The Reverend

This is another case of perception and supposition. Where and when was he any better under Bailey? Sometimes things can be simple. I get well paid in my job. I have an obligation to do what I am told by my boss whether I like it or not. If I don't, I contribute to the weakening of the enterprise. My selfish actions would harm those around me. Football is a team game and everybody has a responsibility to their team mates. That's how simple it is. If you're suggesting Watts has been "hammered" because Neeld has asked him to be as good as he can be and played him in positions he doesn't like, well, I'm sorry but I think that says more about the character of Jack Watts. Having said that, I don't know what the situation really is. Neither do you - it's all supposition until we hear directly from one of the horse's mouths. I'm just tired of all the statements about players and coaches that present things as facts when they are simply perceptions and, even worse, prejudice.

What about relevant to how much he's being paid? In the end he's being paid as a professional - he should behave like one. Just because I don't like my boss, doesn't mean I'm not expected to earn my pay. Pretty simple really.

You're easily pleased.

That's the sort of response I was expecting. All you guys do is speculate and offer it up as "fact". It's time for some objectivity. I'm not arguing that Neeld is the saviour but he needs to be given time to do the job he was employed to do. Simple. And yes, I've been to every home game and watched all of the others on TV. I've gotta say I don't pay a lot of attention to the written stuff. My faith in sports journalism has been shaken a little of late. You only have to look at how the press has now turned on the Bulldogs. It's all just sensationalist claptrap. In the end I prefer to observe and make judgement based on what can be substantiated. I agree, our results would indicate that Neeld needs to lift his game. The way the team is playing would suggest there is a lack of self-confidence and trust in team mates. If you want to argue that the players are not playing for the coach that's fine but how do you know it's because Neeld has lost their confidence? I think it says more about them than it does Neeld. If professional sportsmen lack the integrity to do what they're paid for I don't think there's too many coaches who could do much with them - apart from culling the recalcitrants and I suspect this process is playing out as we speak. A good number of the current crop will not be with us next year. Just accept it's going to take some time and stop demanding overnight success. It's not going to happen. No matter how much you scream for Neeld's blood, there is no real alternative at the moment.

Please let us know how you know this. This has become a theme with many posters but I'm yet to hear any proof that this is the case. Where is the evidence? And don't just say it's obvious.

Did you ever consider that what he's saying might be the truth of the situation? The truth hurts but until we face it we are not going to start doing the hard work that needs to be done. How does what Neeld says indicate he's out of his depth? It seems to me he's being very clear about the magnitude of the task ahead and is not selling false hope. I still believe that when things turn around they will turn pretty quickly and that a lot of us are going to have to eat some humble pie. It might not be pleasant but the facts are the facts. If he came out each week and raised expectations with false bravado we'd be complaining just as loudly.

Yesterday might have been the tipping point. I still believe things will get better but I'm not sure I want to watch any more for a while.

Jesus Christ himself would struggle to get this lot over the line. Time to change my avatar I think.

There is another category you've neglected. Those of us who have simply argued that more time is needed before we judge. Some of us have done this without belittling other posters. Your post is just as belittling as it implies weakness not to have posted something.. kettles... black? From my point of view, I'm waiting for the dust to settle. If you'd asked me at 3/4 time yesterday I would have done more than sack him. In the cold hard light of day I want someone to tell me what are the alternatives that will guarantee we move forward. We can't afford to slip further backwards.

Why feel sorry for the players. Their actions on the field of play are of their choosing. Regardless of the coach's strengths or weaknesses the players choose whether to chase and tackle. These guys are simply not playing like AFL footballers. I have no sympathy for these coach-killers.

No, Morton hurt his shoulder trying to tag him.

No, we're as bad as it gets. That's why I'm optimistic. We can only get better. It's all just a matter of perception really. I'm choosing to see things in a particular way because to go down the alternative path is far too distressing. I'd rather be delusionally happy than realistically depressed. GO DEES! 84 point victory on Sunday. Dawes kicks 6. Tapscott flattens Ablett at first bounce. Howe takes a screamer standing on top of the right-hand goal post at the Punt Road end. Jack Viney collects 39 possessions to trail Nathan Jones' 47. Aaron Davey comes off the bench as sub and kicks five in the last quarter. Chip Frawley dominates the back 50 and kick two goals. Will I be disappointed if this doesn't happen? No, because we'll still win by 28 at worst. GO DEES! If it all goes pear-shaped and we lose, I'll find something to give me solace. Probably several Cragganmores.

We could be this guy!

Pushing up Daisy's what? He may be well be a part of our future so I wouldn't be pushing anything up him. C'mon OD, whatever happens we are still better off than some. Not sure who but there must be others out there worse off than us!

Apologies - my error.

Hannath was drafted at No 8. Who would you have not recruited? Jack Viney?

I haven't heard too many excuses - just statements of fact and a refusal to buy into the unrealistic expectations that some on this forum seem to have. Neeld has been very clear about where we are at and doesn't make excuses. Yes we are crap at the moment. No it's not much fun to watch. Yes it's frustrating. The point is that over the last three weeks there have been signs of improvement in intensity and general commitment to the task. The guys tried their hearts out against Carlton but were beaten by a more experienced, mature and talented side. Did you honestly think we could win that game without a key forward and without experienced midfield runners? I'm convinced at this stage that we are closer to finals. This time last year we were still be waiting for our first win. We're currently in a position to win a second for the year. Every week brings us closer to finals but it just wont be to be this year. Patience RobbieF. Good things come to those who wait.

If nothing else yesterday's performance should put to rest the Neeld critics who argue he has lost the players. We witnessed our boys putting their heads over the ball time and time again; evidenced by the free kick count. The boys were working for each other as best they could and certainly not looking like a team who weren't playing for their coach. Despite the result, we had a crack and showed some heart. Small steps but at least in the right direction.

Ahh, common sense! Refreshing.

Must be dark in that sad world you inhabit.

I'm not bagging Jack Watts. I think he's going to make it at the elite level. He's just not there yet. All I've done is highlight an instance where he made a poor choice. Some parts of his game were quite good and I guess in time he'll become more confident in using his body appropriately. I see him in the mould of Brendan Goddard and believe he will achieve a standard we'll all be proud of. He could do worse than watch how Goddard goes about it.

We must have been sitting in the same area. I don't think he shirked the contest but he made a poor choice. He took his eyes off the ball and went at the opponent to bump him. He should have attacked the ball and taken the hit with the ball in his possession. This would have provided a better outcome for the team. More chance of getting the free and less chance of the ball being taken away from the contest. JW's not going to hurt anybody with a bump, at least not with the lack of ferocity he showed in this instance, but could have hurt the opposition with a clean disposal or a resultant free kick.

I agree. Let's stop all the blame stuff and ask players ton be accountable for their performance.

What a difference one letter can make>