dpositive

Would be good if we could have an irony font. or perhaps we should just introduce them with an introduction of a phantom journalist. Most of the attempts at humour are not funny (I accept responsibility for that) but most are pretty obvious as jokes. I give demonland readers greater credit for being able to discern fact from fiction they have had a lifetime of it. Much of the repartee on this site comes from such exchanges and people can easily opt out But I take your point. Many people read the dribble that is presented by real journalists and much of it should not be approved for publication .

Hope thats not a shot at me Cranky. I accept the juvenile digs but its only coz its so easy as rumour after rumour was found to be nothing but a swipe at MFC. Petracca, Oliver, Kozzie the obvoius but also plenty of press focus on Melbourne when Collingwood, Carlton , GWS, Dogs, Tigers and Bombers all had much greater internal issues which received a lot less focus. I wont step away from the dysfunctional administration. I was pretty critical in the way the CEO, President etc handled particularly those above three matters, also Brayshaw and some of the treatment we received at the tribunal. I have quietened down my commentary on the training ground as I support the club but I am certainly still annoyed that no consideration for Fishermans Bend/Port Melbourne even as a negotiating factor and still dubious as to how Caulfield will turn out. I was also critical of communication and the handling of the Deemocracy group, with eventual acceptance of 4 of the 5 processes before the expensive legal processes were completed. Im certainly not trying to rewrite history and would hate to be seen as an acolyte coz im really more of an agnostic. As an existentialist I am happy to accept that there as many opinions in the room as there are people, and much more but as this test draws to its conclusion and with Tennis and Cycling still to come as the summer heat propels me to the pool I look forward eagerly to a massive season where the whole club contributes to a flag at the MCG. GO DEES

I am a bit behind what with Christmas and all this heat now keeping me inside watching the cricket

Tom Morris reports Clayton Oliver dumps on Christian Petracca thinking he should have won the Norm Smith as he is the best player in the club. Petracca responded everyone knows the only reason Oliver won the Brownlow was because I kept feeding him. Meanwhile the AA team was redrafted when it was pointed out that Max Gawns ruck technique of laying the ball down to Viney, Petracca and Oliver showed limited "ruck craft" despite his comments to the contrary. Umpire displeasure at his comments meant he did not get any Brownlow votes and was the main reason the Brownlow system was compromised. The O;iver Brownlow will be removed from any official records, The AFL will take action to modify the system to ensure Melbourne matches are no longer counted. We cannot have our most valuable marketing medal won by Melbourne players in the future. There was further controversy over the Coleman medal importance as it was ruled that a comprehensive review of video evidence showed that JVR had many goals paid despite several incidents that should have resulted in his goal being ruled ineligble. IT would be better if these post incident realities had been identified earlier, but now they have been evidenced the Melbourne grand final victory will be removed from all official records. An unfortunate aside is that the Rising Star winner will now be transferred to another club possibly Richmond as he cannot be tarnished by the train wreck that is MFC. Melbourne FC is reported to being relocated to a suburb of Darwin renamed Melbourne as soon as administrative processes are put in place. The club will have ground space allocated there and their administrative operations will be run from Timor Leste. It is important that Caulfield and the racing industry are not affected by the apparent malaise of the MFC who will always be remembered as an important part football history although it now hoped that moving them as far away from Tasmania as possible will not affect the significance of this new club. I always report accurately any story that I can make up when I can get paid.

I like the look of this team. It seems to be a good blend of old and new against the GWS team on their website. Its a question of experience and unknown and GWS is both. Its a good time to test a few of the new boys so the only change I might make is give Jeffo a run. Possibly Tmac who is training the house down in lieu of Lever who may do with an extra week or even Petty. Need to reward performance with selection.

I wish Gus all the best. I only really know him from the public reports since his drafting with the club. He was certainly impressive in every aspect of that relationship. I am still personally impacted by any mention of him and can only imagine how he is affected. He was such a bright light with his podcast with Max and the relationships he developed with the players will always be remembered. I know he can continue to impress in any phase of life he chooses. I would like to see his relationship with the club continued and indeed renewed . I believe he has much to offer the club. His has been a unique experience and while he already has a legacy as a premiership player, the club can build on his experience as a Concussion ambassador if he chooses and build another even more significant legacy in the industry and community.

