P-man

He saw the way she handled a hose and the rest is history. Sweet, disturbing history.

I certainly don't agree that North can't be real challengers within the next few years. Dal Santo isn't just chasing money, he thinks they could have a real crack, and I agree with him.

I get what you're saying but the reality of their situation goes beyond sentimentality. You could argue it would be equally sad for Cross to spend his remaining season at the Bulldogs playing just a couple of senior games. The Dogs fans will always hold him in high esteem, and this move doesn't alter that. Same for Chapman. Why give the game away when you still have something to offer? Dal Santo is a bit different but he has given such great service to that club, I'd be surprised if many of them begrudged him the opportunity for ultimate success before he bows out. In all honesty, free agency thus far hasn't exactly been the evil to end all evils. The Hawks may have a gripe about it, but maybe they can focus on that after they stop celebrating the premiership.

Ditto.

Kinda gutted for Mags. Pity about Taggert, there goes one of Ben's best 22 for 2014.

He really does move alot like Shuey doesn't he? Could do alot worse.

No point harping on about it now. The club is moving towards greener pastures. Best of luck to Gys, whatever he chooses to do from here.

Substitute ACT for NSW and your story is eerily similar to mine Ron, although my highest cricket claim to fame is playing firsts with David Dawson (now plays for NSW). Gilly is definitely one to chalk up. Played rep soccer up until U17s when music, girls and booze were discovered. Adopted our game in the mid 90s and gave it a bash in my ANU days where I discovered that I was destined for fandom.

And maybe a Lucas Cook - arguably worse than Cale because we got literally nothing out of him.

Yeah nah I can't agree with that. Whilst I agreed with many of his list changes, a couple of which may in fact end up being his legacy, overall he was a shocking appointment. He was unpopular because he was a terrible senior coach.

A former defender/midfielder as forward line coach eh? It really is becoming Swans 2.0. But hey, if it brings success who cares.

I'm not actually. He's thick as two bricks and I'm not absolving him of responsibility. Certainly you could say he put ego before club. But the fact is if it weren't for Neeld, he'd still be here. I don't believe it was as clear cut as him leaving a sinking ship. I just think it's a bit unfortunate, because it was avoidable, that's all.

Hm, I guess it depends on your definition of "early". David King, early? Expressing doubts is different from categorically saying he is not the man for the job. I know GNF was strongly anti-Neeld but not sure how early. Myself and stuie were anti-Neeld but not until the beginning of the year, and even at that stage we were outnumbered in most Neeld discussions. To be honest, I'm not sure if calling out a coach a few months into his tenure is ever a wise thing to do, irrespective of how it panned out. Coaches need to be given a decent chance to instill their game plan and ethos. Benefit of the doubt, as it were. Neeld's grace period inevitably expired.

Good point. I forgot he's been given the flick after too many unannounced doorstep visits.

haha..oh man, those Benny quotes aren't pretty. But we've all made bad calls, a bit unfair to drag up the past. And who can put hand to heart and say they saw the extent of the Neeld disaster coming?

Give it time. Right now, Cross is an outsider and therefore not to be trusted. It takes time for Satyr's worshipping complex to take hold. Once players and officials have been at the club long enough, they can literally do no wrong.Three important rules to remember: 1. All Melbourne coaches and admin are never to be questioned. They are gods. 2. All Melbourne players should never be scrutinised. They are gods. 3. All fans on demonland, bigfooty, pretty much anywhere online, are clueless scum and not to be trusted. Treat them with utmost contempt at all times. I'm actually glad Satyr doesn't like the Cross recruitment. Based on his posting history, it means we're onto a good thing.

Let's not turn this political. Could say the same of Greg "I'm a wilfully ignorant mouthpiece who uses wikipedia to back up an argument" Hunt. Or "carbon tax carbon tax carbon tax carbon tax btw we're raising the debt ceiling" Hockey. Or Pyne, or..you get the idea. I'll actually feel a little bit sorry for Beamer if Brisbane slip to the bottom and he watches Melbourne make its rise back up. For all his faults, I believe he really loves the club and will have wanted to be a part of it. It's unfortunate.

This post would be alot more suited to the club's Facebook page.

This is beneath Wayne's higher plane of thinking.

I've actually thought that on many occasions, even in the last two seasons. On paper the team hasn't looked too bad, then the realisation that the game isn't being played on paper sets in. Along with the improved list, greater confidence and standards that flow from genuine respect for the coach could be quite significant. But I agree that hope and expectation are very different.

It's a very good thing the Fitz found some form this year. Hopefully he can build on it.

This should end well. Usually does.

FFS. Was never this injury prone at the filth was he? Better now than later I suppose.

Although I think Brown is going around for another year Django.

Yeah I have to say on the back of all that, we should be beating Brisbane next year. And I don't say that about any team.