I have a different theory. Some people are highly analytical, and as such, are more drawn to be critical than those that have an aptitude for faith, who are more drawn to be loyal.

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STURDYISM!!

Put your head between them and go "blubbl, blubbl, blubbl".

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"You can't polish a James Hird"

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29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

In the army we used to say that if the soldiers weren't complaining we had a problem on our hands.

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Let slip the Blues of war (with apologies to William Shakespeare) (and Sir Francis Bacon, just in case)

And not just in football.

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Bawditawaba

Glad it's only a theory... My theory is that for the most part those who truly love the club, understand its history, understand sports business and can see Carlton's potential are the ones who do a lot of head-shaking and criticism of the club.

Largely because it's being made up as it goes along. If they had the proper planning and expertise in place - like Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn do, then the off-field positivity amongst members would reflect the on-field positivity emanating from the club.

How many Doc Sherrins does it take to change a footy club?

What I mean by that is...sometimes when you are experienced and or talented in one area, you might, looking through those eyes, think how much you could improve a situation, or org. if they had you on board. You believe in your skills, and your way.
The people already employed in that situation or org. feel the same way about their own skills and talents. They have been employed over others for their particular point of view, skills and talents.
Unless you go through that process yourself..commit to it, dedicate your unique skills to it..or, even offer a free specialised advisory service for them...it's just pissing in the wind.

FWIW..I'm sure you could add something great to the club, but I also think the club is in a better place than it has been for years, and is still
rising. If you're not happy...then don't think....do!!!! (actually...think AND do. )

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

could not have said it better

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Go BLues

I could never work for Carlton nor another AFL club and actually feel for people at the club who are talented, care about the place and have some good ideas - but aren't paid all that great for the hours they put in, nor are in the managerial position to have a controlling say in proceedings. There haven't been too many consultants employed for strategic projects - the latest was the strategic plan who were old colleagues of Greg Swann and were asked to do it for mate's rates. I don't necessarily have a problem with not having a tender process and doing things that way - as i have been a beneficiary of similar procedures, but perhaps having seen the draft, the sub-committee could have asked someone else to look over that document as there were some glaring errors (to people like me who write strategic plans/feasibility studies/submissions etc).

I agree with you - the club is on the right track in nearly all facets of operation. It still lacks in pro-activeness in vital areas and will eventually improve, but it's hard playing catch-up all the time in this industry. They are still winging it and picking and choosing what might work in ad-hoc fashion instead of sticking to a plan. There are many people to please and the club is trying to do the right thing by most of those groups most of the time. The club - and it seems most supporters - would prefer it if supporters just paid their fees and worried about the on-field performances. I don't believe it should work that way...

...having said that - I no longer contribute financially to the efforts of the club and therefore recognise that my grievances are null and void.

I can understand you not contributing financially to the club say over and above the value of a standard membership.

But unless you have valid financial reasons I cant understand why you dont at least purchase a standard membership.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

I've always been an AFL member. Having another membership was just a donation to the club that, in 2012, now serves no purpose. I have weekend commitments throughout May, will be overseas in July/August and all up will probably attend no more than half a dozen games this year. I don't work out of an office on Thursdays and Fridays so will attend training sessions should they be made available to the common man on those days.

I assume you are aware if you are an AFL Member (as I am) with Club Support Package (with Carlton as your nominated club) then Carlton recieve from the AFL a dollar amount equivalent to a basic Carlton Membership Package, so not only are you considered a Carlton Member you are also contributing financially to the club.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

Yes AGRO. I realise that. But there's no rule against not having Club Support Package attached to an AFL membership. I am entitled to not give a cent to the football club in 2012. Surely no one has an issue with that?

I certainly agree that you are entitled - I just said I couldn't understand it.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

Seeing as I contributed a four-figure sum to the club last year of which even I was surprised, I think I'm entitled to have a year off. There's too much fuss made over revenue from club membership anyway (unless you're Collingwood). If a club makes the Grand Final it can make a killing off of its allocated ticket sales, and our Captain has a fair bit riding on it as well being a director in a company of one of the firms that is an authorised onseller of corporate Grand Final packages.

The club makes its real money in corporate, sponsorship and TV revenue, and I agree wholeheartedly that it should do so. But anyone with a young family understands that with the current draw designed for TV exposure, it's far easier to stay at home and watch the footy (of which you can do freely 17 out of 22 rounds if memory serves me correctly) than it is to go and watch it live. I intend to go to the big games - Collingwood, Essendon*, Hawthorn throughout the year ...in addition to a lot of training sessions. And that will suffice.

I dont doubt your committment, your past contributions and your love for the club as well as the right for you to criticize the club.

I would have thought however that a small contribution by way of standard club membership - which would give you the right to participate and vote at the AGM would be a small price to pay.

I understand that one person's voice at the AGM probably has negligible contribution by way of say or influence - but at least you have one.

You are probably right in some way that the AFL/Clubs make most of their money from TV rights, sponsorship etc - however things like yesterday's Court decision about Optus's ability to transmit "live" demonstrates how "fragile" that these "rivers of gold" are.

Perhaps one day in the future those in charge of the AFL - will look whistfully at the bygone days of tribal support for the AFL clubs - when Free-to-air channels are no longer willing to bid billion dollar sums for 5 years of exclusivity.

Sorry woof you are right - this is shit in this thread.

Harker's training reports have been absolutely sensational - I can't wait for the season including the NAB CUp to start.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

I agree...but he'll get over it - plenty of my training reports got hijacked. I'm only responding to the idiots who feel the club shouldn't be criticized. If the mods feel the need to cut it - that's their prerogative.



I agree - they're good. I enjoy reading his observations.



I agreed with you for many years - but I no longer do. By certain actions (or inaction) the club has basically shown me that they don't want my money. I'm not going to pony up thousands every year, just as a donation. They might still be a charity case, but they are funded by the AFL and have healthy streams of revenue coming in - so I'm not all that concerned.



Well I attended the AGM for many years, but again the actions of the board have shown me that they'd rather not have members attend the AGM - let alone answer questions (although they are obligated to do so as an operating entity). This years' AGM ran smoothly enough because Kernahan and another board member met with the USC prior to the AGM. So it's a little rich to suggest that all members have a say at an AGM when you've done a deal with the supporter group that causes you the most headaches to not say anything!

...but above everything, I can't believe that Dane of all people started a thread questioning Carlton's organisational direction...wow.

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

Dr I hope you don't miss out on a GF ticket

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Between our dreams and actions lies this world