Yes understand and appreciate. Does not have to lose its independence but can provide a forum for authoritative comments from the club. Doesnt have to be on every issue and again could seek the responsible assistance of demonland moderators etc. my thought was also moe directed at the technology and technical expertise that resides within the Demonland admins.

Brad Green seems to have done a good job. At the AGM he apperared nervous but handled the formalities well and had some excellent interventions as he warmed to the role. I think he was expecting conflict and criticism but realised that it was a collection of supporters. He stated at the meeting that he was going to develop a member engagement focus, would be transparent and would communicate clearly and consistently. Clear ,consistent communication was my mantra in my professional life, with the emphasis on consistent from all line management. This applied in small business, large organisations and government departments. It applied in public, private and for profit and not for profits. I have always been impressed by Demonland, not only from the diversity of opinion it contains, but more significantly the technological competence at its base. Demonland correspondent sprovide such great training coverage, and issue identification and discussion in a very timely and responsive fashion. Because of the nature of Demonland there is not always consistency, but it does display the diversity required to set policy and practice. There is always compromise but clear direction with recognised authority will ensure progressive action. All the characteristics of leadership will occur. Has Brad reached out to Demonland administrators to assist the communication process. I can undersatnd why there might be some reluctance from both sides but Demonland does represent a large cohort of experienced and passionate supporters. Can demonland present to the club details of how many members use the forum and how it can be used to improve engagement?

So many good teams in the squad. How do they match up? How do they team together? Im still researhing.

That is great work thanks for sharing.

Fair points 58. I will try and do the research to back up my thoughts with an opinion. Sat down with the guys I go to the footy with for our end of season wrap and we agreed we had a good squad. Since then we have picked up some youngsters and I have been trying to follow the training reports. Its all so positive Im thinking everyone will want to use my handle. I agree there is a finals team (I prefer to think Grand Final) but hopefully that will develop over the year, and thats why I want to see as many different players and options used during the season. Will keep trying to monitor those who really do give so much great insight from more intense involvement, especially those brilliant training reports

Thanks Rl, but I assume there is still a body, or bodies, that we are negotiating with and my point still applies. I also recognise that Pert and the board are an experienced and astute lot and so am positive for a great outcome. I have shelved my regrets and support the Caulfield project, I await the progress reports for further information and hope that comes quickly.

I really appreciate the thought and effort by everyone contributing to this thread. All of you have greater knowledge and understanding of players than I do, although I m trying. Consistent with my overall philosophy of using the squad and particularly in terms of striking a team for peak conditioning and opposition match ups, can someone detail the team and the team they compete against. I think Bin man has done this in the past and I found his thoughts extremely interesting. It made me think not only of the skills and abilities of other teams players but gave a more thorough analysis of our boys.

Its a great Forum. Thanks to Andy and all moderators, and to all contributors. Looking forward to a fantastic season and hope to enjoy it with you.

As before two options provides leverage, CRRT now have that advantage with Mt Scopus and MFC.

Always proposed Fishermans Bend Port Melbourne as a plan B at feasibility stage. With two sites you can leverage off competing options at business plan stage. Pert is locked in and subject to other users, will have to compromise as he had no plan B. Am watching with interest.

Sorry. Didnt want to be so negative. I am still very positive with the squad and prospects for the flag. Just as stated ambivalent on the Caulfield project. It will require a lot of management. I was also extremely pleased with Brad Green at the AGM. He presented and responded well. I particularly liked his comment that the club would communicate clearly and consistently.

I reckon we need a number of different approaches to the game. The way to beat Brisbane is different to the way to beat Geelong and different to the way to beat footscray. I also think we have an excellent squad that can give the flexibility to field a team suited to each opposition. This can also allow us to rest those that will benefit from that and give experience to those that need that. I think the coaching team are really on top of the job and Richardson expreseed that really well at the AGM. Im looking forward to a positive year.

