monoccular

Couldn't agree more re Cale - it should be definitely his 'make or break' year coming up. Your confidence "...think it is likely he will become a very good player for the MFC. He has the tools, he just needs the guidance...." will, I expect not be widely shared. You say he has the tools - certainly not the body, or the oomph! I also agree that this will be Col's make or break year. For too long both the above have 'got away with' inconsistent efforts and performances. If Neeld is to retain his widely accepted credibility we will need to see these two put up, regularly, or be shown the GPS coordinates for Berwick-Cranbourne Road until they do. I doubt if they willl be offered third chances - maybe seconds but not thirds.

As you say, at his size and with a reputed lack of leg speed, he would need to be top class at everything else to get anywhere at the top level.

We haven't had the duplicitous $cullyesque pledge of undying devotion and eternal loyalty yet. I think the script says that comes in March.

It is nice that we have a common enemy, with the emphasis by the way on the word "common". But now some have whetted my lips with the thought that maybe we could poach him in 2012 - the Neeld connection, us (hopefully) on the rise.....?????!!!!! Now that would be good to see.

Well, this game we are all here talking about is ultimately based on what we do with that very ball once we get our hands on it ! Presumably that is what you are all referring to ?

...or maybe Phil in drag?!

Well put -- you may well be right. Let us all hope so.

MIA CULPA - I really thought that he was an honest upstanding citizen, not a sleazebag lying mercenary.

Good point re Liam's goal assists And, like Davey, early in his career opposition defenders were shizenscared anytime he was around - he used to pounce from nowhere. Unfortunately both lost this ability, or probably rather the desire: Neeld sounds not the sort of man to put up with laziness, so Liam and Aaron, pull your socks up, contribute all the time. THIS coach recognizes the need for each and every player to have a role in each phase of the game : when WE have the ball, when THEY have the ball, and at stoppages or when the ball is in dispute. Pretty simple stuff really.

....here's hoping he doesn't need to !

He did indeed - known as Geoff "Wobbly Punt" Tunbridge as I recall. If any current MFC HFF plays in three premierships I am sure we will all celebrate

Has the great Norman Smith been reincarnated??? Hell -- sure sounds like it, and sure hope so. Sends shivers down the spine.

I always love a conspiracy theory, but I must say this is the best one I have ever heard, especially on this matter. If you absolutely love the club and desperately want to be a lifelong Demon, why knock back a 3G contract??

Spot on He has been appointed to do a job, specifically to guide, assist and cajole this group to achieve that which no group of MFC players have done since the days of Norm Smith Frankly, I don't care how he does it as long as it works I am sure he doesn't really care what we here think, but I would hope that any passionate loyal Demon fan would get right behind him in his quest. Go Demons -- bring it on!!

I have read and reread the article. It isn't a kick up the backside; it is an honest assessment of his capabilities and an encouragement, albeit stated publicly, that he actually believes in JW, and CM & AD for that matter, but also knows that it up to each individual to do the research and put in their own hard work, certainly abetted by the coaching and fitness experts, to achieve their true potential for the good of the club and for themselves. The coaching and fitness staff don't get out there on match day: the players do. The staff can help them prepare, physically and tactically, but when the ball is in the air, on the ground, or in possession of friend or foe, the individual must make choices, make decisions, commit and sink or swim by their own actions. It is a challenge to them, not a put down.

I tend to agree -- if Neeld manages to get inside Col's head, and helps him to make HIMSELF focus properly and consistently, Col has the skills and ability to do it. Big challenge for Mark to throw down to Col : and huge kudos to both if he achieves, or even gets close.

Geez I am so glad that this divisive, vain, conceited, confused, hypocritical mercenary is no longer at our club. The instability abetted by his antics over 2011 stuffed up any opportunity we may have had to progress. GOODBYE!!

I can't remember exactly, but somewhere in the mid 1950s, possibly 56, a Melbourne v Fitzroy game at THOF. It ended up as a draw 11.11.77 each. When I get time inwill trawl through the web and find the exact date and match details.

Phew! Almost exhausted just reading it. We wanted a "no nonsense coach" and it seems we have found him. Enjoy the ride fellas - if you want to play, toe the line: if not, bye bye. Success will kill the pain. It will be interesting to see if all can tolerate the heat - I am getting very excited about 2012 and beyond.

Win, win, win !!

#5 Froggie, GF 1964 is surely the one that would bring a tear to any Demon fan old enough to remember. I hope that one of young guns will be able to emulate this memorable moment very soon. How could anything from 1964 to now possibly beat that?

In my memory Eishold wins hands down at least as far as Melbourne matches are concerned. I remember the commentary so well "he just doest want to take this kick"!! That would have given us a lead -- and poor Jimma's run across the mark would never have happened, or if it had, been irrelevant and long forgotten. Still, nobody would have beaten Carlscum the following week, after that swelter at VFL Park.

err...YOU just hit up reply #150....why?

Can anyone please explain, in plain English, what is 'the fat side' -- Phil $cully references excluded.

I too prefer the soft 's' where appropriate (not anything soft on the Footy field though) but I guess that i may be just a bit lazy and accept the auto spell check on the iPad and iPhone.