iv'a worn smith

So, a basic incremental improvement of manning up is too much to expect? An inability to meet even the most fundamental skills benchmarks is too much to expect? As with PM and RM, I will buy my membership regardless, but I cannot guarantee others will. Nobody can. Simple fact is, in the modern era, an average losing margin of 12 goals is unparalleled. It would appear that out of an 18 team competition, some on here would suggest our situation is unique. It is not and we should not flatter ourselves or take comfort from a perception that no other AFL club has had to face issues of inexperience, player development and dud draft picks to the extent we have. Those failures do not diminish character or commitment. None of us may like it, but there will be change, because we cannot continue to damage the AFL brand to the extent we have to this point in time. This is not even about 2014, it goes beyond that. I'm afraid that due to where we sit right now, the decision to make changes has been taken out of our hands, whether we like it or not. That is simply reality.

No, I said there would be a meeting this week --- which there was and the changes will follow soon after. i did not put a date on it.

PM, I bolded it because being paid up means we are stakeholders with a right of interest. Along with that comes expectation. I agree, some expectations are inflated beyond reasonable, but that does not diminish the fact that stakeholders have a right to expect value for their money - at least at some point in the not too distant future.

RM, firstly let me say, I am not trying to buy into an argument here. However, let's just say, for the sake of the debate, your premise is the correct one. What you put forward is a "mutiny" of sorts, propagated by a bunch of petulant kids. Yet, they are supposed to be professionals, most of whom have come through an elite under age competition, designed to not only hone their skills, but prepare them to enter the big time, AFL system. If you are correct and given the depths to which our performances have plummeted, then this is almost unprecedented - in fact unique. At some point - at some stage through their journey from an elite, under age competition, to the ranks of professional senior AFL footballers, they are surely mentored, led by example, taught and inspired, at least to some extent. I believe Neeld should go, only from the "business" perspective. I do not, for one minute think he is entirely to blame. But to suggest, conversely, that the blame for our horrendous performance rests solely with the playing group does not stand up to any fair scrutiny. I am sorry, but while I respect your opinion, I just don't buy it. There is something far more seriously wrong in the footy club, than a bunch of recalcitrant young footballers, spitting their collective dummies.

I, for one, didn't expect it to happen "straight away", but I did expect to see incremental improvement. Not go into reverse at a great rate of knots. I think that is a reasonable expectation for any paid up member.

No Sue, there is no point in wasting energy by lambasting the cliche ridden world which is that of all coaches. While some on here won't accept it, most critics stick to the facts. Of course there are always exceptions.

The person concerned is a recidivist abuser. Secondly, I totally reject your imputation of "too many of your sort" Pots and kettles mate, pots and kettles. If you do not like what I have to say then don't read it and put me on your ignore list please.

It would appear WYL, that some people don't get much work done in that office of theirs.

You might want to read what I have written on other threads. But to maintain the theme, by kicking off a new topic with an old joke is simply not needed. Our parlous situation is being canvassed very well throughout this forum, without the need for yet another topic starter.

it all started so well. How times have changed. youtube.com/watch?v=ZUegaw8h7U0

The joke is quite an old one actually and this version is just a variation of an old theme. Just goes to show, what goes around, comes around.

Sorry Cards. I don't understand.

Always liked the way Peter Giles went about it. Amazing comeback really.

