H_T

Not that I'm aware of, 45h. At least not to the magnitude of what is being put on the table. The idea was born yesterday, as Jim said, "Why aren't we doing this with the kids?" he said. "It's like, God, how obvious is that? We will definitely run with that one before the season starts."'

It was reported yesterday, M.Clarke had lost something in the vicinity of 6-7 Kgs caused by the virus.

Absolutely Redleg.

Jim Stynes did emphasise in concluding, that if we remembered on the way home or the following week or whenever! an idea that wasn't put forward in our groups during the Summit, to email the club your thoughts. So if you want your say, email the club, they do read all of them. Believe it or not.

No problem. Its a pleasure. Very positive feel..BB. It was great to be closely working with staff and players of the mfc for such an important cause...our future. Many, many good ideas would have slipped through the voting, but as you say the club has them all down on paper for reference or for their own brainstorming sessions. One good idea that came from our group...from memory...lol in relation to Business expertise & Partnerships was hooking up a partnership for the club with airline Virgin Blue (ie red & blue colours) including an affinity card with mfc logo, etc. That's one of many that were mooted which had merit, I won't go into the many others. Another idea which I supported was when renewing or applying for membership for the mfc or mcc/mfc is additional information relating to business expertise to be kept on mfc database, to help improve the network of potential & beneficial partnerships for the club. The Dial Dean - 1900 Dial Dean ...lol. Some cringed, Jimma insisted we did it - It was great. There was real passion.

Wouldn't we pass on just 76 if we want someone at PSD#1?

The selectors Andrew Hilditch) told Bryce McGain, age is no issue... Its a mystery. Do Cricket Australia have a say in proceedings? Do they say, "Righto Perth we want it full of pace and bounce and we don't want to see cracks until the 3rd day", or "Sydney, just keep doing what you are doing and prepare a spinners paradise with nothing in it for the pace men." Warney had a full day's bowling. However, it was Perth so you may have a point when looking at history on the final day in Perth. PS. Saw Hodge go out in between sessions today at the G. Poor bugger could only get 3 runs. Trapped LBW.

I think that too Dappa. Fingers crossed the blokes picked at 17 and 19 are absolute rip snorters!

Nothing mentioned today in relation to draft picks at the SUMMIT.

Quite right. Well summed up WJ. It was a great day for the mfc, by Jim's speech they're considering putting up a Junior Summit before the start of next season too. Sorry to those who have waited on news, WJ has filled you in, but it was a good day and most important day for the club. An early start, so early, the steel bollards were not down at Gate 6 from Punt Rd. It took until 8:10 precisely until they were down for cars to drive into the car park. The morning opened with some hello's before the MC, Jim & Schwab got up for their intro's the Choir Boys song Run to Paradise played over the PA System and got everyone into the right frame of mind. Well, I'm speaking for myself... WJ..I was in blue group! (PS. I bought up your view that the club should get the most out of its various supporter groups - more access to club officials, etc). It was supported, and got a few stickers. So many ideas, thrashed about for 45min-1 hour in each of the 3 sessions. Topics such as "Winning hearts & Minds", Support & Securing tangible commitment' and 'Business expertise & Partnerships' with facilitators taking different approaches into the sessions in order to best capture the 350-odd turnouts ideas. Cale and Jack do look as though they've bulked up a little. Spoke to Rivers, he said he's body is feeling good. Macca's keen. CC is certainly a character and was pleased with the day's results. Cameron Schwab was very impressive (so too Jim) and from my view he seems very happy. He's very happy with last weeks appointments and that they're keen Melbourne supporters and more likely to see through their important jobs, than give up. From what I gather, with regard to the Bubbledome, they're not keen on the move there. Alpha's report the other day was good. As G.Healy said mfc may be used as the pawn, as politics are involved. Back to Schwab, talk about impressive. The blueprint or model seems right. It is designed not just for the incumbent board, but future boards. It focuses on our Heritage, our Creed, etc. Great to see Ron Barassi there. He did say to Jim that he would help out when needed. My group came up with many ideas, likewise all other groups. Nugget, I put forward your DDD idea. 45hotgod - your idea of paying extra for MCC/Mfc and having Mfc logo on membership as well. Also with partnerships and raising funds with Casey, investing in the demographic and tying ourselves to the community. I suggested, in addition to the Mfc Family Day in Melbourne, have one down at Casey Fields, before the season starts, for children & families to meet players, etc be embraced by the community with promotions, etc. A few other suggestions and additional input to others ideas too. When you get groups of people - everyone feeds off one another, its all positive. Great to hear Jim say the alternate strip will be red and navy blue, with no white or silver. Having spoken to staff today, they do sift through all the emails and read them. D'Landers - I think they got our message from two months ago in relation to the alternate strip designs. Well done. So much to write.... In summary, I was very happy with today, and it concluded with the linking of arms and the team song. PS. Proud to have stood next to J.Rivers whilst belting it out too. I hope the club can harness the ideas taken on board. As WJ said even if 1% of the ideas come to fruition which in turn presents several positive steps in various areas which help the bottom line its a remarkable event in the clubs history. It wont be the last summit the club has. edit: Other things of interest. We only have around 180,000 melbourne supporters, the lowest, but we sign up nearly 30,000 as members, being the highest in terms of members to supporters ratio. Collingwood, Essendon have around 800,000 and have sign-on members around 40,000+. Jimmy stated we passed 10,000 members and well on track to getting to 15,000 before Christmas which would be the best result pre-Christmas and would be well on the way to surpassing 30,000 members.

