WOW! Mal Michael to Essendon!

[leonbaker]

Speaking as a Bomber supporter - this has been a HUGE coup for our club.

We have a very young list (despite popular perceptions) - we have recruited 6-7 young players every year.
Losing Solly left a big hole in our defence - Mal will play FB and allow Fletch to play more a CHB role. Mal will also look after our young guys - his presence will make the like of the Cars think twice before they decide to pick on a young player.

Overnight our defence has gone from one of the worst to one of the best.

There is nothing for the AFL to investigate - as our CEO got thier approval before we moved.
The lions owed Michael for the last year of his contract - which they didn't pay, due his retirement. That saving allowed them to keep a couple more of thier young players. Port were in the same position with Dew but they had the sense to insert a clause that he couldn't play for another club for the duration of his contract.

The only agreement is $50k for some dodgey 'Ambassadorial' role - which also hasn't been paid. But IMHO - that wouldn't preclude him from changing his mind and playing again.

Brisb stuffed up - Sheeds took advantage of it.

Last season, playing our kids we lost 13 games by 26 points or less - next year we get back LLOYD - who averages 80 goals per year -, and an AA FB (who cost us nothing).
Essendon definitely won't finish bottom 4.

 

[Tigers of Old]

Essendon definitely won't finish bottom 4.

Whilst I agree on the face of it, it's been a coup in getting Michael. However whether he actually still has the ability & desire to play to play the role you hope is yet to be determined.
Seems like another bandaid job and a short term fix that's been Sheed's trademark the past few years.

Michael's recruitment may yet prove a disaster. He sure doesn't sound as committed to AFL as he once was. Only time will determine the success or failure of his recruitment, but i certainly wouldn't be trumpeting the Essendon defence as the best in the comp..

The Bombers fans delusion at the predicament they are in may well continue for a while yet.

 

[richards42]

Essendon definitely won't finish bottom 4.

Whilst I agree on the face of it, it's been a coup in getting Michael. However whether he actually still has the ability & desire to play to play the role you hope is yet to be determined.
Seems like another bandaid job and a short term fix that's been Sheed's trademark the past few years.

Michael's recruitment may yet prove a disaster. He sure doesn't sound as committed to AFL as he once was. Only time will determine the success or failure of his recruitment, but i certainly wouldn't be trumpeting the Essendon defence as the best in the comp..

The Bombers fans delusion at the predicament they are in may well continue for a while yet.

Imo michael should be made sit out of footy for a year. Whats to stop delidio saying he's sick of footy ,retiring(with a year to run on a contract) and bobbing up at carlton.
Got a few bomber supporting mates.Because they've been successful for a long time they just expect to be back in the 8 imediately.
Last year early on predicted they'd go close to the spoon. Copped plenty off them untill the season started. The same bomber supporters are predicting they'll rise back up again.Imo bottom 4 again.

 

[richards42]

Speaking as a Bomber supporter - this has been a HUGE coup for our club.

We have a very young list (despite popular perceptions) - we have recruited 6-7 young players every year.
Losing Solly left a big hole in our defence - Mal will play FB and allow Fletch to play more a CHB role. Mal will also look after our young guys - his presence will make the like of the Cars think twice before they decide to pick on a young player.

Overnight our defence has gone from one of the worst to one of the best.

There is nothing for the AFL to investigate - as our CEO got thier approval before we moved.
The lions owed Michael for the last year of his contract - which they didn't pay, due his retirement. That saving allowed them to keep a couple more of thier young players. Port were in the same position with Dew but they had the sense to insert a clause that he couldn't play for another club for the duration of his contract.

The only agreement is $50k for some dodgey 'Ambassadorial' role - which also hasn't been paid. But IMHO - that wouldn't preclude him from changing his mind and playing again.

Brisb stuffed up - Sheeds took advantage of it.

Last season, playing our kids we lost 13 games by 26 points or less - next year we get back LLOYD  - who averages 80 goals per year -, and an AA FB (who cost us nothing).
Essendon definitely won't finish bottom 4.

Leon you are deluded.Bottom 4 again. Sheedy's time is up.Loose a heap of games in a row again and media will circle.

 

[GoodOne]

Speaking as a Bomber supporter - this has been a HUGE coup for our club.

