Evans: Ground condition is distressing

Fellow Bomber fans, David is not exaggerating. If you haven't made a donation yet, please do so when you can.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 30/11/2011 3:52:44 PM)

My family will be donating $250 within the next few weeks, organising it asap. C'mon members let's get this great club on it's way to Melbourne Airport.

- Adrian Ritson (posted 30/11/2011 4:05:48 PM)

Members and supporters - we need action, not words..... I thought (with our large support base) that the total raised up to this point would have been closer to "one million dollars"..... My donation will be in by Christmas..... Every dollar helps - most supporters should be able to donate at least $200 which would see a significant jump in the total.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 30/11/2011 4:06:01 PM)

Couson Reserve in Northcote have a pretty good athletics track!

- Davor Stanic (posted 30/11/2011 4:16:09 PM)

there's an oval near my place the guys can train at. problem solved

- Craig Hitchcock (posted 30/11/2011 4:26:05 PM)

I represent a large group of supporters that SAT AS ONE in the open reserved seating on the wing at Windy Hill. We MOVED AS ONE to what was then the bronze members section at the MCG and then ETIHAD. The seats we have occupied since day one has recently been reclassified to premium level 1 with a hefty 38% price hike which means that some of us will now have to reconsider our membership let alone donating to the flight plan. The reality is that not all supporters have bottomless pockets!!!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 30/11/2011 4:27:23 PM)

am negotiating with wife about getting family name on the jumper (subject to AFL approval). That would be awesome!

- Davor Stanic (posted 30/11/2011 4:38:54 PM)

Cant believe this club keeps asking members for money! I have seats on level 1 at Etihad Stadium with my son we pay around $420 dollars a year my seat is a 7 game package as I am a MCC Member.In 2013 the club says it is mandatory to be a Silver member, so that means for me and my son an extra $250 dollars a year. What a joke I cant afford both memberships and when I contacted the club they didnt care that we wont be renewing in 2013,very disapointing that the club now wants me to contribrute to FLIGHT PLAN not good enough. Also not expecting to this be posted on the website either.

- Harrison Forbes (posted 30/11/2011 4:47:45 PM)

Donated half of my minimum target amount David,and no fear,the balance is "on the agenda".. A lot harder though,to save for the second installment,but I'll get there... If given more time next year,will be more.. !! Go You Mighty Bombers :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 30/11/2011 4:49:31 PM)

Bring back Lovett and I will put $1000 into Flight Plan John McCallum

- John McCallum (posted 30/11/2011 5:01:50 PM)

All jokes aside people, we need to do our duty as supporters and put our hands in our pockets to give to our club in need. I've only could afford $50 at present but at least its something!

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 30/11/2011 5:02:29 PM)

come train at mount waverley, ok the ground isnt great... but its better than nothing!!!

- Donovan de Cerff (posted 30/11/2011 5:09:30 PM)

harrison forbes, im in the same position oly im only by myself, and i disagree with the membership set up, much rather put up with the lines

- Donovan de Cerff (posted 30/11/2011 5:10:48 PM)

This will be controversial, but its pretty hard to find that sort of money. We have a family interstate membership and get to one game a year (3 years 3 losses so can we fix that please :)), but I'd like to ask if the players are making a combined donation. Most of these boys earn $100 000+ a year and surely there should be some leadership shown by them, just to kick start the drive. Times are tough and those with the $$$ should set an example.

- Todd Walsh (posted 30/11/2011 5:19:52 PM)

I'm with John, bring back Lovett i will also donate $1000- Daniel Stubbs

- daniel stubbs (posted 30/11/2011 5:23:14 PM)

come'on members, lets help the bomber boys out by donating,big or small amounts. all of the members please donate. Go the Bombers

- Rolf Buchner (posted 30/11/2011 5:24:29 PM)

ive donated a little bit of cash. But if we were to take back lovett I'd donate a hell of a lot more. Gee id even mow the pitch for free once its up and running!

