John Crow Batty

Cloke last night failed because of poor service. The Pies midfield were inefective and their kicking to him was poor for a change. Put him in our side with our current setup and skill level he would be completely useless. The thought of a 7 year contract, Arrgh!

Why not, evey one at the club has had theres, Him, the Board and Connoly not enough.

Ask the players. Ask James Frawley why is not an All Australian anymore. Ask our draft picks why they are duds. Ask our experienced players why they have withered away.

With all the advantages we have had over them recently highlights the gross incompetance that has left us in this situation. Blaming the players and previous FD is protecting the real culprits.

What can we do go to get the players to rally?

yeah! and we imploded before the season started.

Any chance of our CEO quiting for the good of the club?

Funny hey! a couple of months ago they were a rabble. Labled as irrelevant and in crisis. Some pathetic performances and huge floggings. Sound familiar? So what do they do? They sack the CEO and now they are sooo hot. Smart thinking by their board. Act quick to cut the cancer out. Somehow I don't think our board would be as proactive so we will continue to suck lemons. Enjoy the game tonight.

true.

North were in some serious shiz a few months ago. Then they acted quickly and chopped the head off.

Well if they played like us they surely would have sunk a long time ago. They have nothing to fall back on. They represent an irrelevant suburban backwater which has lost its identity. Performance is key to their survival. There seems to be a certain smugness with us whether because we are the football symbol of this great city, the oldest club, the MCC connection or whatever that we can be serial crap and that there will always be someone that will bail us out of our next predicament. Like spoilt brat kids of the upper class we are.

I would go with Carlton too. We can at least claim the satisfaction that we shattered the bombers arrogant overconfidence and started them down their slippery slide if they miss the finals. The shocked look on their supporters was priceless.

I think David Cloke still has his nose out of joint because his other two sons were dumped by the pies. So perhaps he doesn't mind putting them through some pain. There was a lot of hype they were going to be superstars but turned out to be spuds. But from our point of view I question the merits of having two hugely paid big forwards essentially in the same role. It looks like we are trying to clone the pies forward line but we don't have the midfield talent that makes it work for them. The thought reminds me of the days of Peter Moore and Kelvin Templeton.

Wasn't it just a couple od seasons ago when some of our then leaders went to the board with concerns of how the younger players were being developed? I believe it was Junior, Bruce and Miller who raised the issue. Next season they are all gone. Correct me if I am wrong.

Yes, we have see what next season delivers. But he is not above scrutiny.

Lets trust his judgement? Reminds me of the Geelong game. Both our captains start on the bench. Clark wins an improbable ball and makes an even more improbable goal when the game is still up for grabs. Not one team mate comes to congratulate him. IMO Rivers has shown far more leadership than the co-captains this season despite being humiliated by his demotion which appears more political than football related. I don't believe the concept of divide and conquer works with football teams.

True. Any good manager will also pursue the best offer available. Ultimately it is up to the player where he wants to play but players don't have a choice who drafts them and if they are not entirely satisfied where they are currently at, they will be easily swayed.

We have a new leadership group yes. I question whether they are strong though. Aside from Clark and Jones as individuals. I would rate them a collective dis-functional C- so far. And don't trot out the excuse they are still learning.

OK, so you reckon we just go out and buy it? Too easy.

Funny that. Clark=Peter Moore. One Or two high price big name does not make a cohesive team. Where are all the grunts that make a great side?

So you suggest we can buy fighting spirit? At least some of our weaker sides had that. Now a crack of the whip and a few bucks will solve that you say. How about finding our soul that's been misplaced some where? That will be a good start.

Not radical additions. Just putting back what has been taken away.

Well, I would like to hear him say he will be playing for us next year and not leaving this big decision to his manager. He can wax lyrical about us but it means rats arse until his manager anoints us. I hope the hold up is just fine print stuff on trivial details.

Any further updates on Jack? Is he still alive? Anyone seen him lately?

We should be thankful we still have a choice.