D Rev

I do agree that our development has been below par for a number of years. I maintain that there is only enough talent for 2-3 A Grade players at every club, and most of those players come like that, you can't really turn B Graders into A Graders, but you can certainly turn C graders into B Graders. Not everyone is going to make and and we've had some success players such as AMW and Culley, but not a lot else. Sestan, Woey, Fullarton, Schache, Brown are all names that come to the top of my head. Hopefully things turn around under King Oh yeah, thanks Woey

As much fun as it was to watch that (high scoring) team, they weren't going to win a premiership. We made the changes needed and won the flag in '21.

I think this is a very good point and something that seems to be getting missed. No-one will argue Tracs achievements at the club, but the reality is that he is not the player he used to be. I concede he came send in the B&F and had a good year, but he definitely wasn't as damaging as he used to be. His kicking for goal and inside 50 are still sub-par. There is a chance he could regain that form in a midfield with Rowell and Anderson and wish him all the best. Bowey is only 21 and almost definitely will be as good or better next season, as well as in the future.

Might need to nickname Stephen King "The Exorcist" for getting rid of the Demons

I will lol if its bloody real estate

Started the season really poorly, looking very out of sorts; leading to the wrong areas etc. Put in some very strong performances in the 2s, didn't sook, just got in with it. Even looked to link up well with other forwards including Jeffo at times. Finished the season strongly, here's hoping he starts where he finished and goes on from there.

I dont want to sound negative, but no

Despite having such a good year, it felt like he flew under the radar a bit in regards to attention. Perhaps people were more focused on the drop off of the older players & the emergence of the draftees? Not entirely a bad thing. Still, established himself as a key performer in the team and was swung forward when we needed goals in a hurry - such is the regard for him in the coaches box. Great athlete, kick and mark. High footy IQ too. Will be pushing for AA if he keeps improving at this rate.

I see this as the new coach putting his stamp on the place, specifically in regards to behavior and attitude. Sking is showing the list (inc May) that no one is protected and there are new standards in place. I don't think this is actually about getting rid of May but more around standards. It may well be too late for a trade to get worked out, though Melbourne would be foolish not to get his salary off the books for someone younger that doesn't abuse the Club Captain on the field. You'd think the Bombers would have some salary cap free (do they have a list?), they need some help down back (and up forward, and in the midfield, and in the medical room) and they have picks.

I didnt think we had to pay much for Grundy as the filth were picking up the bill? Completely forgot about Gus, good point.

Interesting thread this and some good points made. I'm sure it is out there and I'd love to see the survey data around how and why members sign up - or more importantly don't - and what percentage of each factor impacts the total block of members (and members who haven't re-signed). Another interesting factor would be to see what % of club members also have MCC or AFL membership. More specifically still, and I know itd be hard to get, how many MCC members support MFC but don't take out the MFC membership option. I reckon earlier points on 'free 3 game' memberships cannot be discounted, along with the other '3 game' and mixed lolly bag memberships other (mostly Marvel) clubs offer. I seem to remember we hit 70k members in 2023 (but could be wrong). To be down at 58k would represent a 17% loss, which is probably understandable due to the last 2 years and off-field issues. Again, would be good to see comparable data sets to other clubs.

I got sent this by a friend today and while the data doesn't allow for ground capacity as part of the %, it does reflect well on us and should be dragged out every time we get bashed for low crowds. Also - GWS with 37k members?!?

Are you saying he's the small defender we have been missing?!

Probably reflects more on what is happening at StK than at Melbourne.

Baffling that they do otherwise

Really good thread this and I really hope the Club / League is paying attention. I've mentioned it before, but I think all AFLW games (for Melbourne clubs) should be played at Vic Park, Ikon, Whitten Oval & Punt Rd. All AFL matches in Melbourne are played at 2 grounds, so there's a precedent. It really makes no sense. More fans can get to inner city grounds as there is public transport etc. The atmosphere at these grounds is great, really old-school community stuff, but without the old school racism or misogyny. Casey is nice enough but its bloody far for most people.

Right, I was thinking of where they acquired the ball during the game, rather than where they were listed to play (which I don't rate much). Given the 'all team' / swarming approach, the reality is that HFF doesn't mean as much. What we need is the best players possible who can fit into the game style to add pressure up the whole ground and transition it forward to the waiting arms of Jake Melksham

No one gets the ball on the fwd flank? Culley? Bison? Chin?

So good to get a close win...particularly over the Pies. Really wish we could play every game at Vic Park, Princess Park, Whitten Oval, Punt Rd or Arden St - no more Casey please!

Holy Moly. That is such a hand-picked summary of a complex issue. Really disappointing. Try and have a little perspective and kindness.

Probably compensating for the lack of technique

Let's hope we can hang onto him!

Love Jonesy but that coaching appointment was completely baffling

I don't think its completely fair to pile on Sharp, we all know his capabilities and limitations. That being said, giving him a go over Laurie or Mentha Jnr is puzzling. You'd love to see us make this one a bit more fun by picking Kentfield and Adams, but I can't really see that happening. I think this game will be a send off for some of the older and more disgruntled players. Who will improve by 10% in the off season to be at the same level they were at this season? I do think Melksham will go around again, though not sure about TMac (unfortunately). I do think we will lose one of May or Lever, and one of Trac or Clarry. I'd hate to see it but it'd be an amazing spectacle if Trac leaves the game by walking into the Collingwood rooms.

Sorry for being late to this - where is George?