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Essendon Supporter Irate With Knighter

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Stants_24_Legend

Cancelled
Jul 2, 2007
652
1
Melbourne
AFL Club
Essendon
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Brisbane Broncos
Found this on a different forum.
Thought it would be worth the read.

Essendon Football Club Justin
Attn: Matthew Knights
PO Box 17
7/284 Barkers Road

ESSENDON VIC 3040

Dear Matthew,

RE: Essendon Football Club Membership 3

I’ve had occasion to write to your predecessor over the years and I must say that I feel as
though I became a close confidant of Sheeds. He came to me when he needed someone to
tell things exactly as they see them. And I didn’t mince my words, Matthew, I gave it to him
straight. You haven’t needed me yet, but after the insipid debacle and abysmal coaching
performance I unfortunately endured yesterday, I thought you might need a few home truths.

Firstly, could you give me some idea of what was going through your mind with your initial
match ups? Johns on Pendlebury? Michael on Lockyer? Windydick on Medhurst? One
could only assume that you had a piece of the Pies at 73+ with TAB Sportsbet.

I must say I appreciate that you’re attempting to introduce a fast attacking style of football.
But I think what you don’t get is that you can’t do that with the muppets still on our list - a) they
have to be quick, b) they have to be able to sustain that quickness for more than 30 minutes
and c) it helps if they don’t call for the saw dust when they get the ball.

Let’s take a look at a few of my favourites:

Jason Laycock – 5 years for 50 possessions. I wouldn’t call that a great return on investment.
He is a big, lumbering, useless dope. He just plain doesn’t care. Sally Robbins has more of a
go than this dud. Remember that Aussie classic David Williamson’s The Club? Laycock is
Geoff Hayward. I’d actually get him drug tested just to ensure he hasn’t seen any golden
winged seagulls. He should never play for Essendon again. Full stop.

Courtney Johns – do I even need to say anything or did the article in today’s Age just sum it
up? Another who should never play for Essendon again. Cut your losses. He should be
embarrassed to earn money for that performance. He should be offering to pay Essendon
back for the money he’s thieved off them over the last four years. Just to add insult to injury
he’s not an attractive man and really doesn’t have a lot going for him.

Jobe Watson – also known as the Butcher. I do like the fact that Jobe at least has a go but
his skill and pace are deplorable. Do you think there’s a reason why he gets 30 touches a
game? The opposition coaches don’t bother manning up on him as they want us to use him.
They know that he’ll turn the ball back over to them more than half the time. Trade bait.

Brent “The Running Man” Stanton – he might run all day but he couldn’t run quickly out of
sight on a dark night and he only knows how to run one way. Generally it’s away from the ball
when the opposition have it. Or around the back of a mark or free kick to get a cheap kick
and rack up a few stats. It’s a slight on every Victorian that he’s been included in the state
squad. The worst culprit in our disgusting lack of defensive nous. And probably just nous in
general – he’s got less awareness in traffic than a Moroccan mini cab driver.

Have you got the barbie fired up yet Matthew? Cos there’s plenty more chops we can throw
on it. Ricky “Sleeps With The Light On” Dyson, Jason “Should Have Been Traded Last Year”
Johnson, Damien “Back In The 2’s Where I Belong” Peverill, Angus “Too Small, Too Slow,
Too ****” Monfries, Henry “The Hack” Slattery. I won’t continue on but let’s just say I hold
grave fears for the crippling lack of ability shown by any number of other players on our list.

Unfortunately despite whatever you say the reality is we are in more of a world of hurt than
my poor receding hairline. The list assembled is not going to be going anywhere in a hurry


and despite 5 years of rebuilding we’re in a worse position now than when we started the
whole process. Thank goodness for small mercies though. The small mercy is that
Melbourne are pretty bad too. It’s unfortunate that we don’t meet them until very late in the
year – I have a feeling that might be our next win. I don’t say “might be our next win” because
we’ll win one before then, more that there’s a better than average chance we won’t even beat
them!

Just in case you’re interested, from my perspective there was at least one positive to come
out of yesterday. I went to the Foo Fighters last night and they were pretty solid so I at least
managed some entertainment for the day. I got none from the MCG.

