any tips or tricks to posting a screenshot to a post? For example, I came across a genuinely interesting graph today and really wanted to share it, but every time I try to upload a photo from my gallery it’s always too large. Was hoping the new site might have had this added capacity, but c’est is vie. Thanks again!

I should probably stay off this thread, because I find it mostly pretty irritating. We’re at the bottom of the ladder with the organisation in shambles, yet some folks here persist in playing the victim when it comes to media treatment. We’ve had well known cultural issues for some time now, and people are offended that it’s a topic for discussion outside the club. You want the media to get off our back? Fix the above. Or better yet, don’t engage. Aside from a select few who offer insightful analysis of the game, the AFL media is thoroughly pointless. Complaining about them is like taking issue with the plot-line of “Married At First Sight”. I get more useful information from the AFL reddit page. Yes, there is some regurgitation of the press in there, but mostly it’s everyday opinions and analysis from ordinary fans of the game, as opposed to a bunch of flunkies desperately attempting “journalism” in an effort to avoid redundancy.

Someone on a different group has posted screenshots of the article. I’d post them here but it’s probably illegal (and for some reason screenshots are too much data for this site). But yeah, the language is very direct in saying that Trac intends to stay with the club for the length of his contract.

No, that’s exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks.

Maybe the reason this meeting has only recently occurred is because neither party has felt it’s been necessary. I think you’re getting a bit overworked about something that, for all we know, was just a dinner.

Serious question… Why didn’t the club make a blueprint of Burgess’ program and just stick to that?

It’s hard to see us winning a game this year. Nathan Jones will always be a club champion, but he has no place in the coaching box. Yet another deeply questionable decision by Goodwin to put him there. Our players look like lost souls. Uninspired, lacking guidance, bereft of inspiration and purpose. The fumes of Roos, Yze, Burgess have long left the room and the team is looking to a coach who is, seemingly, only as good as the people around him.

Right, but the current fragrance is just too pleasantly-aromatic for you to let go of?

As opposed to him staying and still being genuinely buggered.

The various formations of the MFC board over the last couple of decades can claim all but a handful of victories, most notably the appointments of Neale Daniher and Paul Roos. Our premiership in ‘21 was the flow-on effect of these appointments. Our trajectory - and our satisfaction with one GF win, and the subsequent willingness to forgive all other failings - has been similar to the Western Bulldogs, whereas I’d rather it was something like Geelong’s. It’s our lack of nous and vision in the boardroom that has kept us from fulfilling our real potential

Indeed it is on the board. And the board’s historic failures have been playing out on the field for over a decade now.

I’m surprised to see so little mention of our facilities - or lack thereof - in this thread. From the standpoint of basic working conditions, we are probably the least desirable Victorian club for any potential non-draft recruit. I’m convinced our list would look very, very different if we’d had one permanent city-based facility for the past 16 years.

No, I don’t use the name “Mel Bourne” on any site except this one. What is my namesake doing to besmirch my reputation?

Getting a bit over the victimhood of the “media hates us” narrative.

I thought his body language after the match was generally consistent with his usual emotional-self, and didn’t see anything “performative” about it at all. Do we really have to analyse and try to “read in” to why a guy who’s worked like a mofo to get through a potentially career/life-ending incident, might be [censored] off to find himself in the middle of a rabble at the end of it all? And for what it’s worth, Jordan Lewis is getting absolutely roasted on social media (by non-MFC supporters, mind you) for his negative comments about Trac showing that kind of emotion.

He’s been in the box all season so far. Probably because he needs to be better across what Jonesy is doing up there. That aside, I refuse to indulge the rest of your argument, except to say that yes, Goodwin is trying his hardest. And that’s the problem.

Thanks for the response Andy. Hmmm, I wonder if people who own a twatter account don’t have the same issue. Anyway, don’t go to any lengths to appease that company, if that’s what’s required.

Anybody else just seeing a white square when people are posting links/screenshots?

Sorry, not suggesting you go away for our benefit. I’m just saying that if I were of your mindset I’d probably stay away from here for my own sanity.

“Boring” is one word for it, I guess. Macca, might I kindly suggest that if you’re so vehemently of the opinion that Goodwin is not the problem (or at least a significant part of it) then this thread might not be for you?