Norm Smith's Curse

Im not sure we have gone backwards. 186 wasnt a great footing and we won some games (essendon and adelaide) but in general we were as fickle as ever. We might turn up on the day and get a run on or just not bother and get blown away. Further I just keep hearing about how unprofessional our training regime and fitness was. Schwartz said he watched two football teams train next to each other one day and he said there was miles between the two and that it doesnt take a rocket scientist to work out which was the amatuer looking outfit.

i was wondering what it would go for on Ebay as a collectors item.

Its his opinion but its pretty much the same opinion as most of the supporter base.

Schartz said he had something to say about the Demons tonight and while I was expecting and got some of the usual/same nuggets going around about where we are at and the playing group, I was blown away with his passion and his clarity. He was annimated like I have never heard him before. He said you cant blame the administration when they lost their major sponsor and were able to quickly find replacements in a difficult market. He said you cant blame the coach or coaches because we havent seen the players apply themselves in a way that even indicates whether he or they can coach or not. He said that the problem is squarely with the playing group (old news I know) and then he cut sick. He said we have players drawing $400-$500 K and putting in efforst worth $2.50. He said some of rthe players should be thinking about giving their salaries back. He said that he has never seen a sitaution before where players were choosing whether to 'turn up' or not. He said it was obvious some players just dont care and arent making any effort. he went on to reiterate the fact that football means the world to many supporters (highlighting a bloke that microwaved his north Melb membership) and that it was flying in the face of the supporters when you choose not to put an effort in. The part that really caught my ear and the part that most would be surprised with was at the end when he said that basically 'he couldnt care less if 15 players on that list dont get another game until they put in effort or ever again at all.' Reasonably biting words from an ex player but accurate. Not too much new there but that was his take on the whole sitaution and I must say I agreed with it all.

More like rebuild 4.0 - 2003 was marketed as 'Demons the next generation' with Scott Thompson (gawn) and Darren Jolly (gawn). But in all seriousness he has some good points. Our training wasnt up to scratch and numerous comments have been coming out that under the Bailey years we were more like an amateur club than a professional football units. Sure we won some games last year, but in general we were downhill skiing. If by taking time it means we get the basics right and we come out of this a real force then Im used to waiting. I hope that he's right.

Very well said. Im glad he did that.

Such an accurate observation! Well done.

Heres my take. 1. Thomas never got over us beating the saints in that final (which was such a great game) in 05 or 06. Great game. Always good to get the last laugh when saints supporters get in your face 2. Malthouse is already involved in the club. He loves Neeld, he goes to weekly coffees with Aaron Davey. he also said on Saturday that Essendon were flag favourite and said our list was ready to explode so he isnt always right. Neeld will be getting advice from malthouse AND Craig or Im a horse. 3. Neil Craig is a great appointment and time will prove this blanket statement correct. 4. If by not listening Jamar is ignoring Neeld's and just about every supporters request to not only win the tap, but tap to advantage, then it could be true. Still he is winning the tap - just has to think about where it goes and we might have a hope. 5. the comment about Moloney and lack of midfield pressure is probably the most accurate post Ive ever read here!!!

Malthouse thought our list was ready to explode (he also recently said that Essendon were flag favourite and has paintings of himself all over his house).

And you call me a poor fan - and then post this uninformed dribble...

How exactly are the young blokes supposed to be up to it when their role models sulk and run ont he spot because they were promised the captaincy in 2010 and then a new coach came and gave it to someone else - one being a kid.

Ive always admired Neil Craig so when I heard he was coming to the demons I was wrapped. The start of this seasons is collatoral damage.

David Schartz cut loose on the players tonight - he said certain players were choosing whether to turn it on or not (effort) and with their performances they should be returning their salary to the club and he couldnt care less if 15 players were sacked tomorrow.

People keep mising the point. Players are choosing not to play - David Schwartz hit the nail on the head. No tackle, no intensity, no effort and its obvious. Aaron davey may as well be wathcing the clock.

Scully never bought in to the club or its history. The rumour was that he wasnt impressed with our lack of professionalism and training effort. its sad that we have in some ways proven his concerns right. The whole scenario was a joke that made him look like a mercenary. But this is old territory.

And he is accurate and is articulating what most supporters think as well. Its the application, effort and care that seems lacking. hard decisions required.

He got a wife/girlfriend? A cushy job/access to a course??

Davey had 3 kicks and 4 handballs yesterday...

Yeah this has to be it. What else could it be? And if its true then we have only one option as I see it.

Actually Id say to the young players that despite how it looks now, stay the course.

Jose you've been quiet on Morton recently.

Tomato or BBQ?

I thought the same of Clark. Everyone has a price and SOME players like a challenge. it would not actually be that hard to sell Melbourne. Down now, but elite coaching and sports support, new young players with potential, jack Viney coming soon, pain now for future gain and all that. What we need to do is stay focused and united at the club. And to make some hard decisions on pkayers now that will benefit our future.

Neeld is hurting - he has passion. If half the players had his passion we might be registering scores that are above half our opponents.

Yes some class in the midfield would be ideal. Problem is he seems to happy at the Crows.