ignition.

If he's helped see the rise of the GC Suns this last season he seems like a beut.

Who did I belittle? Unfortunately for us that is our stereotype, although I would much rather that over Collingwood's, Calrton's or Essendon's stereotype. Prior to the last few years I was like that, I remember going to the games and simply enjoying it, loving it, even if we lost I was disappointed but still recall being pleased they were having a crack or blaming the umpires - you know the standard blames after a game. Although now it's nothing but frustration, and I can't see myself applauding mediocrity. I guess its because I have only become more involved. To be honest I wish I could, but it just winds me up (^^,) Hopefully sooner rather than later we won't have to worry for these kinds of discussions as we will hopefully be riding the highs.

Yeah I am, when I'm daydreaming about the 50's and 60's.

Now your just drawing a long bow. If you have read any of my previous posts discussing Brown, I find him too hard to judge. Simply because the ball wasn't in the forward line enough to see that outfit perform, and that is a reflection of the poor midfield under Royal's guidance. Similar goes with the defense under Rawlings, although on the contrary they got a workout week after week, the lack of midfield leading and work ethic provided poor options as a result shocking rebound 50 efficiency statistics. With an appalling midfield (clearly Melbourne's weakest link stated everywhere) carries detrimental effects on both the forward line and defense. So how can we properly judge Rawlings and Brown? As for Todd Viney, the overall development of the players has progressed reasonably. I consider him having the Mitus touch, I feel any job he does he does to the best of his ability and generally does it very well. I am judging Royal based on the on field performance I have seen from his work over the past three years, under two horrible senior coaches, although with the same crop of players and each time he took over the defense or midfield it regressed further. The proof there is in the pudding. I can not judge him on his character or work ethic. No I do not think you are one of those supporters, it was a sarcastic remark if I was to agree with you based on my post you insinuated as being embarrassing, laughable and confusing. Generally speaking I agree with you and like the vast majority of your posts, I find you to be one of the more switched on or intellectual members of this forum, although this time we share different views. However to discuss these is one of the main purposes of a forum. I understand the points you have made and I agree that generally speaking one cannot solely judge an assistant coach based on the team as a whole, although with regards to Royal's incredibly poor record over the last 10 years and regression of both the defense and midfield shortly after he took over certainly suggests to me that at the very most he is a B grade assistant coach and that I for one will not be thanking him for his paid efforts of poor performances during this era of pain and suffering. Should the club thank him for his efforts... absolutely! In any organization particularly those within the public eye like AFL should thank their staff when moved on based on just terms, it is the honorable thing to do from the clubs perspective in order to further his career elsewhere and I agree with it. Although I didn't speak on behalf of the club I spoke on behalf of myself as a supporter and didn't understand how other supporters can applaud him based on the results of his outfit/s. So please don't take my words out of context. EDIT: Spelling

Only play a small part in stoppage work? What about clearances, and working the ball inside 50? I haven't seen much of that the last two years. I find it embarrassing, laughable, and confusing that people on here thank and applaud previous staff who have contributed to this appalling era. To make it laughable should I thank him whilst sticking to the Demon supporter sterotype by swiftly clapping my hands together in a short manner and poshly saying "go deeeessss"?

I disagree, he was just as much part of the problem. When he took over the backline it regressed, when he took over the midfield again it regressed. He had the same cattle to work with the exception of a young Scully and a disgruntled Moloney. Lets look at his record of the last 10 years as an assistant coach: 2003: North Melbourne finish 10th. 2004 - 2009: Richmond predominantly bottom of the ladder. 2010 - St.Kilda (Golden years), couldn't hold the job after one year under Lyon. 2011 - 2013: Melbourne, turned the Wellman backline to garbage, and had his midfield labelled as the worst ever seen - Gerard Healey. Whether it was bad is one thing but having the midfield labelled as the worst ever seen or to be a little nicer one of the worst ever seen MUST reflects in some way on the midfield coach along with the players and head coach. In no way shape or form should he be exonerated from that.

I don't think your trolling. I must say I agree, after hearing so much last year about his excellent pace I have not noticed it once as he waddles along. I haven't seen him break away from the pack at all. I am only hoping that it's due to a limited pre-season, or some training regime that was in place under Neeld that also has slowed down the likes of Trengove (I hope Roos identifies the issue and fixes it). For all we know it could just be mental thing as he is not yet comfortable in the AFL. I will give him another season before I properly judge him on it.

