Harrisonrules

Cam did not walk out on the club. The club pushed him. He wanted to play for at least two more years, and possibly three. His fitness would have allowed it. The club only wanted him for one more year. Bailey was not shocked. That was an act. His indifferent comments over the previous week or so was poor player management. The club policy of one year after 30 is just a temporary measure to clear out the last survivers of the recent era. It will change once they are gone. Its a pity the club has disaffected a group of players all of whom were good friends. But then coaches don't see it the same way as supporters and players. Coaches come and go in a few years unless they turne out to be very very good.

Four went prematurely to other clubs

The game has become a game for super mobile and strong 187 to 195 cm athletes. The giants are from a bygone era. Already out of date. Wholse to blame the commission or Kevin

The Huns usual form,, an old photo

That is the most discusting accusation I've seen on this forum and I believe you should apologise to his wife. Its defamatory and shows a complete disregard for decency toward people. I didn't think we had such people of poor judgement at our club. If you want to challenge me I will give you my name and phone number.

Brucie wanted to stay at Melbourne. The club was not prepared to committ. Don't blame Cam. The club virtually pushed him in the same way they pushed James.

It's also about professional experience around the club, pre season training, pregame preparation. Jettisoning so much experience in the last few years is an issue. One of the intangibles of the game. I don't think its a non issue, but how much no one can really say. As the year progresses its theexperienced bodies that stand up, young players are inclined to fade.

When it comes to sport and football in particular there are many opinions formed out of the multifaceted dynamics of the game. There are many perspectives and a combination of them all is probably more valuable than just one or two. Sometimes one can be too close to the challenge and its good to step back, look from over the fence, even the top tier. Some form opinions from just watching TV, that's why this forum exists. Many perceptions are formed by broad communication with players, officials, friends, even opposition supporters. Its amazing who one bumps into in the work place etc etc. If you need to ridicule my perceptions enjoy doing so. In the meantime put forward some of your own for the fun and betterment of our club. Remember the game is entertainment, not real life

A break out year has often been used in reference to young developing players on our list. I want to present it as appropriate for Dean Bailey's role as senior coach. Personally I don't believe we have seen anything overly spectacular in his work so far. For this past year I would give him a 6 out of 10 (remember a 4 means the sack). He has been relatively comfortable overseeing a small group of inexperienced coaches, Mahoney, Wellman, West. He's had a backup shadow with Chris Connolly in the wings. Overall experience has been light on. This year we have added Tod and now Brian Royal. The team is starting to look as though it has far greater substance, depth and breadth. This group could become formidable. However, it requires a significant leader to oversee and manage the group. Dean has the kind of personality that I like in a leader of a group, not someone who is going to dominate and drag everyone else along but someone who can bring the best out of every contributor. Previously the coaching team was light weight compared with other teams, now it is a group with substance. If Dean's own style of man management talents rise to the occassion of developing this group it could very well be his break out year.

Straussie is a great kick as we all know, but I do remember how well he moved in a practice game against North last year. He really took my eye, then he was selected for round one. The club obviously sees something. I trust it is just confidence of doing it with the big boys and it should come with time.

If you think being right is what football discussion is about then your in the wrong league. It's about the fun of opinions and learning something new.

I've been worried about our coaching panel for being to inexperienced with no major process for Mentoring and accountability. I was worried that Deano kept picking very inexperienced people so they wouldn't threaten him. eg. Mahoney. Williams Laidley would have been too senior to add this year even if excellent. However, I reckon Royal is just about perfect, as about experienced as Deano could take. Knowing we have Jack's dad, and Chris C. I think we've now got a great team. I might now relent on my criticism of our coaching panel. Go Dees

Kids are kidsBack in August my 27 year old daughter was playing hockey in Bendigo. She called and asked if I wanted to go with her , like old times when we had our bonding times going to her weekend sport. 'Another bonding trip dad'? Of course I went. Shed, car, golf course, in front of TV, or at the G, whether its son or daughter, bonding is bonding. I don't see the difference.

