Straight Sets Simon

The website is back up and running but I noticed they are now sponsoring the Melbourne Rebels too.

Like it or not Melbourne had been a rabble for a long time. Especially with regards to training facilities before Casey and AAMI came along.

Not personally, but in training and in games he has been very quiet. Not having a go at the guy, just saying he is a quiet type. His nickname was Humphrey!

I've noticed a lot of comments about training being more "structured", which I agree with but it helps that there are now twice as many coaches as previous years to ensure that every second is utilised. The one thing I have noticed is that they no longer do that drill where they throw a tennis ball around, I never really understood that.

They are starting to look like Melbourne from about 1965 until 2010.

Bogan scum read the Herald Sun, Melbourne toffs read The Age and there is a lot more scum than toffs.

The reason that Garland is such a surprise is because he barely strings more than two words together.

That is a worry, especially as the website is the cornerstone of their business. Like I wrote earlier, they have been spending a lot of money on sponsorships and advertising, hopefully the club got their money up front.

Happy with the Captains, not so excited about Bartram but well done to him.

I'm just excited that he wants to see "competitive football". Finally someone comes out and says Melbourne needs to be "competitive", it's a fresh change.

I hope that EnergyWatch can go the distance. They are spending a lot of money on sports sponsorship and bloody internet ads.

I am happy that no predictions were given, no matter how broad.

I wasn't at the AGM, so I can only go on the videos but I must admit the one thing I did find a bit odd was the way Neeld was dismissing what he was supposed to say at the start. It's fine if you don't agree, but I just found it a little uncomfortable that he was telling everyone this.

It's still the best haircut in all of Western Sydney.

All the best Jimmy and thank you.

That makes sense, thanks.

I've noticed this a few times but does anyone know why Jetta is always wearing a fluro training top? He seems to be the only one that does so.

This is the problem, the club didn't have to say anything. They shouldn't have said anything about "Premiership windows", nor should they say "we think we can win the flag" or whatever the case may be. Melbourne members and supporters (and rest of the football world) do not need to have their hands held through every step of the process, that's why we elect a Board to represent us. Neeld could turn out to be a rubbish coach, but least at this stage he isn't making stupid predictions or trying to soften the blow should the team perform badly.

I have no issue with the Bailey recruiting policy, a few more ready made players would have been better but the big issue was that he and Connolly (in particular when doing special comments on 774) in the media were constantly talking about how the window isn't now and do on. Daniher started talking about clocks. My point for many years now has always been it is fine to say these things behind closed doors, but don't air them in the public. Neeld hasn't done this and his attitude is to address the problems now, not five years into the future,

This is the attitude that brought down Daniher and then Bailey/Connolly. The excuse that our time isn't now, therefore it's fine to lose. Or better still, why have Player X play now if he isn't going to be there in year 201X? Notice how we haven't heard any of this from Neeld and his team? Or the focus on drafting/trading for players who are ready now, not just in five years and 15 kilograms later? Sure, they may be thinking it, but they don't dare speak it in public, or have it prominent in mind of the players and coaches.

Most confused word in football media and amongst supporters by far.

Respectfully, the point is that no matter the time of the year or what events are on the AFL will still generate a lot media exposure for the sponsors (even with tennis, cricket or anything else going on), the difference would be minimal. The issue is that Melbourne have lost four months worth of potential sponsorship revenue and now have a nasty habbit of leaving sponsorship decisions to the last minute.

A potential sponsor will get much more value out of the term of the sponsorship than just the timing of the anouncement, I wouldn't worry about when it is announced.

I didn't lover the Daniher era as such, but I agree that football was more enjoyable to watch back then.

Agreed, Whateley is the best football media personality by a country mile (both for calling the game and analysis). Not sure if it has been mentioned but has anyone else noticed that Eddie McGuire thinks the Melbourne Football Club is God? In the ads for Fox Footy he says "football is the best thing God ever invented". Thanks Eddie.