MATCH DAY MAILBOX 2009

Got something you want to say about the Bombers' performance in 2009? Well here is your chance. Every week we are giving you the chance to have your say in Match day Mailbox. In 100 words or less, tell the world what you thought of the match - and we will publish the comments right here. You must be a registered BomberLand user to send in your comments - if you do not have a username and password, you can register here.

> ELIMINATION FINAL MATCH REPORT...

Match Day Mailbox Messages

"Doris I'm not fussed either way with numbers as I believe the man will make the number, not the other way 'round. In saying that, I love the way Paddy plays the game, for a tall fella he is very athletic, full of poise and grace (If you know what I mean), I think he really has the makings of a champion footballer and to think when Sheedy drafted him I really questioned what he saw in him...I stand corrected!"
        - David Husk

"ONE Bomber who is worthy of 18 is Patrick Ryder how about a change for him. He as all the attributes of Van Der Haar & Lloyd."
        - Doris Flanagan

"...But you guys already know that!!!"
        - David Husk

"Re Hurleys number, its not like he has a number in the 40s. Number 22 is a good number worn by some great defenders like Billy Duckworth and John Williams. Why change? I think #22 would also have been appropriate."
        - Jeff Forster

"Now we have a little 'portal' into a world of our own ( a bit like Alice?). How do we get into the rabbit hole? Go into your Hanger profile, click on comments on your toolbar, then click on the last comment you made for the Matchday Mailbox Elimination Final and it will bring you into the rabbit hole...good luck!!!"
        - David Husk

"The game is on at 10.30pm Friday in Hong Kong."
        - Jeff Forster

"Jeff, could you explain why Hurley shouldn't be given 18? I admit that Lloyd was a very sensible family orientated player but VanDer wasn't but what a champion he was. I believe that we need to look out of the square and give him a break and 18 for mine would be so appropriate. Jen"
        - Jennifer Mackie

"Karen Arthur you have been reading my mail,the only game that keeps us alive is only 4 days away,cricket is so mundane which is a kind way of saying (bored) i am with you,God i love this game,Carn the Bombers."
        - Max Rodwell

"Not that long to go Karen. It will be interesting to see who plays, how many of the new kids get a go. Hopefully we have a win and then next week? Cheers, Dave"
        - David Husk

"I can't understand how the AFL has allowed this to happen Doris. They talk it up so much in the media about the great TV deals for the AFL, yet what about the talk of promoting the game into Queensland. I lived in Queensland for 4 years and lost touch with footy during those years as it received very poor coverage ('94-'97). 2am Sat morning is very poor!"
        - David Husk

"I am having withdrawals as no-one is writing on here. Come on it is only 4 more sleeps and we get to see our boys again and I for one cannot wait. Go Bombers!!"
        - Karen Arthur

"Website still in 2009 unbelievable. Brisbane have to wait till 2am Saturday for NAB match. Programming for AFL not changing this year thanks channels 7 & 10."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Can't Essendon at least put the score of the Intra-club match report up here instead of the Crows Final of last year??? Would be nice to see this 'thrashing' of the Bombers gone from here.....Is anybody out there?"
        - David Husk

"STICKET RIGHT UP THEM BOMBERS hi Uncle Mark as well "
        - MARK JONES

"Interesting idea Ryan. I'm sure Hurley has all the goods...I just hope Gumby comes along in 2010 as well...Go Bombers!!!"
        - David Husk

"David I reckon Hurley will be a gun. Him and Williams forward will be like Lloyd and Lucas were"
        - Ryan Arthur

"Many many years ago I had an Essendon jumper with no. 22 on it when 10 and 32 were the most popular. The last year I could wear that jumper No. 7 became popular but not no. 8."
        - Jeff Forster

"Yeah Jeff, was it you that nearly ran me over in the main street back in ’86? I probably threw grapes at you as you rode by...lol. By the way, what about Hurley and #18???"
        - David Husk

"Is Knights really from Mildura. I think Knights will put some new boys in."
        - Ryan Arthur

"I love Mildura. Been there a dozen times. First in 1986 (just cycling through) and last in 2008 (bought stuff from the sports store near the mall). Best place there is to watch the old Murray roll by. It's a big town now."
        - Jeff Forster

"Yeah Mark, I did hear the Knights is from Mildura. I went to Mildura in 1986 to pick grapes and pears there...that was along time ago. I'm sure we might get to see a couple of the new boys play WC, maybe Melksham or even Hardingham? Not long to go!"
        - David Husk

"comment to David Husk is mathew Kinghts going to put the new players in the side when we take on west Coast and one more thing do you no that knights is form Mildura were i live "
        - MARK JONES

"Mark, Hill will take awhile to come along. What we don't want is what happened to Luke Darcy a few years back when he did his knee a second time. If Knights puts David in the forward structure, he can still do some ruck work and hoefully kick a few goals!"
        - David Husk

"why put david hille in the Goals it should be Angus Monfires or Huley or williams silly person mathew knights "
        - MARK JONES

"i can not see david hill play well this Year i think knights should pull him out the team and just put a mark williams in the ruck"
        - MARK JONES

"Why is that Jeff? I'm not fussed either way as I don't really have an opinion on it, as I haven't given it much thought (I'll start thinking about it)?"
        - David Husk

"I don't think Michael Hurley should get no.18. "
        - Jeff Forster

"I don't think Michael Hurley should get no.18. "
        - Jeff Forster

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANGUS MONFRIES HAVE A NICE ONE MATE "
        - MARK JONES

"Hi Mark, yeah you'r correct. I just had a look and McVeigh will miss Round 1 and Lovett-Murry will miss Round 1&2 as a result of the Crows game...thanks!!!"
        - David Husk

"Mark, I don't expect us to beat Geelong round one, but you never know. We beat Sydney in Round 1 after they won the flag the previous year, so nothing is impossible? I thought all our guys were free to play from the Hawks game? Ryder and Lonigan only received 1 match suspensions (Llyod has retired)? The side will really have to be on their game though come round 1!!!"
        - David Husk

"comment to David Husk. not Looking forward to it they will be to dam good 4 us we still got some Players still out from the Hawthorn Game and the Crows Game as well "
        - MARK JONES

"Could we please update our mailbox. It has been 4 long months since we played. A new refreshing site would be appreciated as we approach a new (hopefully successful) season. Regards Jen"
        - Jennifer Mackie

"Please update the website by removing Elim Final 2009 go forward to 2010."
        - Doris Flanagan

"80 Sleeps (plus a few naps) and Counting until we face the premiers!!!""
        - David Husk

"last Season we only had one win Of the season Playing out of Melbourne and that was agents the swans at the S C G we got up thats the Main thing i would like to see this Year is win Much games out of Melbourne we only Play 3 time Interstate and Lets win them west coast at S Sydney at S C G adelaide at Ammi "
        - MARK JONES

"Thanks David Husk for the comment "
        - MARK JONES

"Happy New Year Mark, I'll have a look on Monday to see if my posts are getting through????"
        - David Husk

"why do they still have Elimination Final Report on this Mail box we no we lost so why not change it to something else "
        - MARK JONES

"Happy New Year Every One well here we are in 2010 and what a year it will be a Grate footy one as well can't Wate for it to start "
        - MARK JONES

"Well i think knighta was justified in getting rid of lovett, it is sad what has happened but if a club like ours cant help him nobody can."
        - christine wade

"a big thank you to Jeff ' and i would Love to get 2 a Essendon game in Adelaide but i Bean Told by a Lot of fans not to go Over there as they hate the Vic Sides "
        - MARK JONES

"Mark Jones, merry Xmas and a successful new year. Hope you get to a few games. I've appreciated your honest and passionate comments. And I consider you a fellow South Australian (afterall Mildura is closer to Adelaide than Melbourne)."
        - Jeff Forster

"we wish you a Merry Christmas we wish you a Merry christmas and a Happy new Footy Season you no what i wish for the New Year is 2 sticket right up Geelong butts "
        - MARK JONES

"Well I have to sat it is a dream come true. Timmy Watson was always my favourite and lead the club well so I think with his mentoring Jobe will do well. I congratulate him as I feel he is very mature and has the club at heart. Well done Jobe and a pleasant surprise to see that Andrew is your deputy. May they have a long and successful leadership at Essendon."
        - Karen Arthur

"well done Jobe so thank full you are pointed to lead the team "
        - MARK JONES

"Wrong again, support the appointment of Jobe just thought he was too young. Surprised with Deputy Welsh but these two are great role models for the players."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Many years ago most fans stood, at least at the suburban grounds. If you wanted a seat, and you had floggers, you got to the ground about 10.30am to get a seat next to the fence. "
        - Jeff Forster

"i am Tipping paddy Ryder to get it for any chance but i think watson the good old Jobe i think he like his dad all over gees i seen him Last "
        - MARK JONES

"Would be pleased if Fletcher is Captain but dont think he wants it, so will settle for David Hille. Monday will tell."
        - Doris Flanagan

"many Years a go when Footy first Started off the Fans were allowed to sit any were "
        - MARK JONES

"All the best to all Essendon people. Have a great Christmas and New Year...Here's to 2010, hope we have a great year and the boys do well...Go Bombers!!!"
        - David Husk

"What do the Bronze members think of the change to their membership package (as of 2011) when you will need to upgrade to a Silver or High Mark membership of lose your ground level Premium A reserved seat at Etihad?"
        - Mark Hickleton

"What do the Bronze members think of the change to their membership package (as of 2011) when you will need to upgrade to a Silver or High Mark membership of lose your ground level Premium A reserved seat at Etihad?"
        - Mark Hickleton

"we need a New fast Player like Andrew Lovett was to Kick the Goal's i can't get over knights letting him go i am so Stung about it "
        - MARK JONES

"My 6 numbers (I mean names) in Tuesdays Lottery are N.Ahmat, M.Barlow, B.Fewster, T.Hunter, G.Long & Mitch Taylor. Just missing (vertically challenged) are S.Rioli & D.Wanganeen."
        - Jeff Forster

"i think Essendon should pick up Leigh Fisher in the draft on tuesday."
        - Michael Wiles

"i think we should Make our Cheer squad bigger i Look back at all the Games we Had the Biggest one but now its looks small were all our big Flags Gone and our Banner Looks Small on Match day"
        - MARK JONES

"Yes Doris I agree, I was only refering to the amount of awards Essendon won that year (93) as Karen said. We know we should have won in '99 but the boys let themselves down in the Prelim. I think everyone expected EFC to win in 2000 as we were so dominate. Also looking forward to #17, let's hope it's not too far off???"
        - David Husk

"Have to say 1984/5 were better than 1993 the depth of opposition was real tough. 2000 was also superb in fact all 16 premiership years have been memorable. Look forward to 17????."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Karen it must have been the real Brad Clark then? 1993 was I think the best season (overall for what you said Karen) Essendon has ever had since I've been going to the footy. We are along way off that (I hope I'm wrong on that one)."
        - David Husk

"No not me Dave."
        - Karen Arthur

"I will never forget 1993 the year we won everything from the premiership, Norm Smith, Goal kicking, brownlow and every award possible and I made sure everyone knew it. I went to work and wrote up a huge poster with all of our feats for the year. I also did up a huge red sheet hanging from my garage with premiers and that was before the game started!!!"
        - Karen Arthur

"Jeff, 1993 was a totally amazing year, we had so much skill, courage and compassion. Not only did we have Gavin and Michael but we had James, Joey, Mark Mercuri, the list goes on. Times have changed, we don't have that kind of personnel now (wish we did). I would love to see the Bombers up there as we were then but being realistic I don't think so."
        - Jennifer Mackie

"angus monfries is essendons new forward :)"
        - Sarah Sordelli

"Watched the 2nd half of the 1993 Preliminary Final last night. Wow. Long and Wanganeen were amazing. The team actually had a great mix of youth and experience and an extraordinary amount of self belief. This current team looks good but who are the X-factor boys like Long and Wanga. Who will lift the team in 2010 to get those extra few victories we missed last year. Lance I reckon 12-13 wins, more consistency, better %, and 7th-9th place next year."
        - Jeff Forster

"Hi everyone. I said at the end of 09 season to wait until we complete our list for 2010 and then put forword your estimation of where we will finnish at end of 2010. Given we only have our rookie list to complete (I think), the time has come. My estimate, with good run with injury we may make the 8 otherwise 10 - 12. With Lloyd and Lucus gone we will need a brand new foward line game plan which will take time to develope. Interested to see what other people think. "
        - Lance Finney

"Karen it was the article 'Prismal impresess Bomber supporters' wher I saw a comment from Brad Clark so I wasn't sure if that was you or Brad (its not important). Dave"
        - David Husk

"i hird on the Radio 2day that they might be taking that Footy of us ' and Just Have the soccer if that Happens i Blame the AFL Manger for it hes already Recked the Footy now"
        - MARK JONES

"Not sure which article you are talking about David?"
        - Karen Arthur

"Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to all, let's hope that we can enjoy a successful 2010 - Go Bombers"
        - Jennifer Mackie

"with many Joy and peace of xmas time i wish yous all a Merry xmas and a happy new Year we look forward to here form you's in the new years have a safe one guys go dons for ever "
        - MARK JONES

"To all the EFC members/supporters,staff, players,coaches & your families have a wonderful Christmas, a safe and happy 2010. WE ARE 1 BIG FAMILY THE ESSENDON FC FAMILY AND WE WILL BE THE BEST ONCE AGAIN,GO BOMBERS! "
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Living in the past with Elim Match Report site I would like to go FORWARD & Wish all my HANGAR FRIENDS & COMMENTATORS HAPPY CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR with a priority of INJURY FREE BOMBERS 2010."
        - Doris Flanagan

"with many thanks to Brent Prismall for the Work that he has done as an Bomber after coming form Geelong "
        - MARK JONES