- Harry Calaghan (posted 30/11/2011 5:26:33 PM)

They should at every home game have people walking around etc.. asking for donations, i think people would be more generous giving a few dollars on the spot, rather then over the internet.

- Brad Gentry (posted 30/11/2011 5:57:53 PM)

let me get xmas over and done, then i will donate, i will donate $250 if they dont pick up lovett,

- Max Thorne (posted 30/11/2011 6:02:32 PM)

Bomber supporters - stop making excuses... We are "the club"! Every dollar helps! Having the best of everything is crucial for the "future development and success" of the EFC.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 30/11/2011 6:07:03 PM)

To The essendon football club talk to the previous committe get back the$1000000 you wasted on sighning up mathew knights then the $1000000 you wasted on mark williams problem solved not all of us have money to throw around i have 3 memberships in my family i have a paver at the front we brought 13 years ago i support the club as much as we can but the waste of money by poor decisions this club made in the past 4 years is coming back to bite them i may yet contribute but if they cant run there finances right why should we bail them out sorry but that is my opinion

- Paul Mifsud (posted 30/11/2011 6:19:51 PM)

The ones who are whinging about seats and trying to make conditions in order to donate should remember the new facility is not only for EFC but for those who have disabilities within our community.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 30/11/2011 6:30:56 PM)

Resign Hurley, bring back Lovett and i will gladly donate 2K

- Tony Gekas (posted 30/11/2011 6:31:48 PM)

If you genuinely can't afford it fair enough but I'm no millionaire and i managed to kick up $250. What are we Collingwood supporters?

- Toryn Kasa (posted 30/11/2011 6:34:24 PM)

No money and no source of income sorry i can only afford my membership if i find a job i will happily contribute when i do

- Benn Cooper (posted 30/11/2011 7:05:44 PM)

You can forget about any flight plan donation after forcing long term existing bronze members like myself to become silver clients. You're not a member you're a source of $$.

- Clive Craven (posted 30/11/2011 7:07:31 PM)

EI: I live in Brisbane and was wondering what the plans were for the Gold Coast training? We never see Essendon up here so if I could go and watch a couple of training session then that would be great....will details be released?

- Andrew Michajlow (posted 30/11/2011 7:23:06 PM)

Would love to donate some more $$ but the clubs stung me $350+ for the same four reserved seats next year forcing me to take out 4 "Bronze" memberships on top of my reserved seats and 4 AFL Club support memberships which they already benefit from. Of course we all love the club but they keep asking us to dip deep into our pockets but don't even have the courtesy to send out an explanation about being slugged with a 100%+ increase with the renewal....no organisation can justify that increase in one year....sorry, won't be popular but this well's dry!

- Jason Wilcox (posted 30/11/2011 7:36:29 PM)

If we Rookie Lovett I will donate $500 on top of the $700 membership I just renewed. I am sure many fans will also chip in if A Lovett was the added incentive. Once he is back watch NLM fly as well.

- Michael McSwain (posted 30/11/2011 7:36:46 PM)

EI when the boys train at the Gold Coast will there be an open session?

- Brendon Bisschop (posted 30/11/2011 7:50:20 PM)

I cannot afford it. The club has 26 million in bank...

- Ralph Lepore (posted 30/11/2011 8:04:52 PM)

I will also dig into my not so wealthy pockets the day Lovetts name is called out. Give him the chance at redemption and show that the club has a soft spot for true bombers, as i think Andrew is.

- Nathan O''Brien (posted 30/11/2011 8:15:06 PM)

so our Essendon, one of the premier clubs for many years has now a leadership led by Evans reduced to begging for money from members and an administration that can't provide basic training facilities for the players. You are a joke!

