Zinko

It's ... Dr. Grammar.

Melbourne Kangaroos. I doesn't exactly roll off the brain receptors, but if it was that or playing home games at the gold coast... Quite honestly, it would be laughable to not have a club called Melbourne in the AFL. Despite the AFL's efforts to increase the sports' appeal interstate, it has it's roots in Melbourne, it's part of Melbourne culture, and to not have a club called Melbourne would be a down right farce.

^ Carlton has broken their losing culture and this is a big worry; thier arrogance and over-confidence is our only hope. We can win, but only if Carlton trip themselves up on their own egotism. If they manage to hold themselves together, I have grave doubts. Wow, I think it's quite worrying that 65% of voters think we can not beat carlton.

I'm not too sure about this but i've read somewhere (or have been told) that, yes, it is true we have the lowest membership, but that alot of Melbourne supporters also have MCC membership and therefore see no reason to pay the club membership. This would entail that we actually do have a pretty decent number of supporters, they are just a bunch of financially observant chaps.

As Wrathchild said, it doesn't really matter who plays in the backline, especially against a team like Geelong. With the pathetically weak and fumbling midfield we have become used to over the past two weeks, any backline in the league wouldn't stand a chance. That said, I think our backline is a glimpse of hope. If Rivers returns, we are regaining a greatly skilled centre half back; Rivers has the proven ability to be one of the best h/b's in the competition. I also thought Carrol was a cornerstone of strength against W/B. He was especially solid in the 4th Q, taking strong marks at f/b. As mentioned, Bell too has been doing the work of 3 men, and played reasonably well. If these 3 can take charge, even with our weak mid-field, we could avoid a 100 + point deficit.

I think a Melbourne Vs. Sydney state rivalry "BLOCKBUSTER" would be something that the media could completely blow out of all proportion and generally make a song and dance about.

To answer your subject question, yes, I am prepared for a wooden spoon. However, there is a difference between being prepared for something, and anticipating it. A thread was created the other day by someone (I have forgotten who) complaining of negativity amongst Melbourne supporters. Obviously, there is sufficient grounds for which to base the argument that a wooden spoon is a distinct possibility. As you've outlined, we have experienced players who simply aren't rising to the occasion, and overall, we are crumbling under pressure (as seen Vs. Kangaroos). All that said, I maintain the view that any member who claims to be able forsee the wooden spoon, is only bringing us one step closer to it in their denuding of our confidence as supporters. By all means, we should be prepared, but don't envision a wooden spoon; supporters are fundamental to the club, and we must do what we can to ensure we lose as few of them as possible in these difficult times.

Ey, easy on the bombers. Remember, they haven't appointed a coach in 27 years. They are bound to be a bit out of practice.

That episode wasn't as good as the week before IMO.

S'ppose you're definitely not voting for Kevin Rudd.

Yes, there is a salary cap for every club, and Carlton are very good at breaching them.

Seconded.

All I can say is thank God.

Your points are valid Jaded, and of course, this is an argument in which the final judgement has already been layed down. But suffice, I will rebutt my points regardlessly..... 1. I have no proof that Bailey isn't tough. BUT, there is proof that sheedy's tough, and absolutely none that Bailey is. Which would you rather? 2. Despite our dismal performance in 07, our membership had one of the the largest increases it has ever seen. Reputation raises reputation, success is a mere by-product. 3. I did not at any stage refer to AFL. I said in 'many other major sports' coaches over 60 are the one's most sort after by clubs due to their experience. As said though, this argument was over before it even started. The board has already nailed shut the coffin and arguing about it won't change anything I'm afraid.

GTFO >> The MFC has missed the biggest oppourtunity it has ever had in not snaping up sheedy. 1. Sheedy would have ruled with an iron fist. The players needed a tough old bastard to straighten them out. 2. Sheedy would have raised the clubs reputation. Bailey is a no-body. Sheedy would have hauled in sponsorship and in turn better funding for the club. 3. The subject of age. In most major sports around the world, soccer, tennis etc. clubs simply don't employ coaches who are under 60 due to inexperience. The subject of age is bulldust and anybody who uses that argument against sheedy, now and in the future is most likely 13. Case closed.