"Karen, was that you on the Prismall article or Brad?"
        - David Husk

"welcome the 2 Jakes and Anthony Long and i course Mark William to the Essendon Football club ' i am So Looking forward to a Brand New essendon Team next Season Cant Wate for it to Kick off Season 20010 ' i Glad we Got the Right Young players after Lloyd Lucas Mcphee and Lovett Left us and we are Essendon and we can show how good we are in 20010 go Bombers Mark Jones "
        - MARK JONES

"Welcome back Karen. We must understand that the new kids on the block will take ages to develop unless they are unique? Who knows. Next year will be interesting. If we can have a good run with injuries we might play finals again, but if a few of our key men go down, then I think we will be in trouble. Cheers, Dave"
        - David Husk

"It is so nice to be back on under my own name. I was quite happy with the draft although I can still not quite understand why we did not take Ball when we had the opportunity. I feel he would have been a great acquisition for the younger picks to be guided by. We have lost a great deal of experience so I think he would have been the ideal type. Anyway it is past that so I wish all the draftees a long and profitable future with Essendon. Hopefully we can find another Hird or Lloyd among them."
        - Karen Arthur

"Hi everyone. Just testing to see if I come up under my name as the EI thinks he has worked out the problem. Go Bombers! Karen"
        - Karen Arthur

"Karen Arthur. I have had some luck with someone fixing my problem about having the incorrect alias so this is a test to see if it works. Cheers"
        - Karen Arthur

"can't get over the way Colling wood got luke Ball to be honest i think Melbourne should of got him since they finished on the Bottom i wonder when the Demons will get off the Bottom i say never"
        - MARK JONES

"I must admit I haven't had the time to look at the new daftees. I hope the club has picked wisely and hope as you do Doris that they have some mungral in them. Glad to have a Long at the club...let's see what he can bring, and Karen have EI as a friend and then send them a message re your concern...Cheers, Dave"
        - David Husk

"well i am so happy with the Draft another Long Playing for us but we Should of picked lewis Jetta "
        - MARK JONES

"Most comments are in news stories. Just hope we have drafted some Grunt. Fletcher, Watson, Neagle, Daniher & now Long have great blood lines to carry on Bombers tradition. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"No comments about the draft!!"
        - Jodie Richards

"David I have been a memeber since 1984. Karen"
        - Brad Clark

"David could you please let me know how I can talk to the EI as I can't find it anywhere on website."
        - Brad Clark

"Karen as Jen mentioned, talk to the EI about this issue of your allias (BC) - have you been at the club that long?"
        - David Husk

"Karen Arthur says - Jeff, were you talking to brad or me."
        - Brad Clark

"To Brad, it's ok and we support you. We're very understanding here at the hangar."
        - Jeff Forster

"Heard on the news this morning Angus has put his hand up to be captain. I think it should be Dustin."
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Karen Arthur says: From now on I will put my name at the front of my message so I don't go down as Brad Clarke. Who is this Brad anyway, maybe he could reciprocate by answering me. I have contacted Essendon about this but still no reply."
        - Brad Clark

"we are Essendon and next Year will be my 23rd Year as a fan i stuck with them all those Years and all my Life ' i love our Club so Much i wish i become a Member but i would love to but i Live a Long Way for Melbourne Mildura i only Go Once a year to support them on Match day "
        - MARK JONES

"it looks good our new windy hill that we are going to get it was in the sun about it the thing thats bad going to windy hill it a cold ground they should make it under cover like docklands stadium"
        - MARK JONES

"silvana, spot on. He'll be just as bad at freo if not worse "
        - Lucy Camilleri

"Please would FRIENDS in the Hangar update their favourite PLAYERS especially those who are the " ENEMY", retired or "out the door" thanks. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"BRAD CLARKE FOR PRESIDENT. YOU MY IDOL. ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT ANSWER"
        - DANIEL BISHOP

"MCPHHE USE TOO BE MY FAVOURITE PLAYER WHEN HE WAS ROUGH AND TOUGH. TOO MUCH TV AND NEWSPAPERS HAVE GOT TO HIS HEAD. GOOD BYE MCPHHEE DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE BUM ON THE WAY OUT. GO BABY BOMBERS"
        - DANIEL BISHOP

"I’m gobsmacked and actually amazed that all these comments are still being posted on the ‘Matchday Mailbox’. I thought that game was over long ago and here it is half of the people posting here are my friends in ‘The Hanger’ and they’ve kept this little secret from me..."
        - David Husk

"I feel I’ve been posting on the wrong site; it’s amazing how different the two forums are? There is this site where all the ‘feel good stories’ get posted (I call this the positive narratives) and then there is this site where all the realistic, constructive, objective and valid opinions and views are posted (they call this the blaming narratives). Maybe I’ve been wasting my time and effort on the other site: I’m being drawn to the dark side! Hello everyone. Hope you missed me. I’m back…Go Bombers!!! PS. I’ll know where to find you now!"
        - David Husk

"Has Hurley got a plaster on his arm?????. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"To Brad Clark,son watch what happens on the field,Dustin Fletcher is out there talking to the kids telling them where and when,directing them coaxing them,and going about his job like a kid with 300 games plus,no offence but Lloydy wasn't doing the same,it was his decision to give it away,well son for your imformation,fletcher will leave a much bigger hole when he goes."
        - Max Rodwell

"It seems everyone wants to pork barrel Matty Knights,for every thing that has happened of late,Well kids have a look at the loyalty shown by Brisbane,the Saints,richmond,carlton,and a fair few others,have a look at the loyalty shown by adam mcphee,this is for all of you,it is a cut throat business,and the loyalty to a dollar is very often more important people,but Mcphee is now the enemy,so don't bless him,point the bone at the bugger,but really he wasn't that good,he had ability without many brains,good riddance,spot on Silvana Mazzone."
        - Max Rodwell

"I'm sure all of you who are blaming Kinghts for McPhee leaving are the ones that boooed and groaned every time McPhee got the ball, and stopped, propped and made the wrong decision he never was a thinker on the field and he walked out on the club. Get over it."
        - Silvana Mazzone

"What is going on with this site. I redo my message and it still has Brad Clark's name on it. Seems as though everything is going wrong at Essendon, even their website."
        - Karen Arthur

""What is the difference with keeping Fletch to groom the young ones and not Lloyd. I smell a rat and that's all I can say on that. Why would you give an extension of contract when the reason Knight's got the job over Hardwick was because he gave them a short term assurance to get them to finals. 1 year in and all of a sudden he is the king. Well we may as well have not been there as now we have to stick with him because in his words he got them to the finals. Well whoopee do!!!" "
        - Brad Clark

""I am very disappointed with Essendon as a whole. They get rid of Lloyd (it was a Knight's decision, don't you worry about that)and now Neagle might not be right. They lose Skipworth, McPhee, Lovett, Nash and all I can say is this had a lot to do with Knight's being coach. Whether it be because they couldn't play under him or because Knight's could not get them to agree to HIS terms I think it is all a stuff up. The only good thing to come out of it all is they had the sense to offer Fletch as long as he wants. " "
        - Brad Clark

"What I find hard to believe that Knights is heralding Neagle as our next gun forward - please the guy is a very lazy footballer ie never chases after the first option, is carrying too much weight, doesn't appear to have the heart (hard at the ball) as his Dad did. If this is what Knights is building our team heaven help us."
        - Jennifer Mackie

"How is it that us passionate supporters can view things realisticaly (sorry about the spelling)but our guiding star coach can't. Jeanette and Brad totally agree with your comments."
        - Jennifer Mackie

"If Demons draft McPhee, going to Dockers will backfire. Will he reconsider????."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Jeanette Jennings and Brad Clark Well said and it sums up what most are saying about Essendon for the last two years.Oh well only 3 more years of this.No Membership for me. "
        - peter marnham

"I don't understand what all the worry is about ... after all we still have Laycock don't we HHMMMMM!!!!!!!"
        - Jeanette Jennings

"What is the difference with keeping Fletch to groom the young ones and not Lloyd. I smell a rat and that's all I can say on that. Why would you give an extension of contract when the reason Knight's got the job over Hardwick was because he gave them a short term assurance to get them to finals. 1 year in and all of a sudden he is the king. Well we may as well have not been there as now we have to stick with him because in his words he got them to the finals. Well whoopee do!!!"
        - Brad Clark

"I am very disappointed with Essendon as a whole. They get rid of Lloyd (it was a Knight's decision, don't you worry about that)and now Neagle might not be right. They lose Skipworth, McPhee, Lovett, Nash and all I can say is this had a lot to do with Knight's being coach. Whether it be because they couldn't play under him or because Knight's could not get them to agree to HIS terms I think it is all a stuff up. The only good thing to come out of it all is they had the sense to offer Fletch as long as he wants. "
        - Brad Clark

"So cross that Adam McPhee has gone to Freo ... and they gave the "Johnny come lateley" from Hawthorn a 3 year contract and extended Knights contract. Club meetings sound like "Mad Hatters tea parties" only the Mad Hatters would probably make much better decisions."
        - Jeanette Jennings

"i am disgusted because Adam Mc Phee walk out on us we traded Jay Nash and Lovett' i think knights should get his Head right we Are Losing a Lot of players ' 5 Players Left us this Year were not going to have a Better side next Year if Players Keep on going as simple as that very unhappy "
        - MARK JONES

"Now that Mcphee has walk out on the EFC we should consider/look at the option to make a play for Matty Mguire?."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"we are Eeendon and i am proud 2 be a fan we have 16 flags dead even with carlton lets try 2 work hard 2 get our 17th flag go you good thing thats my wish is 2 win the cup its coming we just have to hang on for a Few more Years and i cant wate for that year "
        - MARK JONES

"Brad like yourself and your mum, my mother and I live on the Gold Coast and have started to enjoy rugby league and also follow Melbourne Storm but we will always have Essendon as our favourites."
        - Brad Clark

"Living on the Gold Coast and NRL gets such big coverage myself and my mother have become more interested in rugby league, ofcourse we follow Melbourne Storm, and have really started to enjoy and understand the game but our first love is EFC"
        - Brad Clark

"If Essendon isn't playing on a Friday night, I'll watch the best game being televised, be it NRL or AFL (but not union). Each to their own. PS go 'west tigers' and I hate the broncos."
        - Jeff Forster

"comment to Max i am an Essendon Fan and a Brisbane broncos fan i do Love AFL more then NRL because AFL i can Under stand the Rules but the NRL i can't i don't not no how People can stand Rugby "
        - MARK JONES

"Spot on Doris,they say they aren't worried by the A.F.L,but by hell they better learn to be,i live in Qld,and see a lot of NRL,and believe me i know which game i would rather,and once converted they wil turn into rabid idiots like Brisbane fans."
        - Max Rodwell

"well this what i think will Happen when Kevin Sheedy coaches there will be James Hird as assistant coach and Mathew LLOYD as well 100 Percent would yous all agree about it well i do "
        - MARK JONES

"'I guess they have nothing better to do' is the normal Sydney-sider response to a Melbournian (or ex) commenting on AFL/NRL crowds. It will be interesting to see the crowds GC get."
        - Jeff Forster

"Careful MARK JONES. There are plenty of bomber supporters using this website who are 'about' Sheedys age. Are they also dam OLD? Sheedy is the right person for western Sydney NOW - he is known, is popular, is a headline grabber and is great with kids. He loves a challenge and knows he has to become part of WS before he can win them. There will be no 'fly-in' solution for WS - it must come from within."
        - Jeff Forster

"Please Mcphee don't don't go Back to your old Club your a Bomber not a docker please Make up your mind if you are staying or not"
        - MARK JONES

"NRL EELS comment that AFL is an ordinary game & they have a better product how come their crowd numbers compared to AFL are so little???."
        - Doris Flanagan

"a few years a go in 2006 our Club was struggling 'to get wins under Kevin sheedy i could Remember when we got Thrashed By the Adelaide Crows and i Could Remember seeing Sheedy in the coaching Box stumped after the Crows kick the Last Goal on the siren ' and the Funny Part was i said cope that sheedy you are to dam OLD "
        - MARK JONES

"Sheedy not too old, Norm Smith is a great example Demons havent won a flag since he went. Cant put a old head on young shoulders, Sheeds will get the younger assistants & teach them well. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"We've been talking about these 5 or 6 uncontracted players for months now. Somebody has screwed up."
        - Jeff Forster

"Why are players who played few or no games being rated, waste of time."
        - Doris Flanagan

"so the Grate Man Kevin sheedy is willing to coach agen the New Sydney Side . I think his Days Are Up because hes 2 Dam old to Coach "
        - MARK JONES

"so Essendon and colling wood are in the Hunt to get ball. oh Yes and Courtney Johns is Planning on Getting Drafted agen why don't we Try to Pick him up and give him a Fresh Start"
        - MARK JONES

"asif essedon gives up a good as player like andrew lovett, seriously? and now to see that mcphee might go in the draft seems there is something wrong so who is gonah go next?? really good to see that watson will be captin and to see what different levels we go to so thats one good sign : ) if we lose anymore players and i mean GOOD players i will be very upset but hopefully NO more players chose to leave. BOMBERS FOR 2010 ??? ahh i think soo : )"
        - Sarah Sordelli

"Like Hurly to play foward, look at Matt Maguire [if cleared physically]down back, then if need required move hurls down back also.Just a thought?, GO BOMBERS!!."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"well done to Ricky Dyson 'if we can all have Faith in our players you never no i am Very Proud of our players i am Looking forward to a New Bombers Team Next year I Hope we get some more Fast Players in the Draft "
        - MARK JONES

"i can't stop thinking about how Proud i was when we were the 1st one to do ST Killda this year and how Lucky we were when nick riewoldt miss the Goal right on the Siren ' and the week After that we got thrashed by 54 points agents Frmantle ho finished 14 come on that was full of it that Game we could of gave them a Flogging "
        - MARK JONES

