Before I "BIN IT"

[Penelope]

people forget it is early days as far as rebuild goes.

Yep Cameron pretty well confirmed this today. We're still in development mode.
In saying that I have been surprised that Miller has received as many games as he has this year after wasting the spot on the rookie list.
That to me sent mixed messages. Fortunately they have now shelved that mistake.

considering they did not fill all available rookie spots, one wasn't really wasted on miller.

nor have they "shelved that mistake". once griffiths was ready, miller made way for him, as was the plan all along.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

No expectations this week, what happens; happens

Just going to the footy with my mate that's all I'm doing

Totally immune to it all 

I've pretty much been like that since Round 1 2009, beers for a win, beers for a loss. Mmmm beer

[Smokey]

Yes I do HRT.  I think the direction they have set for the club and the charter they have given Benny Gale has been first class.  In their role as Directors and Board they have charted a sound course that will lead to success if plans come to fruition.  If the club doesn't succeed during their reign then it won't be the fault of good corporate governance on their behalf (unless circumstances change dramatically in the near future).

I'm not convinced the board of an AFL club only take responsibility for good corporate governance. In fact, I'd argue that have to bring more to the table these days to stay ahead of the game - especially in Melbourne.

2 other q's - I know we have a members voting system but do you think the board seems a bit of a clique? By this I mean the candidates always seem "board endorsed" and where is our board setting a standard with the way it runs the club?

I agree that they should bring more to the table HRT but their first and over-riding priority should be to set the goals, direction and agenda for the club, and to oversee the performance of the paid employees in achieving those.  Using their individual skillsets to guide and assist in this, as well as providing a conduit for networking to different areas of the club are other important facets board members could be expected to bring.  At the end of the day a successful board will use all the tools it has available to ensure that the club succeeds on the path that has been set for it and I will argue that unless someone has extensive attributes and experience as a success in their chosen profession/field then their individual value as a board member on a modern dynamic board will be restrictive and most likely not allow the board to realise it's full potential.  Just being a passionate supporter would come up a fair way short of what the board would need from any elected member.

In answer to your questions, I do think the board can be seen as a bit 'cliquey' (if that's a word) at times and that's why I fully endorse open/transparent board elections.  I don't agree with appointments from the floor.  And I believe the standard our board has set can be seen in the things our club has recently become focused on;  primarily, on long term financial survival/stability as it's first priority, setting a higher level of professionalism in the staff it employs (evidenced by the appointment of Benny Gale and other recent additions), and not allowing the football department to get ahead of itself by rampant spending without a solid, fully costed plan for long term success.  

[Hellenic Tiger]

No expectations this week, what happens; happens

Just going to the footy with my mate that's all I'm doing

Totally immune to it all  

I've pretty much been like that since Round 1 2009, beers for a win, beers for a loss. Mmmm beer

Saturday to me was a loss of innocence. After Hardwick was appointed as a whole I was prepared to be philosophical and accept that we are in a rebuilding phase and forget about the previous regime. Look towards the future accept that there would be pain but at the same time enjoy going to the footy. The kids made it enjoyable and I was watching their progress their development with a sense of inner pride. Even the club in some way seemed to have gained some level of maturity and footy was enjoyable where every game could be a free hit to anyone where win lose or draw the future and our success was seen closer than it was at any time under Wallet.

I guess with results maturity and pride the bar raises and although in my heart of hearts I knew we were not going to win Saturday lamentably was a return to "Those Tigers of Old" that we all loathe in a game that meant something to the fans of the club it seems. I can only wish for a more concerted effort Saturday night and a win will be nice and help lifting the spirits of us but as others have mentioned and I am alluding to the free hit and I guess positivity and inner pride I have had since Dimma has been appointed and Round 1 2010 is somehow missing and only the deeds of the team on field can restore that over time. I am not going to say I believe they can but merely I hope they can.

As for the beer at the footy HRT that's a given.

[Smokey]

In response to

"Why do questions need to be asked of the board after one thrashing?  Where did I say any of the posters on this forum was not up to the task of being a Director?  Did this cultural issue exist 4 weeks ago after we beat Essendon and were rolling towards the finals?  I asked you some simple questions because I disagreed with your comments and in asking I gave you the opportunity to inform me and change my mind.  Instead, I didn't get one answer to any question but instead accused of a false assumption!  If it makes it easier I'll cut it down for you - please tell me how replacing a current Director with one of our own will change the on-field fortunes of the club and improve the performance of the current board?"

Firstly my initial comments were a suggestion given the comments I had previously read about supporters on this website being dissatisfied with the culture at the club.  I was not saying that it was my position that the board should change. What I took from the underlying tone of your initial post was that supporters in particular supporters on this forum would not be capable of fulfilling the task of being a director. Thanking you for clarfying that that was not your intention. Please clarify whether you are saying that this was just an off game and therefore there is no need for any change. If there is an issue with the culture at the club and I say if you have to look at all areas of the club including at the board level as at the board level some of the important decisions are made regarding the club. Look at the Western Bulldogs this year and the reports in the media about concerns about the culture at that club and need for change at the board level to address the concern. To put it simply to you if there is and again I say if there is a cultural issue at the club don't you think that all areas of the club should be examined?

