buck_nekkid

Watching the first three games, I see some things that are 'improving', but my GOD - we are so far back it is not funny. If you completely delete the third quarter, we were OK. Where the hell did you go, Demons? Problems from my perspective: ZERO confidence. Players get the ball and crap themselves, even with no pressure. Turn it over. Zero quality between the arcs. We have no-one running and working between the arcs. We could have Peter Hudson, Jason DUnstall and BIlly Bennett in the forward 50 and we would still have the problems we are having. Quality across the middle and half forward is completely lacking. Zero ability to stick a tackle. If I was coaching against the Dees, I would instruct my players to 'take them on'. Tackling efficiency and effectiveness is appalling. Top for today for us - 5 tackles. Tuck on their side had TEN. A ruckman (Russian) who panics and handballs the footy regardless whatever the hell is going on. A lot of tapwork that is useless. Poor clearance skills. Inability to overlap, run and provide options. (Give the boundary line a demons jumper, it racks up enough stats!). I dont know what will turn this around - we first need to play 4 quarters. We need to contest. We need to run BOTH WAYS because we must. We need to get the midfield sorted. Otherwise, this crap will continue. Post match or post apocalypse???

So based upon the OP, there are a lot of assumptions and judgements made about me. Im lazy, incompetent, and need to be taken down a peg or two. E45 just gets angry because someone posts a question asking for some help (strange reason to get angry). Others dont like my language. I guess (was going to assume, but that might have upset someone) that Jim and Don are not the operational managers - no one has been able to connect me to anyone in the ops side of the organisation, so I will use other means. Merry Christmas - and E45, See you next time.

Thank you. I was hoping that someone in the community would have a deeper insight into a specific name and direct contact. Rather than being 'lazy' and attempting to annoy people, my aim was to use an established community and network to simplify a deeper search process and connect directly to an individual, rather than the front page of an organisation. Given modern networking and business principles, this is a highly effective and simple approach. Often, people who do not answer the actual question are quite happy to let it slide by and allow others to provide appropriate information, to support others in their community. Sometimes, people need to express themselves on any topic and engage regardless of the level of their value add. This often speaks to other issues that they are dealing with. Merry Christmas to all, and go Dees in 11.

I am recently returned from a stint overseas, and am settling back into Melbourne. One of the things I am keen to do is get involved in community service. As my skills are corporate coaching/mentoring, training, presentation skills etc, I thought the Reach Foundation could benefit from some of my skills. Helping young people get ahead in these areas would be great. Does anyone have any info on who I should contact, and their details? Cheers.

Did anyone notice that we kicked the lowest score of any team at the weekend? No-one should really be surprised after what happened on the park. We seriously need to work on our delivery.

Congratulations on the outstanding list management. I look at the rookie list and think that we have the possibility of 'elevating rookies' of some potential quality (McKenzie, Spencer) if the draft pickings are slim in 2010, the GC eating up many of the early picks. This was excellent forward planning, and well done to the boys to see that this was the option that would serve them and the the team the best. Good luck to Meesen and Newton. The boot is really on your necks, now. Time to step up, or step off. Roll on 2010!!!! Go Dees!!!

Highlights: Gawn holds the footy in one hand like a tennis ball. Tapscott looks like Shrek Im just a fraction excited.

Wow...so many rumours. So many posters and viewers (Mclean trade was amazing, and the Flash re-signing as well). Forget the footy season, its the trade season that's so exciting and entertaining! Keep it up eveyone... and lets hope the FD get it spot on and we start bringing home the cups!

We are focusing on the draft 2009. In a longer term view, what are we doing for 2010? Knowing that GC17 get all of the juicy picks, a few questions: Who will we have on our list that we can TRADE to GC17 for early picks Who is out of contract that will be vulnerable to be picked up by them? Just because the draft is skewed, doesn't mean that we wont be able to get low picks if we trade for them. I can imagine GC17 wanting both the newbies from the draft, and a bit of talent to get them started. Any thoughts?

