Richmond Board Nomination

[gerkin greg]

Your doing some mighty fine work in the forums these days Gerkin 

What do you mean 'these days' Dez Banderas? Are you related to either Tony Flags or Phil Anderson? Because if you are i think i know your mum from back in the day.

[10 FLAGS]

Your doing some mighty fine work in the forums these days Gerkin 

What do you mean 'these days' Dez Banderas? Are you related to either Tony Flags or Phil Anderson? Because if you are i think i know your mum from back in the day.

Well lets be honest you made a slow start in here. Its good to see you working hard on your comedy routines. 

[Infamy]

On the issue of debt - I am not privy to the plan that the Richmond board are working on currently as it will not be ready till February 2011. If I am elected to the board then I will be made aware of this plan as it stands and only then will I be able to comment on it and assist with its development. So what can I say here? My only statement with respect to debt is that it must be eradicated to ensure the long term financial stability of our club. What is my plan to eradicate debt. This is a moot point as I am told that there is already a plan that is being worked on, just can't tell me what it is. So all I can say here is that when I get to see it then I can comment.

You were asked about what you would do to fix the debt issue, not comment on the plan that you don't know about. We already know there is a plan to address the debt issue, so if you are happy that this plan is in place, then how can you consider the debt issue one of your platforms for election?

You have still offered nothing in regards to solutions, just pointing out the problems. I don't know how many times this needs to be mentioned.

Have you seen the plan from the directors that are up for re-nomination? Are you critical of not seeing their plan for debt reduction as well? I am told that this will be in place by February 2011. Do you think that this is acceptable or would you like to see something on the table from them so that you know what you are voting for? Or is it ok to go on trust? Remembering that this debt has been in place for at least 6 previous elections without action.

so what you are saying Phil is that we should trust you because you say your a good bloke. Is that it?

I think that Phil is saying that people expect him to give out his plan for debt reduction prior to the election, but are happy to wait until Feb for the existing board to release their plan.

It's actually fair point, if I'm understanding it correctly.

You are understanding this very correctly.

That's all well and good, but you are the one who is trying to convince members on why you should be in over them. Everything the board has done in the past 2 years has been very positive, so you need a hell of a lot more than just pointing out problems to win votes. Clearly I'm not alone on this, you would be far more likely to win votes if you put some actual ideas forward.

You remind me of a character on South Park called Captain Hindsight

[gerkin greg]

Your doing some mighty fine work in the forums these days Gerkin 

What do you mean 'these days' Dez Banderas? Are you related to either Tony Flags or Phil Anderson? Because if you are i think i know your mum from back in the day.

Well lets be honest you made a slow start in here. Its good to see you working hard on your comedy routines. 

No need to be honest Dez

Phil, one more question I think needs answering is how do you rate Peggy Haines and how do you rate her compared to your wife? If she's hotter than your wife you should maybe think about getting a new wife before the election. It may get you some more votes but primarily it will get you out of a massive rut, because Peggy H is a woofer let me tell you.

[WilliamPowell]

That's all well and good, but you are the one who is trying to convince members on why you should be in over them. Everything the board has done in the past 2 years has been very positive, so you need a hell of a lot more than just pointing out problems to win votes. Clearly I'm not alone on this, you would be far more likely to win votes if you put some actual ideas forward.

You remind me of a character on South Park called Captain Hindsight

It would seem Phil just doesn't get it; that is what people are asking him

We seem to be going around in circles

Also, Mr Anderson, please don't use the line "some are more passionate than others". I find it insulting. Running for the board doesn't mean you are more passionate about the Club than anyone else.... others direct that passion and desire to help in other ways

[Carvels Ring]

Your doing some mighty fine work in the forums these days Gerkin 

What do you mean 'these days' Dez Banderas? Are you related to either Tony Flags or Phil Anderson? Because if you are i think i know your mum from back in the day.

Well lets be honest you made a slow start in here. Its good to see you working hard on your comedy routines. 

No need to be honest Dez

Phil, one more question I think needs answering is how do you rate Peggy Haines and how do you rate her compared to your wife? If she's hotter than your wife you should maybe think about getting a new wife before the election. It may get you some more votes but primarily it will get you out of a massive rut, because Peggy H is a woofer let me tell you.

crikey i been kicked outa big footy for less

[Coach]

Your doing some mighty fine work in the forums these days Gerkin 

What do you mean 'these days' Dez Banderas? Are you related to either Tony Flags or Phil Anderson? Because if you are i think i know your mum from back in the day.

Well lets be honest you made a slow start in here. Its good to see you working hard on your comedy routines. 