- John Herrald (posted 30/11/2011 8:24:51 PM)

Firstly, do not use Lovett as an incentive - he had his chance at the club & ruined it! Secondly, I don't think the EFC considers it's members financial constraints & to be asking for "additional money" seems to look like desperation stakes! Surely the club reaps the rewards of the members backing without having to ask for more. If I could, I would as I'm sure plenty of thousands also would! Listen to the members - we need mature players to assist our young list - take a chance on Fev to help Hurls & crew! Go Dons....

- Joe Bartolo (posted 30/11/2011 8:25:08 PM)

A few wanting Lovett back. I just want my Country Membership back that they have taken away & replaced with a 3 game membership which dictates which 3 games you MUST go to. I'm debating whether to sign on again little own donate to the flight plan.

- Andrew Day (posted 30/11/2011 8:28:30 PM)

Solution: Cazaly's Stadium. Beautiful surface, turf pitch, lovely view and attractions. Cut a deal with Cairns AFL and have dinner at the Dempsey's. I've donated my limit and am saving for membership renewal, but will have to wait till new year to see if there is more I can do.

- Wesley Hull (posted 30/11/2011 8:29:46 PM)

The club can consider the 50% price rise in my membership last year a donation. They can also take the money they've saved from limiting our household to 1 magazine as well as the savings from not handing out scarves next year. The audacity of the board to ask for more money after wasting $800k of it on Knights is pathetic. Make the members feel appreciated instead of making them feel like money pits and you might find more donations will come in.

- Nicholas Jolliffe (posted 30/11/2011 8:30:21 PM)

Maybe have a certain percentage of revenue generated from Bomber Shop sales over Christmas going to the Flight Plan, otherwise there's little chance we'll get there. I'll buy a new clash jumper.

- Matt Pocock (posted 30/11/2011 8:59:17 PM)

make a membership package that actually works for interstate followers as in leting us get seats for free at interstate venues be it nsw sa or wa !!! go bombers

- Daniel Driver (posted 30/11/2011 9:05:54 PM)

Auction off items - signed jumpers, raffle a free membership, have a pre season family day - get creative - have players running around the streets with tins!

- Steven Boyle (posted 30/11/2011 9:33:12 PM)

I think you make an excellent point Todd Walsh. I am currently building a new house, I can't see anyway my family will be able to pay this place off in less the 20 years. While players are always telling us their careers are short they will probably own a house by the time they are 30. They are incredible privileged to be in the position they are in. I love to see the club do well, as with most families we have to carefully choose what to do with our money and quite honestly I would rather see my daughter benefit from my spare cash rather than these privileged sport stars

- Mark McKernan (posted 30/11/2011 9:35:28 PM)

it's clear we have a solution bring lovett back and lets see the money roll in, or even better lovett wants to play for us ask him for $10,000 and pick him up lol Mr Evans I'll be glad to take a 6 figure position in return for generating the 5 million.

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 30/11/2011 9:50:31 PM)

In all seriousness, I work near Latrobe University and there are masses of high-quality, flat, well-grassed oval space that is cricket-pitch free. Does it have to be an oval (ie. for set-ups, set-plays etc.) I know the EFC have used Latrobe Uni for pre-season a number of times before. Surely they looked into that as an option?!

- Daisy Graham (posted 30/11/2011 9:56:26 PM)

I received my Flight Plan Donor Pin,many weeks ago.Done my bit.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 30/11/2011 10:11:15 PM)

WILL BE DONATING $250. AFTER CHRISTMAS. WORKING CHRISTMAS DAY, AS A NURSE, WE WORK ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. MY EXTRA CASH WILL GO TO THE CLUB. ANNE. BRIAR HILL.

