FIND out what’s being said about the club in the major daily newspapers on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Herald Sun
Lyon bides time in search for coach
Lyon bides time in search for coach
By Sam Edmund and Mark Stevens
GARRY Lyon yesterday said he would not approach any AFL coach while they were still in the premiership hunt. The former Demons captain officially took the reins as stand-in football director and said the besieged club would patiently pursue "the best available coach". "I won't be approaching any coaches who are still coaching," Lyon said. "Until you get in here, inside the club, you've got to understand the list, understand it more intimately and then you make the judgment call. It's a standard line, but I think it's the right line, you get the best available." He said Mick Malthouse was unlikely to be part of the club's coaching hit list. "I take Mick on his word," he said. "I saw on the news that he was absolutely emphatic that he wasn't going to coach next year. If that ever changes, then of course we want to talk to Mick Malthouse."
Tough call for blue-collar Viney
GARRY Lyon yesterday said he would not approach any AFL coach while they were still in the premiership hunt. The former Demons captain officially took the reins as stand-in football director and said the besieged club would patiently pursue "the best available coach". "I won't be approaching any coaches who are still coaching," Lyon said. "Until you get in here, inside the club, you've got to understand the list, understand it more intimately and then you make the judgment call. It's a standard line, but I think it's the right line, you get the best available." He said Mick Malthouse was unlikely to be part of the club's coaching hit list. "I take Mick on his word," he said. "I saw on the news that he was absolutely emphatic that he wasn't going to coach next year. If that ever changes, then of course we want to talk to Mick Malthouse."
Tough call for blue-collar Viney
By Mike Sheahan
TODD Viney has been copping dirty jobs at Melbourne from soon after he arrived from Adelaide in the late 1980s. His close mate and original captain, Rob Flower, said yesterday the club's 1987 coach, John Northey, enlisted Viney in his first season to ride shotgun for his skipper. "I remember a couple of times that year I'd be getting a hard time at half-forward, getting tagged or roughed up a bit, and 'Swoop' (Northey) would go to Viney and say 'I want you to go and help 'Tulip'. Go and give him a hand'." He was a mere 21, yet a brave, willing competitor born for the contest at 183cm and 88kg. Viney said last night: "That's right. 'Tulip' was being bullied a bit. It might have been the young (John) Worsfold at the time, I reckon. I got the job as his minder." While Viney may not have been the most accomplished player to wear the Melbourne colours during his time, he proudly represented the blue-collar element of the red and blue teams led by Flower, Greg Healy and Garry Lyon from 1987-99.
Demons are just papering over the cracks
TODD Viney has been copping dirty jobs at Melbourne from soon after he arrived from Adelaide in the late 1980s. His close mate and original captain, Rob Flower, said yesterday the club's 1987 coach, John Northey, enlisted Viney in his first season to ride shotgun for his skipper. "I remember a couple of times that year I'd be getting a hard time at half-forward, getting tagged or roughed up a bit, and 'Swoop' (Northey) would go to Viney and say 'I want you to go and help 'Tulip'. Go and give him a hand'." He was a mere 21, yet a brave, willing competitor born for the contest at 183cm and 88kg. Viney said last night: "That's right. 'Tulip' was being bullied a bit. It might have been the young (John) Worsfold at the time, I reckon. I got the job as his minder." While Viney may not have been the most accomplished player to wear the Melbourne colours during his time, he proudly represented the blue-collar element of the red and blue teams led by Flower, Greg Healy and Garry Lyon from 1987-99.
Demons are just papering over the cracks
By Paul Roos
SOMETIMES the answer to your problems is so obvious that you overlook it because you think it can't be that simple. In my view that is what is happening at the Melbourne Football Club. Football is a full-time professional industry with most clubs turning over between $30-45 million. Former captain Garry Lyon has been asked by his great friend, Melbourne president Jimmy Stynes, to help. Understandably he has agreed in a tough time for his football club, but more particularly because Jimmy is so unwell. I certainly agree with Garry that Jim has much more important things on his plate than football and applaud his desire to get involved in Jim's time of need.
