Neil Crompton

Thanks OD for this information and your efforts in chasing the Club on this. But on reflection of what you’ve been told, I think the only new info here is that we’ve signed some non disclosure agreement with the Govt - although even this has been implied previously by the Pres. The fact that we have looked at 30 inner Melbourne sites is old news - Bartlett and Pert told us this some years ago now, as stage one of the Master Plan study was to identify and rate numerous (30 was mentioned from memory) possible sites - the outcome being that the MCG precinct was the preferred location. Everything else stated is just political fluff in my view - and certainly not new. If I recall correctly, one of the key pillars of our “grand plan” for the club was to have started construction of our new home facility by 2022 (23?). As this has obviously changed, surely it is negligent of the Club to not have informed the members that the goal posts have been shifted, particularly given how important a “pillar” this is for our members. A simple statement that does not contravene the ND agreement would have been all that was required. To not have done this is really poor management in my view. For what it’s worth, the only reason I can think of for the “long term nature” of this process is that our home will be part of the redevelopment of the Shane Warne stand, which is unlikely to start till late ‘27. And until plans and costs are completed and are approved by the Govt, and funding obtained, we will not get any updates unfortunately.

Absolutely agree with your first sentence. Not sure though about your second.

I agree MD. In fact the only lists I like are Werridee’s.

I won’t say it. But I can think it.

WCW, I was actually asking you to solve the most pressing Aussie cricket question facing the selectors come the second test - will they pick Hazelwood or will they retain Boland. However, as this went over your head, it very clear now from your response as to why you attend mens sporting events. And why you collect restraining orders.

So is it Boland or Hazelwood WCW?

Rab, perhaps if this topic had been posted in “Other Sports”, where it should have been, you probably wouldn’t be getting this type of negative comment about the game, as only those interested in and appreciative of the game would be on that site. However it wasn’t the game itself, but the crowd behaviour, that the original poster was condemning, and rightfully so. And football (soccer) does have an unfortunate worldwide reputation for occasional crowd violence - the likes of which are thankfully not seen in the AFL. The fact that the topic diverted into the likes and dislikes is just unfortunate.

So what if the actual member numbers differ from memberships? As SWYL stated, the Club (in fact all Clubs) benefits from the number of memberships sold. As all clubs are measured this way, I don’t see the issue, and cannot understand why you are making such a big deal about it.

From the reports, Luci, it certainly sounds as if Gus has learnt to pace his preseason.

All these great observations and the infamous Picket report still yet to come. Thank you all. We're spoiled.

What are you smoking now Picket?

Well said Jaded. If you go back to Gary Pert’s podcast interview on DL back in March ‘21 he clearly states that, because it’s a Government led process, “we are not in a position to be able to give a running commentary on the progress of our home base, as much as it frustrates me to not be able to do so”. He also states that “ it will be our home base for the next 40-100 years; we will get there and it will be worth the wait”.

I don’t mind getting a bad draw - as long as it’s only once every 18 years, and that principle is the same for all teams.

Interested to know where you got this info Dante. The redevelopment of the Shane Warne stand is predicted to commence in ‘27 after the Com Games and the Rugby World Cup. If “we” are to be a part of that redevelopment, then the 5 years you mention would make sense. If we are not, then this 5 year period makes no sense at all; and our Board would have a lot to answer for.

In photo 35 on the club's web page of today's training session, does anyone know who that is running to the right of JVR?

Can only family members do it?

Bloody Benny Gibson! I asked him to do that before he turned the lights out.

I’ve got a very good feeling about this kid. For what it’s worth, I hope we spend some time developing his forward craft, as I think he could readily make a power forward spot his own.

I’ve heard that the reason for the extra round added is so that the AFL can siphon off a portion of the profits received into a new fund they have created to help finance the new training and admin facility for the MFC. ( this may or may not be factual but very happy if it was true)

Good advice Willy. I remember the frenzy on here when we selected Fraser Rosman. It all goes a bit over the top. I mean, I think I had Fraser pegged for winning the Brownlow this year.

Thanks Dee Zephyr. What a great photo. But it should be captioned. Any takers: “It’s a beautiful day Don’t let it get away….”

He actually looks a better version of that Jackson fellow we selected a few years back.

Jolly actually played in two winning gf sides - Swans and Pies.

My bet is that Daisy will be our mens senior coach in about 5 years time.

she lives! im talking very softly for your benefit WCW.