Grand Old Fox

I'm glad you can sleep at night on the basis we're better off than North Melbourne. Garry Lyon and I both can't be wrong! Woe is us Rhino.

You may be satisfied with the progress being made by the Gardner administration, but I expect more from my football club. Debt and membership are issues that face all football clubs, not just ours. Hawthorn, St Kilda and to a lesser extent the Bulldogs have been able to make far greater progress in comparison. The threat of relocation at North Melbourne has galvanised their supporter base. I don't see the AFL offering to move us anywhere just yet... However with your head in the sand attitude, this won't be far away.

You have missed the point of the article. We all know the problems have been discussed in various forums for some time now. Garry's point is the time has come for the the club to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. it's no longer acceptable for our Chairman to focus on the few positive aspects of the club. Paul Gardner's outlook is not shared by MFC supporters, hence the non existent growth of our supporter base, poor financial position etc. Putting our problems in the too hard basket is counter productive Rhino. Why should it take a North Melbourne type scenario for the club to realise the gravity of our situation.

a herald sun will set you back $1.10.

No wonder we're all concerned when Gardner gives the impression the club is ticking along well, yet the key indicators suggest otherwise. My impression of Gardner is that he can't wait to jump ship and declare "my work here is done". At present, Melbourne Football Club is treading water at best. The club is 3-5 years away from drowning unless we improve our position on and off the field. Gary Lyon's article in the Herald Sun today hit the nail on the head. The club needs to wake up to itself and acknowledge it's in serious trouble. The MFC brand should be profitable for so many reasons, yet we don't appear to be making real progress.

Anyone know which MFC players will be in the squad in addition to Bruce?

I understand it was an opinion piece, however a few selections don't sit well with me: Jason Dunstall - Pick 5: Dunstall played in the golden era at Hawthorn surrounded by quality across the park. Put him in any other side and his goal output would have decreased significantly. My memories of JD were of a one dimensional goal machine. I appreciate he was a consistent performer and one of the greatest goal kickers, however the 5th greatest of all time is a massive overstatement. I would have thought late teens more appropriate. Bill Hutchison - Pick 12: Bill Who? James Hird - Pick 20. As much as I despise the man and the club, he was a freak who did it all. Like Matthews he could play in any position and had an amazing impact on his team mates. I find it difficult to comprehend 19 players better than James. Stephen Kernahan - Pick 33: Like Dunstall, played in a successful era. Imagine Chris Grant at his prime played in that Carlton side. Mike would probably slot him in the top 10. Included at the expense of Greig, Flower. Get serious Mike. Ben Cousins - Pick 42: What? Have you been on the crack pipe as well Mikey? A ball magnet and a model of the modern midfielder however how can you rate a career cut short so highly? Mike your clearly trying to spice up your list here. Cousins wouldn’t figure in my top 100, and would be well behind the great A Jakovich!

I have attached the photo in my profile, however it does not appear when I post in a forum. Help please!

In my view, fish rots at the head and Gardner should be made accountable. Although he talks the talk, and makes the right indications that we are in an improved position, there is a general feeling of discontentment from staff and supporters. It's all very well to blame Steve Harris, and easier to do so now he's departed, however must Gardner fail to provide internal leadership and stability which in turn has affected staff turnover. For a man who built his professional career on a marketing empire, the football club he leads is drawing significant criticism in this regard. The club is entering it's 150 year, and there appears to be no emphasis from a marketing perspective, apart from the token logo on the jumper. The fact we are lying dead last in the membership tally to date is testament to this. Gardner does not seem effective in attracting high profile members to club, which may elude to his reputation as a business man. It may be too premature to call for Gardner's head, but unless we start moving in the right direction on all levels, the club should look elsewhere in terms of leadership. I'm not attempting to pin all the club's problems on one man. However, I'm not satisfied that Gardner is the best man for the job.

Liverpool = scouser scum. THFC

Confirmed. Welcome Juan Ramos.. Fergie, Wenger and Jose rolled into one.

im trying to give it up. filthy habit.

i gathered that from the overwhelming response! rhino you need to get out more buddy!

there you go kids..

No, ridiculous suggestion. Ben feels at home with bikies smoking ice. Don't think any afl presidents share the same interest.

Funny I don't feel exposed, more amused by your interjection. Happy to move on... I'll leave you with Redleg to reflect on other pressing social issues.

Well you keep beating up every issue you get your hands on. Full points for effort, Redleg....

Apologies if im not insulted. I thought his comments were rubbish... Everyone is keen to pass judgement without knowing the facts of the latest indiscretion. It's easy for Redleg to lable Ben Cousins an addict, just as it's easy for me to lable you a loser. I would prefer if Redleg took his "Danger of Drugs" speech elsewhere... no place for it here. Save it for the kids.

And what experience have you had dealing with addicts? Are you an authority in dealing with drug issues? Or just a concerned parent?

Well if he does chose to nominate for the PSD i would take him in a second, drug habit or not. Cousins on the end of a 2 week bender is more enticing than a sober Kepler Bradley, Lance Whitnall or any of the other trash on offer.

We already have one filthy red head in the team... i don't think there's room for another.

True... the aboriginal flag is a permanent fixture in the essendon cheer squad. Can't wait for one to appear in the MCC.

Now compare this awesome bunch to the geelong premiership backline. We have a loooooooooong way to go.

I think we still need to acquire a ready made backman. Will prove difficult given they are in short supply, however hopefully the final hours of trade or the PSD bear fruit. Carroll, Fergie, and dare I say Miller and Holland down back hardly inspire confidence.

ah... bt you must be taking the [censored]. playfair?