Swooper

I agree Dr Gonzo - the close link to the MCC/MCG, both physically and spiritually is important. In an ideal world the entire club would be based at the G - advance gyms/pools in one of the stands, train on the G once a week. See about building a training ground in Yarra Park with replica MCC Pavillion for 'Heritage' and play the low drawing teams there. Fanciful, but would be great.

I'm sure that Watts did that commercial for the good of the club. It is such a shocker, that surely he could not have done it for his own profile! Bit harsh to get into him over something for the greater good of the club. Neeld certainly seems to be no nonsense, but he is certainly playing the game on the media front and has his set messages. If I hear another things about taking from Blighty, taking from Malthouse and a bit of himself...no sheit. I just want a coach who IS everything he is sprouting. Time will tell. He seems to like the School Master/School Boy dynamic. Mr Neeld or Sir only down at the MFC.

I popped past this morning. Grimes, Spencer, Ricky Bobby, Jordie, Davey running laps as part of rehab. The International Rules guys were also doing light jogging up and down the ground. Mitch Clark continues to have a one-on-one program - looks to be focusing on his running technique. He must be getting pretty board. The main group was doing repeat 250's I would say - running in pairs. Jones and Bail together, both looking really strong. Morton and T Mac second group off. Watts and Bate - the master's endurance was kicking in late in the repeats. I was very impressed with Col Garland who was running with Rivers but time and again was making strong ground on Bennell/Bartram ahead of him. Gysberts and Blease were together as one of the back pairs and both looked as uncomfortable as the other.

Spoke to Schwabby a while ago and he told me the Dees wanted to 'own' the colour red - hence he's not too keen to change it. Rode past Gosch's this AM and the boys were training in their new gear. It is predominantly a very dark navy with a small blood red yoke (mini version of our jumper). The other training top is the reverse of this. It looked good.

Agree. I think Todd is the man. His honesty and way of simplifying what is required has impressed me no end. Malthouse has achieved great things but keep in mind he has probably had the two best resourced football departments in each stint at WC and Collingwood. How would he go with lesser resources and structures around him? Todd is hard, tough, honest and from what we have seen and heard, someone with a good footy brain.