One last thing before I sign off. You’re obviously aware that Jonathon Brown’s out of contract
at the end of the year. How about we put together a package for him to see if we can prize
him off the Lions? Let’s start with Laycock, Johns, Watson, Stanton, Dyson, Johnson,
Peverill, Monfries, Slattery and even Lloyd at this stage as he couldn’t get a kick out of 2,000
volts. When they’re not interested in that, tell them we could even offer them a lazy $2 mil on
the side as well. That might at least get them to stop laughing. Then ask them who else
they’d like and give them away too as the cherry on top.

At the end of the day, I have no say in what goes on. All I can do is protest in my own way.
I’m not happy, not impressed and not attending another game this year.

Yours in football,


Justin
 
And this is the post that got you onto my ignore list...
I know it wasn't writtent by you.. (or was it?) but either way, this guy is a ________...should be supporting richmond.
 
Ok, youre upset. We all are. Generally.

Heres my opinion on matters.

1. Our season has derailed.

2. It is NOT becasue of the coaching.

3. It is because of our list. It lacks depth.

4. Bad luck is a MAJOR factor.

5. I agree with your evaluations of every player in your letter. Except Lloyd's

6. We will win more than one more game this year.

Here are a few reasons for my arguments.

Knights ran out of options on Anzac day. He had no options to begin with. Fair enough you could say that he should have blooded some young players who may have made out backline smaller and match up better. They arent ready though. Atkninson, Daniher, Myers. If we didnt have injuries. They would NOT be playing this week. Bellchambers would never have been named. Oh yes, its Dire Straits.

Matthew Lloyd - We all know he is a full forward. And at 30, he is ONLY a full forward. Not a flanker, not a CHF, he cant play beside Hille in the goalsquare (or laycock for that matter). PLAY HIM THERE. he goes up the ground looking for kicks because he is the captain. He does this to try and lead by example. Remember Hirdy, different players. He was able to go in, get that hard ball and win the contest. Lloyd cannot. He needs to realise golas is his only answer to fire up the team. The supply however, has been abysmal, so it isnt his fault.

I realise im rambling on a bit so ill close with this. Injuries has exposed us massivley. Our kids arent ready (may not be any good, we dont know).
The injury run we have been dealt 6 rounds into the season is cruel. I feel sorry (not angry at) for Knights, Lloyd and the bomber faithful.

All is not lost, Yes our season is gone. We all know this. But we need to stick together. Like the team will. Move Forward. What has happened has happened. The right processes will be put in place to rid our club of stock that is no longer needed.
 

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Ok, youre upset. We all are. Generally.

Heres my opinion on matters.

1. Our season has derailed.

2. It is NOT becasue of the coaching.

3. It is because of our list. It lacks depth.

4. Bad luck is a MAJOR factor.

5. I agree with your evaluations of every player in your letter. Except Lloyd's

6. We will win more than one more game this year.

Here are a few reasons for my arguments.

Knights ran out of options on Anzac day. He had no options to begin with. Fair enough you could say that he should have blooded some young players who may have made out backline smaller and match up better. They arent ready though. Atkninson, Daniher, Myers. If we didnt have injuries. They would NOT be playing this week. Bellchambers would never have been named. Oh yes, its Dire Straits.

Matthew Lloyd - We all know he is a full forward. And at 30, he is ONLY a full forward. Not a flanker, not a CHF, he cant play beside Hille in the goalsquare (or laycock for that matter). PLAY HIM THERE. he goes up the ground looking for kicks because he is the captain. He does this to try and lead by example. Remember Hirdy, different players. He was able to go in, get that hard ball and win the contest. Lloyd cannot. He needs to realise golas is his only answer to fire up the team. The supply however, has been abysmal, so it isnt his fault.

I realise im rambling on a bit so ill close with this. Injuries has exposed us massivley. Our kids arent ready (may not be any good, we dont know).
The injury run we have been dealt 6 rounds into the season is cruel. I feel sorry (not angry at) for Knights, Lloyd and the bomber faithful.

All is not lost, Yes our season is gone. We all know this. But we need to stick together. Like the team will. Move Forward. What has happened has happened. The right processes will be put in place to rid our club of stock that is no longer needed.
I didn't write that you know that right?
 
I found that hillarious! What a good read. You guy's are too precious, don't take it seriously. :thumbsu::)
 

Essendon Football Club Justin
Attn: Matthew Knights
PO Box 17
7/284 Barkers Road

ESSENDON VIC 3040

Dear Matthew,

RE: Essendon Football Club Membership 3

I’ve had occasion to write to your predecessor over the years and I must say that I feel as
though I became a close confidant of Sheeds. He came to me when he needed someone to
tell things exactly as they see them. And I didn’t mince my words, Matthew, I gave it to him
straight. You haven’t needed me yet, but after the insipid debacle and abysmal coaching
performance I unfortunately endured yesterday, I thought you might need a few home truths.