No need to be honest Dez

Phil, one more question I think needs answering is how do you rate Peggy Haines and how do you rate her compared to your wife? If she's hotter than your wife you should maybe think about getting a new wife before the election. It may get you some more votes but primarily it will get you out of a massive rut, because Peggy H is a woofer let me tell you.

crikey i been kicked outa big footy for less

Really?

Your trolling must have been sh!te.

[Carvels Ring]

I am bewildered mate! 

[yellowandback]

You all sound like a pack of Gary March muppets!
Keep punching Philsy.

[gerkin greg]

I love Gary March like I love Davey's mother.

I also consider Phil a close friend. Go Phil! 

[Coach]

I love Gary March like I love Davey's mother.

I also consider Phil a close friend. Go Phil! 

Who is Davey? Some sort of pedo?  ???

Agree with your comments though. Like I said earlier, Philsy is a genius. I also consider him to be a great friend. 

[Infamy]

You all sound like a pack of Gary March muppets!
Keep punching Philsy.

I have been a massive critic of March in the past, especially when his own company was losing millions
He's done well lately though and have softened my position substantially

Has nothing to do with Phil's politician type avoidance of questions

[PhilipAnderson]

That's all well and good, but you are the one who is trying to convince members on why you should be in over them. Everything the board has done in the past 2 years has been very positive, so you need a hell of a lot more than just pointing out problems to win votes. Clearly I'm not alone on this, you would be far more likely to win votes if you put some actual ideas forward.

You remind me of a character on South Park called Captain Hindsight

It would seem Phil just doesn't get it; that is what people are asking him

We seem to be going around in circles

Also, Mr Anderson, please don't use the line "some are more passionate than others". I find it insulting. Running for the board doesn't mean you are more passionate about the Club than anyone else.... others direct that passion and desire to help in other ways

Mr Powell, I think you clearly misunderstand my comments. When I said some are more passionate than others I was certainly not referring to myself I was referring to others on your forum, so there were no insults intended from my end.
We are not going around in circles unless you are not understanding my position. If you are not understanding my position then please re-read my previous post as I am not sure that I can be more clear on my position. Please also ensure that you have been very clearly answered by the other nominees so that you and all others on this forum can compare my comments directly against the incumbents as I am yet to see anything that directly compares to my comments made in a previous post. Can you please advise me what policies that the incumbents have clearly stated that relate to the following:

Debt? (Maybe we will see something in Febraury 2011)
Stand Alone VFL Team? (All seem happy with Coburg alignment)
Sponsorship? This is a big one!!! (Nothing yet!!!)
Selling Home Games? (if finances do not improve we will continue to sell home games)

I have not heard anything that has substance. Have you? If you have please feel free to let me know. I look forward to your comments.

[Infamy]

Mr Powell, I think you clearly misunderstand my comments. When I said some are more passionate than others I was certainly not referring to myself I was referring to others on your forum, so there were no insults intended from my end.
We are not going around in circles unless you are not understanding my position. If you are not understanding my position then please re-read my previous post as I am not sure that I can be more clear on my position. Please also ensure that you have been very clearly answered by the other nominees so that you and all others on this forum can compare my comments directly against the incumbents as I am yet to see anything that directly compares to my comments made in a previous post. Can you please advise me what policies that the incumbents have clearly stated that relate to the following:

Debt? (Maybe we will see something in Febraury 2011)
Stand Alone VFL Team? (All seem happy with Coburg alignment)
Sponsorship? This is a big one!!! (Nothing yet!!!)
Selling Home Games? (if finances do not improve we will continue to sell home games)

I have not heard anything that has substance. Have you? If you have please feel free to let me know. I look forward to your comments.

We haven't heard anything of substance from you either
Remember, the incumbents cannot speak, it is against the bylaws, the only thing we can base our decision on is from the board as a whole and the decisions the club is making to move forward.

Debt - as you said there is a plan to be presented in February. Obviously you cannot comment on something that isn't public yet, but you also haven't put forward your ideas of what we should do either no matter how many times its asked. Perhaps you don't have any as that's what it looks like.

Stand Alone Team - Has been discussed quite openly that finances prevent it currently. That being said, the decision may be made for us for the 2012 season with talks of moving back to an AFL reserves competition. So not sure if this is a platform to be elected on, nor is pushing for a stand alone team when it will only make us lose a lot of money each year.

Sponsorship - Name one AFL team that makes public negotiations with potential sponsors? Why the rush, wouldn't it be best for us to take our time to get the best deal possible, not just bend over and take the first offer on the table? What are your ideas on HOW we should be getting better sponsorships and what YOU will be able to do to help secure these deals?

