Blinkybill

About $500K a year according to my sources within the club. This is, I believe, the fastest growing airline in the world. I real coup.

Missed targets. Made mistakes. Ran the Cats to two goals. That'll do me.

Collingwood is saying the are providing "support" to Marley. I wonder how much support the victim is getting from the Pies? Marley has no place in the AFL until this case is finalised.

I thought Niall's article was a good one. His opinion that former coaches are more valued in other codes, and should be more valued in the AFL is a good one. If the only gripe is the use of the word "dismal" I think that shows a thin-skinned attitude.

Since it's wild speculation time, I'll go for Howe. There are a hell of a lot of forwards like him to choose from, but what the hell......

This might sound stupid, but I think Neil Craig engendered a more positive outlook in the playing group. It might have only a slight impact, but I think a handover from Craig to Roos was far better than a handover from Neeld to Roos. This isn't just idle speculation as I have family members involved with the club on a day to day basis.

It might have been said earlier in this thread, but KB today said Richmond would win by 20 goals. Yes, he's a troll, but I'm still glad he looks like a tool now.

Very good selection. We look like we have a good, balanced board.

I don't know if it's been said before, but the only precedent for this in Australia is the Melbourne Storm salary cap breaches. I know there are differences in the offences, but its interesting to look at the response. The Storm took their medicine with unity and dignity. Played for nothing for the best part of a season, and emerged stronger. The best thing Essendon can do is to stop turning this into a lawyers picnic, admit wrongdoing, cop it sweet and plan for the future. This will not be buried in the Supreme Court (indeed, I believe it will be bounced back to the AFL Commission quick smart), and these tactics will continue to damage the club for many years if Hird and co keeps this up. I'm not worried about the pain Essendon will suffer (in fact I revel in it), but the damage to the code, particularly in expansion states, will be extreme.

I'm assured by a club insider that this is not the situation, but I hope this is not a case of "we need this guy, let's create a position for him". This practice has caused the club untold problems in the past. If, however, it is the case of a considered re-structure and the club sought out the best person for the role, fair enough.

I agree with this. I have personal knowledge of how much support he had last time. I don't think it could have been stronger. It would take a lot for him to prove he is worth the effort. I would like to think he has it in him to prove his worth, but I'm very, very skeptical.

Tried his guts out and did some good things, but a lot of his leads were ordinary - into dead pockets and into two against one contests.

The centre clearances absolutely killed us. If we got 50%, it would have been a very close game. And ditto the umps. There should have been 5 or 6 holding the balls our way.

Can we lose the unlosable game.?

A sensational interview. Neeld has class. He could have dumped on the club. He didn't.

Sorry, Caro is a far bigger disgrace.

Yes, I understand your point, but you don't have to walk in someone's shoes to pass judgement on him. Regardless of his upbringing, culture, the pressure on him and provocation, his behaviour simply can't be excused. I met his family on his debut at the G, and he held out a beacon of hope for a pretty hopeless community. He wasn't up to it, unfortunately.

He'd be far, far better than Kennett

He's the "before" face.......

So if Bozo the Clown (only marginally different to Kennett) offered his services, it should be taken seriously?Kennett is a million to one chance. Forget him.

Nup. The Board signs off the strategies. They are prepared by the management team, which the Board, of course, has input to. But you miss my main point about who actually runs the club (or the company). It's not the President.

You took the words out of my mouth. How many people here know how boards are supposed to work? How many understand governance? You are perfectly correct, the CEO runs the club and the President is the overseer. Kennett would be an utterly hopeless CEO as this position requires skills in communication and compromise as well as leadership skills appropriate to the 2010s (which I think he lacks anyway). Stick with Jackson, who can set the direction for the club. If you have a very good CEO and a unified strong team below him, Bozo the Clown can be President.

Really? How many teachers and police did he sack? How many schools dd he close? He lost the unlosable election to Bracks against all odds. The state took years to recover from his mismanagement. But beyond his political incompetence, he was nothing but a buffoon as head of Hawthorn. And have you forgotten about his calls for Melbourne to merge or go to the Gold Coast? He would be a disaster for the club and has as much chance of you and me of getting a gig with the Demons.

I haven't read all this thread, but if Kennett joins the club in any capacity whatsoever, I'll simply follow local footy. The guy has always been a clown, but in recent years he's become a poor parody of a clown.

You're not kidding! And I do not feel this way at all about Melbourne.