Footynut

That has normally been a good sign the deal is done. Great news. Looking forward to seeing a pic of all our recruits together in their dees jumper!

I'm with you on this RB but I think the general line was something like: Oh we got Dawes he is rubbish, I hope we don't trade away our future for NQRs from other clubs. I will believe in Neeld when I see results I have been burnt to many times with this club. Its all Cam Schwab and the 100’s of overpaid staff i n front office that are the issue with this club. Reality is most of these statements are pure conjecture drawn without knowing the true facts. I don't think some people will ever be happy. But everyone its entitled to their opinion I guess.

Some would say glutton for punishment Jumbo!

You probably recall they did the exact same thing with Jordie Mckenzie in order to have them play out the full 3 yrs as a rookie they promise contract them an iron clad upgrade.

Agree - it is difficult to fix all the wrongs in one years draft......

I did put question marks next to the unconfirmed names...that was my fault obviously being unclear as it distracted you from the point which was senior players have left and there is a need to replace some experience on the list. Bringing in premiership experience from good clubs is better than what we have had.

I have said on another thread Evans has a contract that guarantees him an upgrade to senior list next year which was agreed prior to Neeld arriving. Nicholson has exactly the same contract.

Further to that Jack Viney is Poo is he? Clarke was certainly poo last year so we can assume Dawes will be too right? Great logic...What is amazing is how quickly some people turn these threads to poo..

I have spoken to Neeld personally about this and his view was Hardwick saw Clarkson go through 'hell' by not culling when he first got to Hawthorn and therefore decided to go hard first year. Neeld said he could have done this first year but wanted to give players an opportunity. I think halfway through last year he was regretting that decision as he was let down badly by certain players and their level of commitment and ability.

Just to clarify Evans and Nicholson had Iron Clad contracts committing to being upgraded signed prior to Neelds arrival this happen this year. Therefore regardless they both will be elevated to the senior list. So you need to factor in 2 rookie upgrades to the senior list. I also think this is one factor why we were happy to take Hogan as we could keep one spot on the list open for one of our current players for one more year while still adding a player to commence with us the year after.

We must consider that part of what Neeld is planning to do is replace some of the lost balance of experience in the list. This brings hardened bodies and a change in the leadership culture. We have lost Moloney, Junior, Bruce, Green, Rivers? over the last couple of years. We now have Clarke, Byrnes, Dawes, Ray? coming in to set the example and provide real experience and leadership. Dawes has a lot to offer our club more than just the onfield stuff. It amazes me how some people are acting like we should have got Buddy or someone.... We have maximised our position to the fullest and should be really pleased with giving ourselves some chance of being more competitive next year.

I also like many disagree with OP. Just a point on MFC not being to woo current players which was asserted that could be due to a footy dept in disarray and the impression others have of our club. This perception has gone on for years and is not Neeld Specific. Players in the past like Matera, Judd, Burgoyne, Ball, Gunston have not come to Melbourne.....frankly it was a massive effort and subsequent win for us our CURRENT football dept managed to not only get Mitch Clark across but also to see him want to make a difference at our club. As many have already said OP is off track. To view it as a current dept issue ignores the past 20 years of this continuing to occur.

Would come to light even more if the premier can afford to recruit Tippett.

Same could be said for Jobe Watson though.... Look at Scott Thompson with Dangerfield taking votes or Collingwood with Swan etc etc..

Agreed the players need to be disciplined and follow the schedules individually set out by Mission. Only then can they be said to be serious bout holding up their end of the bargain. They have the facilities....use them!

Our technology and training facilities, as well as our fitness and coaching structures ARE on equal footing if not better than all other clubs. I have seen ours and many other clubs facilities and tech setups. As alluded Melb Storm don't seem to have any issue with getting the best out of the facilities. Sorry Lloydy but the so called rich clubs like essendon didn't seem to benefit from being so rich on field this year? As for the assertion or resentment by some the clubs fundraising means we are poor....where do you think any AFL club is without its wealthy members pumping money in year after year. We do it publicly via a dinner. Others such as Carlton and Collingwood and Geelong receive 'gifts' from their high rolling members. I don't know who or if Lloyd spoke to anyone but I can say with eyes wide open we simply do not have a gap in term of football training facilities.

Just finished the book and now understand the significance of this article. Thanks so much for posting. I reflect that I knew Jim was suffering but like so many assumed he would be ok and let him continue his involvement at the club. To be fair Garry Lyon was right....he should have stepped in earlier for Jim. What an outstanding person Jim was and so honest with himself. Hard to believe Tom had the audacity to lie when he could have just been upfront. Says a lot about Tom as a person actually, he has a long journey ahead of him. Rest in peace now big Jimma.

Gotta tell you all he was always going to struggle to justify a spot on our list next year. This a weight off the clubs shoulders. Now we can get back on to matters mainly concerning football. Thanks to Liam but reality is the club gave you everything and should not feel guilty about now maximizing it's position.

Sensational post. Thanks Pants

I'd want to raise money to fund a court action against the AFL, Brock McLean and Paul Gardner.

I totally understand your realistic approach but surely we should expect better integrity from our former club presidents than this. Paul Gardner had the opportunity to say nothing and demonstrate unity. He did the opposite to serve himself. The part history of factions played in that was his own hurt ego.

Great post I agree entirely. To me this is why I can't understand Gardner having a public opinion on this. This shows he was always about himself and not the MFC.

Let's agree to disagree. True MFC people are those who seek to sacrifice themselves for the good of the club. Anyone who is party to a faction that is not seeking to unite the club is in fact then working against the club and for themselves.

I just fail to understand anyone could be so self serving as Paul Gardner. He either hates the club or couldnt get over that he was ousted and he feels the need to sink the boots in to make himself feel better. A true MFC person wouldn't put their nose in and fuel the fire. Paul you are nothing but an arrogant man who is sour and only demonstrating you care more about yourself than the club. Please never associate with the MFC again. We don't need people like you. You are a disgrace to the MFC.

Forget the WA teams apparently WCE had a major issue with the Morton family and Freo are well aware of Morton's issues. They will not take him.