Gotch to lay it on dumped Demons
SOMETIMES the answer to your problems is so obvious that you overlook it because you think it can't be that simple. In my view that is what is happening at the Melbourne Football Club. Football is a full-time professional industry with most clubs turning over between $30-45 million. Former captain Garry Lyon has been asked by his great friend, Melbourne president Jimmy Stynes, to help. Understandably he has agreed in a tough time for his football club, but more particularly because Jimmy is so unwell. I certainly agree with Garry that Jim has much more important things on his plate than football and applaud his desire to get involved in Jim's time of need.
Gotch to lay it on dumped Demons
By Sam Landsberger
MELBOURNE development coach Brad Gotch says form and inability to follow team rules is why the Demons wielded the axe, but he denies Colin Sylvia's career is at the crossroads. Sylvia, Liam Jurrah, Addam Maric and Dan Nicholson were dumped by caretaker coach Todd Viney and will line up for VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions against Sandringham tomorrow. "Sometimes you've just got to make a statement if blokes aren't following team rules or their form isn't as good as it could be," Gotch said yesterday. But he leapt to the defence of Sylvia, a No.3 draft pick. "Players just go up and down, don't they? He's just got to accept it and cop it and go out and play as best he can," he said. Gotch said he would be briefed on why Jurrah was dropped but the spring-heeled forward had to improve his defensive pressure.
Crawf says Lyon’s flame could ignite
MELBOURNE development coach Brad Gotch says form and inability to follow team rules is why the Demons wielded the axe, but he denies Colin Sylvia's career is at the crossroads. Sylvia, Liam Jurrah, Addam Maric and Dan Nicholson were dumped by caretaker coach Todd Viney and will line up for VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions against Sandringham tomorrow. "Sometimes you've just got to make a statement if blokes aren't following team rules or their form isn't as good as it could be," Gotch said yesterday. But he leapt to the defence of Sylvia, a No.3 draft pick. "Players just go up and down, don't they? He's just got to accept it and cop it and go out and play as best he can," he said. Gotch said he would be briefed on why Jurrah was dropped but the spring-heeled forward had to improve his defensive pressure.
Crawf says Lyon’s flame could ignite
By Jay Clark
SHANE Crawford suspects Garry Lyon could change his mind and coach Melbourne if he cannot find a suitable candidate. Crawford, who played under Lyon in two International Rules series, said his close mate's man-management skills were as good as any coach under whom he had played. Crawford said Lyon's no-nonsense approach would ensure every facet of his club was put under the microscope during the next two months. Although Lyon has repeatedly denied he is interested in coaching, Crawford said time in the inner-sanctum could ignite his coaching passion, if he is unable to secure a coach such as Collingwood's Mick Malthouse or Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson. "I still think he will consider coaching. If he is ever going to coach, this is his last opportunity," Crawford said.
Three into Twos won’t go, Dees
SHANE Crawford suspects Garry Lyon could change his mind and coach Melbourne if he cannot find a suitable candidate. Crawford, who played under Lyon in two International Rules series, said his close mate's man-management skills were as good as any coach under whom he had played. Crawford said Lyon's no-nonsense approach would ensure every facet of his club was put under the microscope during the next two months. Although Lyon has repeatedly denied he is interested in coaching, Crawford said time in the inner-sanctum could ignite his coaching passion, if he is unable to secure a coach such as Collingwood's Mick Malthouse or Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson. "I still think he will consider coaching. If he is ever going to coach, this is his last opportunity," Crawford said.
Three into Twos won’t go, Dees
By Mark Stevens
CASEY Fields, out in the back blocks of Cranbourne, is a long way from the glamorous epicentre of AFL football. But at 2pm tomorrow, an extraordinary array of talent will provide a guaranteed highlights reel. If news camera crews haven't already booked a trip down the Monash Freeway, they should. Consider for a moment that the forward 50m arc for Casey Scorpions will include the names Brendan Fevola and Liam Jurrah (right). The ultimate odd couple might just provide the Almost Footy Legends moment of the decade. Also consider that top-five draft picks Colin Sylvia and Cale Morton will no doubt find themselves in the forward 50 at times, as well. But while it might be good for the Cranny crew, it raises serious questions about what has gone wrong at Melbourne.