WJ, as usual, a very eloquent post from you. I acknowledge that much of what you said is true. I gave to this Club, because I live red and blue. I know that sounds cliche and I do not want to be trite about this. I grew up in the northern suburbs, in a working class family, surrounded by Collingwood and Essendon supporters. My 4 older brothers barracked for Collingwood. I was anything but the stereotypical Melbourne supporter, so often portrayed and lampooned in the media. I followed my late father, who, having been born and bred in Sydney and somewhat of a renegade himself, refused to bow to the pressure of his peers and chose to support the team that carried the name of his adopted city and home. I still have fond memories of him somehow cadging a couple of tickets for the 1964 Grand Final. That epic day ensured that I would remain a Demon for life. As I suspect you did, I witnessed the quick demise of a dynasty from 1965 onwards. I lived through the excruciating '70's and the lean early to mid 80's, but the embers of my passion, like many of us, were re-kindled by the inspiration of Swooper Northey, the deeds of a young Irishman and a list of players who were by no means over endowed with talent, but played for each other, the jumper, their coach and the MFC. These blokes brought pride back to the club, despite the fact that they had to ply their trade with less than satisfactory facilities. To be a Demons supporter means you understand tragedy and irony. A modicum of masochism doesn't go astray either. But we push on. I have sat in the Southern Stand, the old Olympic stand, which, for all of its ugliness, by the time it was demolished, gave me such fond memories. I felt the spirt of Norm Smith, Ron Barassi, Hassa Mann, Bluey Adams, Johnny Townsend, Froggy Crompton, Brian Dixon, Wrecker Leahy, Ray Groom, John Lord; the list goes on. I have sat in the old smokers stand as well and the new members. Of course, while we might yearn for better days, we can't live in the past. But over all those days and contrary to the urban myth, I have learned that our supporters come from all walks of life and are as passionate about their footy club as any other. And so it is with the Foundation Heroes. We come from all walks of life, but bonded by a desire to see our beloved footy club pull itself out of the mire of mediocrity. Some could afford to pay more than others, but the motivation to give had the same value and currency. On that first night in Kensington, we were provided with a plan; a vision for the future. We believed again and felt a sense of unity and confidence that had been missing for so long. While we accepted that the path forward would not be a short one and was likely to have twists and turns, if not detours, we believed we indeed were going forward. While we give freely, we also entrust those to whom we give our money. As such, the beneficiaries have a fiduciary responsibility to keep safe that trust. Your observations regarding personal vendattas aimed at the current administration, targetted leaks, public criticism by former officer bearers/players and general destructive critiques of the club have veracity. However, in my view, we, faced with doing business in an increasingly more competitive and cut throat environment, have never been lower. While I agree, any changes which are made need to be carefully planned and implemented, to save even further destabilisation, in my view change is needed and the change must be extensive, or we risk our very existence. Like you, I will give to this footy club again. My conscience (heart) would not let me do otherwise. However, neither you, nor I can guarantee that our confrere's will turn up and give in the same numbers as previously. The most important lesson in any business is that you look after your existing clients, as it is cheaper than trying to attract new ones. That is just marketing 101. Go you Demons!!!!

Those who are Foundations Heroes can attest to the undertakings which were given to them at the time they first reached into their pockets. Not happy.

I suspect the figure of $5mil has been put out there, as a shot across the bows of the SS MFC and current incumbents. It is Jackson's warning shot that significant change is imminent and some may not like it. For those who do not believe we need to make drastic changes as soon as possible, the potential of a $5mil black hole sobers the debate somewhat.

How is he doing the right thing? He's the President. At times like these, we need leadership from the top. We are bereft of that right now. I am tipping he's been gagged.

I am interested in why people believe Paul Roos to have such an ego? He subscribes to the Buddhist philosophy, where there is no place for ego. Don't confuse confidence and honesty with ego.

I think Knights falls into the camp as well. He was hung out to dry at Essendon, which in contrast to our culture, would not tolerate what they perceived as mediocrity, plus they wanted their favourite son and great white hope to return to the fold. I think a couple of things in Knight's favour is that he would have learned from that lesson and has had further experience at Geelong, where he is valued. Given he has had senior experience and the benefit of that experience and remains working in a good football structure, I think he will come into any future calculations. Not my first choice, but should not be discounted just the same.

Matthew Knights?

Good post RPFC. Instilling that self belief is the key and right now we just don't have any semblance of it.

Where is Don McLardy? In these very troubled times, his silence is deafening.

That is precisely the brief that has been given to Jackson. I, for one, trust that he is the best man for the task which confronts him.

I'll say it again, as much as some would like to paint a picture of the MFC's current situation as being somehow unique, we can no longer be afforded the luxury of time to fix a brand that is so severely tarnished, it has become almost worthless. Peter Jackson is not in the CEO's chair simply to make sure of the day to day running of the business, he has been put there, due to the severity of our situation and the urgency to get something done. We can debate as much as we like, as to who is at fault, which players we should have kept and which we should have let go. We can talk about how inexperienced we are or whether our fitness levels are up to scratch - not withstanding Neeld has now had 2 pre-seasons to improve the fitness levels and not all that long ago, spoke volumes as to just how fit we are supposed to be. While we currently sit 2nd last on the table, with only GWS below us, there is daylight between us and the others, in terms of how our brand is perceived. You can ridicule journalists like Barrett, Robinson, Smith et al, but they cannot be all wrong. Healy said what he said last night, because he knows something. These guys are in the jobs they have, because they have the ears of people within the industry who are in the know. We are in diabolical trouble and the time for action is upon us. While in an ideal world it may be more desirable to let Neeld serve out his term, the MFC simply does not have the time. We must act sooner rather than later, otherwise the consequences of our inaction will be far worse than the alternative of taking action.

No, you're right, there is no certainty. But one thing is certain. If we continue down this path we are farrked.