The Reverend

Yeah, I love the fact that it's the young and the old. There seems to be a bond between these guys. I'm confident we're finally on the way. Bring on the season. Go DEES!

Hey, whoa old fella! Grab hold of the rope and pull yourself out of the morass of despair you've slipped into. All will be well. We're being tested by adversity at present but look at the future... What have we got to worry about? Does young Jack look like he's worried about the future of the MFC?

The holiday's done you no good at all. Get real, the kids going to be a champion.

What do I keep telling you OD? You've got to think bigger than this. 2013 = 50 - 60%, 2014 = 75 - 80%. After that... how many percent are there? Go DEES!

Can you elaborate?

You've edited my quote Roost!What's wrong with dreaming anyway? Sometimes dreams come true. In fact, someone once described dreams as memories of events that haven't happened yet. I'm happy to dream. Get on board the optimism bus. Go DEES!

We wont need seats Redleg - we'll be dancing the night away.

You see, this is where you've got to change your thinking. He will be back by the second half of the season in time to regain match fitness before playing in at least one final in 2013. C'mom OD, you've got to switch on and think positive. Rid yourself of these lingering doubts. The past is gone and done. Look to the future and see the light brother. OPTIMISM... POSITIVITY... FAITH... FINALS Go DEES!

What do you mean "if"? The year ahead is the start of the return of MFC to its rightful place at the top of the ladder. 9-10 wins and a whole new culture. Old Dee will rediscover his optimism. Go DEES!

Many of the kids I teach tank worse than MFC. Not sure what they think the reward is.

Just for you B59 2013 Melbourne Leadership Group: Jack Grimes (co-captain) Jack Trengove (co-captain) Nathan Jones (vice captain) Shannon Byrnes Mitch Clark Chris Dawes James Frawley Colin Garland Jordie McKenzie 2012 Melbourne Leadership Group: Jack Grimes (co-captain) Jack Trengove (co-captain) Clint Bartram (retired) Mitch Clark James Frawley Colin Garland Mark Jamar Nathan Jones

Happy to help out brother.

Just got back tonight from the land of two-headed tree choppers. I was looking to see if I could unearth another Jeremy Howe. C'mon Old Dee, let yourself go. This is going to be our best year in a long, long time. Be not pessimistic, for the optimistic shall inherit the flag. Praise the lord, the angels are lining up to spread glory on our club. Those who oppose us will be smote by a mighty sword from on high. Those who lack faith will be turned into Collingwood supporters. Those who doubt will be banished to the desert of GWS. The AFL will be swallowed by a sea of legal woes as they try to defend their abject stupidity. A perfect storm is brewing my friend. Hallelujah brother! 0ur time is nigh. 2013 will see us silence the critics and restore our lost pride. 2014 will see us resume our position as the premier club in this hallowed competition. Bring it on. Praise be to Neeld. Go Dees! How's that Old Dee? Are you uplifted?

HMMMM!

No pessimism - just a lack of interest in the past. The future is all that matters and man, it is so bright. You'll know me at the G this year. I'll be the guy in sunglasses shielding my eyes from the brilliance emanating from the team as it runs onto the ground. Go Dees! It's going to be a great year. How's the diet?

Who cares? They're nothing to do with us any longer. If they were good enough or committed enough they'd still be with us. They weren't, they're gone. End of story.

I think those in charge will know that. Still I'm sure they'll be grateful for your advice. I think Biffin had his tongue in his cheek.

When did you get on the optimism bus?

I have no power to 'police' anything. I started a facetious thread to satisfy my own sense of humour. Nothing more. I'm not sure how this is "ushering a particular school of thought". It's just me exercising my right to air an opinion. Nobody says you should be "wetting your pants". I'm simply suggesting that some of us on here seem to be so anti MFC it's hard to reconcile their comments as coming from supporters.

What is 'flaming'? You might need to explain. I understand what you're saying HT but I'm not sure I agree with the "best interests" assertion. Some of this stuff is just terminally negative with never a constructive comment. I'd be happy to hear these opinions if there was a solution and an answer as to the how to get "there" part of it. It just doesn't seem to appear. Ah well, as you say, there's always the ignore button. I just can't bring myself to over-ride their right to have their say. My thread was intended to be humorous more than inflammatory.

Jordan McMahon?Yeah it wasn't pretty - but I'm still not sure how our moves turned victory into defeat after the siren.

Having tried to start a thread just for the pessimists, only to have it closed by the thought police, I'll put this back on the agenda. Why is it that some folk find it so hard to resist the temptation to indulge their pessimism at every opportunity? I find the constant sniping at players, coaches, recruiters and administrators really tedious. Yes it's okay to have an opinion but surely there must be some sunshine somewhere.

Old Dee, I was there and yes, there were some pretty blatant moves, but please explain how these enabled us to lose 'after the siren'. I'm not sure Richmond were cooperating with our desire to lose so how did the coaching moves result in the goal after the siren. I'm sure that diet is doing you no good.

Can all those who wish to indulge their pitiful, depressingly pessimistic views on the miserable state of the MFC, its players, coaches and officials please do it here and leave the rest of us to engage in more uplifting discussions. You know who you are!

If managed properly it should not be too much of a problem. I had one at the age of 48 whilst in the middle of training for the 2000 Sydney marathon. I still managed to complete the marathon eight weeks after diagnosis. I still argue that it robbed me of the opportunity to set a new world record. I had to be content with 4 hours, 55 minutes, but I'm still running twelve years later with no further problems.