Norm Smith's Curse

I find it odd that Byrnes and Kent are singled out for poor kicking (1.5 and 2.2 respectively) yet no mention of other players who basically had no impact or were not even able to get the ball to force a scoring opportunity. I remember neitz had a few bad nights; Holland kicked 1.5 in a game against Sydney; but at least they got the ball! if things had been different Byrnes could have had six and Kent 4 and we'd be singing their praises. I liked Spencer above all tonight. His impact via tap outs was a major factor and Jamar might struggle to break back in this side. thought matt Jones was quiet. Thought tappscott once again had little impact. Wonder about a number of players. Thought Dunn was ok. McKenzie better than I remembered. Grimes a few possessions but little impact. Trenners is in trouble.

I reported this ages ago. The extension offer was ages ago - and at the time he held off in the same way that Watts has. To see what is going to happen - coach, board, direction etc. he isn't going to just leave at first chance. He was once told by someone at the club that they would send the heavies after him if he left.

Didn't find out much unfortunately. Still think roos is a chance apparently. Sorry to disappoint.

Going to dinner with my mate from the golf club tonight. looking forward to posing a few questions and hearing some inside info post Neeld. If I do find anything out I'll pass it on.

In terms of trading Watts I don't see it as being about Watts - more that we have many options in defense and in the forward 50 already so where does young Jack fit? we need run and mids like a man needs a drink after 4 days lost 400kms from Alice Springs.

I'd trade watts for Yarran in a heart beat. Too much sentimentality is part of the reason we are soft.

Melbourne matters sounds whimpy and mediocre.

Was reported on SEN he was offered presidency.

The list is devoid of personality and strong leadership added with a culture accepting mediocrity. I've never seen a hard Melbourne team in my long years supporting the club. We need to build an entirely nee engine all from scratch as a club that no one would want to go to. doesn't bode well.

You can't polish a terd.

Honestly this all means the light at the tunnel is far away. I'd like to make a special mention to all the people that have been running the club and taking my membership coin for the last six years or so. you told us you were right but you weren't...

that and making the team go backwards...

once again the tone if your dribble is unnecessarily condescending and once again its based on a point that anyone who know footy would understand is bs. If laidley would have better success 'taking the club to the top' than a Rocket or Choco id shout you all beers.

And to think that Jose bloke on here argued that he was our future.

Yes he should know. And predicted a few things. Told me when Neeld would go and why.

Funny thing is I was told by my contact that Roos was very much still a possibility.

It wasn't as good as I was expecting but I still enjoyed the game. Fitzpatrick is looking a tidy player. Watts tried hard, Davey, Sylvia and Viney were also very impressive. Without a doubt Viney will be a star. I don't mind that he hasn't been nominated for rising star.

I enjoyed the game - we were in it for the entire night. I like Davey's game, Viney, Sylvia, Watts and Jack Fitzpatrick.

My good mate played footy with Rory and went to school with him. There are whispers that he wants to come home but remember that MFC told him and his family categorically that we would draft him then pulled out at the last minute. I believe a family members comment at the time was that they'd never deal with MFC again...

When he said he hadn't talked to anyone at MFC since he spoke to Peter he was hiding the fact that he may have been speaking to AFL people since then about the job? For what its worth I don't think he will be out coach.

After tonight I don't think Roos is in the picture.

Hearing the amount of 1.4 mill but its not from anyone reputable. Word was he is interested.

Like it or lump it pretty much everything I've heard about the mfc under the Neeld era from Ralph has been identical to what I have heard from sources from the club so if he says Fitz was not rated by Neeld and given he was rarely selected I am inclined to believe his account. Jon Ralph knew a few things that only inside people would have told him.

Another observation I'd offer is that I knew our list couldn't be as universally bad as it seemed. Sellar and Gillies getting games while Fitz lingered at vfl level while kicking 2-4 goals most games does seem a little odd in hindsight.

I rate Yarran as a runner out of the back half but its still unclear what Watts could be.