RudeBoy

I don't pretend to speak on Liam's behalf, but as his close friend I wanted to thank the many Dees supporters who took Liam into their hearts and supported him on his journey from Yuendumu to the MCG. I understand why there are those who feel angry, bitter, betrayed and more than anything frustrated and disappointed at HIS DECISION to depart from the club. This decision was not made lightly, but was coming for quite some time, especially after he moved to Adelaide some weeks back. No-one on Demonland, nor indeed anyone except those personally close to Liam have any idea of the issues he has had to face this past year. Contrary to the perception shared by many, these personal issues are not the result of him being Aboriginal or from a remote community. They are complex, family problems which are his private business. However, he felt he could only deal with these issues by being amongst his family, many of which now live in Adelaide. I know it's hard to believe sometimes, but there are some things in life more important than football. So rest assured, his decision to leave the Dees should not be read as an indictment on the club, or due to their mishandling of him. The club has been terrifically supportive and patient with Liam, and he and his family (and me) will always feel very appreciative of their efforts. I hope he finds peace of mind and happiness being surrounded by his own mob in Adelaide. Maybe, he will also get another opportunity to play for an AFL club over there, but frankly, this is a secondary consideration just at the minute. Thanks again to all who have supported Liam.

No need to apologise mate, but thanks anyway. Footy people are passionate and it's what helps make the game so wonderful. I understand completely why some people might vent their frustration in all sorts of directions, including mine. I've got a thick hide mate. Also, I know that most Dees supporters continue to love Liam and give him their support. Let's hope he returns, has a great pre-season and turns on a blinder in 2013.

Liam is in Adelaide staying with some family members, while he sorts out his future plans. I don't intend to comment on his situation at all, other than to commend the club for the support they have provided Liam during his year from hell. I would love to see him continue playing in the red and blue for another 8 years, but to be perfectly frank, my main concern is for Liam's well-being and happiness.

He might be better adding 'The last Post' to his repertoire.

This same team won 8 1/2 games last year. This year we've recruited Mitch Clark who is proving to be the power forward we've desperately needed. We should be better this year, but we are a joke.

I thought David King was spot on. He's the only public figure who's had the guts to call a spade a spade. Supporters won't like hearing it, but everything he said was on the money.

I thought it was ridiculous that Bailey was sacked. His first 2 years, the club was obviously tanking, and last year he had the team on the verge of a top 8 finish when he was axed, after internal politics affected the team's morale leading into the Cats disaster. However, that was last year. This year everyone should support Neeld who is doing his best under the most trying of circumstances.

For mine, the club should forget about making Jack Watts a centre half forward. His best games have all been in defence. Leave him there and he might yet develop into an All Australian Centre Half Back.

No worries guys. I guess the club says he'll miss 4-6 weeks, because although it's normally a 2-3 week injury, his interrupted pre-season will require an extra couple of weeks to regain match fitness. Still it's a lot better than missing 12 weeks with a broken leg. After all the [censored] he's had to deal with this year, he was certainly due some luck.

Sprained ankle only - he will miss 2 weeks!

The scan results won't be known until tomorrow, so until then, it's just speculation.

This loss is much worse imo. Last year's shellacking occurred against the background of a club divided, political intrigue and players seemingly [censored] off after being canvassed for their views, but then having those views held against them. This year, after clearing out most of the football department, the club was supposedly united behind the new coaching regime. Regardless of who is at fault, there would appear to be a disconnect between most of the players and the coach and his gameplan. The players appear to lack all self belief and confidence. I fear that worse is yet to come.

Scans will reveal all, but the feeling is that it's more likely to be just ligament damage - don't know for sure obviously - meaning he'll miss about 3 weeks. Fingers crossed that's right.

Make no mistake folks. Liam is champing at the bit and ready to go!

As others have commented, thursday's hearing will only last a few minutes. If the case proceeds then it is likely to drag into next year. In the meantime Liam is available to play in Sydney this weekend. Believe me the Jurrahcane is ready to rumble!

I support Neeld because he is the current coach and success will only come to a united club. However, I am getting tired of the endless threads laying the blame for all the current poor form on the previous coach. For the record I thought Bailey was a good coach, who had the Dees winning more games each year of his tenure.

Thursday's court hearing for Liam is simply a mention. It will last only a few minutes and he will appear by video. It will set a future date for the actual court hearing.

The Jurrahcane is ready to rumble. Over to you coach!

I saw all the Casey game last week and was impressed by Watts' game. He read the play well, marked well and kicked well...including 4 goals. It seems like many are disappointed that he is not a tough brute of a player. He's not. What he is, is a very talented footballer who must be an important part of a successful Dees team. For mine, I would never have dropped him, but perhaps used him in defence to fast track the defensive side to his game.

A perfect summation of the situation.

More tanking is the last thing this club needs. The tanking culture of the past is one of the reasons the club is in such a deplorable state today.

The rot seems to have started after the players were surveyed for their opinions by a consultant.

It was great seeing Liam play again after what he's been through these past 8 months. I reckon he went ok, and was one of the best in the opening quarter. He showed he had bit in reserve when he spun around and goaled over his shoulder in the last quarter, before leading out for a mark and just missing another shot. He then followed up with a lightning hand pass goal assist. I'm no expert, but his touch was pretty good, but he probably needs 2-3 weeks in the VFL to build up his match fitness. All in all it was a good hit out for him and his coaches should be pleased to see him get through a game after being out for so long. Today I'm a happy man.

Liam is jumping out of his skin to play footy again.

It's easy to criticise players for being too slow, for lacking skills, for not contesting hard enough. I reckon the most important ingredient is self-belief. At present the players look slow, hesitant and at times soft, because they are lacking self-belief and confidence. As hard as it might be to believe, the Dees can still turn their season around if they can find some spirit and belief in each other. Find that and they will play instinctive football which looks quick and skilful. I guess it's up to the coach to generate that, but it can be done.