- anne aa (posted 30/11/2011 10:14:30 PM)

What a sad state of affairs it is when some of our supporters are using Andrew Lovett as a bargaining chip as far as their donating or not donating is concerned. Much as I too would love to give Andrew a second chance this is not the Andrew Lovett Football Club. It is in fact the Essendon Football Club. Please give what you can afford to be a part of our history and future success.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 30/11/2011 10:36:58 PM)

Lack of training facilities is simply bad management. Surely somebody at the club saw this coming!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 30/11/2011 10:44:18 PM)

Know how you Mr Evans i am distressed too , will donate when i can. i am also distressed that my bobby must have shaved his mo off a day early and has not bean sited since , at least i will be keeping mine until tomorrow.and bobby dear have you nenewed our seats in the medalion club yet ? you left me no note

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 30/11/2011 10:55:10 PM)

dear david, you have let all members down with there current memberships offerings. drive the stake into the heart that was members. After 10 years not sue i will be a member after this year.

- Anthony Doyle (posted 30/11/2011 10:55:32 PM)

That a rich and powerful club like ours again asks fans and members to send more money is embarrassing. How about cutting some expenditure rather than bleed the members ?

- Rob Carew (posted 30/11/2011 11:05:43 PM)

@Harrison Forbes Maybe you should get rid of your MCC membership and support the Essendon Football Club and not the toffs at the Melbourne Cricket Club!

- Andrew Cichello (posted 30/11/2011 11:16:55 PM)

If we had our own home ground, like Geelong do, seating for members at home games would not be an issue. I know the cost would be huge, but you may find the dollars flowing in a lot quicker? Surely the AFL, state and federal governments would contribute willingly for another A-grade stadium, situated around the Tullamarine area. Worth a serious look.

- Josh Byrne (posted 30/11/2011 11:27:01 PM)

Getting alittle sick of the club always asking for money the club must have millions im a payed member and my wife is as well and the essendon fc only sends us 1 bomber magazine 1 between 2 people all i can say is if you want the members to give you have to give us some thing

- Steven Jordan (posted 30/11/2011 11:46:51 PM)

Come on stop begging for money you cant tell me the club or players together dont have millions as a member and my wife also we only get 1 bomber magazine between us 1 for 2 come on if you want us to give give your fans some thing

- Steven Jordan (posted 30/11/2011 11:52:42 PM)

David, I love my club, and bleed black and red, but a lot of folks are doing it tough out there, like Todd said. Would be great to see the players and coaches lead by example

- Graeme Blore (posted 1/12/2011 12:05:38 AM)

i will donate $50000 - BEHALF OF MY company if ESSENDON FC land Andrew Lovett i also will put it in writing to Essendon Fc

- jordan jordan (posted 1/12/2011 2:24:33 AM)

I wonder how much David Evans has donated from his own pockey

- Mark Lewis (posted 1/12/2011 5:14:49 AM)

David,David,David about 5 million dollars would of got the bowling club a nice little place to play and we could of stayed at Windy Hill in improved facilities instead of begging us for more money when our memberships had substantial rises to try and cover the shortfall you are facing.

- Stuart Dunstan (posted 1/12/2011 6:19:59 AM)

Andrew, I am unsure of the plans for a Gold Coast open training session. The football department tend to keep thing low profile while interstate. I am sure there will be a supporter function of some type when we play the Suns next year which we will promote once details have been confirmed.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 9:00:26 AM)

David, unfortunately not all of us are partners in a law firm. The club at the same time as a massive fundraising effort has chosen to increase the base membership cost by 20% and will slug the next level up of membership on level 1 another $100 in 2013. We already paid almost 10% more than Collingwood base members last year. Geelong announced an $8m project for a training facility without asking for any members money.As for "beyond our control" members are sick of seeing this written, it's time people took responsibility for not getting their job done. GWS CEO could not organise training grounds and he is gone.

- Ross Jones (posted 1/12/2011 9:01:49 AM)

Go Ross. WHACK!!!

- Brad Scarr (posted 1/12/2011 9:11:12 AM)

Bobelina - you are cracking me up of late! Be a good little Dr. Evil now.....

