H_T

I think you know the answer to that question. I'll use 45h's post as part of the answer (if I may 45h ): - Clearly on 2007's form and the state of the list, we weren't going to go anywhere near winning the 2008 /09 Premierships. When Dean Bailey signed on as coach, it was clear that he had a mandate to rebuild the "dee-plorable" list & develop players as part of his coaching portfolio. In fact it continues to this day. And will continue next year. You don't have to be Einstein to work that out. I'm sure you S_T were aware of this. The ambition was to rebuild the list left behind and teach the young players a new game style, develop, teach, develop, teach. Does that answer your question? Just remember 45h's quote whilst you contemplate this.

There might be some pain. However, I'm hopeful of much more excitement as the younger bodies mature. Then again, I'm also hopeful of the draft this year. Knowing what Liam Jurrah has shown already excites me re: 2010.

Indeed. Can I also add, this year we have already lost the battle, but by losing the battle, it just may enable us to WIN the war another day. But these last five rounds will determine important pieces of the "jigsaw." Because there might not be many pieces to obtain in the next few years. Putting the pieces together to lay the foundations for an assault on a Premiership season is like filling the gaps on a jigsaw puzzle. It takes time. This coming draft and what picks we get is oh SO important. Good post H.

You get pinged for throwing passes.

Totally agree with moulding and maturing the group together. I don't necessarily follow those that profess that because of a "generation gap in our list", that we need to fill that void with age-like players to make amends either.

Just on the early pick(s) - say we get 1 and 3 or whatever. Are you of the opinion to utilise both picks during draft because I am. Some posters are looking at current players with the view to swapping picks as well. I would rather a Scully and Trengove or Morabito or Rohan. Just my two bobs worth.

I wasn't doubting you. Was simply astounded.

This years draft is considered to be shallow compared to last year's draft which ran deep in quality according to recruiters in the know. Tom Scully has been universally recognised (in AFL terms) as the one to go No.1. No matter which side gets to pick first, as he is widely recognised as an elite player of the future. Yes or No, should Tom Scully, become the No.1 priority for the Melbournefc? and why or why not?

Yes it did. Continued to exist to win Premierships.

So Premierships weren't a consideration in years '88-'94 or '98,'00,2004-'06?

He will need to slim down and improve his endurance. Saw the NRL show on fox last night, they said it will be interesting to see how he goes in terms of endurance. Because where he plays at half back or fullback for the Broncos. They may make 1 run in a set (usually the end of a set), whilst they sit back for the first 4 tackles. When the opposition have the ball they sit right back waiting for a kick from the opposition - usually at the end of the oppositions set too. Not alot of running needed. Just an observation. Clearly he is an elite athlete in NRL, but AFL is a whole other ball game. Also in AFL you need more peripheral vision and awareness. He will need to know set plays out of defence......he has 18 months anyway. All we know is he can kick accurately over 45metres at Royal Park with Nathan Buckley down the other end!

Really? *Source - Inside Football.

Not coming up for me either Jaded.

Who says they're safe for next year?

Correct. Next time he won't squib it when he is confronted by a similar situation.

I agree with this Rojic, my support is unconditional. However, what I want is a club that is ruthless in pursuit of a Premiership, much like the news in Collingwood's pursuit of a PREMIERSHIP CUP with the announcement of their 5 year contracts for Buckley & Malthouse. Collingwood is hell bent on this, their intention is clear. I don't want our club just to make up the numbers and play the odd final. I also understand Theo's post and his point of view. Although I will donate anyway during Debt demolition month, I will not hold the club to ransom. I have kids who support Melbourne. I want them to experience Melbourne as a winning team, I'd love for them to see a Premiership. I also don't want it to be another 45 years before the next Premiership, when I could well be 'pushing up daisy's.'

Reported to be $600K plus endorsements from sponsors, etc. From K Hunt's ponit of view its a no brainer. He was virtually offered the same over in Japan Rugby. Smart move by GC17 and AFL. Vlad is cunning.

I never said always. It is showing initiative by getting out there in the community, getting amongst every day issues. No, it's not 'directly' geared towards premierships, however indirectly it can contribute to further sponsorship alternatives down the track and improved facilities that help build a club towards their goals including a Premiership. So, indirectly in most or some cases. Good for you. Correct. Indeed it is the essence.

.... We never weak until the final bottle's gone, We're the Demons of Land, We're strong but we're bland.... (feel free to continue..)

Indirectly, they are.

The question is why do football clubs exist within the AFL ? (or what is the essence of a football club's existence?) You ask each of the CEO's and FD's of each of the clubs, that very question. They all have a common denominator......their sole purpose is to be successful and to ultimately win a Premiership. It's that simple.

Well that's just it. How do we judge Collingwood and essendon from a StKilda or Western Bulldogs. We know that the former have 14 and 16 Premierships respectively and the latter have 1 each. We know that Essendon and Collingwood as history would show that they are successful clubs. They also have more members and supporters. For years the Saints and Bulldogs have been known as the 'weaker' or poorer performed clubs. Sure, there's members interests and some who go to games wouldn't give a continental with regards to the result as they would prefer the social 'outing'. But ultimately the aim is to cater for all members and in doing so - collectively the ultimate aim is Premiership success. It's what should drive the club. This is the AFL, it's not the back blocks of suburban football. It's AFL and it's the greatest game in Australia and greatest level of Australian Rules football; it's also history. In relation to the Melbournefc it's 151 years of history. IMO some people just take it for granted. They're not as 'tribal' and it maybe one of the reasons as to why our club is not considered as ruthless as others in terms of decisions made on and off the field. It's why where we are today. On the bottom and in debt. Suddenly things are happening at the club. The recent debate on these forums in relation to the 'list management' to obtain or not obtain priority pick is a testament to this attitude.

Big call. He's miles away from getting a start. For the AFL though it is a huge coup. Just the publicity they will need for the 2 years leading up to Gold Coast's entrance into AFL. The NRL would be seething. This means publicity in papers in QLD, even NSW until the build up. You can't put dollar value on that.