Personally I cant see how taking on a guy who's not committed 100% to a club can be a coup, especially in AFL footy. To say you want regular time off and you'll try and make every game is the sort of thing players who play for 3rd division metropolitan league would say. If that's Mal's requirement then he should have looked to play 3rd division metro. There is no way an under-committed player will be beneficial to a club. At the very least it sends the wrong message to other players, and creates inequalities, especially amongst older players. I see friction ahead.

 

[TigerForce]

Speaking as a Bomber supporter - this has been a HUGE coup for our club.

We have a very young list (despite popular perceptions) - we have recruited 6-7 young players every year.
Losing Solly left a big hole in our defence - Mal will play FB and allow Fletch to play more a CHB role. Mal will also look after our young guys - his presence will make the like of the Cars think twice before they decide to pick on a young player.

Overnight our defence has gone from one of the worst to one of the best.
There is nothing for the AFL to investigate - as our CEO got thier approval before we moved.
The lions owed Michael for the last year of his contract - which they didn't pay, due his retirement. That saving allowed them to keep a couple more of thier young players. Port were in the same position with Dew but they had the sense to insert a clause that he couldn't play for another club for the duration of his contract.

The only agreement is $50k for some dodgey 'Ambassadorial' role - which also hasn't been paid. But IMHO - that wouldn't preclude him from changing his mind and playing again.

Brisb stuffed up - Sheeds took advantage of it.

Last season, playing our kids we lost 13 games by 26 points or less - next year we get back LLOYD  - who averages 80 goals per year -, and an AA FB (who cost us nothing).
Essendon definitely won't finish bottom 4.

An old codger like Mal Michael has given your defence a 180degree turn from worst to best ?

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

At least we've got no problems, Richo kills Michael every time.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

...and an AA FB (who cost us nothing).
Essendon definitely won't finish bottom 4.

Mal Michael has never been an All-Australian.
Whilst I think Essendon can improve a few rungs on the ladder in 2007, it is not a long-term fix.

Brisb stuffed up - Sheeds took advantage of it.

Yes, but the question remains - was the whole thing engineered by Sheedy/Essendon beforehand?

There is nothing for the AFL to investigate - as our CEO got thier approval before we moved.

Yet the AFL is conducting an investigation.

 

[jb03]

Speaking as a Bomber supporter - this has been a HUGE coup for our club.

We have a very young list (despite popular perceptions) - we have recruited 6-7 young players every year.
Losing Solly left a big hole in our defence - Mal will play FB and allow Fletch to play more a CHB role. Mal will also look after our young guys - his presence will make the like of the Cars think twice before they decide to pick on a young player.

Overnight our defence has gone from one of the worst to one of the best.

WIthout wanting to bag other clubs' supporters who post here this is folly. Replacing Solly with Michael suddenly transforms your defence from one of the worst to the best - yet losing Solly leaves a big hole in your defence. And yes I'm sure the Carrs and the rest of the league are really petrified of Essendon now that Michael plays there. Michael is such a bang up human being that he'll look after your younger players - how so. Please. We are all deluded about own own teams but your post is rubbish.

Essendon is the home of fading stars and over rated youngsters. Clear bottom 4 for mine.

 

[TigerForce]

..........and fading coach.

 

[skiptomystu]

They can take Michael for all I care. Sheeds is just doing this to cover his behind at the end of the year, and is looking for a short-term fix. Mal's heart is no longer in it, and Bomber fans will realise this when he retires mid-year '07.

 

[Tigers of Old]

Speaking as a Bomber supporter - this has been a HUGE coup for our club.

We have a very young list (despite popular perceptions) - we have recruited 6-7 young players every year.
Losing Solly left a big hole in our defence - Mal will play FB and allow Fletch to play more a CHB role. Mal will also look after our young guys - his presence will make the like of the Cars think twice before they decide to pick on a young player.

Overnight our defence has gone from one of the worst to one of the best.

WIthout wanting to bag other clubs' supporters who post here this is folly. Replacing Solly with Michael suddenly transforms your defence from one of the worst to the best - yet losing Solly leaves a big hole in your defence. And yes I'm sure the Carrs and the rest of the league are really petrified of Essendon now that Michael plays there. Michael is such a bang up human being that he'll look after your younger players - how so. Please. We are all deluded about own own teams but your post is rubbish.