Brock Maclean can feel footsteps... with MFC about to recruit some high quality midfielders, Brock can probably see a future where the midfield is full of talent, and perhaps he sees a future full of pine splinters... Better to get on the VISY gravy train. Brock goes with thanks. However, #11 in this years draft will be a fantastic asset, as the draft is going to be screwed by Vlad for the next few years- I hope it brings a superstar! #18 may now be more in play for trading???

Dear Fuschia, Thanks for the info... I will email Sally directly. See you in the Pub!

I will be back in Australia on the weekend of the 8th August, and am wondering if the Sydney Demons group still have a 'regular watering hole' where they watch the games. I know that we play the Kangas on the Sunday, and any Sydney Demons who can give me a heads up on where to join you for a couple of coldies and to cheer on the dees will be much appreciated!

Super report. Thanks for your effort and insight. I'm a long way from Casey so these reports are really appreciated.

Many thanks! Looks like I can watch the Dees over dinner, a late beer and breakfast as well! :D I just hope its worth it! Go Dees!

I was just wondering if the game will be broadcast live this week in Sydney, and if so, on which channel? Also, do the Sydney Demons group still get together somewhere to watch it? Cheers!

Thanks HT - But this was the right thread.. "I have no sympathy for somebody who is earning $100,000+ at age 21, and fails to deliver without a very good reason." (Diablo) If this is a reason to kick the crap out of someone, then lets be clear who this applies to.... (subtext:...and, more important, does it matter what they are earning????)

Can someone tell us how many players are earning over 100K p/a on our list, and how many of those are 21 or under? How many players earn less than 100K, and how many of those are 21 or under? These would be an intersting stats....

What? No slander?? It would certainly cut down the number of posts we see here! Each to his own - Everyone is entitled to their comment regardless of how many games they have played, or if the clsoest they get to 'pulling on the boots' is to get their Uggies out to go to Fountain Gate. However, perhaps we should all think about the fact that we are making comments about people, YOUNG people, who are trying to make their way in the game. Instead of saying 'player X is crap', perhaps we could move up the logic pyramid and say their behaviours or actions are crap. That is what we can see and judge. Consider if you were a young footballer and copped the grief that some get here - Isnt it better to define what it is that is crap (maybe this could be constructive criticism) than to nail the individual? Anyway, everyone is entitled to their say (or spray).

Interesting only in that someone tries to find another 'angle' to sink the boots into my beloved club. As if the 'hollywood boulevarde' stuff doesnt occur in all football teams.. What, Like Chris Judd doesn't get fed grapes by the rookies in the Blues sheds?? come on! One thing about this 'cronyism' which people UNDERVALUE: The first thing that we need to do is mobilise our supporters. Especially those who are not members. This should be much easier than finding new supporters. When Stynes, Lyon, Healey, etc etc are connected to the club of today we have a much better chance of mobilising the exisiting supporter base, increasing membership and revenue and hopefully stabilising our future so that we can drive on-field success. Mr Stynes has proven himself more than capable of leading organisations with his charity work - A difficult gig in the current environment. So, reporters can take a free hit at the club. They can twist information to suit their story lines. But the truth will be in the next 3 years. We either need a resurrection or there will be a funeral. I am an optimist and a proud member of the Mebourne Football Club. Kick us all you want, it will make our next flag even sweeter.

How can Stynes become President (I assume Chairman of the board) if he has not been duly elected into the board by the membership? His 'ticket' can be endorsed, but others could stand against him. So, it is all a bit premature to say what he will be, until the process is resolved (unless you are Mugabe). I will welcome him as the new Chairman when this time comes, and I think he will bring some excellent qualities to the club. I would also like to say that I think the board have actually been doing a pretty good job under trying circumstances recently. I think the concept of the move to Casey (securing growth), and getting changes in key appointments, will certainly deliver benefits in the future. We don't see it now because the on field performance and the debt make us look like no-hopers. Remember where the Kangaroos were 12 months ago? They did a good job of digging themselves out of the mire. We have to do the same, or better, and to ensure that when 'hard' decisions are made by the AFL, that we are not the current 'basket case' (the doggies, the roos, the hawks,....all have been there...maybe it will be the saints or bombers???). We have no time to lose. We must get an increase in supporter base and memberships, as well as more cash at the gates and merchandise sold. To get this we need better on-field performances and less 'soft [censored]' supporters. Go Dees!