"Could not give a toss about the 2010 draw, its all about getting another 22+ games into this group so the way I look at it, the more exposore to the good teams the better. Get them to see how much work they need to put into themselves both colectivly and individually to become a premiership prospect.AT LEAST THE NEXT TWO YEARS NEEDS TO BE ABOUT DEVELOPMENT. Develop the list and the results should take care of themselves."
        - Lance Finney

"I agree we should play Sydney in vic more often, remember Lloyd's first Quarter efforts on leeping Leo Barry few years back. Leo went from grand final hero to defenceive dunce in efectivly one quarter of footy and we won the game. "
        - Lance Finney

"Comment to Jeff Forster no we want to keep the match in Vic not new south Wales "
        - MARK JONES

"I lived in Sydney for many years and although mainly a rugby league supporter I was very aware of how much the Swans supporters looked forward to playing Essendon. It goes back to the mid 80s when the Sydney Swans were born and we were the powerhouse club that the new Swans supporters wanted to see in the flesh. Also Sheeds did much more promotion than other coaches.I heard more than once that the favorite Victorian team of Sydney supporters was Essendon. The close games in the mid-90s added to the rivalry probably making Essendon an important part of Sydneys fixture requests. I think its ok if we play at the SCG most years."
        - Jeff Forster

"and i am very pleased of the draw but some a bad we only play the Tigers once "
        - MARK JONES

"we play the swans at the SCG for the 4 time when are we ever going to Play them in Melbourne but the Good Part is we only Play Interstate a Few times thats ok and the Rest is in Melbourne "
        - MARK JONES

"Fairest competition draw requires 15 rounds where teams play each other once then random for next 7 until GC & WS play. Club members should come before Media or TV. With NAB EFC travel 4 times."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Yes I have been to the dreamtime game and yes they do sell out early. It is a great event and one not to be missed, ESPECIALLY when we win!!!!!!!!!!!"
        - Brad Clark

"Hi Mark i've been to the last couple of dream time games, good crowds but not a sell out."
        - Michael Wiles

"could some one on this Mail Box tell me if you have bean to the Dream time game dose it all ways be a sell out "
        - MARK JONES

"Nice to see one particular comment has been removed. Also like to see Dyson resign (that's re-sign not leave). Same with Daniher."
        - Jeff Forster

"Jeff, not so much of the beloved!!! HA HA. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"I'm also tired of being reminded of that game every time I log on. Lets all move forward under our beloved coaches leadership. Well said Doris."
        - Jeff Forster

"Could the ELIMINATION FINAL heading be removed from the MAILBOX so we commentators can look FORWARD to new beginnings."
        - Doris Flanagan

"about time we only Play 3 time interstate next Season i hope we play sydney in Melbourne for once we Just have to wate and see this Friday "
        - MARK JONES

"MCPHEE AND WELSH ITS OK TO GET THE EXTRA CASH DOING TV JOBS. HOW ABOUT DOING YOUR JOB ON THE FEILD AND THEN WE WILL TALK DOLLARS AND CONTRACT"
        - Brad Clark

"Experienced Bombers possibly going into DRAFT is a NO NO!!. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"Did you think McPhee and Welsh will go into the pre season draft?"
        - Jeff Forster

"Seems other news know more about EFC than our website wishes to inform such as Welsh & McPhee unsigned & Magpies after Welsh. NAB & 2010 draws being called HELL for EFC. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"go bombers too little for Larry Higgens "
        - MARK JONES

"GO THE DONS GO THE BOMBERS see the Bombers fly up up scooby doo were are you "
        - MARK JONES

"we can Beat St Killda we Can take on geelong Like we done in Round 20 this Year agents ST killda "
        - MARK JONES

"you're right marc. It was on sen radio as well"
        - Lucy Camilleri

"Hi,Jennifer Mackie i googled 2010 afl fixture,scrolled down and the headline read as follows, AFL considers moving 2010 Anzac Day clash to Sydney. Regarding fixture itself i also have'nt seen anything on that as yet hope this helps."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"The AFL has been dropping bits of information about some games in 2010 but the full fixture hasn't been released. Keeps AFL on the back page. And before the criticism starts, I for one am all in favour of the current US/UK trip by our coaches - I understand Sheeds did something similar. Learning is an ongoing process."
        - Jeff Forster

"comment to Doris. i found it out on the fox sports website and it said Geelong only once play the stkillda in round 13 Essendon will play Geelong block buster on Friday Night at the MCG "
        - MARK JONES

"Where is all this information coming from. Next years fixture hasn't been announced at this stage and the Anzac Day match where was that revealed."
        - Jennifer Mackie

"Doris, like yourself where is 2010 draw?"
        - Jennifer Mackie

"Where is the 2010 fixture being shown, how is it known Bombers play Cats round 1 & Cats play Saints round 13 ?????."
        - Doris Flanagan

"the AFL is looking at a New WA team i think that Andrew Demetriou is going to head of him self Number one Geelong Plays us in Round 1 i thought it would of bean the AFL Grand Final Sides Kicking off the first Match of season 20010 Those To side Geelong and st Killda Have to Wate until round 13 to Play each Other"
        - MARK JONES

"Anzac Day match in Sydney,you have got to be joking. they want to take away the biggest match of the year to interstate, what is their problem. Outright lunancy."
        - Karen Arthur

"if they do that i would like to say good by to every thing if they move the ANZAC day match I Would like all Essendon games to be held in Melbourne so it will be so easy to get to i now i only live 3 hours to get to Adelaide but i only hate the Adelaide sides like port and crows they should of keep it like the VFL just have all those team ho play in vic"
        - MARK JONES

"There's speculation that the AFL could be moving the Anzac day game to Sydney in 2010?, could the club please let us know what's happening thanks."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Geelong 1st round, wow, that's fantastic - can't wait. Better than playing interstate again."
        - Jeff Forster

"i think its so silly bring in those to new Teams west Sydney and the gold Cost Teams i don't think its right 'to be honest it takes me 6 hours form Mildura to Melbourne just to see an AFL game ' how are the Fans Meant to get to games to support there team ' and the members as well if they don't have the money to get to the games"
        - MARK JONES

"BOMBERS fans you must Read this round one of Next Season we have to play Geelong at the MCG its our home game Bugger me they got to be kidding"
        - MARK JONES

"the thing that i love going out to windy hill is because my grand fathers ashes is all spread all over the Ground and it mean a lot to me that Ground and i am so glad to be an Essendon fan and i never ever change my Team when we one that flag in 2000 i could not stop thinking about how proud my grand Farther would be he just Loved the Bombers when we one that flags be for the 1993 he cried and cried "
        - MARK JONES

"why don't we try to get brad shaw to replace Lovett i can't wate to see williams play "
        - MARK JONES

"Lovett thinks of himself. . he new we weren't any good soo why try? i bet next year he'll hav a fg go!! he annoys me "
        - jackson whitebread

"i would like to see More Essendon game 's played on a Friday night we only had a few this season like Carlton twice Melbourne once and Hawthorn colling wood and bulldogs why not put them Live on the TV as well we only get a replay at 8.30 and Live on the radio at 7.40 witch is unfair for some Fans hoe want to get into it and the same and channle ten they only have a replay "
        - MARK JONES

"Mark Jones, not sure we're ready for a full ban but it no doubt will happen one day if people like you make a stand - so lead the way and I will follow. In the meantime, best if we look for compromise like at the Bathusrt car races where you can now only bring in one slab of beer per person per day. Lots of upset people but the race goes on with less off-field incidents."
        - Jeff Forster

"to the manger that runs the AFL please ban the Alcohol in all venues May be if you did you would not have any Problems or any Incidents that goes on could some one on this Mail box please Tell me should the AFL Ban Alcohol in all Venues i 100 Percent agree if they did "
        - MARK JONES

"Hi Mark i had gone to that game and it wasn't Sheeds, but i think it was Bowdens farewell?,cheers"
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"could someone Tell me on this mail box did any of yous went to Essendon vs Richmond in round 17 because at Half time all the Essendon fans were waving there scarfs at this Car that was going around the stadium at MCG with some on it i don't no if it was sheedy or not"
        - MARK JONES

"From some of the comments made by the Saints coach after the grand final loss,i really don't think young Andy is Going to prosper with the saints,when the going gets tough the Lazy get lost,i really hope he proves me wrong,because he ain't gunna get it all his way there."
        - Max Rodwell

"Will we delist Williams and then put him on the rookie list? Will we delist Skipworth?"
        - Jeff Forster

"Doris, agreed that not to many of our players got votes but my point was I didn't think his year was that good considering the club nearly sacked him before the season for just reason. Don't forget we elevated him from the rookie list so to turn a elevated rookie into a first round draft pick I think is a fair trade."
        - Lance Finney

"it has to be Said no Lovett no Nash ' is it grate we got Mark Williams from Hawthorn i wonder hoes going to take Over Form Nash place "
        - MARK JONES

"HI Jeff, I meant by BIG matches Grand Finals and don't think we will have to worry about that for a while. Wonder if Collingwood would ever trade Graeme (Graham??)from Adelaide ... nice lineup of names then :-) "
        - Kylie Rautman

"I read this in another forum about next years Collingwood team....... Dick, Sidebottom, Ball, Goldsack.......Dennis Cometti is going to have a field day."
        - Jeff Forster

"I'm with you Christine - good trade. And Kylie, Essendon is always involved in BIG matches with new and traditional foes. That is one of the great legacies left by Sheedy - WC, Richmond, Hawks & Swans added to Blues and Pies."
        - Jeff Forster

"Christine, Hope he is good in nor so big games cause I don't think we will be needing anyone for BIG games (not for at least 5 years anyway)"
        - Kylie Rautman

"Mark Williams, good result will fit very nicely, proven goal kicker in big games."
        - christine wade

"the way the draft is structured promotes a free for all situation, I feel a lot of "pride" to wear the Essendon jumper has been diminished, as players are increasingly all about the MONEY, rather than what it means to be part of a great club. Ok, players need salaries, but what ever happened to the pride of playing for the club and the club looking after the players"
        - Lindsay Hickman

"Hey Max old son Spot on."
        - peter marnham

"heard that Williams of Hawks could be traded to EFC for 2nd rd pick which in turn hawks give to port with pick9 for you know who!!!!, anybody else hear same?."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Im read a lot of negative vibes about the loss of Andy Lovett,well the deed has been done,we need to move on,it may well favour our future,just remember what number draft pick james Hird was taken at,and we now have four picks below that figure,Essendon have always had Champions,and a few times champion teams,one door closes,another door opens,and as this is the last uncompromised draft,bring it on."
        - Max Rodwell

"Threats of not renewing memberships must be contagious; it's in plague proportions at at least 5 other AFL clubs at the moment. "
        - Jeff Forster

"You,r Right Doris We need the grunty hard under types and Lovett and there are quite a number who cant give us that whe the going gets tuff.Remember also that in 2008 and 2009 Lovett had personal probs and I dont think his focus was on the ball all the time."
        - peter marnham

"Think the real reason Lovett wanted to go, he was being shoved in 2008 then contract finished in 2009. How would you all feel??? UNWANTED!!. Agree Karen just another player not draft pick with no experience. EFC NEEDS GRUNT. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"Lovett like some OTHERS are front runners and I dont believe you get real success from his type of player and I can see why Knights didnt want another like him(Bugoyne)Also when you look at the 44 players on GF Day all of them were hard get players.I think we are on the right track but as I have said before we are light years from real success."
        - peter marnham

"Ness Abela, good point. Our ruck division is fragile."
        - Jeff Forster

"I don't th8ink anyone is arguing Rebecca as we knew he wanted to go, it is more that we did not get a good player for him, a draft pick is not going to really help us. Hopefully Burgoyne could still join us as we need another midfielder now."
        - Karen Arthur

"Why is everybody arguing about something we can't change? Lovett put such a high price on his head we should be thankful StKilda took him on and we got a 16."
        - Rebecca Williams

"Everyone is forgetting that he wanted to go and that is a fact."
        - Jennifer Mackie

"Is that it for us during trade week, lovett for 16 pick, no other trades or deals?, anyone hear anything else!!!."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"we should have traded andrew lovett to sydney for darren jolly becasue if david hille goes down again, we have to rely on paddy ryder to do the ruck for the rest of 2010 season. a dissapointed fan."
        - ness abela

"In all workplaces people come and go. Where I work its a 25% turnover p.a. but we are remote. All clubs experience player turnover regardless of their motivational techniques and HR skills. Football is a bit like mining, people go where the money and action is cause no-one can say how long it will last. So for me Lovett and a few others leaving does not indicate a problem but nor does it say everything is fine. Who knows. Some like to speculate but I prefer to just move on. I wonder who we'll draft?"
        - Jeff Forster

"Agree Doris, I reckon 5 votes in a Brownlow is pretty good. We can probably guess why he wanted to go too. Surely a club has a responsibility to motivate players to want to stay and play their best footie."
        - Jeanette Jennings

"5 votes in Brownlow is more than some of the old & young talent got."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Lance, what has 5 votes got to do with the TRADE without a PLAYER???. WHY did he WANT TO GO ????, that is the big question."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Thats right Jeff, why keep him if he wants to go.Good luck to him, he has to be more consistent and play out the whole game. We have enough young talent to cover him players that are committed to the cause."
        - christine wade

"Andrew Lovett should perhaps have played in a premiership this year with Geelong. Must have been tough being forced to stay somewhere he didn't want to be. I hope he enjoys St Kilda, wins a premiership medal next year, a brownlow maybe. No hard feelings from me."
        - Jeff Forster

"So many experts, so few trades. Must be frustrating."
        - Jeff Forster

"Page 2. Well hello, he did but now we are losing everyone and we are back to a 5 year drought waiting for final success. Why we did not get Hardwick beats me and now we are going to be in the wilderness waiting for Knights contract to be gone and maybe a Hird to take over. Now there is a man that could take all our players in the right direction, he could teach them so much."
        - Karen Arthur

