Lucifers Hero

@Swooper In light of the Age article that we are looking for a back of jumper sponsor has the deal you referred to there fallen through or is it still in the pipeline? Would be great to get that boj sponsor sooner rather than later.

Hard to believe that it is only 3.5 years since he came on board - he has achieved so much already. Can't wait to see where he takes us over the next few years. From a big picture club view that is as good as extending Hogan's contract.

28,725 Members and Counting Am I the only person who hasn't received their membership pack

Here is an old, but recently used thread on AHG Sponsorship. It may answer some questions on the recent AHG contract. But I can't find a thread on 'Sponsors' in general.

While this article is primarily about sponsors, Jackson also talks about Lumumba. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-demons-on-hunt-for-new-comajor-sponsor-20161214-gtb8mm.html "...Lumumba, who is set to retire following issues with concussion, and has considered legal action in relation to his treatment from the club...Jackson said he hoped the club and Lumumba could reach an agreement by the end of the year. "I think some discussions will happen this week, and hopefully whatever Heritier wants to do we'll resolve that pretty soon...It's starting to drag on a bit so I think we need to work it out one way or another pretty soon, but I think that'll happen". So, very unlikely that he will be on our list come 2017! And it sounds like there will be no legal action which is a good thing for all really - everyone retains their dignity. I'm glad we go into the season with that sorted so there are no player contract issues to distract the team or the club, like the last 3 years (Frawley, Howe, Hogan and Tom Mc). I'm pleased he will go quietly and wish him well for his future.

Mitchell actually said he had not spoken to Jobe. There is more evidence to support my proposition than the 'possibilities' presented in that post.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/trent-cotchins-show-of-respect-to-jobe-watson-before-2012-brownlow-medal-handover/news-story/efa34588fe750031ee718abcbe3503b6 An interesting piece of intrigue: "...as the AFL still refused to say where Watson’s medal was and whether he had given it back". That has a hollow ring of truth - if it was given back they would say so, right? Probably part of the 'deal', something like - no problem, Jobe, yeah just tell the media you will give it back but tuck Charlie away in a bottom draw for a while and keep it quiet. Set up right there for some future amnesty and 'return' of the medal to 'poor Jobe'...probably to coincide with his intro to he "Hall of Shame Fame". The AFL are truly a disgrace. Many of us have said it on DL, if it wasn't for the love of the Dees I would give AFL away.

Cotchin and Mitchell are now the official 2012 Brownlow medalists. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/sam-mitchell-and-trent-cotchin-get-2012-brownlow-medals-20161213-gt9u65.html Interesting that Crotchin contacted Jobe: "I've reached out to Jobe. I thought that was the right thing to do," Mitchell on the hand: 'Mitchell was even briefer when asked if he was thinking of Watson..."No, I'm going to leave that," Mitchell said'. Its pretty clear what Mitchell thinks! His silence backs up his syringe in the arm 'mime' of a few years ago. Good on him for not giving credence to the 'poor Jobe' charade that seems to have infected most in the wider AFL world. Edit: Sam McClure is making a strong case for Jobe to actually hand back the medal http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/sam-mitchell-and-trent-cotchin-have-their-2012-brownlow-medals-jobe-its-time-to-hand-yours-back-20161214-gtb3pr.html Quotes: The AFL doesn't have it. Essendon say they don't want to know where it is. Watson himself is telling people he's unsure of its exact location. In fact, the AFL is adamant that the location of the medal is of no interest to it. So Jobe keeps his medal after all. Rather insulting to Crotchin and Mitchell.

Garry and his new 'in cognito' look! Somehow, Sam McClure permanently looks smug! Must come naturally! And what is the picture of Murphy doing there? It just doesn't look right that Sheahan, a Melbourne supporter is cradling it.

I'm not too fussed about the WA game. Most teams aim to give their 'regular' players 2 out of 3 preseason games. So plenty of opportunity for our older new recruits, previously suspended players and those on the edge of best 22 to show their wares. I would think the team going to WA would be made up of these guys plus last years draftees eg Weideman, Hulett etc. This year we had a lot to prove so had to win all 3 games. I'm sure we will want to win all 3 next year but it won't be so critical so I don't expect to see our best 22 together too often. There will be about 12 players vying for the last 6 to 8 spots in the best 22 for round 1 - so they have a huge incentive to play their best in the preseason. WA will be a great game for those guys.