Firstly, could you give me some idea of what was going through your mind with your initial
match ups? Johns on Pendlebury? Michael on Lockyer? Windydick on Medhurst? One
could only assume that you had a piece of the Pies at 73+ with TAB Sportsbet.

I must say I appreciate that you’re attempting to introduce a fast attacking style of football.
But I think what you don’t get is that you can’t do that with the muppets still on our list - a) they
have to be quick, b) they have to be able to sustain that quickness for more than 30 minutes
and c) it helps if they don’t call for the saw dust when they get the ball.

Let’s take a look at a few of my favourites:

Jason Laycock – 5 years for 50 possessions. I wouldn’t call that a great return on investment.
He is a big, lumbering, useless dope. He just plain doesn’t care. Sally Robbins has more of a
go than this dud. Remember that Aussie classic David Williamson’s The Club? Laycock is
Geoff Hayward. I’d actually get him drug tested just to ensure he hasn’t seen any golden
winged seagulls. He should never play for Essendon again. Full stop.

Courtney Johns – do I even need to say anything or did the article in today’s Age just sum it
up? Another who should never play for Essendon again. Cut your losses. He should be
embarrassed to earn money for that performance. He should be offering to pay Essendon
back for the money he’s thieved off them over the last four years. Just to add insult to injury
he’s not an attractive man and really doesn’t have a lot going for him.

Jobe Watson – also known as the Butcher. I do like the fact that Jobe at least has a go but
his skill and pace are deplorable. Do you think there’s a reason why he gets 30 touches a
game? The opposition coaches don’t bother manning up on him as they want us to use him.
They know that he’ll turn the ball back over to them more than half the time. Trade bait.

Brent “The Running Man” Stanton – he might run all day but he couldn’t run quickly out of
sight on a dark night and he only knows how to run one way. Generally it’s away from the ball
when the opposition have it. Or around the back of a mark or free kick to get a cheap kick
and rack up a few stats. It’s a slight on every Victorian that he’s been included in the state
squad. The worst culprit in our disgusting lack of defensive nous. And probably just nous in
general – he’s got less awareness in traffic than a Moroccan mini cab driver.

Have you got the barbie fired up yet Matthew? Cos there’s plenty more chops we can throw
on it. Ricky “Sleeps With The Light On” Dyson, Jason “Should Have Been Traded Last Year”
Johnson, Damien “Back In The 2’s Where I Belong” Peverill, Angus “Too Small, Too Slow,
Too ****” Monfries, Henry “The Hack” Slattery. I won’t continue on but let’s just say I hold
grave fears for the crippling lack of ability shown by any number of other players on our list.

Unfortunately despite whatever you say the reality is we are in more of a world of hurt than
my poor receding hairline. The list assembled is not going to be going anywhere in a hurry and despite 5 years of rebuilding we’re in a worse position now than when we started the
whole process. Thank goodness for small mercies though. The small mercy is that
Melbourne are pretty bad too. It’s unfortunate that we don’t meet them until very late in the
year – I have a feeling that might be our next win. I don’t say “might be our next win” because
we’ll win one before then, more that there’s a better than average chance we won’t even beat
them!

Just in case you’re interested, from my perspective there was at least one positive to come
out of yesterday. I went to the Foo Fighters last night and they were pretty solid so I at least
managed some entertainment for the day. I got none from the MCG.

One last thing before I sign off. You’re obviously aware that Jonathon Brown’s out of contract
at the end of the year. How about we put together a package for him to see if we can prize
him off the Lions? Let’s start with Laycock, Johns, Watson, Stanton, Dyson, Johnson,
Peverill, Monfries, Slattery and even Lloyd at this stage as he couldn’t get a kick out of 2,000
volts. When they’re not interested in that, tell them we could even offer them a lazy $2 mil on
the side as well. That might at least get them to stop laughing. Then ask them who else
they’d like and give them away too as the cherry on top.

At the end of the day, I have no say in what goes on. All I can do is protest in my own way.
I’m not happy, not impressed and not attending another game this year.

Yours in football,

Justin

Well written. The truth hurts some people obviously.

And to think we actually pay money to go watch that crap we've been serving up...

