ON SATURDAY, 17 September 2011, Mark Neeld was appointed coach.  Six days later, he spoke to the playing group in what would be the first of many addresses.

The playing group sat expectantly and somewhat anxiously in the AAMI Park theatre as Neeld took to the stage to make his first impression.

‘Hard edge’, ‘play your part’, ‘commitment’ and ‘blank canvas’ were some of the pivotal key words spoken in his short but memorable address, telling the players that once every aspect of the game is ripped apart, they must stand for something.

To view this behind the scenes footage, click the play button at the top of the article.