P-man

Ron's explained he was a few sheets to the wind when he made it. I think we can excuse some drunken optimism.

Even Ed wouldn't think that was realistic, surely. I'll pass on Shaw. It's not often I wave the "too much of a [censored]" card. I didn't even wave it for Martin. I'm waving it for Shaw.

Pendles should be playing for us dammit, as should Judd. New zoning rules - you get drafted by the club you support. Actually scratch that. Pretty soon we'd struggle to field a full side.

True, I watched the game and Danger was awesome (against GWS), but unless the guy who polls 3 votes kicks 11 goals, 10 goals gets you the 3 votes, surely. Lynch was superb that day. Robbed in my book, and indicative of the umps general favouritism.

He really should be on Jones' level. He's good enough.

I beat Rangey in the Supercoach GF. It was a nice feeling.

Nah, Howey was there. Or at least his missus was.. One of my favourite parts of the night was seeing Fred Goldsmith, the oldest living and only defender to win it. I live in hope that they'll one day amend the voting system to duly reward the key position players. Tom Lynch kicked 10 goals in a game and still couldn't manage to get the 3 votes ffs. It's a disgrace.

Any chance of them updating the membership counter? I want to see how it's tracking. Unless we actually have been stuck on 14,501 for several weeks..

Contract offer on the table - http://www.melbournefc.com.au/melbourne/news/2013-09-25/dees-offer-new-contract-to-sylvia He was consistent without being great, but with the list in its current state, he's very much a required player imo. He himself believes he can improve again on his performances this year and under Roos, whose to say that he won't.

COLA aside, I've never really had any great issue with the Swans. An ugly side is being revealed here. Colless always has been a tosspot, I guess.

Colless needs to drink a cup of concrete.

What rock have you been living under? (I hope he signs, just for the puns)

As unfortunate as it is for the fallout to occur, it's brilliant for us. As he says himself, this galvanises him in his role as Melbourne coach. Can't understand the Swans not "allowing" Dew to interview..

Been burned too many times now. When the dark days are truly over we will know.

Yep, time to get behind him. Can't think of him anymore as the personification of the Swans. In Roos we trust. Btw Ron, am I wrong in recalling you making similar posts/threads about Neeld? I think your love is much better directed this time.

It was good. I still sensed some hesitancy when the leadership group was discussed. I understood his prioritising becoming a better player, but I'd have really liked to hear his desire to join the leadership group. He is one player that needs be a leader now, not a follower. I love the idea of him locking down a role in the midfield. His elite disposal will be invaluable in improving the efficiency of our forward entries. But he's going to need to put in one hell of a pre-season if he's to be thrown into the thick of it. His output to date won't be cutting it. Time to step it up a few notches.

This seems a pretty clear cut proclamation to me of the dire consequences in 2014, noting all the other changes that have happened with coaching and administration: This is another example of the sky is falling attitude. People have been worked up into such a frenzy that the awarding of a PP has been twisted into an issue of far greater significance than it ever ought to have been. And I do not agree with that assertion. It is more of the same victim complex that has swept this place like a firestorm. I have read the endless "woe is us" threads on here, pedalling the idea that the AFL and other clubs are out to get the MFC. The AFL are not the enemy of the club. The last thing they want is to see it go under, and they've demonstrated that by hand delivering the best CEO and coach money can buy, Whilst I think the AFL would want to be very clear on its criteria for PPs in the future if Melbourne's circumstances don't qualify, I see the logic to their decision. To suggest that another club would have succeeded in these circumstances is clutching at straws, and just serves the purpose of more pointless hand wringing.The fact the other clubs unsurprisingly support the decision is neither here nor there. The AFL will wait to see what unfolds given the dramatic changes at the club, with a list they deem not to be as bad as what it has shown. Another year to find that out isn't going to kill anyone.

I was happier than I expected to be at this news. I would've hated watching him run around for another club. We've seen him through the tough times, of which there have been plenty. The best years are ahead for Jack.

This is honest to god getting embarrassing. Victim mentality vs reality indeed. I know which one is prevalent on here, and it isn't the latter. You're saying that next season could spell the end of the club, and a PP could mean the difference in that sudden required improvement. So essentially, a PP could save the club. What garbage. If we are not a measurably improved team by this time next year I'll be shocked. But if we aren't, the club will still be around, and the PP will be revisited. Until then, get over it.

We were on the kids table with GWS.

Watts with 3 votes against the Dogs. More of that next year thanks Jacky boy.

I wouldn't expect you not to react, but now the decision has been made, I would hope the collective foot stamping would eventually cease. It ain't changing. We are coming from a long way back. By expecting meaningful improvement, as I do, to not be embarrassed on a weekly basis in 2014 would be a tick. We are looking at a few years here. It's going to be more patience and hard work. There's no false expectations on that.

Agreed. I was as surprised as others but in Roosy we trust. Welcome back, Pia. You too, Brad, I guess.

Thank god that's over. More than comfortable with the decision, and would be even happier if this put an end to priority picks. PJ's reaction was much the same as mine: “The club believed its form in recent years warranted a submission for a priority pick. The role of the AFL commission is to make independent judgements on such requests and we accept their decision today (Monday) not to grant the club a Priority Pick and move on". Not the end of the world, or anything remotely close to. Plenty of reasons to feel positive about the future. I have total faith in Jackson and Roos to steer the club back from the brink.

Can they move on after that?