Selling Home Games - If finances don't improve? Considering we are making profits every year, I'm not sure how this could possibly be seen as a likely scenario. The board has made public it's desire to play 11 home games at the MCG but the AFL don't give it to us. Electing you is not going to make the AFL change their mind unless you have some photos of Demetriou & Anderson in bed together. If you do then maybe you should tell us as it may get you in.

You are still just pointing out problems and offering no solutions
Or you could ignore my questions again

[Smokey]

Can you please advise me what policies that the incumbents have clearly stated that relate to the following:

Debt? (Maybe we will see something in Febraury 2011)
Stand Alone VFL Team? (All seem happy with Coburg alignment)
Sponsorship? This is a big one!!! (Nothing yet!!!)
Selling Home Games? (if finances do not improve we will continue to sell home games)

I have not heard anything that has substance. Have you? If you have please feel free to let me know. I look forward to your comments.

Debt.  I would think that the publicly stated 3-0-75 plan and the promise to reveal further steps of the plan in Feb is a very clear statement of the policy of the incumbents.  As for my personal opinions on that as a member, I don't need to know any more than that right now.  I am not impatient or unrealistic enough to demand answers today when I have confidence in the direction that the board has taken the club over the past few years.  I'm not as bent up on the debt level as some others as I believe that the rat-infested sinking ship that was RFC circa 2004 had so many problems that no board in existence could have done a complete and satisfactory rescue job in just a few years.  It took McGuire and Costa many years to refloat their collective ships and I could mount a strong case that we were in a worse starting point than either of them.  We have been able to service the debt quite well while we rebuilt our facilities, turned large losses into consistent profits, increased revenue streams and undertook a complete rebuild of club personnel in all areas, administrative and football.  This was never going to be achieved in a short time frame and even though mistakes were made we have continued to move forward - not always on field but certainly as a club.  As a priority we needed to get our house in order off field first and I believe the current board have done a very good job of that.  Please also understand that I did not vote for any of this current group back in 2004 so this is a recognition from me that I misjudged their capacity, capabilities and intentions back then  Now that we have taken big strides in many areas it is an appropriate time to address the next tier of issues and that is were I place our debt level.  While we have been able to turn consistent profits while servicing the debt, you don't need to be a Rhodes Scholar to know that no debt is preferable.  With the right executive personnel in place and firmer financial stability underfoot, we now have 3-0-75.  That works for me and I see no need for change at this point, on this point.

Stand Alone Team.  I would think that the publicly stated intention of remaining affiliated with Coburg is a very clear statement of policy of the incumbents.  Just because a couple of the most recent Grand Finals have been won by teams with their own VFL team, that doesn't prove a thing in regard to the best way of doing things.  How many premierships have been won by stand alone teams since this system came into being?  It didn't seem to hamper Sydney and West Coast during their reign at the top.  When you place so much emphasis on removing our debt, why would you then espouse an unproven move that will cost the club quite a few hundred thousand $$'s each year?  I fear that you are quite naive if you think we (Richmond) don't exercise significant influence over team selection at Coburg and that our senior list players don't get all the development in all the positions that the senior coaching group want.  Personally I see no appreciable benefit for the heavy financial cost.

Sponsorship.  I would think that the purpose of the board members is to provide direction to the CEO on the outcomes they require of the football club.  They might be able to facilitate introductions to sponsorship possibilities through their own network but at the end of the day they are not responsible for sponsorship and removing/replacing directors based on their capacity in this area is not good policy.  If this matters to you, why don't you just pass on your information and knowledge to Benny Gale anyway?  Why do you need to run for the board just to facilitate this?  And if the club fails in the area of sponsorship then ultimately it is Gale's head that will roll, not any of the board's.

Selling home games.  Possibly the only area where you might have a point of difference to the incumbents as they are obviously in agreement with the current direction in this area.  Personally, it doesn't affect me like the Melb-based members and coteries because I live interstate and only get to use my membership a couple of times a year anyway.  And when the club is in a phase of driving it's membership base up then you could argue that more interstate exposure is not necessarily a bad thing. I would agree with you that it would not be preferable to become a permanent thing but given today's circumstances and the promises from the executive that it is not long term then I don't have a problem.  Pretty much more of the 'doing what has to be done'.  And all of the above are not nearly enough collectively for me to remove any of the incumbents.  Sorry, but thank you for maintaining your dialogue and discussions with us in a reasoned manner.  At the end of the day we are all Tigers.