"The plague is still going. Why get rid of Lovett for a trade pick? It looks as though no-one wants to come to Windy Hill and all I can say is Knights is not well liked so we have to wait until he is gone before we score any decent players. To let him go for a trade pick puts us further down the line for success. The youngest list in the AFL, what does that tell you? At least Hardwick was honest in saying it was a 2-3 year plan where as Knights said he could get them to the finals in a year. "
        - Karen Arthur

"Sick of hearing on radio and TV how stKilda achieved the "coup of trade week" by "snaring" Andrew Lovett. One commentator said that without a doubt had StKilda had Andy on Grand Final day they would have won the premiership. Well done, NOT, Essendon :-( "
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Unbelievable what is Hamilton on about a good outcome for who ,the saints and Lovett,pick 16 big deal whatabout pick 16 and a player,HELLO maybe ball,macquire at least,this coaching staff have NO IDEA"
        - Wayne McKane

"Jeff Forster, Theres not to much you say I don't agree with. If your off the mark, I hope you like company cos I'm with you, alot of these people want success yesterday and don't realise how many years it takes to get to where Geelong and St Kilda are today."
        - Lance Finney

"Doris, Lovett got 5 votes in the brownlow in a "great" year, how good do you think he is? If this was a good year then I think pick 16 is a bloody steal. The guy didn't want to be here so piss him off and get a kid that would love the chance to play AFL footy at a great club."
        - Lance Finney

"why why why why why why has Lovett gone bloody hell"
        - MARK JONES

"I can understand the club looking at the long term, but i would also like some SHORT TERM success thrown in PLEASE!!!!. "
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Doris, not UNBELIEVABLE from this pack of dopes ... anyone else ... UNBELIEVABLE but from Essendon what do you expect. Think they have well and truly lost the plot. "
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Lovett to Saints and NO PLAYER IN EXCHANGE just No.16 draft pick UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Just heard on SEN that lovett has been traded to StKilda for their first round pick[16]?."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Essendon isn't targeting expensive established players so they are not looking for us. Our time is still a couple of years away. But Hawthorn, Collingwood and Bulldogs are trying to buy next years premiership because their window is open now. I also think Voss is trying as well given he won't have Brown, Black and Brayshaw for much longer. We need to trade Lovett and look for bargains - that's about it."
        - Jeff Forster

"Why dont any established players out of contract want to come to Essendon,it seems no one ever picks Essendon as there prefered club why????"
        - Wayne McKane

"Why have drafted players avoided EFC like the plague???. Who is being delisted ???, when are we being told those involved have been according to coach."
        - Doris Flanagan

"I agree that Caracella would have been a good choice as an efc assistant coach as he has experience with 3 top coaches. One to watch for the future."
        - Jeff Forster

"I beleive we finnished better (8th) than anyone expected us to at the start of the year. Lets all put in our predictions for 2010 finnish once the draft/trades are over and when we have a bad game next year just remember what your prediction was at the start of the season. Too many seam to expect us to win all games and want to sack someone every week. For mine, with Lloyd & Lucus gone it will be another struggling year so final 8 maybe beyond us. As long as we continue to develop as a group I'II be happy. P.S Hille captain, Watson vice-captain."
        - Lance Finney

"Karen you could be right about Knights but I hope your not, give him the 5 years and asses him after that. As for Hird, with the way clubs are going Hird could come in as an assistant coach when ever he likes I'm sure with the intent to take over if Knights fails, either way he needs to decide what he is going to do. But don't get to carried away about having our own coach us, Sheeds was from Richmond and he done alright!"
        - Lance Finney

"Hopfully big Gummpy can stand up and put some games together so we can see if he is any good but what is the opinion of the club in regards to Laycock? I have always said give the big blokes time to mature but is Laycocks problem laziness? When he plays the intensity does not seem to be there, looks like he is still carring baby fat which begs the question how hard does he train to get himself fit to play and wounders why he breaks down all the time! How much longer do we give them?"
        - Lance Finney

"Hi Jeff, I have said before that I like to use Carlton as a model as I think they are 2 years ahead of us, so weather that means 2012 or later I'm not sure. Looking at Geelongs players "games played" I think it maybe longer but I do think the club is on the right track. As for the trade week, EARLY PICKS or if we carn't get them the 24 - 26 year-olds, Fev will be to old come 2012ish. P.S The difference between Fev and Lloyd the last two years is the amount of goals (difference) they kicked.(Fev can play, no one disputes that)."
        - Lance Finney

"Atkinson, Bellchamber, Daniher, Dyson, NLM, McPhee, Nash, Skipworth, Welsh, Williams - whoever is uncontracted may have a interesting week."
        - Jeff Forster

"Another footy brain escapes Caracella to Cats, EFC will stick to LOOSERS, proof is loss record of Bendigo this year. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"Well done Pete, i don't think even Bendigo would want him but I think Collingwood deserve him.... Then again Richmond try to redeem players too.."
        - Karen Arthur

"look at geelongs ballance from defence through to the foward line. St.kilda is the same thats why they are up the top. We aren't coz we're not balanced yet. The mix of old players and extremely young players is crap and wont get us anywhere. The plans good the coaches are good and the players are capable but premerships are hard to win and with our list i dont see any time we are gonna be "the best""
        - jackson whitebread

"Hey Karen Arthur Good comments but I dont think Fevola would want to play on a wing or at Bendigo"
        - peter marnham

"Why are 5 rookies going, i thought Knight's statement about blooding youngsters was still on or has he changed his mind now Lloyd is gone! Don't even think of Fev please................."
        - Karen Arthur

"Knights was talking about 5 rookies he has told wont be at club next year,we need to pick up exsperinced players in draft ,grab the best available what ever the cost(not fev) "
        - Wayne McKane

"Knights mentioned last night that 5 (I think) players had already been told in private their services were no longer required at Essendon. Any idea who?"
        - Jeff Forster

"Karen thanks for commenting and I respect your opinions. I watched the 1st half of the telecast last night and paid particular attention to the words of Robson. He said (sort of) that we , including supporters, should enjoy the journey, the bumps and the bruises and we should all 'play our part'. Jackson talked about there still being a long way to go while Knights spoke of many things including adding a new dimension to the game plan next year. I'm not in a position to say what is the right direction, so I rely (call it faith) on those who are i.e. Jackson and Robson. "
        - Jeff Forster

"i hope we win the flag in the coming years and that will be the end of it with me i bag bag bag 4 a long time "
        - MARK JONES

"Jeff - You may be correct with a lot of what you wrote about Bomber Thompson but just remember he came from a great club and back then we taught them correct. he was under the master in Sheeds like a lot of the coaches going around. I cannot agree though with thinking that Knights is headed in the right direction, sorry but I don't find what he does acceptable at all. "
        - Karen Arthur

"Carlton are trading fev, i know we have gumby And neagle but those 2 are not ready yet,call me stupid,crazy,insane, so to suggest we make a play for a RECONIZED FULLFORWARD would be silly?????."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Lance, the analogy with Bomber Thompson is a good one and demonstrates the longer term commitment a club needs to make - even if it is not understood by some supporters who can't see that far. In retrospect I'm sure all Geelong supporters are happy with Bomber now. I also agree its now up to Knights to deliver, but to what plan. Jackson wanted finals this year, top 6 next year and top 4 and perhaps flag the year after. Is that still on?"
        - Jeff Forster

"Lance, the analogy with Bomber Thompson is a good one and demonstrates the longer term commitment a club needs to make - even if it is not understood by some supporters who can't see that far. In retrospect I'm sure all Geelong supporters are happy with Bomber now. I also agree its now up to Knights to deliver, but to what plan. Jackson wanted finals this year, top 6 next year and top 4 and perhaps flag the year after. Is that still on?"
        - Jeff Forster

"Does Essendon realise that the decision they have made in keeping Knights until end of 2012 will mean that if Hird decides he would like to coach he will be lost to us. He has another 1 year in his media contract so will be testing the waters after that, If he is lost to us then that will be another player we have missed out o because of Knights, NOT HAPPY!!"
        - Karen Arthur

"Geelong drafted most of their 22 from this years grand final side by 2001. 13 of them was at the club by the end of 01, thats 8 yrs before this years premership. 3 traded to the club and 4 father/sons. Geelong put in alot of yrs development into these players before they seen success, they even nearly sacked Bomber after (I think) 06 but kepted to their plans and now look what their done. Keep the faith in the clubs direction."
        - Lance Finney

"I'm glad EFC has extended Knights' contract before his first one run out, this allows him to see through his plans he put into place when he got here. If EFC is going to sack their coaches after just 2 yrs, we may as well marge with Richmond (they love to sack coaches). If Knights has not deleivered by the end of this contract then by all means sack him but at least give him a chance."
        - Lance Finney

"Well said Jeff Forster."
        - christine wade

"History is a great teacher. When Ian Robson was appointed by Hawthorn he supported Clarkson (the not to popular coach) and his emphasis on youth. He was in charge of the 5-2-50 vision being in 5 years to win 2 premierships and have 50,000 members.He often refers to football as a business and was active on Hawthorns finance committee. He's not going to change his spots. He needed to show his support for the Essendon coach and his youth based philosophy and he has. These two men will lead Essendon for a while so jump aboard and enjoy the (rollercoaster) ride. Give them a chance."
        - Jeff Forster

"comment to Jeanette Jennings if we keep on playing Finals you never no they might re sine him for a next Few years until we play in the Grand Final and win the cup Just Like Hawthorn done they played and Played for a Few Years and they got Rewarded "
        - MARK JONES

"Knights ... till 2012!!!! You must be joking. What on earth has Essendon ever done to deserve this??????????/"
        - Jeanette Jennings

"good old knights 4 renewing his carer at Essednon good old Knights our Local guy in Mildura you are a super star S T A R "
        - MARK JONES

"Thanks Doris. The only reason I ask is that his first 'strategic' address to the club may give a clue as to where he sees the club now (i.e. players, policies, coach) and where he sees it going (ditto). I believe Robson replacing Jackson may be more significant than Knights replacing Sheedy and the only reason I say maybe is because of the influence Sheeds had at Essendon - beyond those of normal coaches."
        - Jeff Forster

"Jackson leaves Robson starts at end of season?? maybe October 1."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Doris Please send the link to "Would all mailbag contributers READ & WATCH the comments & video of Mark Robinson in Herald Sun Superfooty then form your opinion of Matthew Lloyds retirement." as I can't seem to find it, maybe it has already gone off? Karen "
        - Karen Arthur

"This is what Fletcher is doing so I can only hope that he is not shafted by Knights as he has done to Lloyd. All Knights had to do was swallow humble pride and tell Matthew that he was wanted and would be a valuable mentor for the ones coming on. Now there is no-one left to show how this position shoul;d be played. To languish him out from Full forward where he played his best football is no way to treat a stalwart and club person. "
        - Karen Arthur

"I am trying this again as for some reason my message did not get published. I am terribly disappointed with how the whole Lloyd press conference went. Why do we have to say goodbye to someone that the club needs to tutor the young ones coming on. He would have been the perfect person to show how a full forward should play. Further comment over page"
        - Karen Arthur

"lets get fevola Carlton is letting him go we should be the first team to get him to replace LLOYD"
        - MARK JONES

"Read John Barnes(ex Efc Premiership player & runner} from 25/9 Herald Sun. Push is the operative word. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"When does Ian Robson start?"
        - Jeff Forster

"There appears something to be festering at EFC - how come Burgoine didn't want to come to our club and we certainly could do with him. Lovett wants out and Lloyd didn't want to stay (I say this tongue in cheek). Only one year to go with our wonderful coach and lets see who he shafts before next season."
        - Jennifer Mackie

"Lance, how long have you followed the bombers, Lloyd could play at 21 and successfully. Knights has targeted him as our new gun full forward - for mine he has such a long way to go. First of all he needs to show endeavour. If he succeeds I will certainly stand corrected but at the present time I very much doubt it."
        - Rebecca Williams

"Well Done Matty, stellar career with the Dons I just hope you made the decision yourself and were not pushed. Enjoy your well deserved retirement and future exploits out of footy. you will be missed sorely"
        - Lindsay Hickman

"Young Hurley should be counselled on the effects of a large volume of booze,maybe fined a little,but not crucified,he will learn from this escapade,and become a better person,let's keep the agro for the match,but no witch hunts for the young man,he probably feels bad enough."
        - Max Rodwell

"with unbeaten Team this Year ST Killda held top spot all Year and could not win the flag well as i all ways say no team in the AFL has beaten Essendon record we one 22/21 and got the flag that year and same as Geelong last Year one 22/21 and lost the flag"
        - MARK JONES

"congrats to the cats.......but theres always a bomber there somewhere....................."
        - Brad Clark

"lloydy could've played one more year, same with hird and lucas. yet they were all shown the door too early. the only reason why fletcher is still playin is because without him in defence THERE IS NO DEFENCE.....CHEW THEM UP THEN SPIT THEM OUT!!!"
        - Sarah Sordelli

"very bad boy Hurley should be a shame of your self wake up to your self this is not the way Essendon players don't get up to "
        - MARK JONES

"Brace yourself people, Dustin Fletcher will retire/be pushed at the end of 2010. Just an early warning!"
        - Lance Finney

"Rebecca, I wont say that Neagle is a good player (yet), but he is 21, Lloyd was 32. Do you expect all our players to be A grade players before they are 25? I'm sure some do. I invite every one to have a look at Geelongs players "games played" of the grand final side to see how many games you need to play before you are seen as experienced. All I ask is give the kids time to mature, and maybe give the coach a chance to see through his plans, who knows, they may even work."
        - Lance Finney

