Opinion Mr. Fix It

[RedLegs#5]

A lot of negative talk here today and rightfully so. However as with any problem, the only way to rid yourself of it is to find solutions in addressing and ultimately fixing it. This club has caused us plenty of heartache in recent times, but one thing that's always been a shining light for me is the general intelligence and insight of our supporter base. So two major questions:

1. Are their problems at the MFC? If so, what are they?
2. How would you go about fixing the said problem/s?

FWIW (and we always need to remember this in the hard times), obviously if we give up on the club (not that most would)...it dies. It goes without saying that we can't let past greats, who have given their blood, sweat and tears for this club, down like that. We have to keep supporting. Players like Jack Viney and Grimes (who love this club unconditionally) will eventually lead us into a more positive future. In the mean time we have to continue chipping away at the problems.

Anyway, let's discuss.

 

[rhaz]

2. Fold

 

[RedLegs#5]

2. Fold

Objectivity and intelligence please. Take that crap to the bay.

 

[Wonaeamirri33]

Well mate, sacking Royal would be amongst the most obvious steps required, of course. I think we're all essentially in agreement on that.

And on the face of it, it seems like another ten players could be on the chopping block now.

I don't know what to think about the question of Neeld's position at this point, because I simply don't know enough about the current internal situation at the club. But if we're still seeing these disastrous performances as the season continues, I imagine he'll be in serious strife also.

Certainly if he is replaced, the replacement would have to be an experienced coach with a strong track record in the AFL. We can't afford to be rolling the dice yet again by punting on someone without a good previous reputation as head coach elsewhere in the comp.

 

[RedLegs#5]

Well mate, sacking Royal would be amongst the most obvious steps required, of course. I think we're all essentially in agreement on that.

And on the face of it, it seems like another ten players could be on the chopping block now.

I don't know what to think about the question of Neeld's position at this point, because I simply don't know enough about the current internal situation at the club. But if we're still seeing these disastrous performances as the season continues, I imagine he'll be in serious strife also.

Certainly if he is replaced, the replacement would have to be an experienced coach with a strong track record in the AFL. We can't afford to be rolling the dice yet again by punting on someone without a good previous reputation as head coach elsewhere in the comp.

That's the kind of response I'm talking about.

Agreed Royal has to go. Thought this for a while. He's not an elite coach and never has been. Furthermore he's in charge of the engine room of our squad. Throw a bucket of money at Ling. A bucket. Have him come in as a part time specialist coach even. The midfield needs more guidance.

In regards to your second point, I don't think it's being stressed enough how important a consistent squad is. Surely no one expected miracles from Melbourne this year due to the list turnover. These guys will need a bit of time to work each other out.

In saying that, the lack of 1%ers was and still is alarming. The endeavor just isn't there for most of the squad. When things start becoming difficult, too many of our players freeze up, drop their heads, or become confused and unconfident. I understand human emotion plays a part in everything, but in professional sport there's no time for what is essentially sulking. This is what concerns me the most. Neeld must address this. Teamwork and 1%ers need to be a benchmark of ours (just like it was at Collingwood when he was there).

Some solutions (until years end where Neeld may make some changes) might include bringing in specialist speakers or coaches throughout the year. Change things up at training. Move along the bonding process. Perhaps if you want to go down the 'punishment' route, make the players who aren't putting in the extra effort donate some of their paychecks each week (as was suggested by Wayne Carey on the radio). There needs to be some form of greater motivation, as clearly for many, not all, but many of them, there is a lack of understanding of the privileged position they're in (paid sportsman). Furthermore they don't understand just how great our club is/ has been. It saddens me, but it seems to be the case.

I personally would go the more positive route of motivation as I think the club has had too much negativity surrounding it for a long time now. Have bloody Schwarz speak to them next week before the game. Bring in Robert Flower the week after. Styne's wife the week after that. Barassi after that. Keep pushing until positive reinforcements begin helping and bonding us.

On your final point. I don't think sacking Neeld should be an option at this stage. If...IF at the years end we've shown no improvement, he needs to be asked questions. However I still think he has the right idea, but just might need a bit more help. Craig should perhaps be given a bit more power until Neeld settles (bit of a Bomber Thompson role). That or do everything we can to bring in Paul Roos as a support coach. If Roos was to turn around and say he's prepared to be senior coach, well we'd be silly not to at least consider.

Lastly I think we all need to accept that perhaps all the off field turmoil has taken a bit of a toll on the players. It's a long climb up, but a climb that can and will happen. As I said above, us supporters need to be with them along the way. No excuse for not buying a membership or showing your support....ever.

 

[Wonaeamirri33]

Agreed Royal has to go. Thought this for a while. He's not an elite coach and never has been. Furthermore he's in charge of the engine room of our squad. Throw a bucket of money at Ling. A bucket. Have him come in as a part time specialist coach even. The midfield needs more guidance.

In fact, it's fair to say Brown and Rawlings should be on the block as well as Royal.

A big part of why Neeld would be encountering difficulties, and what's causing the glacial pace of improvement amongst any of our players who've been around since then, is the poor calibre of all his assistants. None of those three seem to be very effective from what I can see.

We need to spend whatever money is necessary to secure better quality assistant coaches across the board.