Ned

Accurate of course. But it's a very competitive business - particularly given newspapers are dying and journalists are under huge pressure to produce exclusives to lure readers - so I tend to be a bit sympathetic and exercise my best judgement when reading. Our journalism is a bit sloppy but generally a good read.

Big difference between journalism and commentary. Mike S isn't much chop with his opinions but he often breaks stories - that's where he's good. The best example was Hird last year. All the ex-footy players said he wouldn't do it. All the professional journos said he would. They put the pieces together and were right. As to on the couch, Gerard has been very well informed in recent weeks and he really seemed to have something to push on Malthouse. It was a strange exchange in general.

If Fev was Jonno Brown it'd be worth it. But he's not. He's a kind person, I think, but he's just too destructive. The potential benefit isn't worth the probable cost.

Bailey was an assistant at Port and Essendon and both clubs won premierships. Bailey - lovely bloke and all - was a dud coach. Todd Viney was an assistant coach at Hawthorn in a premiership year. Too early to make any call on Todd but Melbourne don't seem that different in the past 2 weeks. Proximity to a successful coach doesn't mean an assistant will be successful. The Scott twins are clearly 2 bright blokes. No need for Neeld. Do agree with the opposition to Eade. Fifteen years of failure. Melbourne has enough baggage without adding his.

But what's the answer? The opposition has worked Davey out and Sylvia is exposed as a frontrunner - two of our most skilled layers. Scully is 20 and being offered $1 million a year. My sense is these guys need to move on, for them and for Melbourne. The five guys who committed last week plus Watts are a decent core. People need to want to be at Melbourne. I think Trengove needs to be made captain, Watts his deputy and get the assistant from Collingwood (Neeld?) Even then, I don't know how you resolve the factions at the club. But I can't escape the sense that Jimmy is the only one holding that side of it together (and even then the infighting seems horrendous). We are missing, I think, a really tough and competent person to put people in their places.

Ouch. I truly hope that's not the case. But I can, alas, see where you're coming from.

I wouldn't be counting on beating Richmond given our form and the fact they just flogged the Swans.

Fev would cost almost nothing. Sign him with a conditions-based contract.

Freo caught my eye as well. They really nailed it in those years. Out of 2008 only Watts and Bail look the goods so far.

I've already fessed up but am happy to do so again. He's terrific and i just love watching his competitive spirit. Seems like a really decent young bloke too. Watts and Trengove are terrific.

Totally agree.

I read this morning that Royal is contracted for three years. Please, please tell me it's not true. From the outset his appointment reeked of a spot at the club needing to be filled and him being the last assistant coach available as no other club wanted him.

Absolutely support this. A very hard and cool cat. He'd be great with our young brigade and bring some fresh perspective to our club.

Oh and should say all the best today Todd. I'd love to see you do really well in these next few games even if you have no intention of becoming a senior coach. Good luck!

Nice article. I know Mike means hardness etc when he refers to Viney being blue collar, but it does read strangely about a guy who went to one of adelaide's best private schools!

North is doing a bit better than us. I love Balme - history making premiership coach at Norwood and a good footy thinker. Would love him in that role.

When I write that he's good at digging clubs out of holes i mean he's capable of doing things like restoring us compared to 2008. I'm not disputing that. But once he stabilises a club he doesn't seem to be able to build from that. Just my impression, for what it's worth.

It's surprising that in 25 years of administrating, no club he's been associated with has won a premiership. I think that tells you something. I understand he isn't the coach. But strong clubs win flags. He's never seen anything through.

Great teams don't spring out of nowhere - a club needs to be well managed. The shenanigans of the past week suggest the opposite at Melbourne. Do you think Collingwood and Geelong are badly managed?

Chief, read my post again and apply some comprehension.

What record? He's been in the business for 25 years or so. None of his clubs have won a premiersip. Seems to me he's good at digging a club out of a hole but can't take the next step. Yet right now, as with the coach/playing group, the club needs to push on. History suggests he isn't the man.

I'd love Clarko. I love his combination of a good brain and almost psycho nature. Go Gaz. All your talk will be forgiven if you can land him!

Daisy works incredibly hard and always puts his body on the line (he's transformed himself). I've gone from despising him to having the uttmost respect for him as a player. I can't say the same for Sylvia. I was very happy to see Sylvia dropped. Good message from Viney. Having said that, I would love to see Sylvia get the message and come back a better player.

Fair point. But Malthouse, from memmory, took the dogs to top 4 and was very young at the time. I still believe that a man who can take a team to the top has something special. Of them all I'd take Roos as he did it quickly and without an exceptional list. But he's not available.

I like the decision to drop Sylvia and Jurrah - a statement had to be made. I liked his press conference. But I don't like our chances. I think all we can ask for is 100 percent effort and that seems to be what Todd is demanding. Good on him.