All good Elim and yes, I do think it was an off game - one that was to be expected a couple of times this season just as a couple of unexpected wins, the 'classic' signs of a young developing side.  I refuse to buy into the knee-jerk reactions of many supporters claiming the end of the world because of a couple of poor weeks.  Not one of these was spruiking doomsday a month ago and nor will they again if we turn it around in the next few weeks.  The only time to realistically and effectively judge our 2011 season will be after Round 22 (or later if the planets all line up spectacularly).  That's why I don't buy into the culture thing at present.  I do agree that in the past we have had a culture of not standing up in big games among a myriad of other football failings however that culture was never ever going to be changed or eradicated in 1 or 2 seasons and I have seen some signs this season that some of the bad cultural shortcomings have been improved or removed.  That is all I need to see at present for me to be comfortable and satisfied in allowing the current regime (from top to bottom) the slack and charter to continue on as they are.  Judgment Day will come soon enough but in my opinion it's far too early to start making calls for board reviews etc etc.  I think everyone at the club combined have taken significant strides forward in a satisfactory manner to sate my current hunger for success.  If it happens again at this time next year?  Let's have a bit closer look at how all things are travelling then.

[Darth Tiger]

Bin it ?? Bin it ??? They should have it an 24 hour rotation in the new 'world class media and lecture centre' and make every player undertake 48 hours of continuous watching and sleep deprevation !

That "performance" has just turned my guts all week cos it was lame, souless & completely unacceptable.

If that is the effort level RFC now provides when they ask the punters for coin, they can go heave.

The AFL is now an elite competition that has elevated itself beyond community reach, and I for one, will not invest emotionally in a competition or club that continues to pay lip service to the membership and supporter base.

Screw the AFL and the social club membership, I am off to the WAFL where you can have a kick of the footy on the oval, listen to the coach give an address, have a cold can, a chat with the canteen lady that is involved in the club, watch a contest between skilled footballers rather than glorified circle work and the kids can run around after easily finding parking that is $1 and available.

Darth Out.

For this season at least.

[eliminator]

Thank-you for your response Smokie

[Dice]

All good Elim and yes, I do think it was an off game - one that was to be expected a couple of times this season just as a couple of unexpected wins, the 'classic' signs of a young developing side.  I refuse to buy into the knee-jerk reactions of many supporters claiming the end of the world because of a couple of poor weeks.  Not one of these was spruiking doomsday a month ago and nor will they again if we turn it around in the next few weeks.  The only time to realistically and effectively judge our 2011 season will be after Round 22 (or later if the planets all line up spectacularly).  That's why I don't buy into the culture thing at present.  I do agree that in the past we have had a culture of not standing up in big games among a myriad of other football failings however that culture was never ever going to be changed or eradicated in 1 or 2 seasons and I have seen some signs this season that some of the bad cultural shortcomings have been improved or removed.  That is all I need to see at present for me to be comfortable and satisfied in allowing the current regime (from top to bottom) the slack and charter to continue on as they are.  Judgment Day will come soon enough but in my opinion it's far too early to start making calls for board reviews etc etc.  I think everyone at the club combined have taken significant strides forward in a satisfactory manner to sate my current hunger for success.  If it happens again at this time next year?  Let's have a bit closer look at how all things are travelling then.

That's a bloody good post Smokey 

[the claw]

people forget it is early days as far as rebuild goes.

Yep Cameron pretty well confirmed this today. We're still in development mode.
In saying that I have been surprised that Miller has received as many games as he has this year after wasting the spot on the rookie list.
That to me sent mixed messages. Fortunately they have now shelved that mistake.

you see this is an area we disagree on.
i dont have a problem in getting and playing the odd mature player. the only criteria id place on an older player is they perform to a high level and are up to the standard.oh and as long as we dont trade out of early picks to get them.
 miller imo is not up to standard but he was a big body who seved a purpose for a short while. when one starts questioning the value to the team of a player especially older types  to me its time to try someone else. but that does not automatically mean a mature player cant be important to us going forward.miller brings a big body and experience two things we have greatly lacked.people think we can select 22 kids and throw them in the deep end it just doesnt and cant work like that. its all about a proper balance while making  youth the no 1 priority.
i have no doubt we will target more experienced type players even if only as stop gaps. and we should be doing it. at some stage in the near future we need to get a winning culture into the kids we do have  to at some stage expect  winning will take over from development.

[Penelope]

 

[RollsRoyce]

Smokey 58, I hardly call reacting  negatively as fans to thirty years of having our pride dragged through the mud in big, season defining games a "knee-jerk reaction". This is a deeply ingrained problem within the club, and in the collective psyche of its' supporters whether you care to admit it or not. The meek capitulation against Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, when the prize  for a win was right there on offer before the ball was even bounced, has been a typical, predictable Richmond reaction for too long.  It seems whenever the focus of the football world is on us, we freeze like timid rabbits in the headlights. And the less said about the insipid performance against Carlton the better.   

[Tigermonk]

stuff Richmond 

[Dice]

eff Richmond  

Hey relax     just kick back  , have fun trolling , and worry bout your own team mate

[Dubstep Dookie]

eff Richmond  

Hey relax     just kick back  , have fun trolling , and worry bout your own team mate

Yes 

[Coach]

YES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ALwKeSEYs