Norm Smith's Curse

What if Rory Sloan wanted to come home? Currently playing at a club where Dangerfield and others have received massive increases in salary - perhaps they cant afford to match someone like us? Wonder what they'd want for him if he did want to come home?

The overwhelming today at the 'G was that he was gone - you could smell it - everyone around me believed that the players weren't playing to save a coach lets put it that way... THis would ride at any other club except the dees or doggies. Imagine these results at Hawthorn - your kidding yourself. New coach - experienced - new plan - back to basics - intensity and effort. Belief. trade hard for midfielders.

One pies supporter actually said to me at 3 quarter time to stir me up (I sat in general because I was with two geelong supporters I conned into coming) - 'if your fan club put as much effort into the banner as the players it would only have two streamers!' - and im not kidding!

Ill probably get flamed for those comments - but they were shared by many where I was sitting.

I went to the game - arriving half way through the first quarter. I must have been at a different game to some of you. I had two mates with me who have never watched the demons before, go for other teams and were totally impartial and they were both also convinced that the players were not putting in 100%. We all looked at Dawesy in the second quarter standing in the midfield with his arms folded glaring at players in the midfield and defense with a look that could kill and it wasn't a 'geees you guys are crap look - to me it was 'you bastards''. My over-riding impression from today's performance and from the vibe I got from everyone around me was that the players weren't playing to save the coach. There was no gut running at any stage. There was no second efforts. if you watched certain players it was like they were hanging back off their opponent for some reason and then ambling in too late every time. I swear the fastest the players ran was off the ground for an interchange. The girl with the water bottles seemed keener. People on the train were telling me all sorts of interesting comments. MCC are worried about their connection with us according to one semi drunk guy. Board will walk said another. Collingwood supporters also agreed with my assessment that the players weren't trying 100% and pointed out their own examples. Say what you will. Tell me this player or that has come good or is improving but I didn't see it at all today. There are obvious reasons in that we are thin already and have lost key players. But having a crack you would think would be important knowing there is speculation from the brother of the head honcho that Neeld is gawn if this game is a dee-saster...

Do youthink Frawley - a year out from the end of his contract - is going to come and say 'gees I hate it here and I don't like the coach so when I get a chance I want out'? Do you think other coachs would think that behaviour was appealing for their club's culture? LOL - and that goes irrespective of whether he really wants to stay or not - you cant read anything in to statements like that. the evidence for mine today was another game I watched in the cold at coach sacking intensity

The proof will be in the pudding...

Classic quote from today's game: Tourist - 'it says there that Melbourne Football Club Rule the MCG - how long ago was that?' Local - 'A very, very long time ago'

He isn't going to come and say that he doesn't back the coach - no player is.

I assumed that was part of Mike's agenda when he asked Brock the questions he knew he'd hear unflattering answers to...

Watching the game in the cold the only positives are that the game ended. I am now convinced that the players aren't trying. They run hardest coming off the ground. The girl with the drinks also performed admirably. Dawes was subbed off from shame.

U showing off his wears for a trade.

I'm still not at Richmond...

look forward to it.

Will Peter Jackson review his own performance?

The universe is telling me not to go - first can't find car keys, then can't find membership, then train cancelled - its nearly started and I'm not even at Blackburn...

But the club really has to show that it is ruthless and component I guess. After all once we sacked norm and told Hassa Mann to walk...

Part of me wonders what the point of sacking him now would be other than to appease supporters and the media. more instability, confusion and media conjecture. I think he is gone myself. I preferred bruise free to pulse free.

No where did I attempt to state or state that the rumour had any basis. Just repeating what was being bandied around facebook of all reputable places...

I met him on a plane to QLD of all places and he was an awesome bloke.

Im confused - Did PJ administer a club that won a flag? its very easy to come in and say this or that isn't right with fresh eyes. But sometimes its not what is being said but who is saying it. Runs on the board. My personal feeling and the indications I have heard are that club was way worse before Neeld's arrived but that things haven't been perfect since then either.

Some of those scouts are still at the club.

Ill be there on Monday. I often go. My mate goes every home game without fail no matter what. I admire his positivity.

Heard it two weeks ago - With Choco Williams as head coach - designed to mend old wounds. Was supposed to happen after Queens Bday so we will wait and see. Im doubtful. Would love to see him back in some capacity because he was an outstanding individual.

I guess the way I look at it is - if this was Clarkson's first 18 months at hawthorn what would have happened?