"first aker , then judd ,now mclean & burgyone dont want to come to essendon, what is wrong at essendon dont we want to spend the money to get known players or is there something wrong done at efc & dont forget matt & scot who were pushed out "
        - DAVID MCKANE

"If Barry Hall becomes a Bulldog I bet he wont be "out of the SQUARE" & lesser ability than Lloyd."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Good luck to Matthew Lloyd for the future and thankyou for being a great champion not only of Essendon but of the AFL.We will miss you but I do think he made the decision and was not pushed. "
        - Silvana Mazzone

"MARK, didn't get it at first but very funny."
        - Jeff Forster

"I saw an interview with Robinson last night and laughed. How blatant an attempt to 'make a story'. Then again its his job to shake the tree and see what falls out - he's a journalist. And of course we all believe journalists, without doubt."
        - Jeff Forster

"Would all mailbag contributers READ & WATCH the comments & video of Mark Robinson in Herald Sun Superfooty then form your opinion of Matthew Lloyds retirement."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Its a sad day at bomberland. Another bomber great retireing.My father and i wish you all the best for the future but one thing im not sure about....lloyd looked like a fish out of water at his press conference...shouldnt the coach be sitting next to him,supporting him,say something on behalf of the players..mmm something fishy goin on...makes me wonder if the players really want to play under nights. "
        - Sarah Sordelli

"yes i agree, knights pushed lloyd to retirement but he had one good year left in him i say, but farwell lloydy, hope u stay at essendon doing some roll!"
        - jezza Mundie

"Lance, you can't be serious. Lloyd is to step aside for Neagle who after the first option does not chase, needs to get fit and stop getting a game on his fathers achievements. Knights wants him and that's that. God help us Neagle will never and I mean never be our answer as a good forward."
        - Rebecca Williams

"I like Doris and Jeanette believe that Lloydy although our wonderful coach said he wanted him to play on felt the push."
        - Rebecca Williams

"now with Lloyd gone why not put ryder in the Goals get skip worth or watosn to be the ruck to help hill "
        - MARK JONES

"i am sorry for having my caps locks on i am glad to here "
        - MARK JONES

"Knights was at the back of the room leaving the spot light on Lloydy - as it should be. And I don't believe he was pushed but I can't prove that, without a doubt."
        - Jeff Forster

"Doris is "spot on" again ... without a doubt he (Lloydy) was pushed. Did anyone notice Knights at the press conference. "
        - Jeanette Jennings

"MARK JONES, I always like your comments. They are direct and honest - just like Matthew Lloyd. But please stop shouting (i.e. turn off capitals). It is annoying."
        - Jeff Forster

"DEAR MATTHEW LLOYD YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD CHOSE TO RETIRE I HAVE BEAN SAYING IT FOR A LONG TIME ITS SAD TO SEE YOU GO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEANING A GRATE PLAYER OVER THE YEARS MANY THANKS A BEST WISHES TO YOU ALL THE BEST MATE "
        - MARK JONES

"How can you say he was pushed when he was offered a new contract, i really do wonder at some of the comments that come through here. Matthew lloyd is all class."
        - christine wade

"RETIREMENT for Matthew Lloyd is another PUSH for BOMBER players who deserved better. When is STABILITY returning to EFC???, do supporters have to put up with CONTINUED DISAPPOINTMENT????. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"Very, very dissapointed and concerned that EFC have "snuck through" their decision to continue the allignment with Bendigo. This has been announced on Bendigo's website with a little referance in an unrelated article on this website. Melb based players training in Melb, Bendigo in Bendigo gee that will really improve their record wont it? What a very poor decision, not a win for the year and more of the same next year. No wonder we cut all of our rookies, they would have learnt squat this year!!! Hickmott full time Develop coach "heaven Forbid" where is this club going??"
        - Stephen McNamara

"Jeff, no novelty at least 8 Essendon players have coached the club for 46 Years including Dick Reynolds {21} John Coleman {7}. Will take a punt that Hird will be next. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"We need our good players like ruckman and foreards because we will not win"
        - Michael Keating

"LLOYD IS 2 OLD 2 PLAY ON"
        - MARK JONES

"If Lloyd needs a hand to work out how to handle the end of his career then I suggest he has a chat with Dustin Fletcher. In the space of a year he has gone from No 1 defender to a back seat/mentoring role for our young up & coming defenders and with seamingly not one dummy spit about it. It looks to me like Dustin has taken his new role showing leadership and with the best interest of the club very much in mind. Not only has he stepped aside in key post poistions but looks to be enjoying helping the kids come up. CONGRATS TO YOU DUSTIN FLETCHER. "
        - Lance Finney

"I agree with Jeff Forster about re-signing Knights. I know there alot out there that are not happy with him but if the CLUB believes he is on the right track, sign him now. The club sould know by now weather he is going well and a decision should be made now (if they intend to give him another contract) to extend it by 2 years which would give him 5 years all up. Dont leave it untill the last year of a contract to resign a coach you intend to resign. Give him the asurrence and the chance. "
        - Lance Finney

"Lloyd is a champion of our club and deserves to go out with respect and dignity. However that does not give him the right to tell the coach (regardless who it is) where,when and how he will play. If Lloyd is that unhappy about playing a role for the team as captain and wants to put himself back in the spot light and wont play unless, thanks for the memories. The thing is that we wont be a top 4 side untill about 2012 in which case either way (at efc or not), Lloyd wount be playing. All plans must be for 2012 = Lloyd, Lucus & Fletcher are no longer the focus. "
        - Lance Finney

"They were once, Bomber is the only one who has had success of that group, lets show support for our coaches and players, it will be worth it in the long run. Geelong and saints didnt get to where they are overnight its taken years. Even pies who have best resources and money have only won 1 flag in fifty years. keep the faith bombers will be top two in the next couple of years. "
        - christine wade

"may be in the coming Years we might be the side like them un beatable if we get our team right just like as we were in 2000 and that was nine Years a go when we one the flag and still Wate for the 17TH Flag "
        - MARK JONES

"Having someone who first played for Essendon and then later coached us is a novel idea. I can only remember Barry Davis. I'd like to see Bomber return one day to coach - if the timing is right."
        - Jeff Forster

"Geelong showed the best way to succeed KICK THE BLOODY BALL FULL STOP."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Grand Final Day is going to be a cracker i new the hole year it was going to be Geelong and ST KILLDA my comment on the Finals They Payed us to lose and the blue crows the Lions and the bulldogs and colling wood was well for the start of the finals they Had Grand Final tickers on sale under those to Teams Names Geelong and St Killda "
        - MARK JONES

"Thompson, Harvey, Bailey, Hardwick are not assistants who are learning their trade."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Lovett can now go walkabout at another club. He hasent shown any interest for the last 3 games. A couple of his bros. should follow him!!"
        - Sam La Rocca

"Port Adelaide wont want lovett, remember in round 1 this year, they hate him, but still i want Shaun Burgoine, he is a great player"
        - jezza Mundie

"lovett should stay lovett should stay that rilly stings us if he leaves and get traded give lloyd up insted "
        - MARK JONES

"Most assistant coaches go to other clubs to learn their trade, it has nothing to do with efc. "
        - christine wade

"Watched 2 of the top 4 play the most pitiful game, handball into the backs of players, kicking into the man on mark, if this is the showcase of finals footy God help us. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"lets get shaun Burgoyn trade LLOYD in "
        - MARK JONES

"Matthew LLOYD why not retire you are 2 old to play if you play on next year you got to pull your finger out and start bagging goals so you can kick you thousand goals mate so hurry up pow and get it"
        - MARK JONES

"Interesting that at least TEN former Bombers are involved in coaching positions in AFL but most not with EFC. ONE QUARTER of AFL teams are coached by BOMBERS not us SADLY. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"Yep, I bet it will Doris. "
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Comparing Lloyd to Neagle as FF is ridiculous as is the whole saga the club is going thru. Will it get worse before next season???."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Checking the afl web site, it states that loydy has let a few of his team mates know that he can't see himself at EFC as there is no role for him?,also the EFC were having talks with Burgoune from Port? and that Lovett is asking 500,000 for playing on, could we be kept inform more often from within without having to check the AFL site please?."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"What a hypocrite Kevin Sheedy, so you think Matthew Knights should play Matthew Lloyd at full forward for years when you were coach you kept saying you wanted Matthew up the ground,and you say you don't want to see Matthew at another club. You said in your book that you wanted to trade Matthew Lloyd to West Coast to get Judd. I'm speechless I have now lost respect for you. "
        - Silvana Mazzone

"ever one that rights on this Mail Box why not look forward to Next Year to see How the Bombers go i am looking forward to the NAB CUP OH yes Baby we all ways Have a Crack at That Last year And this Years the 9 point super goal why not use it in the rill Game "
        - MARK JONES

"Yep, I agree with you Doris that "weakly" (appreciate the pun) poll was totally unbelievable. How super bad would you have to be to fail. They probably would have given Melbourne a "pass""
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Jeff, WEAK was said tongue in cheek joke thats my sense of humour. The interview was at Windy Hill definitely not sit down not sure about ambush. "
        - Doris Flanagan

"i no hoes going to be playing in the grand final Geelong snd st killda"
        - MARK JONES

"Like you Doris i had seen the turnovers,missed easy shots,over use of handball,wrong options, etc,etc, but looking at what players were available and their age/experiance i thought they had done a good job. And yes if they had a better mental attitude they would've finished alot higher up. "
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Doris, its one thing to have an opinion but its another to critise those whos opinion is different as WEAK. The poll result is overwhelmingly positive. As for Hutchison, was it a sit down interview or was it an ambush interview?"
        - Jeff Forster

"I hope you are wrong Doris, re Lovett and Stanton, but you have a habit of being pretty "spot on" "
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Cannot believe the number of "WEAKLY" poll voters saying the team PASSED did you not see the TURNOVERS, EASY SHOTS AT GOAL, HANDBALL OVER PLAYED, that doesnt take a lot of experience to over come. Lack of MENTAL ATTITUDE come on."
        - Doris Flanagan

"How rude of Knights to walk away from Craig Hutchison on footy show interview when being questioned about Lloyd. Cant all you commentators see the reality of huge problems."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Yep your right Doris,Lloyd will go probably to Bulldogs.Gumbleton back to Perth and there is a few more wanting out."
        - peter marnham

"Do we believe Lovett & Stanton going to Swans????,there is definitely lots of unhappiness in this Club you better believe. THIS IS NOT THE END OF IT."
        - Doris Flanagan

"don't believe what you read in the papers. If Lloyd leaves (be it willing or not )it will be to retire not to go to another club."
        - Lucy Camilleri

"Bombers 1st final appearance in years was marred by far too many handballdisposal errors. They are hand-balling way too much and then losing possession. Accordingly, they are getting spanked on the rebound. KICK THE BALL OCCASIONALLY PLEASE!"
        - Shez Nunn

"Iv'e just heard that one of our CHAMPIONS, MATHEW LOYD might end up at[heaven forbid] collingwood?.This Great club MUST, I REPEAT MUST NOT let that occur.EFC must give him their FULL SUPPORT,and sign him up and play him where he is best suited FULL FORWARD, as there is no-one to take over from him yet.PLEASE KEEP OUR CHAMP where he belongs."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Lloyd in that RAG. I nearly choked on my weeties when i saw that picture.That would be the ultimate humiliation, he must stay a one club player. God i love this great club."
        - Michael Wiles

"Essendon need to sign Knights for a further 3 years ASAP. No organisation can be successful without stability and clear direction from the top. If Essendon go into 2010 with Knights on his last year of a contract, some (including many who use this forum, the media and perhaps some older players) will only be happy if he fails. We need all parts of the firm moving positively in the same direction - something that distinguishes successful AFL clubs from the rest."
        - Jeff Forster

"Time to give up on the Irish experiment, Quinn is a dud. Slattery hears footsteps and he gives the ball to the opposition, time to go! McVeigh is overrated, time to go!"
        - Aaron Wright

"The possibility of LLOYD going to Magpies makes me sick, surely it wont happen. I know who should go???."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Klaus Erbgut, yes Sheedy is entitled to his opinion and so am I. What I think is that if Sheedy had left Essendon of his own accord he would not have written those comments on Essendon I still believe he is in fact bitter and if not he should have a bit of loyalty considering he spent 27 years at the club he barracked for as a kid."
        - Silvana Mazzone

"Kevin Sheedy is probably right. But the Dockers need (like Essendon)to learn how to travel an play good footy...but the Dockers have got to do it double the times as the Bombers! Kevin Sheedy has lived and breathed footy all his life...he sure is worth listening to. Don't forget folks, Sheedy in his final disrupted season (2007) with huge injuries to key players...got us over the line for 10 wins. Two years later...we are treading water...! We have to make the most with Knights for another season. Please Bomber head honchos...lets plan for Hird to take the reigns in 2011.... If Voss can do it James Hird has the same pedigree and grit to do it. "
        - Terry Wescombe

"Well said Klaus. I wish they would stop bagging Sheeds. As you said, Sheeds is far far far from being a "bitter old man" as some probably "bitter and twisted" person commented."
        - Jeanette Jennings

"Had a look at the back page of my trusty Herald-Sun early this morning. WHAT?......@#%&#%$. Here is a fantasy horror scenario from next season: Round 5. Essendon versus Collingwood. Mathew Lloyd, playing out of the goal square, kicks seven goals. Everyone happy now !?! Maybe not…… "
        - Klaus Erbgut

"Friday nights Game was unfair i do think that the Game was all over the Adelaide Crows free kicks this free kick that its not foot ball the way the umpire carries on i do think that the AFL should re look at the tape take it to the Tribunal and do something about it come on and the Lions and the Blues game was just as Bad Carlton Lead all the way and the Lions came Back come on cant you see they make it fair for the Interstate Mob but not the Vic Side just to being in the other Teams Like Tas gold Coast and West Sydney "
        - MARK JONES