The supporter who wrote this is just as hurt as we all are.
 
Most of his points are valid. Interesting read. Some of his claims were ridiculous but he certainly gave a few home truths. Johnson should have been traded whilst he had some value. Peverill should have been cut last season. Even if he was 'depth' seeing as he cant get a game now suggests that Knights has no faith in him (am aware of his broken jaw). The quicker Johns leaves Essendon the better.
 
I can tolerate a certain level of animosity toward our footy club after such a loss but seriously some of the reactions by some posters here have been terribly disappointing, I thought our class is what separated us from those Collingwood ferals - maybe we're no better :confused:

How anyone can even imply that Knights is at fault for the reason that we suck at the moment beggars beyond belief.

The players that were named in that letter were, funnily enough have nothing to do with Knights.

If in 2-3 years we're still not making any progress then yes I would start questioning the coach but after 6 rounds? FFS :rolleyes:
 

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I agree with the writers sentiments on Jobe Watson

He is utter crap, always turns the ball over by hand which should not happen and this in turn costs us goals on the rebound
 
Exactly, it is quite obviously a piss-take yet everyone takes it seriously.

I found it very amusing.

I agree.
You could see it was a gag letter.

Lighten up people...
we just have to be patient for a few years,
let Knighters settle in and see what happens with the playing group in that time.
:thumbsu:
 

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While these things have at least an element of truth to them, having someone point out well known issues with our list and offering no solutions isn't of any help.

I'd have thrown the letter in the bin. Knights and the coaching panel know the deficiencies in the list - and also have a chance to work with the players. They know the areas each player is working on. They are in the best position to know whether a player is worth persisting with - or whether trading / drafting will offer better value.
 
I agree with the writers sentiments on Jobe Watson

He is utter crap, always turns the ball over by hand which should not happen and this in turn costs us goals on the rebound

Read todays Herald Sun coudlnt agree more we slay Jobe we are not far off Richmond supporters in the way we treat some of our players.

SUPPORTERS not sledgers
 
What crap. A Collingwood supporter e-mailed this to me last Sunday. Go figure.

Yep has been doing the rounds of the radio stations as well. It got a mention on SEN on saturday or sunday morning. Can't belive so many people thought it was serious.
 
Ok, youre upset. We all are. Generally.

Heres my opinion on matters.

1. Our season has derailed.

2. It is NOT becasue of the coaching.

3. It is because of our list. It lacks depth.

4. Bad luck is a MAJOR factor.

5. I agree with your evaluations of every player in your letter. Except Lloyd's

6. We will win more than one more game this year.

Here are a few reasons for my arguments.

Knights ran out of options on Anzac day. He had no options to begin with. Fair enough you could say that he should have blooded some young players who may have made out backline smaller and match up better. They arent ready though. Atkninson, Daniher, Myers. If we didnt have injuries. They would NOT be playing this week. Bellchambers would never have been named. Oh yes, its Dire Straits.

Matthew Lloyd - We all know he is a full forward. And at 30, he is ONLY a full forward. Not a flanker, not a CHF, he cant play beside Hille in the goalsquare (or laycock for that matter). PLAY HIM THERE. he goes up the ground looking for kicks because he is the captain. He does this to try and lead by example. Remember Hirdy, different players. He was able to go in, get that hard ball and win the contest. Lloyd cannot. He needs to realise golas is his only answer to fire up the team. The supply however, has been abysmal, so it isnt his fault.

I realise im rambling on a bit so ill close with this. Injuries has exposed us massivley. Our kids arent ready (may not be any good, we dont know).
The injury run we have been dealt 6 rounds into the season is cruel. I feel sorry (not angry at) for Knights, Lloyd and the bomber faithful.

All is not lost, Yes our season is gone. We all know this. But we need to stick together. Like the team will. Move Forward. What has happened has happened. The right processes will be put in place to rid our club of stock that is no longer needed.

Maybe not, this could be a bit of optimism for one of the most negative supporters (according to some BF members) but IF we beat PA... we'll be 3 and 4 and only 1 game out. Besides Davey, all our best 22 will be back in the side by around the half way point of the season, 12 wins would probably see a side into the finals. I believe it is attainable. I know it's history, but if you look at round 1 when our better players were out on the park we looked like a pretty competitive and decent unit and a unit that according to Lloyd "believed they could match it with any team in the competition", for once I believed him and I still do! :thumbsu:
 

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