praha

I'm in a similar mindset, but REALLY thinking of it, I conclude that this season can go any way. But I don't expect more than 5-6 wins. I just want more than 2 wins against Melbourne clubs. Melbourne finished last in 2012 with 1 win. That's the way I saw it.

your confidence made me lol

I like how this viral thing has gotten otherwise-serious and professional people to engage in downright outrageousness. Funny stuff!

I'm the same as the OP. I think last year was very tough on me and the club and its supporters. I haven't been this disinterested in a season in a long time. It makes me sad, because there is a lot of hope. But I smell a wooden spoon this year. I don't know why. It's just a lingering stench.

If the club doesn't win a flag with this crop of youngster, it never will.

I've worked with The Age editorial staff in the past, and I'm well aware of their legal obligations. As far as Caro's opinion pieces go, the club cannot sue as it's a corporation. She has been careful on her naming of individuals, only going as far as to mention what certain people are accused of. She has been hard on the club as a whole. Her pieces would have been rigorously proofed by the legal team, who I'm sure would have made amendments and told her to tone it down. It may also have encouraged her to publish these pieces if she was able to demonstrate her knowledge on the issue. So it's interesting that she published these pieces, because The Age is generally far more particular with its statement of fact and opinion and maintaining a balance. It does it better than anyone. It wouldn't have published these pieces if it didn't stand behind what Caro had to say. Not to say the club is in the wrong, but it is worth considering what is driving this entire thing.

How is it an about face by the Age? Newspapers should offer both sides, different views. Caro's views and reporting don't represent the views of The Age as a newspaper, rather merely the views and knowledge of a single reporter.

Ewwwwwwwwwwwww, there's a Brian Royal on my pre-season update.

I try to convince myself of this every day...

What a silly thing to say. South of the Yarra is a great place to live. Lots of services and resources. Lived in Toorak just on the border of South Yarra for about 6 months - paid $330 a week for a spacious one bedroom apartment with view of the city, secure carpack and entrance, great, classic building. I would suggest: Richmond Collingwood East Melbourne Prahran South Yarra Glen Iris

Terrible headline. Something like "Clark on the mend" or "Clark pinned to recovery track".

I don't understand how Essendon can get red so well. I also can't understand why Melbourne is so afraid to go down the dark jumper route it had in the 50s and 60. Who cares if it's too dark compared to Essendon? You make sure you're the dominating and popular club. I think that the club is underestimating the high definition televisions, and it appears like it's going against the stream. It made a red that looked pink on television. Would an even darker red, and a dark blue look light on television and still have a distinctive red and blue look? The club has failed terribly in that regard. Those jumpers were pink and blue to 97% of football lovers that would only see Melbourne on television.

What's a "Scully"?

I don't think we'll go backwards, but I can't imagine us going beyond, say, 6-7 wins. I'd be happy with one win over a top-8 side, and at least 3 wins against Melbourne clubs or non-GC/GWS.

I can see the headline now... "Player evades [censored], says he's happy at club that has just drafted him."

MISOGYNIST! *points and judges*

Look at that frickin' tricep...

If the Fink's grossly dysfunctional recommendations as to new media in the media inquiry earlier this year are anything to go by, the club has nothing to worry about.

I like to think so because part of me is still in the mind-90s. But I don't think so.

Don't get all emotional on me. If the media thinks the club is interesting enough to invest its coverage in, the brand must have SOME worth. Ideally the club would have/probably has recognised this and is still on track to optimise its exposure and amplification. IMO I would invest heavily in media PR coverage, which it very may well be doing, and promote the brand to mainstream as much as possible. Maintain at least a positive relationship with those now aware of the club and its colours after having been exposed to this coverage. The best club's in the world do it. The club keeps getting into these sorts of rabbles and it always comes out looking worse for wear because it can't address its own issues. Sometimes you need to take stuff by the balls And to be honest I think the club will remain stable after all of this. If everything's broken up now, it would be an indictment on its brand's recent progression towards resembling a historical club. Just my 2 cents. Probably closer to 50 cents. (Edited because holy [censored] sometimes I type long sentences. A few in there still).

Could definitely make it into the Herald Sun!

Lead the way

Amazing, amazing thread!

Maybe I'm alone but I think seeing five articles about Melbourne on the Superfooty homepage, albeit relatively negative ones, is better than having absolutely no coverage whatsoever. Such prevalence of coverage of Melbourne means the media acknowledges the club's growing brand and the importance of covering issues that surround the club. I doubt North, Bulldogs would get anywhere near as much scrutiny. The media hacks the club because it expects better. Everyone does. It holds the club accountable, and I think in the long run the club will learn a lot from the ordeals of the past few weeks. Melbourne should be up there with Collingwood, Hawthorn.

Perhaps he can teach the players how to lead by example when their team is getting belted by 30 goals...