"I also thought it was strange that we didn't go in with a "ruckman", if we were going in with extra pace Jetta instead of Quinn might have been better.I admire Quinns endeavour, but his still so raw and long way off before he can be in the best 22.We were never going to beat adelaide,but to give them a free run at the centre really made things worse. "
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"I'm no expert,so i can only comment on what i have seen but in my opinion,these players could be looked at. Slattery just makes to many errors, McPhee same yet on friday and other times had been better up forward,Stanton runs alot but seems to not want to chase/get hard ball,Dyson has had a better second half but should that be enough?. Skipworth game past him Jetta,Nash very little game time [if not injured] why?. "
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"It's great to have a forum where people can express their views & thoughts, some will agree others not that's the beauty of having an opinion without being to critical.Iv'e been reading on what alot have stated especially David Husk and i do agree with most of what he has said.There will /must be a hard look at some[players]and decicive action must be taken. "
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech

"Dave Davo and Ivar Biggens where are you? We miss your insight!"
        - David Husk

"Brooke Fischer – I think you have me mistaken with Greg Kemp regarding possible trades with Port Adelaide. Regarding your 2 questions the answer to both is none! My comments are only that: opinions from a member of this footy club. I don’t expect everyone to agree with them, and they are not posted as authoritarian or as an Imprimatur potest. They are only comments that hopefully generate discussion about how this club is travelling? I appreciate the Forum; the club has afforded us this privilege which is great. None of the other clubs have a great web page like we do at Bomberland!"
        - David Husk

"Geoff Cliff – I may have appeared harsh on Quinn but most of what I said was tongue-in-cheek (lol). In saying this, he should not have been picked ahead of some of our other senior players who have more experience. I actually think there might be a few murmurings amongst the playing group considering Bellchambers was dropped and Quinn got a game before the likes of Nash (whom we haven’t seen all year?) and young Zaharakas to name but two. Your spot on regarding Gummby!"
        - David Husk

"Jeff Foster – I agree. As I already stated: "Hope they sign Lovett (though he was very disappointing tonight) this year he was good. We need to keep him”. The question is - does he want to be here? I certainly hope so, because when he is on song he is fantastic! "
        - David Husk

"I posted those comments to generate discussion to stimulate thought. I am no expert; I am only a layman who loves this great game – as you all obviously do. What else can we do for the next six months – talk about the poms beating us at cricket? I know what I’d rather! "
        - David Husk

"Allow me to express a few opinions for what they are worth. Firstly, Essendon is a great club that has enjoyed great success, yet history shows us (not just on the football field) that great clubs can plateau and stagnate into oblivion. Richmond was a great and successful club of the sixties and seventies (I was old enough to remember their glory years) yet where are they now? The Bombers of the 40’s enjoyed great success yet bottomed out and became stagnant. Can we become a great powerhouse side again? This will be determined more so by the coaching staff. What was it that Sheedy had that turned things around? How did he achieve his success(Pt1)? "
        - David Husk

"Knights is the coach of the Essendon Football Club – like it or not! I would have chosen Hardwick before Knights (nothing personal). Knights has come from a culture that has had to accept mediocrity and failure (this is not his fault). Will he be able to rise above this? These are questions we are all asking, yet are hesitant to vocalise? Why? As members we want success, we crave it and long for it. We expect it, we even demand it. The coaching staff should expect and demand sustained success from our playing group. Knights may prove to be a very good coach and may enjoy success. We all hope so – time will reveal all(P2)."
        - David Husk

"Message to Knights, defense wins premierships. Talk up the attractive fast pace game style all you like but that alone will take us nowhere. This pre-season it has to be the #1 priority."
        - Simon Remington

"Silvana Mazzone – Like it or not, Sheedy now is a free agent, contracted to a daily newspaper. He is commenting ON ALL TEAMS as he sees it. That, from time to time, will include Essendon. He started his “offending comment” in the Herald Sun: “You don’t have to agree….” ; so you have an option. By what I have seen of him since he left Essendon, he is far from being “a bitter old man.” He has in fact “moved on” and most certainly is entitled to have an opinion, even if some may not like what they are reading. Only time will tell if he is right or wrong. "
        - Klaus Erbgut

"I BELIEVE THAT KNIGHTA IS A VERY GOOD NO MAKE THAT AN EXCELLENT COACH SO TO ALL THOSE PPL WHO BAGG HIM eg. Terry Wescombe. I'LL LIKE TO SEE YOU GET OUT THERE AND COACH if you dnt already do. SO LEAVE KNIGHTA AND THE REST OF THE COACHING TEAAM ALONE...NXT YR BOMBER BOYS YOU CAN AND WILL WIN. GOOOOO BOMBERS"
        - Lanie Louise

"Absolutely agree Terry. We have some great young players coming through and still have a few of our great seniors e.g. Dustin (that is if those dopes (coach,selectors, board)don't do what they did to Scotty etc. Get rid of the dopes and we will be looking great. I wish people would stop bagging Sheeds ... he was, and is, fantastic."
        - Jeanette Jennings

"for the second time in 2 weeks our player got Reported its sucks ' when the 20010 season Kicks off were not going to have all our side in like LLOYD Mark Vc Veigh Nathan Lovett Murry are all out "
        - MARK JONES

"Another 2 players out for the start of 2010...Well done Boys. How to shatter young ruckmans confidence in playing...Tom Bellchambers was the only tall ruck left fit on the playing list. Instead of giving him a chance...giving him a big game chance...our immortal dear leader gives him the flick! Can I have a Christmas wish...If only Mr Knights and his joker Prescott, could go missing over summer...and never to be heard of again... At least I can have nice dreams! Sadly, 2010 will be a near repeat of 2009 under this Richmond reject...this is not sour grapes...just a touch of reality. "
        - Terry Wescombe

"I thought McVeigh was one of the better players for us on the night, despite the bagging he's had in this forum. Other than him, Nathan L-M and McPhee tried hard. On another matter, it is not a good advertisement for Essendon coaching and administration when a respected commentator (Cometti) says that he has never seen a player more out of his depth in a final than young Quinn. I see potential in Quinn - he can find the ball at times. But surely there were others at Bendigo who should have been picked ahead of him. I had hoped for an honourable loss (less than 40), but our boys lost the plot after 1/2 time."
        - Christopher Lane

"Sheedy your comments are sour grapes,bitchy,and disgraceful. I for one thought you should not have got your last couching contract, however I always respected you, now I have second thoughts and just think you are a bitter old man heading in the same path that your mate Kevin Bartlet did by not going back to Richmond for 25 years.If your not careful you may not welcome at Essendon and I really don't want that to happen, so wake up to yourself."
        - Silvana Mazzone

"Greg Kemp - I agree. I think we have the potential of a great list, yet my concern is the lack of hardness at the ball. You expect it from some of the young players but not from senior players. The senior players have let the side down too many times this year. We have to get away from these silly indiscretions (such as Ryder, Lonegan, & now McVeigh and Lovett-Murray). The AFL has changed the dynamics of the game (like it or not). We have to go hard at the ball and man but stay away from the players head (part 1). "
        - David Husk

"We are all getting excited at our prospects, but I'm not sure Knights has what it takes to bring the best out. All the great Premiership sides were first at the ball and smashed their opponents physically which leads to a psychological edge. Attack starts from defence. The great sides do not allow you to score that’s how they win. They set up their attack from defence. We don’t have that yet? I hope Knighta and the other coaching staff read these comments as a lot of loyal Essendon people now what’s going on and what needs to be done to achieve success. We all want it; hopefully it will come…go Dons! (part 2)."
        - David Husk

"david husk two questions need to beasked of you. How many senior AFL games Have you played? also what is your coaching experiance? Yes both Nash and Slattery are from SA but do you need to trade talent for non talent port players like Gray? my answer is no!!!!! "
        - Brooke Fischer

"David Husk, accurate except for Quinn. Give the kid a break and congatulate him for how far he's come in a year. A lot of you out there will be terribly disappointed if the GREAT WHITE HOPE (GUMBLETON) turns out to be another Courtney Johns."
        - Geoff Cliff

"David Husk - I'd stick with Lovett IF he wants to stay. For me he's the yardstick for when we play well and move the ball quickly he's usually on the end and gets a chance to make things happen. In a year when we win the premership he'll probably win the brownlow. Yes he's a show pony but he's also the icing on the cake."
        - Jeff Forster

"At last comments are saying how it is, with all the missed scoring opportunities, turnovers, horrific disposal at times NEVER showing improvement all season. To have successful hardnuts coaching is first priority to go forward."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Part 2 - Whilst I thing with a tweaking we will have a strong competetive list - it is in the coaching where we fall down. Look at the last 20 years and tell which premiership winning coach was a soft outside type player - I will concede Roos wasn't the toughest but he did the hard stuff when required. Premierships are built on strong defence and whilst Knights gameplan is refreshingly attacking - attack must start from defence, something he doesn't understand as when he played he paid no respect to his opponent."
        - Greg Kemp

"David Husk - your comments on players are spot on. I would add that alot of our players are soft because the coaching panel is developing a playing list consistent to their own playing style - who on the panel was a hardnut. Knights and Campo were the softest outside players to play and wouldnt know what a hardball get was. ODonnell was a great player who did the hard stuff when required but it didn't come naturally. Prescott played at richmond and freo (say no more) and I don't recall Richardson winning too many hard balls. Bring in coaches who understand the hardness required to win consistently. part 1"
        - Greg Kemp

"i love you angus monfries"
        - candice maroon

"Dragi, spot on mate. I also was very dissapointed with Sheedy's article. I loved everything he did for this club but his time was up. Sheeds don't take the gloss off your great career here by continualy taking cheep shots. Your stirring comment off Gummby returning to WA shows how bitter you have become, looks like Gary March is right, you are past it mate!!!"
        - Stephen McNamara

"Lloydy, have you ever thought about coaching the Dons, you could save this great club from further embarrasment.Matthew Knights got sacked from from SANFL magpies after one year. Think about it, Why ?????"
        - Anthony Cassin

"maybe next hight hopes that we can get the crows back i am going for the magpies to do them on Friday"
        - MARK JONES

"David Husk – An absolute perfect evaluation of our year and list. Cannot find a single comment about anyone in your post where I would disagree. I have been in two minds about McVeigh. Always felt he needed a few games to come back to his best from his injury, and he did not too bad last Friday. Problem is his temper, which is not too far from that of former Sydney thug Barry Hall. To this end, Paddy Ryder, take note: You can push, shove and bump, but the clenched fist will always get you rubbed out. How would you have felt if we would have lost by just a goal last Friday? "
        - Klaus Erbgut

"Look we were never going to win so why not take a chance a play another runner, if it had worked knighter would have been the greatest thing since sliced bread. Get over it and stop all this crap about the coach."
        - christine wade

"Well done boys for getting as far as you did this year ... much better than last year's effort! 2010 ... See the Bombers Fly Up! :) "
        - Emma Lagoon

"Why we recruited someone who is too small and slow for AFL in Hayden Skipworth is beyond me. That was a really bad error in judgment from Knights considering he saw him up close at Bendigo. Yes it was only a pre-seson draft selection but surely there was a kid out there with far greater upside. Hopefully he didn't get two years like Knights gave Laycock after a shocking 2008."
        - Simon Remington

"Why we recruited someone who is too small and slow for AFL in Hayden Skipworth is beyond me. That was a really bad error in judgment from Knights considering he saw him up close at Bendigo. Yes it was only a pre-seson draft selection but surely there was a kid out there with far greater upside. Hopefully he didn't get two years like Knights gave Laycock after a shocking 2008."
        - Simon Remington

"Under no circumstances does Knights get an extension until we stop losing games to bottom 4 sides and serve up rubbish like Friday night in big games. He might generally say all the right things but talk is cheap. I hope he makes it but if it is still unclear after three years it is time to move on."
        - Simon Remington

"After some small steps forward this season that was a major step back. If Knights only wanted one ruckman why play Hooker over Bellchambers? Hooker is the better player but is barely a back-up ruckman. Jetta and Nash should go at season's end but should have played ahead of Quinn (who might make it but wasn't ready). Delist Myers, Nash, Jetta, H.Slattery, and try for a late 1st rd pick or early 2nd for Stanton."
        - Simon Remington

"We must use Friday night's "embarrassment" (no other way to say it) to now strive for even better, more consistent performances in 2010. Anything less than a top 6 finish next year, will be a wasted year. Hold your heads up high though and be proud of what you achieved (Anzac Day, Hawks x 2, Blues x2, Saints). What a ride!!!"
        - Alan Fairbairn

"Spot on Jeff Forster!! I would prefer the coaches thought a little bit out of the square and tried to play unconventionally and win, than go in with a Ruckman who is clearly not up to it at this stage (beaten in the Ruck at Princes Park by O'Halpin in the 2's) and has no mobility when the ball is on the deck. I would rather look at the season as a whole, than a poor game in isolation!! "
        - Alan Fairbairn

"well done essendon for a great year.The Enjoyment of watching us beat carlton & hawthorn twice,beating collingwood &sydney up in sydney.The draw with brisbane,no one had us winning that one,and beating the underfeated saints.The young kids that will be better for the run this year.BOMBERS FOR 2010.Diane"
        - Diane Trask

"thanks for some terrific moments this year Bombers. Loved the wins against pies,blues & hawks. Sheedy's article in Sunday's paper was a disgrace. Please sheed's just move on from your gripes with our club because you have done nothing but bag us since you have left. Some of that feral tiger is coming out in you. Loved you but move on. Prefer our game style now than boaring chip passing we were playing in your last years."
        - dragi vasilev