At the AGM there was an emphasis on the two oval model. Pert stated needed 16 acres to consolidate all club functions. Also stated a number of times that 16 hours of training time for players. Maybe just fixated on number 16. Im still ambivalent on Caulfield, it still seems to have quite a few issues relying on cooperation with other parties that do not have the MFC as their primary focus. There will be compromises that may degrade the outcomes desired. In a number of random informal conversations at the AGM it was mentioned that the club had invested a large sum on Goschs and leaving the site to another club was not ideal. That that club appears to be the Pies was even worse. MFC would be abandoning its status as the founding club at the MCG site if relocated to the recognised race track. Our history was acknowledged by Brad and recognised as a significant identity factor for the club. I see it will be difficult to establish that at a site that is so strongly identified as a racing site. it was also recognised that there is an identified population demographic that is not as diverse as an expanding and progressive club needs to grow.

Thanks all for great commentary. I have been to a few sessions and found it hard to identify anything as comprehensive as you all do so really really appreciate your efforts. I am pleased that you all seem to see intensity in the sessions and the new voices that will add to differences that must be introduced. Just one additional thing. I have always thought our players seem to ignore the significance of shepherding to create space for the ball carrier. Particularly after giving off the ball. An often intense effort in tracking the ball or contest, getting the ball, it is then given off to another and the effort stops or lapses. Has there been any concentration on that continued effort to give the ball carrier time and space to get balanced and deliver better?

Dont doubt the appeal of WA. I was amazed by the potential over there and have been saying to get your kids qualified and send them over there where there is a shortage of every trade and skill. The place is run by a small number of uber rich using backpacker and flyin fly out labour. Get Judd to Uni get him qualified and able to invest in the most exciting future environment locations in the world.

Its not just about membership. I began barracking for the Dees following a match at Junction Oval. Dad took me, at age 6, to barrack for Saints as HIs playing mate from Dromana Eric "the Tank" Guy was playing. The skill and excitement of seeing Tassie, Barrass, Big BOb, Dicko etc soon overcame Dads preference. I followed the fortunes of the Dees from that time but we moved to the Latrobe valley and rarely went to Melbourne, certainly not to watch the footy. Grew up, with my best mate a collingwood supporter and we played out many of the epic matches on his front paddock. I was Bluey, he was Tully usually. Started work while he went to Uni. would occasionally go to town to catch a game, usually any match at Princes park coz we could get in for free at 3/4 time. I Moved to Melbourne and finally could afford to go to more than sporadic games. Joined some new mates who convinced me to go to Melbourne matches, eventually joined as a full member. So many good times and joined Redlegs as my economic circumstances improved. Continued great times but no joy with success(premiership) but the friendships and joy continued. We always obtained finals tickets through various circumstances, shout out to the ticket seller at Princes park who always had tickets saved for me. Moved to the country with economic and work demands limiting attendance, had country membership but couldnt fullfill attendance even at that level. My mates continued membership and I always joined them on my few attendances. I eventually joined as I knew success must come and I didnt want to miss finals tickets. Of course 21 was unatianable attendance so still denied the ultimate enjoyment at the G. Again full member of redlegs with regular payments to suit my income stream. The club has given me so much joy, with life time friends and so many memories. Theres still lots more joy to come. So im not a long term member, or even a long term supporter in some financial measures but my heart certainly beats true for the red and the blue.

Similar Got to squash in Milawa to be told by other locals that training was at Myrtleford. Cue jokes about Myrtleford flogging the Dees, avoiding the heartache,... etc, I received notice that there were 36 members in postcode 3747 the same day but no notice that training was happening in my backyard.

Raw data rarely provides the answer. The issue of participation has many variables as the very reasoned points in this thread begin to outline. There is a profound argument for positive discrimination to overcome underlying and systemic racism within our society but given the diversity and multi racial composition of that society it is great that Demonland can present rational thoughts and arguments to respond to what is a complex issue. The AFL as a representative body could do more to consult stakeholders to develop improved communication for identifying and recognising positive and negative aspects for improving participation. It may be, as mentioned, that communities and families are content to recognise some of the advantages of alternative pursuits. I recently attended a sports forum where an argument was introduced that an emerging cohort labelled "entitled" was identified. These were people who expected the local community to provide for their individual preference with no involvement in establishing, participating or maintaining the infrastructure needed to undertake that pursuit. Economic circumstance is a key factor affecting participation and while I personally advocate less reliance on volunteer structures there must be consideration of economic values, efficiency of scale, and redistribution of resources to maximise the best outcomes.