A voice of reason. Transformation requires self awareness and openness. When we as a club believe we are 'unlucky' or 'not too far off' then we delude ourselves, and hinder any chance of a turnaround. I hope that all supporters will only tear up their memberships if they will rush out and buy a second one. Football is a passionate sport, and I love to see the 'passion' that this board sparks between opposing points of view (and a few personal challenges!). But let not passion get in the way of reality - we are at the 'bottom' (or pretty close) now. Don't over-expect because this team cannot (currently) deliver - that is the heart of disappointment, folks! Passionately support the club, have your say and enjoy the challenge of opinion. But never walk away. We are at the 'bottom' at a very dangerous time. If too many people walk away when your club needs you the most, you may be the ones to regret the end of a great football club. Stand firm and resolute behind the team, and dont expect more than what they can deliver (then all the surprises are positive!). We have to start somewhere, and unfortunately, it is here. But wherever here is, I stand there too. Go Dees.

I'd take Roughie in a heartbeat. He did some good things this season, and is developing well. He is also capable of playing down back (say as a CHB) and also second-line ruck. He regularly kick goals, has pretty good hands and just needs to get his radar fixed occasionally. I heard him talk at a function once this year, and he said that he was not the first choice to be playing forward (with Williams out injured he got the gig), and would play anywhere to get get a game. If this is true, he either needs to step up into a number one choice in the forward line at the Hawks (likely), play back (possible), or exit (I think unlikely). Don't let his mullet fool you - this kid from Leongatha came across really well, was great with the people afterwards and spent time chatting to the kids and stuff - seemed like a nice guy. If we took him, he could be worth a fairly high pick.

I think we should ask ourselves "who was this message intended for?" It was not intended for me, or the other members. It was not intended for Joe Public. It was not intendeed for Judd and his management. The message has always been "uneven playing field" - We are not treated fairly with the draw and in lots of other ways. It may be that the message was intended for the AFL to ensure ongoing 'support'. Maybe also a bit for our sponsors or potential sponsors- everyone loves to be associated with the underdog-made-good. Every planned press statement has a message and a target audience. Don't worry what SH said, as it wasn't aimed at you.

As an overseas demon (have been for the last couple of years...) I would suggest: afl.com.au go to gameday live and you can stream the radio for any of the games. You can't just go to MMM, for example, as they play other crud over the internet during the games that they are broadcasting in Melb (or wherever). Eurosport2 (often available in hotels all over the world) has a weekly rap up show, that is played 4x per week normally. Typical AFL package of tripe, though. You can register (at a fee) for video feeds after the matches on afl.com as well, but this year I haven't bothered... Keep in touch with Demonland and demonology, often if you can't stream the game, the folks are kind enough to give you game updates (and their unbiased opinions!!) during the game. SImply logging on 1 hour after the match can tell you the result in about 5 second (look at the topics posted!) Also, realfooty.com.au (the age) and www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy are also good for the main footy articles coming through. As a member, you should also get your weekly newsletter. I also still get the NSW demons weekly newsletter, which I always enjoy. Enjoy yourself!

Riley must:Give the inexperienced players a go and see what they have got. Get the players to commit for 4 quarters Get the senior players (who are not watching it on TV from the Epworth) to back themselves. Riley will: Try a few 'crazy things' (Miller down back???) to make himself look different to Danners, at least one of which will work. Have different 'favourites' than Danners. Have a plan B (please, please, please!) Riley won't:Win us a flag this year (Ha, that was too easy!) Wont fix the kick ins (has been his responsibility before with no effect!) Be coach next year (too many 'glory boys' out there waiting for a shot....) What do you think?