"expected us to lose but not thrashed like that. Very poor kicking in front of goals contributed to massive loss. On a positive note we were very competative during first 40 minutes of this match.If you have a look at the stats, experienced players like Mcveigh& Welsh had far too many clangers & free kicks against. For the first time in along time i thought Stanton's game was more than servicable at times. We need more hard nuts like Prismall & Watson in the middle."
        - dragi vasilev

"If we are honest, any team the loses more than it wins in a season of football does not DESERVE to play finals, and the gap between us and them was on display for us all to see. My admiration and congratulations to those Essendon supporters who traveled over to S.A. to offer their support to the players as lone voices amongst that feral mob (crows fans)you did yourselves an the club proud...Well Done!!"
        - Barry Coaker

"Well done Bombers! We had a good year and have shown marked improvement week over week. The team has given me much pleasure, again, this year and I applaude their endeavour. We are advancing toward achieving our former glory, and long-term supporters like me are proud of our young band's effort.Once again,well done!"
        - Robert Cleland

"How must Tom Bellchambers feel after the crazy decision by the coaching staff to leave the only recognised ruckman we have fit sitting in the grandstand. Nobody, I mean NOBODY goes into a game of football, particularly a final WITHOUT A RUCKMAN. It would serve Essendon right if Tom went looking for greener pastures. The coaches' decision was at best, idiotic. What did Quinn do that would have been a revelation??????"
        - Robert Murray

"Geoff Cliff,I asked what H.Slattery brings to the team mid season.Still have not seen anything to change my mind.Dont like to bag players but seems to lack confidence and play from behind(silly free kicks).I am sure he is one of Knights favs,what happened to Nash?GoBombers 2010"
        - Travis Watson

"Oh and by the way, Congrats to the Crows, too good on the night, good luck for '09"
        - Kevin Hall

"Not the best result on the night , but seriously, at this point in time, a great result, Great job Knighta, Great job boys, Great job to all and sundry behind the scenes, a great springboard for next year, I can only imagine what we will be like with a fit Hille, Ryder, Dempsey, Gumbleton, McVeiegh, etc.etc, Roll on 2010, Top 4 for sure ( sounds like a battle cry ) "
        - Kevin Hall

"where is the press conference post the debalce at AMMI stadium??? its sunday night and it is still not there on the bomber tv channnel!!!!"
        - Wally Mayski

"I'm happy with the year as we made finals without some key players. We have got some great young players coming up and there is def a flag within this group. But not with the man in charge. Matthew Knights is no good how can u drop a ruckman when we have none and play Lovett- murrey there all night. Knights you are a joke. Hurry up Hird and come back"
        - Tom Fraser

"A very poor match started by a team selection blunder of not including Bellchambers in the selected side. Reasons given by Knights were stupid and demonstrated that he as a coach, along with his young side, have a long way to go to be a real top 8 threat. All need to improve for season 2010."
        - Robert Murray

"We were smashed in the midfield,Jobe Watson and Andy Lovett shut down,they went in with a plan,we obviously went in with a plan,thiers worked ours didn't,take a look at the stat's out of the mid field,Bernie Vince B.O.G,Edwards,and all of thier midfielders,much better than ours,because they were hand fed,a feast to our famine,can't win games without the ball,but all the luck was also with them,and so goes the leason,want to see if they are that good in Melbourne against Geelong or the Saints."
        - Max Rodwell

"Sack the coaches, sack the board, they give this coaching ramble the nod."
        - Steven Rowe

"Well thats it Fans. A full pre season to Hille Gumby Prismall NEAGLE, Reimers and Paddy will be back bigger and stronger. At least we dont have the injuries of last year. Welshy we will be back to his best. Jobe and Tayte great year. Superman HURLEY you are the next Hirdy no doubting you. I really cant wait to till next year. Matthew Knights last year."
        - amanda castro

"Nathan has been competitive and continued to put in till to the final siren; has the ability to be in the action, not worrying about the scoreline. It was important for our young guys to taste September action; also losing by such a convincing margin should be an impetus to a strong pre-season and a wake up call for 2010. We are putting in the foundations for success in the future. Well done to all involved; there have been some tremendous highlights during 2009, augurs well for the future. Go Bombers."
        - Veronica Bourke

"OMG, what a load aof crap!Jay Neagle will get a massive pre season, as he missed the last one. Hille, and fngers crossed will all get a great pre season. Paddy will be back better and stronger, look forward bomber people, a full pre season for this culb will great. as for prismall he will be great will a full pre season aswell. Alot to look forward to hille and paddy sharing the ruck and a fast mid field. I CANT wait."
        - amanda castro

"Read Caroline Wilsons article in the age, I thnk it is spot on. "
        - christine wade

"I am pleased with the increase in professionalism that the club is showing, therefore it is time to end the Bendigo experiment. Essendon has not had a successful reserves side for years, coinciding with our barron years of finals footy. Our young players are talented but are given no chance by playing in the Bendigo rabble, it's a joke that should be corrected immediately. We must be the laughing stock of the competition. I believe this is why young players like, Myers and Jetta have not developed and why none of our rookie players have come on."
        - Leigh Russell

"OK, season over, and not totally unexpected. Undermanned for this game, and short of skill throughout the year. To those who praise our “achievement” to play a finals game; since when is it acceptable for this proud club to finish 8th and then “crash out” the way we did? When we field players who cannot even kick a goal from 25cm out directly in front, questions should be asked. Many clearly were trying hard, but too many others are short of skill and effort. My greatest disappointment this year was Lovett (I never thought I’d say that) but occasional flashy play is just not good enough"
        - Klaus Erbgut

"Too many of our players are one-dimensional in their game. If they can run, they cannot hit targets. If they have speed, they lack effort. Lloyd will never be dominant anywhere else but out of the goal square. (Coach, why is that so hard to fathom?) I like him to play on, but only if he is played where he is best. Fletcher – give him a further 10-year contract. Ryder, Pears, Hurly and Co., great players of the future. Some will say why be so harsh? But there is a difference between bagging and fair criticism. With the season over, right now is a good time for blinkers off and sober observations. "
        - Klaus Erbgut

"Still plenty to look forward to in 2010 - Ryder, Hille's return, Hurley, Pears, Zaharakis, Hooker, Prismall, Dempsey, Hocking, Reimers and Lonergan. Career defining years for Neagle, Daniher, Myers, Gumbleton and Houli. Time these guys made an impact - may well be sink or swim for all of them in 2010. Wanted is on field leadership (lacking except for Fletcher this year), a forward structure, and some tactical nous from the coaching panel. Only about 27 weeks to go!!"
        - Geoff Cliff

"I think the pre-season really needs to focus on endurance and skills, maybe some extra goal-kicking practice would help too! We need to be able to run through-out the game, not stop and start depending on which qtr it is! Also, less errors in future please, everyone makes some, yes I know, but some were just not thought-through. "
        - Kase __ harro

"To all supporters and members, have a great summer break, a safe and Happy New Year, look forward to 2010…go Dons! PS What do you think of the list Dave Davo and Ivar Biggens? Give us all your report card. I look forward to your continued critique…go Dons (part 7)! "
        - David Husk

"Though we made the finals we only did so as 10 wins and a draw was enough to do so. We only improved by a draw on our win/loss ratio from 2008? Knights needs to be ruthless with the playing list and O’Donnell needs to kick a few butts and instil a killer instinct in this player group. We have such great talent in this playing group yet could only manage 10 wins and a draw. Will we fare any better next year? I hope so (part 6). "
        - David Husk

"talking trades - Jay Nash who I rate as a player seems to be on the outer at them moment - why else would a irishman who has less than 10 games total experience be picked before him. Port Adelaide have stated all players up for a trade - Robert Gray is a great little hard ball winner and a small forward who has kicked more than 30 goals - worth a look seeing as Nash is South Australian. My reasoning re Nash and not Slattery is that you need to give up a player to get a player - although maybe Nash and Slattery to Port for Gray and draft pick"
        - Greg Kemp

"Watson should be our next Captain! Does anyone agree? Welsh should go. He is not there when needed. Where was he on Friday night? Not good enough. His best years are behind him as he has not continued to improve his game. Winderlich has been good at times great. Zaharakis will be a good player in time. There are some on the senior list I have missed as they have not played a senior game yet (part 5)."
        - David Husk

"Quinn, please, don’t embarrass us any further, the kid hardly knows what he is doing out there let alone who his opponent is. Elevate one of the rookies and send him home to Ireland (lol). Reimers has guts and is a hard nut we desperately need. Ryder is a star. Skipworth and Slattery should go. There not up to AFL level. Stanton? I think the young man has great talent, but he does not have a killer instinct in him to be an elite player (just look at the Hawthorne malee). He works his but off but he needs to develop an angry streak – time will tell? (part 4)."
        - David Husk

"Lovett-Murray should stay: at least he has the balls to use his body and hardness (too many of our players are soft). Lucas has gone – farewell champ! McPhee is hot and cold. Get rid of McVeigh he’s lost the plot. Monfries has been good at times great. Haven’t seen enough of Myers yet. What has happened to Nash? Neagle, well we all know the kid has the skill. Does the kid have the desire? Pears, great pick up. Pity we don’t have two hims and two Hurls! Prismall has been good coming of a knee reco (part 3)."
        - David Husk

"Jetta should be traded as should Laycock. I’d like to see Lloyd play one more year to help Gumbleton and Neagle but only on the condition he gives up the Captancy: pass it on to Watson. Lonergan has been good when he has been on the park. As great as Andy Lovett is I don’t think he wants to be there. He was very ordinary in Adelaide (it was like he didn’t give a damn?) – does anyone else think so? (part 2). "
        - David Husk

"Who was good and who was not? Who should go and who should stay? 2009 in many ways was a good year, yet what cost us dearly was dropping winnable home games in Melbourne, notably Nth and Richmond! Atikinson showed enough, Bellchambers and Daniher we haven’t seen enough of. Dempsey and Dyson have been good at times great. Fletch is Fletch another year at least. Gumbleton hoping much in 2010. Hill to come back fitter and stronger. Hocking and Hooker did enough to keep. Verdict out on Houli – still waiting? Hurley will be a champion (part 1). "
        - David Husk

"Big pre season for Neagle,maybe this will open his eyes to see what is required otherwise one more year and the end of a career.Cant wait for Hille and gumbleton to get back.Prismall to take more on ball duties. a couple helping out Jobe would be great.Mc Vey / welsh must get better. Adam Mc Phee a person who some like to rubbish but for me he is great.Natural improvement in youngsters needed.can't wait for 2010"
        - graeme durran

"Can some of you get off Andrew Lovetts back,sure last night and maybe the past few weeks have been ordinary but overall this year he has been great.one of the main reasons many of us go and support the bombers.Winderlich has not been the same since his injury and lovett has copped all the pressure.Imagine with Hille and Ryder both their last night, a big difference in the result. Go bombers"
        - graeme durran

"some of the Fans that right on this mail box saying sack Knights stop the rot hes done a Grate Job this Year and Get Over it i not Happy at all but thats the way it goes i am More Happy that we Made it to the Elimination Final full Credit my Mum is an Essndon Fan she said as Long as we Made now i Have to go to work this Week and some of the Mangers goes for crows and i had a Bet with on of them "
        - MARK JONES

"Apparently Simon Madden was asked about the decision to go without a ruckman and he said he had no ruckmen to coach. I can imagine the team was flattened when learning that this decision was revealed. The coaching panel has had rocks in tis head at times this season. Wake up! We have enough good players if they are coached properly. Start coaching properly and assure that players reach their potential. It is as simple as that. Whoever dreamed up the idea needs to stop dreaming or find another club. Go Bombers 2010!"
        - Robert Hansen

"No good just blaming players......coaching staff are the ones who need to get players in the right frame of mind to play finals. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. We need to bring back the spirit to Essendon that seems to have been missing for a few years. We play as individuals and not as a team. Lets be proud of the red and black and get it back to a fighting and spiritted club is once was.....Go Bombers!!!!"
        - Gary Freytag

"An unfortunate finish to the season at least we finished in front of 8 other sides,also we beat the Blues twice.Looking forward to very exciting times next year. A Big pre season for the young players will be a great benefit GO BOMBERS 2010"
        - Ross Penny

"Why are we so bad interstate?? also love him dearly but M Quinn not up to standard, why play him, when we had the experienced Nash - I have asked all year, what is Nash getting punished for= please explain. Great year Jobe, Tayte, Hurley, Hocking, Paddy and Angus. All the best for 2010"
        - Valerie Hood

"Selection panel what are you doing? skipworth,quinn, instaed of houli and Zaharakis!! Too many brothers in the team! Lovett been walkabout for about 3 weeks and still they include him. Dreamtime at Windy Hill ?? "
        - Sam La Rocca

"hoe ever was the umpire of the Crows vs Essendon should be Sacked ' he was Just Paying Free Kicks agents us and it was Just All Adelaide thats why some of our fans dose not go over there even i don't go because SA hates the Vic sides and i Hope Hoe ever Plays the crows i hope colling wood will boot them out 100 Percent "
        - MARK JONES

"Peter Murray, you are spot on with your comments. A few finals brains were missing at the selection table and we paid a hefty price. A forty point loss would have been expected but not a record flogging! "
        - Rodney Broadbent

"we lost but at least we have found a few good young players,this year.look forward to next year as we are on the way back.go bombers 2010..."
        - Luke Power

"Many a slip, btwixt the cup and the lip ! oh well we did a lot better this year than the pundits believed. Next year for sure."
        - Graham Edgar

"BOMBERS,SIMPLY I CAN ONLY ECHO GARY O'DONNELLS' SENTIMENTS OF "OUR" DISASTEROUS PERFORMANCE LST.,NIGHTS',FRI.,04.09 @ "AAMI STADIUM" @ 07.45P.M.(ADELAIDE TIME) LOSING BY 96 POINTS,BOMBERS THAT'S ALL!!!! FINALLY,TO "HURLS" CONGRATS ON BECOMING "MY" '09 "B.O.G." AWARD WINNER WITH 24 "VOTES" & ALSO FINALLY TO THE REST OF YOU BOMBERS,SIMPLY HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!! "
        - Shaun Cahill

