cac1963

Just a note to everyone at Demonland to say thanks for all the support and banter over the past few years. I wish all of you, even those that think I’m a disloyal dud, all the best for the future. I really do hope the Demons enjoy the ultimate success in the near future. I've loved my time as a Demon and I've even enjoyed sparring with some of you on the boards. 11 Years is a long time in one organisation. A new coaching and football management team will bring new energies and ideas to a football club that has had a pretty stable Football Department for 10 years. I felt that my energy levels for the position with MFC had waned in the past year and that it would be unfair to both Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly to continue if I couldn’t give them 100%. Coaches can change from Assistant to Development to Senior to backline to forward line to midfield and back again to remain fresh and energised. A recruiting manager really needs to change clubs to feel the same rejuvenation. There is no animosity at all toward Melbourne, in fact quite the opposite it is very difficult to leave. But the time is right for me to accept a new challenge. In making the decision I took into account a number of factors. While as an employee of the club I am passionate about the club’s success, I had to consider that this is my profession and what pays my mortgage and kid’s school fees. I hasten to add that money was not a factor; it is not a matter of a bigger club out bidding a less wealthy club. In discussions with Melbourne regarding the move money was never discussed. The other factor is my family connection to Richmond. I grew up barracking for the Tigers. My great grand father played for them as did my father, he is also a life member. My grandfather’s ashes were sprinkled on Punt Road oval. The connection is very strong. It is unlikely that I would have moved to any other club at this time. Anyway, good luck. I believe that Dean Bailey will be an excellent coach for this football club. He is innovative and has a great ability to teach players. Chris Connolly has an unbridled enthusiasm and will to build the club and reconnect many of the disaffected external parties. The list of 24 year old and under players should come through and provide a solid base for the club to build on for the future. It’s time for someone else to have a ‘crack’ at building on the list and hopefully find the star that we couldn’t quite unearth in the last 10 years. (Maybe there is one there already lying latent. Let’s hope so). Thanks and good bye

Cranky, I like Joe Anderson as a player. He is quick has a good engine and, like Isaac, has a great character. He is however a diabolical kick. In the end this was probably the determining factor in us not drafting him. If he could kick he would have been a top 30 selection. One point to note is that Isaac was best on the ground in the Whyalla senior Grand Final as a 16 year old, prior to coming to Adelaide. I know the standard is not great but he has played against men.