Deeoldfart

I wonder how that bloke who just moved to Rooty Hill will feel when he compares our coaching structures and talent to what he is now forced to 'live with' in Sydney's west .......... and more importantly, when he reflects in a few years time on 'what could have been', and what he might have been part of.

Very well said Jack, a point that could easily be overlooked amidst the excitment.

I agree KiL ...... and I also think his view of our playing list, and the professional structures we are putting in place, would have been influential on him deciding to join the Dees ahead of the other suitors.

Couldn't agree more Redleg. From the outside looking in, Garry is doing a brilliant job. No matter who or what the other influences might be, Garry is making it happen. Just like the 'lead from the front' attitude he showed so often in his playing days.

Now confirmed on AFL site.

I see what you mean, old fella!

I agree Vanlo .... I really like this appointment. I also really liked the following comment from Jade: "the enthusiasm and professionalism at Melbourne is something that has really caught my attention, so I was very keen to get involved.” It's not the first time we have heard similar comments recently.

To be fair, jcb has questioned Carey and the Ox. I would question them too. In an environment where teamwork is essential, my gut tells me that there's no room on our coaching panel for their massive egos, and I don't think they have the coaching experience that Neeld has said he is after. I really like what I've heard about John Barker, and he has good breadth of experience (St.Kilda, Hawthorn and Carlton), but it would take big bucks to poach him away from Carlton after one year (but how satisfying it would be if we decided he was our man, and then snared him from the Scum).

C'mon old dee. You obviously need something to lift your spirits. How about: Jamie Bennell is one year closer to delivering on his undoubted potential .

Sad loss of a true legend of our footy club. RIP Stuart.

Just to add to that wyl, Jordie won the Coaches Award in 2010 as well, IIRC. He also won the 'heart & soul player award' (awarded by the players) this year, which says a lot about how he is regarded by his team mates, and we know that he has shown enormous loyalty to the MFC. Should be a certainty for the Leadership Group imo, and maybe even a dark horse for higher honours.

Many thanks for the updates guys. Greatly appreciated, and topped off a great week and a bit for the MFC, after a season that couldn't end quickly enough. Let's hope the rest of the off-season continues in a similar vein.

Agree, it's an excellent article .......... I particularly liked the sentiment expressed in the last sentence. Sadly (at least for an old fart like me), we can't turn back the clock, and the days of 'one club players' and 'playing for the jumper' are doomed if not already dead. Inevitable, but the game is the loser.

That sounds like good logic. From the article there may be a couple of other WAFL players worth a look as well. No doubt our recruiters are well aware of them.

Good analogy!

Well done Jordie! Coaches award together with 'Heart & Soul Player' award (awarded by the playing group) seems to say it all. I agree Queenie, heart and soul is a perfect fit for Jordie. Le'ts hope that a dozen or more of our boys are vying for these two awards in 2012.

A very impressive speech by our new coach. I love the emphasis on doing things his way, and I have a feeling that his way might just be what the Melbourne Footy Club needs right now. Many thanks for sharing Andy, listening gave me goose bumps.

Words simply can't describe just how inspirational Jimmy is ....... a champion in every sense!

Mark Williams has also departed his role as 'Ball Movement Coach' (whatever that means). I suppose the title describes the role in broad terms, but I was never sure how the interaction worked in practice with the three line coaches. Does anyone have a clearer picture of this? Do other clubs have assistants dedicated to these responsibilities? Is it a role we should look to retain in the Neeld regime? Obviously our new coach will make a call on this, but I'd be interested in the views of fellow Demonlanders.

Thanks Andy. It's just a normal sized avatar image (the one I used previously), but I still can't get it to work. I'll talk to my far more computer literate (than me) kids before worrying you again.

Hi Andy .... Am I the only one having difficulty up-loading my new avatar? I just keep getting the message "Failed to set a new photo". Maybe it has more to do with the nut behind the keyboard than it does the new software, but I've never had this problem before. I'm using Chrome ps. this is a low priority request. You are doing a fantastic job with the upgrade, and I don't want to divert you from more important tasks. Thanks

Schwabby certainly acknowledged on MMM on Sunday morning that the Club has spoken to Craig. When pressed, he was non-committal about where those discussions might lead.

.............. or even Johnny Beckwith.

I certainly hope so!

This ^ 100%.