Or did Port squirrel him away? Maybe it wasn't the alcohol sample that had them all worried? The accident happened around 7.30 pm. The club 'located him' after midnight: http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/port-adelaide-suspends-jarman-impey-aidyn-johnson-after-crashing-into-four-cars/news-story/533edfd79e3f832d16e8a5512be9ddd1 Extract: "Impey was drinking with teammates at an afternoon pool party and after the incident didn’t tell police but did contact club officials...Port Adelaide didn’t report Impey to a police station until Sunday morning..." Shades of Whitfield/GWS. Port officials have some explaining to do - sounds fishy to me...!

Crikey, Sir - did you have to add that first line - the tears in my eyes and heart from watching the video overflowed as I read your post. His illness is quite rare but there could be up to 10 years for the Dees to get him a flag but hopefully it is sooner than later, just in case. At every level it was a precious, moving video. Hoisted high on Max's shoulders going over the bridge is especially poignant. Andrew could have wished for almost anything and Starlight would bend over backwards to make it happen. But in an age where kids have and wish for more and more material things, how refreshing for young Andrew to just want the experience of coaching his beloved Demons - An inspirational young fellow.

As I understand it: - A club can promote an 'A' rookie to the primary list at the beginning of the season if they have less than 40 players on that list, regardless of the reason. We have 40 so unless a player goes onto the LTI list we can't promote an 'A' Rookie. Lumumba was on the LTI list at the end of last year if the club applies for that to continue, then a spot will become available. - A 'B' Rookie can play senior football at any time (not sure whether they are then technically on the primary list but they can play seniors). Going on the Casey and training reports Joel Smith looks close to being a senior player so maybe he could step up and leave Lumumba on the list. I would think the club would promote a rookie only if they expect him to play seniors otherwise it doesn't mean much.

With the development of his game he got a lot more media exposure. On Demonland we had heard the odd snippet of his 'prankster' character. But seeing and hearing his quirky, down to earth, no nonsense humor and personality were a rare beacon in a world of overly engineered and robotic player media interviews. No wonder he has become an idol and icon, not just with Dees fans. I mean how could anyone just not love Max! Yes, a big story in 2016 and hopefully for many years to come.

A truly heartwarming picture. For those who don't know of 'Starlight', it is a foundation that helps make wishes come true for very, very ill kids. See more of their wish granting here:https://twitter.com/Starlight_star and if anyone feels like putting smiles on the faces of other sick kids by having their wishes granted, donations can be made here: https://starlight.org.au/donation-form Sorry if this post is classified as 'derailing a thread'. Will leave it to the mods to decide whether to remove it. Edit: It seems young Andrew has the vary rare Infantile Refsum Disease. There is a delightful video clip of him running with the team in this article about JV. http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbourne-players-work-up-a-sweat-in-gruelling-training-session/news-story/7bcc784d03e6ff36188431fd0365f11f And the beaming photo with his idol, Jack Viney is priceless!

Really? Care to reference? I've seen articles about Heppell taking over when Jobe hangs up his boots but not next year...could have missed them.

An interesting picture from this article: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dyson-heppell-renovated-rejuvenated-and-ready-to-captain-essendon-20161124-gsx1vl.html On the captaincy: "I feel I'm ready," he says." Call me cynical but it cannot be a coincidence that Heppell is standing in front of Jobe's locker - a message for Jobe - time to move on pal...!! Sure the photographer set it up but Heppell would have known exactly where he was and the significance of it. Combined with Worsfold's commetns about Jobe doubting his passion, it looks like Jobe is being eased out, none too subtly either. No wonder Jobe is disillusioned. That club would have imploded without him. Deserves to keep the captaincy.