- Brad Scarr (posted 1/12/2011 9:14:33 AM)

Was considering a family membership for the first time for 2012. Compared prices to family members Collingwood membership equivalent and price is more than one a a half times the price. No wonder they get 70,000 members, they're memberships start at $100- a year for a pensioner including games. They're ex players are always out fundraising and bringing funds in through other avenues other than by way of supporters and members pockets.

- Kerrie Woodgate (posted 1/12/2011 9:18:23 AM)

I could put up $50 now, but want to get together a more significant $250. Hoping that will be by end of year if not, Jan. Just paid my 2012 membership & purchased some Xmas gifts. Trying to do what I can.

- Gail Taylor (posted 1/12/2011 9:28:17 AM)

Part 1 ....I think it's again pertinent to put the point forward. I bleed black and red and have done all my life. I've converted my Carlton supporting brothers' boys into bomber supporters and my whole family are Essendon through and through. However, and the club really needs to take this on board; there is a vast chasm between loving the bombers as a footy club and handing over cash to the Company that is Essendon FC ltd. Especially when CEO's, coaches and players are on money that most of us can only dream of.

- Todd Walsh (posted 1/12/2011 9:33:44 AM)

How unprofessional.. how long has the "powerhouse" club known they require pre - season training facilities, let's hope someone is held responsible & it's not just forgotten about. show people the club won't accept such incompetence ON or OFF the ground, these guys are going to run the new complex, bit of a worry..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 1/12/2011 9:38:39 AM)

Thanks for all your comments. This response has come from the membership team... As a club we need to make changes off the field in order to see change on field. We want all of our fans and members to be part of the exciting times we are setting ourselves up for – in whatever capacity they can. For some, this will mean changes to the way they structure their support – but everyone can find a way to play a part in our success – big or small. We are unashamedly asking our members for money and for support as we move our club back to being the powerhouse we all want it to be.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 9:51:42 AM)

This forum has become embarrassing, I didn't realise there were so many selfish Australians out there. Well, at least I know there are still true Bomber SUPPORTers out there who are PROUD of their club. We put money where our mouth is for facilities not only for our club but for paralympians etc..

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 1/12/2011 10:10:30 AM)

Well I paid my membership and the extra $250 (to the club direct). Was going to hold out till they started putting more youngsters on the paddock, but then realised we needed a paddock. We're a community working for sustainability according to universally-applicable principles and planetary change has to start somewhere.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 1/12/2011 10:27:16 AM)

Adrian, I take serious offence at being called selfish, we fork out $300 a year and still pay to get in the ground thanks to the fact that we live in Tassie. Its not about the paralympians, its about the fact we keep getting treated like we have bottomless pockets and that support is measured by $$$ donated to what is a highly profitable business.

- Todd Walsh (posted 1/12/2011 11:15:21 AM)

To EFC, I would love to donate to your cause as a paid up member! But i would firstly like to let you know of my disappointment as a supporter of this club. I drove over 2 hours with my five year old son who had just bought his first Bombers jumper from your shop and was so looking forward to getting his favourite players autograph after watching his beloved bombers train at Windy Hill this year. But after arriving we were told to leave as it was now a closed training session after we had called the EFC the day before to make sure we could come down. Unfortunately this is now what my son remembers thanks Essendon.

- Rohan Murphy (posted 1/12/2011 11:26:13 AM)

Rohan, send me an email via theinsider@essendonfc.com.au and I will see how we can rectify the issue.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 11:28:54 AM)

The club has 27 mil in the bank!!!

- Ralph Lepore (posted 1/12/2011 11:31:04 AM)

Truth hurts Todd

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 1/12/2011 11:41:13 AM)

Nicholas Jolliffe I am sure the club didn't pay Knights, I think it was Diamond Dons Coterie club who paid it

- Mark McLachlan (posted 1/12/2011 11:48:08 AM)

Adrian Reynolds, probably you are one of the lucky with unlimited finances but some supporters have limited finances & as much as they love the club have serious commitments like education, mortgage, utilities & general everyday living expenses & have to put priorities in place, please don't judge or embarrass people not so fortunate.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 1/12/2011 12:14:00 PM)

Evans may find the lack of a training facility "distressing". What I find distressing is that one of the once richest clubs in the league is so poorly administered that we need to beg the members for money. Where has it gone? And if we cannot afford the flight plan then as responsible managers, should we not be doing something we can afford? The blind faith shown by some is incredible: still I guess this has kept religion rich for thousands of years. Address the issues Essendon: why are we in this position?

