satyricon

Daz Dee's yes that was probably me paraphrasing for Jack Grimes, he probably said rested which I thought meant sore, the only concern I had about the uninjured players on the day was Matty Bate, he seemed very subdued, could be just a bit knackered from the game the day before.

From Family Day, in a quick word at the stands they were at, Grimes - spoken to him a few times in the past, assured me he was just rested as he was a bit sore from time in the middle and was sweet. Frawley (sitting next to Grimes) - had a pressure bandage on his calf, asked him, assured me precaution, sweet as for Rd 1 Rivers - bouncing round on the Polaroid Photo stand sitting, standing, etc, didn't seem in any discomfort, told me he was sweet. Joel Mac - a very quick word, said he was fine, end of conversation....

I used to post on here ages ago under a different name, the reason I stopped was the cynicism and negativity that seem to invade every post no matter the subject. I am all for everybody having a different opinion which should be heard, but negativity for the sake of it is destructive. The point I was trying to raise is that the players know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. Our part is to go and support them whilst they do it, and not bag them unnecessarily, yes I get frustrated with some players during the game but it is only a game, as soon as it's over, it's over.....on to the next one...and a chance for them to improve on the last effort.

As I said I was blown away by his honesty so would prefer not to name, we did discuss the game plan, yes there is one, and it is not the coaching panels fault if as somebody says above we either can't or haven't got the experience to follow it. Suffice to say he has been on the list a couple of years I actually made a point of speaking to the younger players as they are less recongnisable and more easily approached in a crowd situation. Two other things stood out, I had had a good chat with Jack Fitzpatrick at the AGM, saw him again at the Family Day, told him I was at Visy Park for the practice game, he actually apologised to me for not getting much of a kick in that game and he would do better next time, wants to improve Cale Morton - hiding in a corner on his crutches, asked him how he was going, he said "I am ahead of schedule and hopefully will be back quicker than thought", I told him not to rush it as he was an important player for the future, said "I want to get back playing and get Melbourne going ahend"...

I totally agree with RobbieST's sentiments, I would like to add this bit. I spoke to one of the 'younger' players at the Family Day, I won't name him as he was brutally honest, he was completely frustrated not only with himself but other team mates. He said "we are sent out with a game plan each game, but when you have the ball, look up and when the first or second option is not where they are supposed to be, you have to handball or kick it away, it makes you and the rest of the team look bad. We know we are getting it wrong, but we can't continue to use the youth excuse, we have just got it get it right, all of us, and we will" I actually walked away more optimistic than when I approached him