"Not a good way to finish the season but at least we made the finials, hopefully the boys have had a taste and next season want more, Knights bad move going in with no ruckman I don't know what you were thinking, bring on next season cannot wait!"
        - Philip Martin

"Well done Bombers on a good season.We had our highs and lows but 2011 will be our year. Everyone get behind the coach and players and say something positive!!! Lloydy PLAY ON"
        - Peter McMahon

"The reality was we were undermanned and no match for such an experienced and proficient footballing outfit. Our handball under pressure was atrocious and we need to eliminate this aspect out of our game in the back half. I felt we had a few passengers on the night but it would have been a learning experience for all the youngsters out there that none of them will want to repeat in future years. We need to improve ball handling and kicking skills over the close season. Overall a position in the eight was the best we could hope for and the guys did well to achieve that. Heres to 2010 GO Bombers."
        - Michael Rance

"The Crows ball movement and control left the Dons floundering;so congratulations to the winners for a fabulous display of aussie rules.Losing by such a large margin does not augur well for 2010 and the selectors will need weed out "anyone" who cannot perform consistently at this highest of levels.The coaching staff too, must take some of the blame as the Dons brand of football whilst exciting at times is extremely vulnerable to turnovers and that is fatal!Let's hope we see a vast improvement next year,otherwise we will not be making the finals in 2010."
        - Noel Paech

"What can you say? Lovett disgrace didn't want to chase did nothing. Neagle needs a big pre season under his belt & get super fit.1st quater played man on man, what happened? No tall ruckman what where they thinking? No run to many turnovers.Finshed 8th biggest loss in a Final for us. Next year need to get everyone fit and firing, hopefully Cumbby can get right this time. Trade table Lovett after what he showed last night (doesn't want to be there) Trade Stanton and give the No 5 to Hurley, Make Watson and Hille joint Captians, Other trade grapes Jetta,Welsh,McVeigh,Slattery. Need to get other Ruckman and keyback Get guys into opps now not after Xmas."
        - Peter Klaaysen

"10 wins out of 23 games clearly says we are no better off than we were 2 years ago. The facts speak for themselves - anything else is club spin. It's all very well to say we have a young developing list, but ALL clubs now have young developing lists - this is no longer an excuse. "
        - Francis Connolly

"it show that neagle is not up to afl standard .he should be trade bait."
        - Shane Tharle

"We were cliniclly murdered,a poor decision to go in without a recognised ruckman,but then some of the decision making on field was also very poor,the lesser lights were our best,they could do little wrong,and we on the other hand could do little right,hand ball hell was what we offered,and we were punished,but in my honest opinion,they are simply not that good,we just made them look that way,just shows how far we have to go to reach that peak,under manned we tried,under manned we died,i will have a long summer,i will have to watch DVD's of our good matches,But God i love this Game,see ya all next year,Go Bombers."
        - Max Rodwell

"what a embarrassment beforment.the coaching staff should hang there head in same.to not play with a ruckman. we lost the game before it started."
        - Shane Tharle

"Congratulations on making the finals Bombers, disappointing exit though. I think we need to have a good look at our interstate routine. It seems that teams who play well interstate, leave Melbourne earlier. Have good summer and lets aim for a home final next year. Great season Jobe and Tayte."
        - Nicole Watson

"most noticeable was the fact that we could only find 2 players that played through the middle of the ground(prismal,Watson) that could take the ball one grab. the rest fumbled or simply let the ball through their hands altogether. We have to get better in this department or recruit players that fit this bill. Welsh, Stanton, Dyson, Lovett Murray, Winderlich, McVeigh just are not clean players, fine in time and space but that ain't finals footy, some should not be part of our future, lets hope the coaches know which ones. "
        - Leigh Russell

"Still can't believe we went in without a ruck. Injecting pace is all well and good but it's a useless scenario if you don't win the hitouts. We were slaughtered at the centre bounce. We knew we were up against it. Crows are a genuine finals contender and have come good at the right time. Whether or not it cost us what chance we had to win who knows but for this Bombers supporter it remains a very, very disappointing selection decision."
        - Adrianne Blainey

"hard to comment! i was concerned that making the finals could be disasterous and unfortunately that came true. it was embarressing and could do more damage than good for this young group. hopefully it has shown the coaching staff that some players are just not up to it and should be moved on. we need to be active during trade period and secure at least one key ball winning midfielder and a small goal scoring forward"
        - Leigh Russell

"Was great that our boys got into the Elimination Final against Adelaide good job boys proud of ya all that we got there was sad to see us go out of the finals last night. looking forward to next year GO BOMBERS. -Rachael Hawthorn"
        - Rachael Lee Hawthorn

"I know you guys tried your guts out tonight but were beaten by a better team on the night..thanks for the ride and a fun season, especially the highs like the wins over collingwood, carlton and the saints. I can see huge potential in the team and enjoyed watching the young guys grow in confidence and ability. Its been fun watching the whole team develop this year and I'm really looking forward to barracking for you again next year. Have a good break everyone :)"
        - Patrick Betham

"Sack Knights !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No ruck means no hope. Where's plan B. "
        - Mark Ridgway

"Disgusted and sad"
        - Kay Cox

"very poor effort need too get tough with some players who think they are better than they are like neagle slattery monfries mcphee quinn"
        - don carter

"To the coaching panel, the wheel has already been invented, this type of game plan does not work, sure we won 3/4 games with fast running of the ball, but in the end it does not work, go back to the way the game needs to be played remember the A B C of football, don't give it to the other team. "
        - Steven Rowe

"If Plan A was to go into the game without Bellchambers and lose by 16 goals and Plan B was to play Tom and lose by more, then Plan A succeeded. How does a young kid gain experience if he is "dropped" from the team because the selectors have a dream that teams don't need ruckmen?"
        - Peter Murray

"Adelaide- Too quick,too strong, too accountable. Essendon- Too slow, too undermanned, too loose."
        - Lorraine Day

"Oh Dear....Crows were fantastic and we played terribly. Our skill errors and inablility to hit targets is disappointing. Suppose Quinn was laughing at our performance overall last night, not just his circus act "airy" 30cm out from goal! Yes Quinny, we were a bit of a joke. Bad luck Bombers. Maybe we'll do better next year? I think a drastic look and cut of the list could be warranted. Please play on Lloydy. STILL, - BOMBERS FOREVER."
        - Albert Jones

"we are very proud of what the boys have achieved this year given no one gave us any chance to be in the 8. Congraulations boys and we look forward to next year. Matthew please don't retire just yet as you still have more to give."
        - Brooke Fischer

"It just went to show how valuable Paddy Ryder has been throughout the year. He was sorely missed. Dissapointed with the end result but alot to look forward to in 2010...go Dons!"
        - David Husk

"It was tough to watch. First quarter we were great, I had some hope. We missed Paddy badly and not having Lloyd there meant that their defendants were all over our forward line. I guess it's just the sign of a young team with so much to learn. All in all - a great year Bombers. Hold your heads up high. "
        - Melissa Kerr

"If you want to give the young ones finals experience why did you leave Bellchambers out? Really strange when we needed height to give our running players first use of the ball, Adelaide really exploited this bad decision, Bellchambers in wouldnt of made the scoreboard any worse, in fact probably less embarrasing, this decision went against the grain."
        - Rodney Broadbent

"but we finished 8th not 12th you little ripper car'n the BOMBERS SEE THE BOMBERS FLY UP UP IN 0010"
        - MARK JONES

"thank you Bombers for make it to the Finals unless we got there its been 5 years but we work very hard to get there i bet you that Next Year we Can be in the top for and Have a home Final in 20010 in Melbourne so we can have a fans get right behind them but bad Luck we got thumped so Glad we did not get done over 100 we are on our way to be come a top side go BOMBERS IN 20010 "
        - MARK JONES

"Hope they sign Lovett (though he was very disappointing tonight) this year he was good. We need to keep him. Ryder has been fantastic and will come close in our B&F as will Jobe, who should be our Captain next year, even if Lloyd plays. Aitkinson has also shown some good signs. Welsh and Mcveigh need to lift otherwise 2010 should be there last year at Essendon. If we don’t make the finals next year get rid of Knighter…go Dons!"
        - David Husk

"Well done to Adam McPhee - you showed some of your mates how to play. it appears that no watson - no bombers - its that simple. unfortunately the guys that needed to rise when jobe was doubleteamed - ie lovett, mcveigh, slattery, welsh, winderlich didnt deliver - hence a blow out. a pity to end the season with a belting and poor effort "
        - GEOFF FARNELL

"2010 - a lot to look forward to. Hille and Ryder in the ruck - and hopefully Gumbleton can play . I expect the skipper will hang up his boots and i suspect Laycocks time has expired."
        - GEOFF FARNELL

"Notice the coach doesnt mention Lloyd as those returning next year . A record defeat by Bombers in a final is hard to understand, honestly where are they going in 2010, looking at the stats tells the story too much Handball still."
        - Doris Flanagan

"Overall a very good year. Great finds in Pears and Hurley they are going to be great players for the club. Looking forward to Gumby getting on board. Prismal has been good coming of a knee reco. Dyson, Monfries, Winderlick and Dempsy have been great. Would like to see Slattery and Jetta traded. Skipworth too should also go. Neagle needs to hit the gym and track big time: he is not fit enough at present. Hell be a good forward. "
        - David Husk

"Our coach's lack of success at this level has spilled on to our team. He has shown he will not be the next coach to take us to a premiership, as he has not got the successful knowhow that it takes to coach a team to a premiership. Fancy going in to a final without a recognised ruckman and a bloke who has played less games of footy than my 10 year old son. Didnt expect to win, but I didnt expect us to be embarassed either."
        - John Kerr

"Well that was disappointing - hopefully the players learn something from it. It does mean that our final game in the last two seasons has been a 15+ goal loss."
        - Derek Jarman

"Notice it was our most maligned & bagged players who were among the best, again..Good luck to every player for more improvement next year & a real assault on the flag in 2011, & best wishes to all genuine Essendon supporters for a safe & happy off season"
        - Mark McLachlan

"bombers great 1st quarter but the rest were bad i dont mind much because it was a great experience for the younger boys go BOMBERS 2010 "
        - stephanie versace

"Our most disappointing and demoralising performance for a long time. Hard to find any positives at last night, except to say that it was a steep learning curve and some players were found out under presssure. They know what to do to improve now and hopefully we use last night as a learning experience and improve on it next year. "
        - Greg Kemp

"IMO the two words that describe last nights' game are "absolutely disgusting". I'm sure we had a game plan but I'm not too sure what it was ! OK we knew that by going in without a ruckman we were going to get smashed in the hit outs so that worked well. Overuse and indiscriminate use of the handball also sold us into trouble on most occasions resulting in turnover. Play on at all cost from the back line and kick to a two or three on one contest. That worked ! Sheeds where are you ?"
        - Grant Smith

"Congratulations to the team including Matthew Knights and Matthew Lloyd for bringing us finals footy once again. This team has shown a lot of courage and determination, as well as confidence and self belief. None of that was lost last night. What the team needs now is hard work, a massive pre-season, and a shorter injury list. Finals are now expected from this team in 2010, make sure of it this time! Don't expect anything from Lloyd and Fletcher - its the new generation that we need to rely on. Now with finals experience under the belt, Matthew Knights will grow as a coach."
        - Richard Hayward

"Agree with the Bellchamber decision as it was outside the square and worth a go. We were never going to win conventionally so stacking our team with speed was worth a go if a win was the goal. Still many will critice you for not being conservative and not playing a 'still learning' ruckman as we may have lost of only 15 goals. Well done Knights for taking a risk and trying to win. I am not embarassed but proud of the boys for the full 2009 effort."
        - Jeff Forster

"What is it with Matthew Knights and Final Matches."
        - Pamela Norris

"Thanks for an entertaining season, Bombers! Look forward to more success in 2010."
        - Jan Lovegrove

"Essendon learn from the Crows. They have about 6 strong dangerous forwards, we have none. Lloyd must play on AND lets get a rated forward line assistant coach into the club. "
        - Geoff Cliff

"Can anyone tell me what positives they see in Henry Slattery? I see a very poor hesitant decision maker, with low foot and hand skills, who gives away far too many frees with undisciplined attempts to tackle."
        - Geoff Cliff

"Well done bombers for the year, while the result last night was not what we wanted it will be a good lesson for the young players on how they have to play finals footy.Adelaide are a very good team who could play in the grand final. We can all be proud of the way the boys have fought this year we have played some exciting footy and can look forward to the next few years when we will once again be in the top four.Dont forget we still have finished above 4 teams who played in the last 4 grand finals.Lets hope carlton get thrashed. BOMBERS FOREVER."
        - christine wade

"great job of making the finals boys. Lets hope next time you put up a bit more of an effort.can not wait until next year."
        - Stephen Currie

"Were never a chance in this game but jee that ball always bounces the way of the home team over there.It's just unbelievable!But if u lose games to Richmond and North Melb& let Interstate sides beat u in Melb,u end up playing finals outside of Victoria.That's the lesson.Must NOT drop these types of games nxt yr.lets hope we get a better draw next yr.Round 1 surely Ess is overdue to play a home game.PA&Syd also WC should have to come here nxt season,Ess always go to play them there.Unfair! "
        - Mark Elze

"Sad way to end the season, but for a team that was touted to finish 14-16th by a lot of experts, showed improvement from last year.We have the ability to compete against the better sides but lapses in concentration cost us against others.With a fully fit & available list we will be a very dangerous side. I like to wish all at the club and supporters a safe break and can't wait for the 2010 season.GO BOMBERS."
        - Patrick, Michael Dimech