Me too CB. We wouldn't want mediocrity, would we?

For a start Freak, I think we have pick 67 not 64, the next would be 83.

Yes. She did ok. $800K rent for Bubbledome? Tell 'em they're dreaming!

Has West Coast totally ruled out Cousins name for good?

Good point Dennis. :D

Honestly, if they're saying that we're 2-3 years away from being a contender, its simply an honest assessment. We all know the club/team is well behind the eight ball. If anything, we're probably further away, such as 3-4 years from being a contender for the premiership. Statements like these whilst honest are not in anyway, shape or form - accepting mediocrity. They simply wouldn't stand for that. Why would Stynes, Connolly & Co. take on challenges in turning this club around in the first place. I agree.

But that's why Jimmy has selected those with ideas that may help the club and hence invited them to the summit. Unless of course you are suggesting to forward ideas to the club via email. Really?? Well then. How would you like the eggs on your face then Dees Dayz? Fried or scrambled?! How about you suggest something new for the Summit next time......fool

I'll back you WJ. Summarising notes for the Summit, with everyones ideas. Good moving quote by Geldof too. Will go until lunch. Its my understanding that everyone will get a chance to speak within their groups. They will plan on breaking up groups for different topics along with a facilitator to run each workshop, we'll see anyway.

Certainly. He is very frustrated and understandably so. Last nights All Stars v Australia - he batted with alot more purpose than what you would expect from a hit and giggle game. Seeing Symonds get a Test Squad gig when completely in all sorts with his form would be tearing Hodge to shreds. I'd be interested to see how Michael Clarke goes in the NZ series. There could be an opening there for Hodge come Sth Africa, if he continues churning out the runs at domestic level. Didn't Hodge chalk up a double century v Sth Africa in Perth last time?

To me it is being honest with your list. To me it is stating the bleeding obvious. Connolly & Stynes have stated that we can expect some more pain next season in the short term before improvement is expected.

From the article: - And bluff Goose. Yeh right.....crystal clear. Name your source then, Goose. Still waiting.....

Incorrect again Goose. I'm glad it puts a smile on your face champ. PS. If you put your a## on the line and actually backed it up with hard facts, you wouldn't face ridicule from fellow posters. Moment of truth Goose, prove Naitanui is mfc's No.1 pick then....

Bright and early start to Sunday's Summit at the G, 8:15am registration. "A New Dawn" for the club.

Interesting insight there Shaft. Did you join in?

No need to see it now RR, Goose gave you a preview. You said yourself. Never let good facts get in the way of idle speculation.