I must say I find it bizarre that people have thanked Royal for his time and effort. I have allowed myself to sleep on this and still can't come close to thinking something similar. Whether the cattle was no good or what not he was in a well paid position and did a shocking job of it. From seeing the purring Wellman backline go to a shamble over one season, and then taking over the midfield and have it labelled as the "worst ever seen" in no way shape or form can I thank him for his overpaid efforts. He was a massive part of the problem under Bailey and Neeld, sure he may be a nice bloke but he did an appalling job. Good riddance I say, I'm glad he's gone... hopefully to the pies.

Unlike Didak, I'm a big fan of Heater. Although I don't want him at the MFC, I don't believe he matches the general consensus age of our list nor brings any real leadership.

Swallow hands down! Adams is good although at times a little overrated. I see Adams as the Josh Caddy of last year, he is potentially available so everyone from every club want him, therefore he must be insanely good...

WHAT AN AMAZING LAST 6 DAYS IT'S BEEN!!! - We officially sign Roos. - We F*** off Royal (FINALLY) and delist 4 spuds and a plodder. - Neeld's buddy Brown is gone! (nothing against him really). - We sign a well respected forward line coach - Brett Allison (also sticking it up to the whinging Kangas). - It's reported and rumoured Roos has convinced Watts to re-sign, hopefully he can do the same with Hogan for the long term (reported). - It's rumoured we may obtain David Swallow in a trade for pick 2 (I hope this eventuates).

I can't stand this guy and have no respect for his game in any way shape or form. His time is up, he will add nothing to our list from a playing or development perspective. He will only hinder the team by taking up a position on the field, leaving someone with a missed opportunity. He will not be at the club in 2014 - end of story.

I hope the same goes for Brian Royal.

Just make sure you vote at the bottom of that article (^^,)

I hope not, I don't rate him as high as the draft picks we have on offer, if that be the case.

On the basis it's a direct swap for pick 2 (no more) and that Swallow's knee injury is not long term or degenerative, I'd take Swallow hands down. He already has 50 odd games under his belt and about to step into those break out years (e.g. his brother broke out in his 4th and 5th seasons). He is also a far superior ball winner... exactly what we require. As for Aish if he came in we would see him playing more of a wing role or running of half back (initially) like Gibbs, I just don't feel we have the time or list to wait for his development.

It's really hard to say, on one hand (long term) I would love it to be one of the Jacks, although if it hinders their game or their development its not a wise move. On the contrary Jones seems like the best fit but will all this chopping and changing be wise? In Paul Roos we trust (^^,)

I'd like Simpson as successor, with Ling as a midfield coach. Only reason I don't want Ling as the successor is that he has no coaching experience thus far.

No we didn't we got Toumpas at pick 4 (T$ compensation pick #1). Hogan was traded using pick 3 (obtained by ladder ranking) along with pick 13 (T$ compensation pick #2) to get Barry and Dawes.

I just like the look on his face when he walks out on the footy show and hears the boos coming from the audience. I would love it if it got progressively louder every week.

There is only one ex-Demon I would want/ accept back and that would be Liam Jurrah.

He's now too old and too slow. The game is beyond him, he is more of a wrestling ruckman, with the recent rule changes (start of 2013 season) its swayed towards the big jumpers like Nic Nat and Goldstein.

Thanks dazzle for the info. I would be more than happy to see a direct trade of pick 2 for Swallow, seems fair. As for Frawley, I'd be pi**ed if he was traded.

Although the difference with Hogan is that he's ready to go round one, Watts wasn't - let alone the Queens birthday weeks later. The games he played (and dominated) in the VFL is enough to merit excitement for his introduction, and include him on the banner. If Viney is on there after his first season I don't see why Hogan can't be either. Although I completely agree with you both, I would hate see another "Hogan is our savior like thread" with people expecting him to come out and immediately play like a Lance Franklin, or prime Jonathan Brown. It's the same kind of bias and hype people get caught up with regarding the top 10 draft picks.

For those who haven't seen it yet. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2013-09-09/my-heart-beats-true-2014-membership