Barassi, back at Melbourne

[BT]

From Real Footy.

It's great to have RDB home!

Barassi tells Dees: don't be like the Scud
By Peter Ker
February 14, 2004

Former Melbourne great Ron Barassi had urged the Demons to be less like Australian Davis Cup star Mark Philippoussis and show greater effort in 2004.

The comments came as Barassi was officially welcomed back to the club at the Demons' jumper presentation last night.

Barassi, who has spent the past decade involved with the Swans, told the assembled playing group that it was time they showed more than talent and potential.

"I have marvelled at your skills, I have marvelled at how fit you are, but what I want to see is effort," he said.

In a wide-ranging speech, Barassi, who played 204 games for the Demons from 1953 to 1964 and coached them for five years in the 1980s, said Philippoussis was the perfect example of squandered talent.



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"Think of what happened to Philippoussis . . . he just didn't look interested in those last sets, and he copped flak and so he bloody should," he said.

"I have no respect for natural ability. The only thing that should be respected is effort and polish and training that goes on top of natural ability.

"Any person taking money at the gate - that's a good enough reason to have a real good go".

Ten new players were officially welcomed to the club last night, with former player Alan Johnson presenting guernseys. Johnson's son Chris was one of the players welcomed to the club.


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[The Shev]

Good to have him back. The presence of champions like Barassi, Lyon, Viney and even Ratten and Tingay in the coaching department could have an impact, especially on the younger players.

Anyone go to the guernsey presentation? What were the numbers like? How much money would this have earned us?

 

[BT]

Originally posted by The Shev
Good to have him back. The presence of champions like Barassi, Lyon, Viney and even Ratten and Tingay in the coaching department could have an impact, especially on the younger players.

Anyone go to the guernsey presentation? What were the numbers like? How much money would this have earned us?

I didn't go but it was a good turnout.

 

[The Shev]

Did we do things like this in the past? Because it seems like a good revenue raiser. Also, a Donation Day would be great. Come down to the 'G one sunny weekend, make a donation to the club and/or buy a membership too. There can be a sausage sizzle, competitions for the little kids, autograph and photo sessions with the players, raffles, etc... Great revenue raiser too, but also makes a good atmosphere for the club.

 

[BT]

Originally posted by The Shev
Did we do things like this in the past? Because it seems like a good revenue raiser. Also, a Donation Day would be great. Come down to the 'G one sunny weekend, make a donation to the club and/or buy a membership too. There can be a sausage sizzle, competitions for the little kids, autograph and photo sessions with the players, raffles, etc... Great revenue raiser too, but also makes a good atmosphere for the club.

Sounds a lot like Family day to me.

 

[The Shev]

Originally posted by BT
Sounds a lot like Family day to me.

Yes, but the emphasis should be on donations. We could invite some major sponsors down to and try get a donation from them. Plus, some wealthy MFC supporters.

Or, it could be before a training session. So everyone comes down, does their bit, and then watches the boys train.

 

[BT]

Originally posted by The Shev
Yes, but the emphasis should be on donations. We could invite some major sponsors down to and try get a donation from them. Plus, some wealthy MFC supporters.

Or, it could be before a training session. So everyone comes down, does their bit, and then watches the boys train.

Hmm, dunno about the donation thing. While we could certainly use them, I'm loathed to be seen seeking them.

 

[The Shev]

I'd loathe to be seen seeking $1 million from the AFL. But we are because we are not in a good financial state. Carlton did this last year I think and got some good money out of it. Anything that will pay off the tax debt and then the big debt is needed.

 

[BT]

Originally posted by The Shev
I'd loathe to be seen seeking $1 million from the AFL. But we are because we are not in a good financial state. Carlton did this last year I think and got some good money out of it. Anything that will pay off the tax debt and then the big debt is needed.

You might be right mate but I still can't see it happening. The focus has switched to the footy department now, our future is in their hands now.

 

[The Shev]

The focus should be on the footy department, but we still need to concentrate on off-field matters because if we don't, then we are gone. Recently, off-field attention has always been bad attention, but we have to try and turn this around.

 

[BT]

Originally posted by The Shev
Recently, off-field attention has always been bad attention, but we have to try and turn this around.

True, however if anything like this was going to happen I think we'd have heard something by now.

 

[The Shev]

That's the thing, I'm saying we should have something like this.

Speaking of bad news off the field, Peter Hayes has resigned from the Melbourne board yesterday.

 

[BT]

Originally posted by The Shev

Speaking of bad news off the field, Peter Hayes has resigned from the Melbourne board yesterday.

Yep tossed the toys outta the cot because he didn't get the position he wanted.

He did some good things & contributed some handy $$$ but nobody holds my club to ransom.