Short and 'sweet' from ASADA: "...This man {Dank} should not be allowed near any athlete, anywhere in the world, ever," McDevitt said. Here, Here!! http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-throws-out-stephen-dank-appeal-after-noshow-20161128-gsz99f.html

No, you are not making it up TK. In general terms, the domestic equivalent is: good debt - a loan to buy assets eg car, house. Bad debt: a loan to pay every day living expenses. The $4.7m is an 'operating facility' which can be drawn down at any time, so it sits somewhere between the 'good' and 'bad' debt. But what makes it a 'good' debt is the assets the club holds. Our Total Liabilities were: $12.6m and our Total Assets were: $17.4m so we are well and truly in the black. The Assets includes $8.7m for Land, presumably the Bentleigh Club premises. Interestingly, the land has not been been revalued in the last year and given what has happened to Bentleigh real estate in the last year it would be worth a lot more than $8.7. So, yes the $4.7 is healthy debt. On the subject of debt. As long as debt is in line with assets it is a good thing, especially in the low interest rate environment of recent years. I wouldn't be in any hurry to pay down the $4.7, unless I had spare cash earning close to zero interest. On my reading we are in a really stable financial position and have the potential to become a really solid club. Not only has PJ turned us around he is creating a sustainable financial foundation for us to be really strong again, in our right, independent of handouts.

I don't know nor care to know what the situation was for them so I shall generalise the discussion here. I understand 'morally wrong' refers to the 'don't mess with the missus' code. And for some it is particularly strong and extend it to ex wives/ex partners. But when two people are separated, living apart from their ex spouses/partners and are consenting adults, how they lead their lives is a private matter. As a woman, I wouldn't want my separated from for several years ex husband, having some intrinsic right to know who I was dating. I may or may not choose to disclose it but as to an intrinsic right for him to know or to get an explanation, well in my book, it does not override my right to privacy. Understandably, he can be sad, angry, disappointed or upset but to think I was morally wrong to date a mutual best friend would not sit well with me. I'm not wanting to stir up a hornet's nest, and relationships are delicate situations but just wanted to put a female's perspective on the privacy of consenting adults.

Now that is the most underrated management skill but the most conducive to building trust and teamwork - in any organisation/ or group!

H has always been about H: his beliefs, his values, the high brow B&F speech declaring himself 'The Prince' at the pies etc etc. A bit full of himself, is H! Hate to say it but it is a complete replica of Mitch Clarke: Injured, takes time out, depression (from Roos' comment that H was in a 'better head space'), take a break from the club, 'can't' come back so wants a payout. They must have the same hymn book!!

I wish I was so sage, CBD. It was a reference to the table in this thread, which updates the running tally for next year:

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-11-23/melbourne-register-third-consecutive-profit Financial results extracts: Revenue grew by $3m up from $44.5, due to membership, sponsorship and gate takings. Membership grew to record levels: 39,255 Strong home game attendances, which saw over 330,000 people attend our home games – an increase of 72,000 Football Department spend grew by $635k during 2016 Our overall debt position reduced by $561k in 2016, with debt reduction since 2013 totaling $2.7m. The Club received an additional $528k in AFL funding in 2016 I am rapt with this result. Especially when compared to some of the 'power' or 'successful' clubs who are making losses or just tiny profits. For example it staggers me that Richmond with 70,000+ members (double the number of mfc) can't make a profit! We are a very well run club and in 3.5 years Jackson has seriously turned us around. Soon the AFL will not be able to ignore us and will have to start giving us some decent venue, prime FTA time slots and large Vic teams as home ground opponents. That we have been able to turn the financial around with all the 'fixture' disadvantages is nothing short of a miracle! Great work by PJ and co!

Lots of articles this morning about Jobe losing his passion to play after 'losing' his brownlow. An odd reaction if he voluntarily surrendered it. Of course here on Demonland we figure the AFL backed him into a corner, with promises of hero type headlines and some future sweeteners. Bitter taste in Jobe's mouth one would think. Maybe being back at Bomberland and in the thick of it again brought back the reality of playing for that dodgy club again... Bitter taste in Jobe's mouth one would think. Whatever, it was he is clearly disillusioned and probably won't play again! Of course the millions he gets as EFC settlement may have something to do with it. He would be asking himself - why put himself thru the grueling work and probably not even make finals in his likely last season. He can go and live in the Big Apple for a while and come back to take up those AFL sweeteners. Crikey, if the culprit, Hird is being lined up for media work imagine the offers coming the way of Hero Jobe.