Dr. Gonzo

Eagles Lions Bills

Bucs put up a good fight but probably lost the division today. Should've gone for 2 when they had the chance, much better to go for broke than think they could win in OT.

Not only that but out of pure self interest, if North folds/relocates we are one step closer to the executioner ourselves. It is in our interest to have teams like North as it keeps the frothing masses at bay for us, it gives us an ally when dealing with the AFL (competitive balance fund or whatever it's called now as well as addressing other inequities like the salary cap, FA, draft/academies, fixture etc) and it gives us another Vic ally (once the interstate clubs hold a majority they will be pushing for any number of things to weaken the Vic clubs). Careful what you wish for.

It's easier when there are 16/17 games a season vs 82 (NBA/NHL) or however many in baseball (160+?)

Unlikely. To be honest, unless there are significant behavioural issues uncovered by the review I would prefer it kept in-house. They may release key findings but as long as the findings are acted on (and supporters will know whether this is happening or not based on the clubs actions) it's best managed by the Board/FD.

Unfortunately, cynicism is a necessary trait in the modern world. "Through being involved in this year’s reviews Pert discovered, or had it reinforced to him, that his departure was necessary to bring meaningful change at Melbourne. The reviews did not recommend that he go - but they did make it clear that leadership change would be beneficial. Combined with the departure in September of president Kate Roffey, this leadership reset would create “clear air” and a project a new start for the club. The review recognised Pert’s value with the ongoing pursuit of the Caulfield racecourse development for a Melbourne home base. That’s why he has been retained as a consultant beyond Christmas when his reign as Melbourne’s longest serving chief executive will come to an end. The knowledge that there would be a change of CEO was also a significant factor in Steven Smith’s change of heart to seek to join the board now." https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/pert-said-melbourne-had-the-best-culture-he-d-seen-his-exit-shows-he-was-out-of-touch-20241031-p5kmv7.html

Didn't Hardwick get the same feedback after the 2016 review? Another coach too from memory, Buckley after 2017 review? Both had good results. Of course you need to be serious but not walk around like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, that breeds anxiety in the playing group which is a death knell in pro sports. Fun and enthusiasm take teams a long way.

Sun Tzu said that?

Caulfield is yet to be realised and until it is I'll hold my fire on congratulating anyone for getting close. The last strategic plan said we would commence build by end of 2023 which didn't happen. Strategic plan expired end of 2023, no new one by Board/CEO. Increased membership/finances on back of premiership onfield success. Failed to consolidate this including failure to meet strategic objectives 2 & 4. Crowds and membership dropped off significantly in 2024. Presided over poor culture and leaking of sensitive info to the media after this had been curtailed under PJ. Thanks for your service Gary but it was time to move on and I think it probably happened a year or so later than it should have. Hopefully we get a strong operator on board who can get the club back on track in 2025.

Josh Mahoney, any chance we go cap in hand back to him?

When you have a good culture you don't need to keep telling everyone how good it is. It is self evident.

Wow, I am shocked! According to the happy clappers on here everything is rosy at the club and the evil media have just been making up lies about us, so I am stunned that the President and CEO have both been told to make way.

Houston Washington Detroit

Looking at that whole game though the Ravens dropped 3 interceptions that basically hit them on the chest and then also a dropped catch by a receiver. Browns were good but those dropped catches on both sides of the ball definitely cost the Ravens.

Hahahahahaha what did I say? This franchise is a [censored] clown show, I don't know how you ever fix this, send them to England, London Jets has a good ring to it (nice Red Dwarf reference too).

Nice win by the Rams today, bad call at the end but realistically would it have mattered? Vikings hadn't scored a TD since 1st quarter and had to go the entire field with about 1 min 40s and no timeouts. Not impossible but unlikely Rams with Nakua and Kupp back are a whole different ballgame, NFC West up for grabs and they hold a tiebreaker over SF already. All these people picking the Jets, you crazy. I mean we should win running away with it but I've watched too many Jets games to get too confident. In fact this has the makings of a Drake Maye breakout game just to officially kill our season off and add to the misery of Jets fans everywhere thinking the Pats have found a QB already.

I believe so but may depend what level of reserved seats?

I got a call yesterday, I have AFL membership but considering adding on MFC reserved seats. I'd give them a ring as they've started looking at it.

Ravens Packers Chiefs

Did anything precipitate Oliver meeting with Geelong?

Hackett was demoted to.....I don't know what he does now. New playcaller since Bills game, Browning? Downing? Offense has been slightly better since the change but the O-line just stinks, Breece Hall is almost being tackled before getting the handoff most times. Defense isn't great either, they fixed the run defense slightly against the Steelers but the corners (with Reed out) were horrible. Gardner is having a poor year, being targeted more often and giving away way too many PI penalties. Hopefully Reddick will help if he can put pressure on the QB but who knows what shape he is in after missing half a season.

AND willing to take on his salary?