The Age
Demons to turn the heat on Clarkson
CASEY Fields, out in the back blocks of Cranbourne, is a long way from the glamorous epicentre of AFL football. But at 2pm tomorrow, an extraordinary array of talent will provide a guaranteed highlights reel. If news camera crews haven't already booked a trip down the Monash Freeway, they should. Consider for a moment that the forward 50m arc for Casey Scorpions will include the names Brendan Fevola and Liam Jurrah (right). The ultimate odd couple might just provide the Almost Footy Legends moment of the decade. Also consider that top-five draft picks Colin Sylvia and Cale Morton will no doubt find themselves in the forward 50 at times, as well. But while it might be good for the Cranny crew, it raises serious questions about what has gone wrong at Melbourne.
The Age
Demons to turn the heat on Clarkson
By Jon Pierik
MELBOURNE will pursue Alastair Clarkson as long as he remains out of contract with Hawthorn, with the Demons to focus on substance over style in their hunt for a new coach. Football director Garry Lyon began his new - and short-term - role with the Demons yesterday, urging unity and commitment from the players when they take on Carlton at the MCG today. But fulfilling Lyon's key agenda items - securing a coach to replace the sacked Dean Bailey and a permanent football director - will begin in a meeting with club powerbrokers on Monday. The Demons have yet to determine whether a shortlist of coaches, and interviews, will be completed in-house, with Lyon playing a key role, or whether outside consultants will help. Adelaide, also on the lookout for a new coach, is expected to be aided by management consultant Craig Mitchell. His methodology helped Geelong opt for rookie coach Chris Scott last year. ''Monday, it starts in earnest. We will sit down and address all those things,''
Lyon said last night.
Few are gamer than Jim Stynes
MELBOURNE will pursue Alastair Clarkson as long as he remains out of contract with Hawthorn, with the Demons to focus on substance over style in their hunt for a new coach. Football director Garry Lyon began his new - and short-term - role with the Demons yesterday, urging unity and commitment from the players when they take on Carlton at the MCG today. But fulfilling Lyon's key agenda items - securing a coach to replace the sacked Dean Bailey and a permanent football director - will begin in a meeting with club powerbrokers on Monday. The Demons have yet to determine whether a shortlist of coaches, and interviews, will be completed in-house, with Lyon playing a key role, or whether outside consultants will help. Adelaide, also on the lookout for a new coach, is expected to be aided by management consultant Craig Mitchell. His methodology helped Geelong opt for rookie coach Chris Scott last year. ''Monday, it starts in earnest. We will sit down and address all those things,''
Lyon said last night.
Few are gamer than Jim Stynes
By Garry Lyon
WHOEVER said football was just a game hasn't been paying much attention to the goings on at the Melbourne Football Club in the past week. In so many ways I wish it was the case. Since retirement, I've been pretty well able to treat it that way. Sit back from the comfort of the media box or the lounge room, marvel at the way the game has evolved in the past 12 years, barrack for the Demons and celebrate the victories or wallow in the losses, but always maintain some perspective, for it is, in fact, only a game. But it isn't really, is it? It's a multimillion-dollar industry that is competitive and cut-throat, that asks plenty of its on-field participants but rewards them handsomely. It has morphed into 17 conglomerations, soon to be 18, with staffs of 60 or more, and lends itself to the type of support from its followers akin to that of a cult. And that brings out the very best and worst of character traits of those who are intimately involved. The best is personified by the likes of Jim Stynes. His heroics on the field are not up for debate and his story is now a football legend. His heroics off the field extend beyond the realm of football, which also have been rightfully recognised and lauded.
It's time for all Demons to follow president's lead
By Martin Flanagan
IT WAS with dread that I tuned in to watch a replay of Melbourne's 186-point loss to Geelong, but I ended up clapping along with the crowd. Part of what happened at Geelong last Saturday was that the Cats put on a special performance. Indeed, for the first time this year, I believed Geelong could win the premiership. The Cats are a mighty team. Last year, they lost their coach and best player. This year, their ambition, if anything, is greater. There was a moment just after half-time when Matthew Scarlett tore the ball from the arms of a Melbourne player. The sheer strength of the act was striking. He looked as if he could have torn the door off a refrigerator. It's not sufficiently accurate to say Melbourne played badly. Rather, I would say the Demons were diminished until the game was like a team of miniatures playing a team of giants. In its way, it was thrilling to watch. If you don't believe me, get a copy of the replay and check out the tempo of the commentary in the final minutes. It's like they're calling a grand final. That's because the crowd and the players and the commentators have caught on to the idea that they might be witnessing one of the great exhibitions in the history of the game. Unfortunately, the natural delight of seeing such a performance can make you forget that it is being done at the other team's expense.
