dpositive

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.

Id like to see all of them used during the season to allow a break for the oldies and introduce the newbies to the pressure etc of AFL. Also it allows for a few diferent patterns with the different features of the players keeps the opposition guessing and they dont just roll out formula to beat us. Again thanks to all reporters it is fantastic and i hope I can get down to join you some time.

You make some valid points. I hope Caulfield is not a pipe dream but it does have some elements. I was accused of presenting FB/PM sites as a pipe dream in informal talks with Kate Roffey. I made a presentation to G Pert after the last AGM but did not receive any formal acknowledgement, let alone response to my queries. I still believe we have missed many opportunities, and hope we are not missing more while focusing on Caulfield. A new Board could begin by setting some time and financial guidelines and targets to ensure we do not have a G Pert retirement guarantee fund.

Demonsone did mention Fishermans Bend Port / Melbourne. I never did see any formal analysis of any development there. Had informal discussion with Kate Roffey and did put formal position to Pert but never received any acknowledgement. While i support the club and therefore Caulfield and happy to see it proceed it is undoubted that we have lost many opportunities, and perhaps not even pursued many. i would still like to see the club involve all its membership to progress this matter,. Again i do not see any indication from Pert that this is likely. I hope he now has time and influence to progress Caulfield more quickly than ever. A new Board may address this issue (a new training admin facility) as a priority and perhaps put some genuine realistic time frames.

This will be the first test of a required communication process. Transparency with confidentiality. You could call it spin but it can be expressed with explanation that some matters cannot be divulged to retain personal or corporate privacy. Other matters that will be publicly observed will then be explained. WE will be on the front foot and controlling the narrative. The important outcome is consistency of the message and that there are no leaks. Any speculation by reporters or others must be quickly responded to.

not sure if you want to identify "he" more clearly. Source now anything to add?

True. Ive been to a few in the past as well. The issues in the media cannot be ignored as they relate to players Trac and Clarry who are so important to our club and who are contracted for a long time. The president as an ex player has an excellent opportunity to make a statement that puts the speculation to bed.

i dont really expect the CEO to respond to Dland. We would not be clueless if the CEO got on the front foot and responded to the media omments. I would prefer that he got on the front foot and initiated the comments. Control the narrative as they say. I do await any conmments coming out of the BnF tonight(not AGM as previously stated). If the CEO does not address the issues of player circumstances and the club culture, responding to media reports I will be disappointed. It doesnt take much and with all players in attendance (not Trac)would be the ideal forum to get back on track and look forward. I cant get there but hope it will be a great night of celebration.

clue less because the CEO has not responded.

iIf Pert has been shopping Clayton around he should be sacked. if he is doing it at the direction of the board they should be sacked. What will happen at the AGM tomorrow

I understand your concern but as I stated on another thread I couldnt be bothered monitoring all of the media statements. That should be the job of the Club and the CEO. Again as I stated they should be on the front foot and control the narrative. They can and should be initiating not responding. Get on to them you can confirm my previous advice if you like, they obviously dont read my posts.

iI cant keep up with this thread and randomly read the quoted mainstream media so apologies if I missed anything BUt Where are Green (our president), Pert (our CEO) and Goodwin (our coasch. Get a statement out All MFC players are valued. We have a list that we believe is competitive. WE have long term contracts with Clarry Trac and others and yes they are attractive to other clubs (as are all our listed players) but they would have to offer millions and significant trades for us to lose them. Every club ourselves included are restricted by salary cap rules, our players are aware of these difficulties but enjoy playing together and know that the club administration and more importantly our supporters appreciate them and want even greater success Max and Jack are our current leaders and Trac and Clarry are our future leaders. WE have many in our playing group Kozzie JVR, Fritta, Windsor, (Hell name the whole squad) who know that playing together and with the right amount of luck will achieve the ultimate success that they and we all want. WE are a strong club, only a strong club could let Jesse Hogan leave for extremely sensitive personal reasons, would let Jackson leave for similar personal reasons, can let NIbbler go for his personal circumstances.. We valued them as part of our club and value them as opponents but we all agreed that they would grow outside our club. We are always talking with our players and encourage them to know their value and more importantly their worth. They are and we encourage them to be competitive and we can only see success with this attitude. Speculation will always occur but we will not be distracted by rumour and conjecture. We understand that social media and alternative promotion can be misinterpreted and mislead and encourage our players to participate in all activities with caution and an awareness of their profile individually and jointly. We are satisfied that our open and transparent processes will allow us to improve and succeed. The club will respond formally when required and we encourage everyone, including our members and supporters to only respond to club issued statements. This sort of statement would be best delivered to the press ata joint conference with Jack, Max, TRac and Clarry. At training and allow all players to wander past and give supportative statements and gestures to that effect. Get on the front foot and get rid of this carp.

I thought Grundy was brought in to give Max a chop out. Max is unique and plays his own style game which the rest of the team benefit from. He leads from the front and players respond. If we had used Grundy to give Max a break we may have nor only freshened Max up and perhaps extended his playing life but might also have developed some different options for our players who would have had to adapt to the different style that Grundy bought. This different style would have also made it more difficult to analyse for opposition coaches. WE just failed to use the options that Grundy provided and it was a good outcome that he left. I have said many times that Goodwin needs to use the total squad, rather than focus on our best 22 favourites, use the depth and build options.