Essendon is the home of fading stars and over rated youngsters. Clear bottom 4 for mine.

Lovely work john barnes. ;D

 

[Phar Ace]

Whilst I agree on the face of it, it's been a coup in getting Michael, However whether he actually still has the ability & desire to play to play the role you hope is yet to be determined.
Seems like another bandaid job and a short term fix that's been Sheed's trademark the past few years.

Michael's recruitment may yet prove a disaster. He sure doesn't sound as committed to AFL as he once was. Only time will determine the success or failure of his recruitment, but i certainly wouldn't be trumpeting the Essendon defence as the best in the comp..

The Bombers fans delusion at the predicament they are in may well continue for a while yet.

Imo michael should be made  sit out of footy for a year. Whats to stop delidio saying he's sick of footy ,retiring(with a year to run on a contract) and bobbing up at carlton.
Got a few bomber supporting mates.Because they've been successful for a long time they just expect to be back in the 8 imediately.
Last year early on predicted they'd go close to the spoon. Copped plenty off them untill the season started. The same bomber supporters are predicting they'll rise back up again.Imo bottom 4 again.

Agree Mr Richards - this sort of thing will be known as Mal Practice and will be set to try the rules out in the future. Restraint of trade rings a bell when trying to restrict players from playing again - restraints have had a rocky road in the courts.................

Alan Jeans once said to me that from footy you get "mates and memories", though in AFL now you get fists full of dollars too - and an opportunity to set yourself up if you're smart. Not sure that Mal fits that category. I reckon he's blown up a few bridges that will become an opportunity for reflection.

Still think the terrain at Brisbane must be really rocky at the moment and this is the bigger story. This is just the start of things to come I reckon.

 

[Ian4]

i don't believe for a second mal michael had a change of heart. imo this was his intention from the start. he and essendon just played it smartly. brisbane were negligent in their dealings with michael re his retirement. i'm hoping an inquiry will hold michael and essendon responsible, but i'm not holding my breath. but in the long run it won't make much difference in 07. bottom 4 again for essendon.

on the positive side it puts us one position higher in the PSD.

 

[momentai]

Whilst I agree on the face of it, it's been a coup in getting Michael, However whether he actually still has the ability & desire to play to play the role you hope is yet to be determined.
Seems like another bandaid job and a short term fix that's been Sheed's trademark the past few years.

Michael's recruitment may yet prove a disaster. He sure doesn't sound as committed to AFL as he once was. Only time will determine the success or failure of his recruitment, but i certainly wouldn't be trumpeting the Essendon defence as the best in the comp..

The Bombers fans delusion at the predicament they are in may well continue for a while yet.

Imo michael should be made  sit out of footy for a year. Whats to stop delidio saying he's sick of footy ,retiring(with a year to run on a contract) and bobbing up at carlton.
Got a few bomber supporting mates.Because they've been successful for a long time they just expect to be back in the 8 imediately.
Last year early on predicted they'd go close to the spoon. Copped plenty off them untill the season started. The same bomber supporters are predicting they'll rise back up again.Imo bottom 4 again.

Agree Mr Richards - this sort of thing will be known as Mal Practice and will be set to try the rules out in the future.  Restraint of trade rings a bell when trying to restrict players from playing again - restraints have had a rocky road in the courts.................

Alan Jeans once said to me that from footy you get "mates and memories", though in AFL now you get fists full of dollars too - and an opportunity to set yourself up if you're smart.  Not sure that Mal fits that category.  I reckon he's blown up a few bridges that will become an opportunity for reflection. 

Still think the terrain at Brisbane must be really rocky at the moment and this is the bigger story.  This is just the start of things to come I reckon.

Not quite sure what you are saying about restraint of trade here pharace but the courts wouldn't expect the AFL to have rules to cover every situation. If the investigation was to deem that Michaels conduct compromised the trade period or the PSD, and the AFL, having given interested parties the right to be heard, then determined to take action against Michael which resulted in him not playing in 07, then I am reasonably confident the AFL would be able to successfully defend any Michael action based on restraint of trade.