stueyspencer no12

This, and other similar pieces make it seem that the sacking of Norm Smith was ridiculous, a total stuff-up, a conspiracy against an innocent man. There was no simple right or wrong about his sacking. His behaviour leading up to the sacking was unsatisfactory, he was playing favourites and, worse, treating some players, eg, university students, appallingly. The Committee (as it then was) included a number of great supporters of Norm, indeed Norm and Cardwell had been very close, yet in the end, as I recall it, they voted unanimously to sack him

The appointment of Skilton was hardly a mistake. Would have had us in finals except for Walls screwing up a kick for goal v Footscray

He has no hope of a game on the forward line and key back line positions are filled. There SHOULD be a role as a back pocket playing on the tall forwards, Hale etc but several times on the back line he was simply pathetic. Didn't seem able to spoil marks. Frustrating because he is a lovely kick ( I also recall that lovely goal when he ran from the back pocket and kicked beautifully) But overall I just doubt that he is up to it

Well Milne added a great deal to the StK forward line with its 2 talls. Even on his bad days he was a threat; I reckon he won quite a few games for them. Someone, whether it be Byrne or JKH, is going to be needed assuming most of the talls are playing. Howe is very different, Blease perhaps the other possibility? To me , with good coaching, Blease should be an ideal wingman. So I like Jkh's prospects

I agree with this except that I think we are a bit hard on Terlich and Jones. they did ok in an absolutely awful team this year. in a competitive team I suspect they would look pretty good. You could easily lose 2 backs and find Georgiou playing a useful role. But as to King, if he can cope with the physical work which wil be put into him he's a real prospect

I like this! I also like young Max--a lot! I think he is a more natural mark than either his brother Max or Spencer. And he knows where the goals are too. A couple of bits of great crumbling football. I will bet this kid makes it.

I think there is something in this suggestion, tho I think he would do better in the back pocket against players like Hale. He always kills us.An earlier poster selected Tapscott in the back line. Hooray! It stuns me that after his initial 6 games pre hamstring, when he played so well down back, he's not been played there again. For a start he's a great kicker-in.he's looked like a fish out of water recently. As to Salem I don't think one can generalise about playing young players. Next year's team will be physically stronger than recently. If his form is up to it I would play him. I do find it hard to see Strauss getting a game. A really important choice will be the small forward. We need someone there with real pace, bearing in mind the talls who presumably will be playing. Could Byrnes be a Better player in a bigger, stronger forward line? He does have goal sneak smarts tho I'm sure we can do better later.

Hold on! Peterson,Gillies,Byrnes. In a large bunch of recruits even you would get some right!

Well as I said, I disagreed with the Bailey sacking. I do think that quite understandably the board felt it hard to disagree with Jimmy, as to a number of issues. Bear in mind that CS had a huge role in discharging the debt. Jimmy was the front man without whom it would not have happened, but CS did a hell of a lot of the work,I I'm sure Schwab regrets his role in the Neeld appointment, but he wasn't th only person who was wrong. Plainly Malthouse had a lot of respect for him and I believe the sub-committee was influenced by his (and Gary Lyons') views. I'm not into recriminations, people of good faith got it wrong. Now lets get on with it!

I thought the last quarter, in particular, showed how important is Jamar. Minson nearly killed us, too strong and fit for Maxie. Thought perhaps Fitz should have been tried more in the last quarter, on Minson. Big Max was buggered

Good one mate! He was rated best on ground inThe Age. His last 2 games have been outstanding.

Will we ever get a look at Davis? Why is he on the list if he can't get a single game in this team. I'd rather play him than Pederson

It was an excellent game. I think he is very promising. I would also take the matter to the tribunal

I wish you'd stop saying this! It's nonsense! We have always been underfunded for reasons well known. The club made finals 13 years out of 20 from 1987, despite the reduced resources. In that time, 3 good coaches, Northey,Balme, .Daniher. Membership was hugely improved. Couple of bad decisions (sacking of Daniher and Bailey) have damaged us badly. Sure, the relevant Boards must take responsibility for those