The Australian
Sacking only a small part of the story
WHOEVER said football was just a game hasn't been paying much attention to the goings on at the Melbourne Football Club in the past week. In so many ways I wish it was the case. Since retirement, I've been pretty well able to treat it that way. Sit back from the comfort of the media box or the lounge room, marvel at the way the game has evolved in the past 12 years, barrack for the Demons and celebrate the victories or wallow in the losses, but always maintain some perspective, for it is, in fact, only a game. But it isn't really, is it? It's a multimillion-dollar industry that is competitive and cut-throat, that asks plenty of its on-field participants but rewards them handsomely. It has morphed into 17 conglomerations, soon to be 18, with staffs of 60 or more, and lends itself to the type of support from its followers akin to that of a cult. And that brings out the very best and worst of character traits of those who are intimately involved. The best is personified by the likes of Jim Stynes. His heroics on the field are not up for debate and his story is now a football legend. His heroics off the field extend beyond the realm of football, which also have been rightfully recognised and lauded.
It's time for all Demons to follow president's lead
By Martin Flanagan
IT WAS with dread that I tuned in to watch a replay of Melbourne's 186-point loss to Geelong, but I ended up clapping along with the crowd. Part of what happened at Geelong last Saturday was that the Cats put on a special performance. Indeed, for the first time this year, I believed Geelong could win the premiership. The Cats are a mighty team. Last year, they lost their coach and best player. This year, their ambition, if anything, is greater. There was a moment just after half-time when Matthew Scarlett tore the ball from the arms of a Melbourne player. The sheer strength of the act was striking. He looked as if he could have torn the door off a refrigerator. It's not sufficiently accurate to say Melbourne played badly. Rather, I would say the Demons were diminished until the game was like a team of miniatures playing a team of giants. In its way, it was thrilling to watch. If you don't believe me, get a copy of the replay and check out the tempo of the commentary in the final minutes. It's like they're calling a grand final. That's because the crowd and the players and the commentators have caught on to the idea that they might be witnessing one of the great exhibitions in the history of the game. Unfortunately, the natural delight of seeing such a performance can make you forget that it is being done at the other team's expense.
The Australian
Sacking only a small part of the story
By Stephen Rielly
A FOOTBALL coach who, over almost four seasons, wins less than 30 per cent of his matches will be uneasy. If, in the fourth year, his side's average margin of defeat blows out to make the numbers behind the European debt crisis look reasonable, he can start wearing armour to work. A defeat of nuclear proportions and the armour isn't going to help. Dean Bailey was sacked last Sunday evening because as Melbourne coach he won 22 of 83 matches, because the Demons were routinely being battered - the average losing margin in 2011 has been 11 goals where it was four goals in 2010 - and because the only thing they did successfully at Skilled Stadium the day before was narrowly avoid the worst defeat in VFL/AFL history. Mild tempered, understated and even shy, it was not Bailey's personality or any typically erratic coaching quirk that finished him off, although it won't be a surprise to see a more authoritarian figure succeed him. He sacrificed his win-loss record in his first two seasons to give Melbourne access to the talent everyone thought necessary for a comprehensive rebuild. In this, he was selfless. He didn't fight the determination to bottom out.
A FOOTBALL coach who, over almost four seasons, wins less than 30 per cent of his matches will be uneasy. If, in the fourth year, his side's average margin of defeat blows out to make the numbers behind the European debt crisis look reasonable, he can start wearing armour to work. A defeat of nuclear proportions and the armour isn't going to help. Dean Bailey was sacked last Sunday evening because as Melbourne coach he won 22 of 83 matches, because the Demons were routinely being battered - the average losing margin in 2011 has been 11 goals where it was four goals in 2010 - and because the only thing they did successfully at Skilled Stadium the day before was narrowly avoid the worst defeat in VFL/AFL history. Mild tempered, understated and even shy, it was not Bailey's personality or any typically erratic coaching quirk that finished him off, although it won't be a surprise to see a more authoritarian figure succeed him. He sacrificed his win-loss record in his first two seasons to give Melbourne access to the talent everyone thought necessary for a comprehensive rebuild. In this, he was selfless. He didn't fight the determination to bottom out.
