Slartibartfast

I was basically supportive of the Board until I learned the lengths they went to to stop a fair election. Their approach to others offering their candidacy was plainly hostile which is not the way it should be and seeds distrust from members. I think they treat us, the members, with disrespect. They are not open about the new facility nor do I trust them with our finances. If they are getting nowhere on the facility they will just turn around in 12 months and say "that idea fell through but we've got another one on the go". And frankly I don't think they've done much during their tenure other than ride on the success of Peter Jackson. But a Board spill with a partition would be a disaster IMO. I agree with BDA. In the end I'd just like some honesty from this lot. Asking us to vote for candidates based on a 150 work muzzling is an utter disgrace. It goes to the honesty and quality of this Board. Surely it's time for Bartlett to step down and give someone else a go. He's clearly lost the confidence of many members.

Did anyone see the question and answer section. What was said (if anything) about the muzzling of Peter Lawrence?

This is actually rot. I know you don't like Saty Dazzle but he does have contacts inside the club. He volunteers on membership drives, he mans the tents outside the ground handing out scarfs he used to attend the majority of training sessions and talk to all manner of staff, he know some of the players and he knows Neville Jetta very well. I've been at a Casey game where Neville sort him out and happily chatted to him for the last half of the game. You need to put your dislike for him aside and stop saying stupid things. This, and comment like it being a disgrace Brad Green should be a candidate for the Board just make you look silly (btw Dazzle, you never did respond to my query asking you to substantiate what was a very offensive comment) . Your footy views are good, stick to what you know best.

Is it correct that all clubs are training in "lock out"? If so, is that a State Government requirement or the AFL? I for one am missing not going to training but I might make the effort on Monday. Thanks for making the effort PF and D, great commitment.

Apologies. They were in the other Election thread.

My thoughts on Peter are posted earlier in this thread. But these are my personal views. What happened in the election is just wrong, that's the issue.

Okay, here is what you need to know about the MFC Directors Election recently held. The constitution of the Club gives the Board absolute discretion to determine how elections are run. Board rules were established quite some time ago allowing electioneering so long as materials were cleared by the company secretary. This would allow candidates to state their positions on issues to the membership giving the membership knowledge of candidates and their policies and an ability to make an informed choice. However once Peter Lawrence announced he would run for election the Board issued new rules declaring that there would be no electioneering and that candidates would be limited to 150 words outlining their qualifications and policy positions. Any person who broke these rules would be disqualified from being a Director of the Club. Subsequently in January all members received an email from Glen Bartlett, well in excess of 150 words, outlining his and the Club view on who should be elected. Peter Lawrence was excluded. When I contacted Peter Lawrence (who was the only candidate to supply an email and telephone number in his 150 word bio) to confirm he was the Peter Lawrence I once worked with I received the following reply: “It is me. Hope you’re well. Candidates are precluded from talking about the election- the only communication we can have with members is what is contained in the 150 word election statement. Regards Peter” This situation raises many issues, not least why members were precluded from communicating with Directors, who represent us, to canvas their qualifications and policy positions. This was not a fair and open election but one manipulated by the current Board to achieve their desired outcome. I don’t know any of the current Board members other than one dinner with Brad Green who I voted for and think is an outstanding candidate. What I know is the Board has denied the members the opportunity to fairly evaluate candidates and have orchestrated a situation where only their chosen candidates had a realistic chance of success. These actions by our Board do not sit with the principles of democracy and I for one now have reason to distrust them. What are they hiding? If any Board member reads this and wants to discuss it with me PM me with your mobile number and I’ll provide my identity and give you an opportunity to respond. This behavior by the Board is utterly disgraceful and bitterly disappointing.

But Dazzle if Kobe was pushing for round one then he'd be list anyway wouldn't he regardless of whether Kossie was away or not. You seemed to say that BECAUSE Kossie was away Kobe was an extra chance of being listed. That's just doesn't make sense to me. Kossie not being right for round one wouldn't impact of Kobe's chance of being listed. Kobe being listed will depend on him being good enough. Therefore I can't see a link you suggested was there. Given your understanding of the ability of young players and knowledge of the indigenous community I was just interested if there was something I was missing.

Yes I know, but you seemed to link Kossie's situation with Kobe's possible promotion. I don't get the connection and was wondering what it was.

Dazzle can you explain the link between Kossie being absent and the rumour of Kibe Farmer being offered a spot on the list?

This Thursday’s scratch match?? Tomorrow?? When. Where?. Thanks.

Thanks to all the trackwatchers, great stuff. I've noticed that there has been very little mentioned of Rivers and was wondering how he seemed to be going. I think it was reported that he played in the "B" team last week. Any observations appreciated.

Sorry, quite right, it's right to say they were very impressive PS trainers. I wasn't posting to antagonise but I think most know that.

You wouldn’t understand.

Warning: I've been a consistent track watcher for over 15 years and two of the most impressive PS trainers I've ever seen were Sam Blease and James Strauss. I wish Rosman all the very best and will be thrilled if he is what we all want but like most I've not seen him play and I have no expectations - neither optimistic or pessimistic.

Sage words Ding, I suspect falling on barren ground. But then what would a preseason be without some excitement!

Many thanks, what an effort in that weather! Did Petty play?

A bit like this posts.

Gawn a bit stiff to miss!

Did Jordon play with the Blue team or White team? Thanks for making the effort BBP and for the detailed report.

Fantastic, thanks to all. Really appreciate it.

The record needs to be set straight. JJ's "lack of grit" is a myth. I've watched him at Casey on numerous occasions and haven't once seen him "lack grit", in fact I've seen the opposite on many occasions. The claim by Dr. D is just silly.

Thanks.

I’m surprised nobody has mentioned James McDonald. Captain, All Australian and a much underrated midfielder, Junior deserves to be in this discussion. Yze and Johnstone as well but they were perhaps not the pure midfielders for consideration. I think there is always a tendency to remember players as they were at the end of their careers and hence current players are favoured but McDonald was top shelf. Having said that I think Oliver wins but Petracca will challenge.

Just a quick note of thanks to those who have put together phantom drafts, Goodoil and Gawndog. There is often not much discussion following these but that in just an indication that not many have knowledge of the draft and can't really comment. Hence this thankyou, you are giving us an insight we value. The player descriptions are fantastic because come draft night we will have an instant reference to the type of player we get and what we can look forward to. I'm sure I speak for many when I say we are very appreciative.