Longsufferingnomore

WJ I beg to differ but there were three Board personnel who made the transition - Peter Spargo, Karen Hayes and Andrew Leoncelli. Some believe that PG or Steve Harris soured MFC's relationship; with the MCC and the AFL. There were also some on the PG Board who were disappointed that CC had spoken to someone at AFL with regard to the financial situation that the Club was in at the time. I think the Board had been up to this point been told that the financials were fine but others believed that the Club was insolvent. I think the CEO at the time was Ray Ellis who was relaced by John Phillips.. It was reported that CC felt that it was too important an issue not to be bought to the AFL's attention (cant remember actual quote) but there seemed at the time some conjecture whether the Club should have gone to the AFL for a handout. I think they did get an early release of funds from the sale of Waverley. (CC's actions could be seen as either medlying or his genuine fear that the Club was going the same way as Fitzroy). The MCC at the time refused to prop up the Club and they also believed that the Club was insolvent or close to it. The Board since 2009 has remained stable other than Andrew Leoncelli departing (for business and family reasons) and Peter Szental passed away in July 2010. DMc joined the Board in 2011 with John Trotter. The PG Board Members that were replaced/not re-elected in 2009 were Bev O'Connor, John Phillips, Steven Bickford, Michael Coglin, Peter Dohrmann, Sue Nattrass, Charles Sitch and Anthony Starkins. The PG Boards from 2004 to 2008 were fairly static with very little change. Anthony Starkins had been part of a faction I think against the merge. Someone else might remember this part of our history better than me. From my reading Greg Sword (Union Official) was instrumental in backing PG for President of the Club in 2004. An interesting quote I found in my historical delving was from CC who was discussing the issue of sports psychology being an accepted part of the landscape of AFL Clubs. CC sent a message to his Club (Fremantle) supporters suggesting "that some of the members need phychiatric or marital help if their entire family wasn't committed to the the cause". Another example of CC taking the "mickey". From my memory when Jim took over the Presidency it seemed from an outsider point of view it was done without bloodshed and PG and his Board bowed out gracefully however as someone else said who knows what went on behind closed doors and who was left with a very heavy axe to grind.

Can you let us know where you sit on game days!

Add Gutnick to Szondy and Gardner.

That person was sitting in my row and when questions were being asked moved up to the front. He was there from the start with an obvious "agenda" and seemed agitated from the start. I thought he caught everyone of guard with his quite legitimate question and it wasn't handled that well by those on the platform. He also cornered CS after the meeting and was having an animated conversation with him.

I can confirm that RR is hovering in the background.

Just found the scoop of the year. For all those worried about bruising their fruit, Domayne have a "banana hanger" and at a bargain basement price of $11.95. Be quick because after this there will certainly be a run on them.

How sad.

WYL also heard this yesterday from someone close to the Board.

I'm on the side that if you write "their lawyers remain concerned....." I would say that it has been leaked either by our Legal team or someone who is privy to the machinations of the Club or the Legal Team. Wouldn't you leave yourself open to having to retract.? I am both entertained and [censored].

Rereading CW's article it amazes me that she had so much information down to timing of conversations. I agree it looks as if the leakee/s could be from within the coterie. . I wonder if Guy Jalland could be a target as he was quoted as being "an influential Schwab" supporter. Is McLardy a target because he "organised" Jimmy's becoming President. The more I think about 186 and the tanking issue there is a link. Once the link is identified the person/group who has conducted this vile attack on the Club will also be identified. The last paragraph of today's Age article "they (MFC Legal Team) are determining whether to submit their full case or to hold back key points" is disturbing. Why would you leak such information to the opposition if only to dis-stabilize and this case the MFC' s Legal team.

No one is questioning his right to question but if he has come to that conclusion then there must be reasons. Isn't it reasonable then if you openly state your opinion that most logical members here would expect some back up as to how you came to that conclusion. As I stated that if it is personal then it should not be aired here.

Presume you are talking about old Boards.

Fan you make statements however you have not to date put forward one piece of evidence. You call other people "silly".

AGM looks like it is really going to be interesting this year.

What have you got against DM. Did he get the job that you wanted after Jim passed. If it is a personal issue you have with Don then it is probably best not aired here but if you are unhappy with the way he handled a Club issue then that should be debated openly. You know that there will be members here who will disagree and agree. I am sure you have the betterment of the Club at heart and therefore if you are so intent on disposing of DM, your reasons should be out in the open for all to discuss.

If you make the decision to make public your opinion (of which is a fairly serious accusation) then you should be expected to be asked the question - why! You must have reasons for forming that opinion. You mentioned that you have already stated reasons why yet now you believe that you have the right not to reveal them. Which is it.

Can you be a little clearer as to why McLardy "fall(s) short of best practice" and who would you have in mind would be a better President.

The good thing about the leaking of so called investigative material is that it is looking more likely that CS and DB are likely to get off. CC still not sure. Kero will be fuming that she has again missed her opportunity to get CS. She will however let no opportunity go missed.

Thanks Macca. Feeling rather chuffed with myself. Hope Stuie and Biff like it.

Now what about Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams Come True. That should really get the MCC members "rockin" in their seats. It also for Stuie and Biff - come on you two just make up - you know you want to! (Sorry tried to paste the You Tube Video but am technically inept - anyone tell me how to do it?)

From this I presume that you believe that Demetriou initiated this whole exercise. If so how do you explain AA's contribution? "It was left to individuals at Melbourne to seek out coffee meetings with retired greats" - can you clarify what you mean here. G Lyon? I can't see D going down with his "vendetta" if it is at all his. He would know that his quote "there is no tanking" would be thrown up again and again and I doubt that D could stomach the thought that he may have errored in making that observation. From my observation if he had have been in the country when McLean made his statement and the sh%t hit the fan that D would have handled it in a very different way and we would have had a very different outcome. It would have been handled differently soley to exorcise himself out of a difficult situation not to protect a failing Club.

Whoever you are well done to get at least a different perspective printed.

A lot of the reports say that Dawes seems to be fumbling (will fit in well - lol) but I was told by a Coll%##?>d tragic that Dawes had a knuckle(I think)badly crushed (someone stood on it) and was operated on. Not sure whether this was last year which may explain his tentativeness when grabbing the ball. I must say I am a little concerned with Dawes being completely ready for Round 1. He seems to have joined main training late and doesn't seem to be making the impact in training that I would have hoped for a major signing. Maybe we were spoilt when we got Clark.

Look forward to the next instalment. At least we know that our side of the investigation is in good hands, becoming slightly pudgy but still diligent. Onward and upward WJ and your faithful companion R.