How would channel 7 know as the process these days involves voting by the players. Obviously to much horse racing and not enough football

Don't forget to remember the different circumstances when comparing figures. Melbourne population much less. All games on Saturday afternoon so no multi weekend attendances, All young guys supported by their families played on Saturday afternoon. There was not the advertising push as players played for a song and a few kicks, so clubs din't need to push for finacncial success in the same way.

WhaT DO YOU MEAN 'END OF STORY' that's the kind of attitude that keeps one 6th to 10th. Some say backs win flags, once it was key forwards, there is no simple formula. Collingwood wouldn't have one without Jolly this year. Any team has a 101 combinations and permutations, good coaches are able to be get a good balance between innovative and steadiness, backs and forwards, talls and smalls, experience and youth ...the list could go on and on. The story never ends, every game every year is a new chapter.

Don't forget Fathers and daughters. I'm now early 60's and through my dad's membership he started my family in the regular ritual. In those days he got two ladies tickets and with a few others our family of five went through the golden years. Mum eventually stopped when she got sick of dad's smart alex yelling. I can still remember some of his comments and try to emulate him, Great memories. I started my two daughters early and they made the 'G' a second home. They are now late twneties and both members and while they don't always get there we txtmssge throughout the game. Sensational at family gatherings when the conversation gets on to all the great times we had when going as a family in their upbringing. A lot of laughs and sentiment. We love the bond of the dee's and the G.

The actual leadership of the club, is a conservative self servicing group from the top end of Collins Street. They have an antiquated dress code to maintain the class barriers, eg. No zips on coats in the Long Room or Dining room. Meant to keep the lesser lights out of their world. We all have zips on our flies so what's wrong with zips on coats. Never the less they actually do a fine job in running the place and providing a magnificant facility. I've been going for some 55 years and just love being there to see the dee's. Don't bother much now if Dee's not playing. It's a great place to wonder around pregame 1/4 and 1/2 time because you never know who you are going to bump into..many times bump into old mates, even primary school mates. Looking forward to my 50 year membership in a couple of years to cut the price ( I also pay for my wife who has my once ladies ticket come member card).I'm still trying to not let too much of the Mr Hide out of the box but damn umpires don't help that.

Sensational call. But sadly there is no chance the FD is pretty stuck in its thinking. All the time they could have tried other backs down forward last year they opted for either the backline or Casey. They frustrate me at times. If I have one question about Frawley on the forward line is his ability to turn. Not saying he cann't, just have to try and see it first.

I was a Hughes fan, 10 to 12 marks on the forward line, however, you get them are unique. I wouldn't be surprised if he is picked up.

Legacies are what remain in people's minds. If your memories of the numerous games he won for us can fade that quickly that says more about you than Robbo. A great and fickle character like the various versions of the Jacko's we have had - All ego. Contrary to what the usual proclamation 'that winning is everything', I reckon its as much about entertainment. We were blessed as a club to have had a forward line of Neita and Robbo. I'm p'd off he didn't win mark of the year also. It would have added to the club legacy, one more rod of gold. Up there Robbo

You've got to be joking with Jordie McKenzie. Are you saying others don't give as much as him. Rubbish. Endeavour is great but for the rest of his game he's in the bottom third at this stage. May develop well as we hope he does. Jamar, Sylvia, Bruce, Green, Mahloney can all be considered for that fifth spot. Hard to argue with your other four.

He also knows the clubs recent attitude to aging players, MCDonald, Robertson, Wheatley, Whelan, Yze (all his contemporaries and no doubt friends). There is no loyalty from the club for those at this end of the gravy train. One year deals at Melbourne are precisely that. Compare the Bombers and Mr Gadget, Hawks and that's what I'm talking about. If he can get two years somewhere else with the possibility of an extra third given form from another top club, why wouldn't you take it.

He has a very young baby

You forgot to mention all three being fed by Davey