- John Herrald (posted 1/12/2011 1:07:18 PM)

EI , if I purchase a bronze with a seat can i still book a cheap seat to sit with other people ? if the answers no then i wont be renewing me membership and the club really has lost touch.

- Anthony Doyle (posted 1/12/2011 1:11:54 PM)

Im an Essendon supporter through and through but in a billion dollar industry, with expensive memberships, expensive food at games, interstate Essendon games only televised on foxtel, highly paid players, coaches and AFL administrators etc, no way am I contributing more money.

- Mark Grant (posted 1/12/2011 1:26:29 PM)

Great club players coaches however the administration is complacent -Cant get membersg=hips and packadgeds delivered on time -No consistant updates -Went to the bombershop with my 11 year old son and waited 10 minutes b4 anyone would even speak to us -Noone else in there -Pretty ordinary and they want more money !!!!!

- Louis Cypher (posted 1/12/2011 1:27:48 PM)

What has the donation got do with the lack of training grounds as of today. Surely the club has enough in the bank to rent a training ground for the week ahead. The current economic times are tough for MANY but give us time to come up with something.

- Chris Steffen (posted 1/12/2011 2:26:25 PM)

No excuses for not donating. Every dollar helps..... Eye didn't realize that there are so many knockers of "our club". We spend dollars on booze, etc every week without complaining but for whatever reason, we can't find a few dollars for "our club"..... Think about it!!!!!

- Victor Tallis (posted 1/12/2011 2:41:50 PM)

The disconnect between club and Members/Fans is so obvious after reading some of the comments in this forum. I hope the admin are reading!

- Gareth Waite (posted 1/12/2011 2:52:29 PM)

To those of you who have said that you can afford to donate $1000 if a certain player is returned to the Club, I ask this: if you can afford to donate $1000 and you love the Club, why do you need any other motivation? Just donate it! :) Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 1/12/2011 2:59:29 PM)

Gareth, I have sent around the comments to the admin. We read everything that is written here and always pass on comments of relevance to the appropriate people.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 3:01:07 PM)

Mark McLachlan if you read my previous comments you would find I could only afford $50 at present. I also have limited finances and general daily living expenses like any other typical Australian. But if people are embarrassed because they feel guilty for their own selfish reasons and not donating to a great facility not only for the club & its members but for people with disabilities. Then they only have themselves to blame.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 1/12/2011 3:17:27 PM)

Anthony, you will not be able to sit with non-members at Etihad in 2012 unless you purchase tickets separately for all of you together. All our games at Etihad are fully ticketed and members need to purchase a seat in 2012 so that they don't have to queue up outside the ground to purchase a ticket even though they are actually members - which everyone hated.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 4:19:39 PM)

Anthony Doyle, great question! Had been pointing this out to the club for years, until I gave up. In the end my only solution was to buy 3 memberships, so i can sit with my family when they can attend games. but i'm over it now.

- Davor Stanic (posted 1/12/2011 4:34:52 PM)

E.I. regarding your response to Anthony, i suggest that the club begin making it a priority to get back to the MCG. Not being able to sit with your mates at the footy has been a serious issue for members for years, yet no-one at EFC is taking it seriously. Where are we going to sit 60000 members at the docklands? Seriously!

- Davor Stanic (posted 1/12/2011 4:40:02 PM)

Davor, you would think that seating at the MCG would be easier, but I believe we can only get access to 19,000 seats for members at the 'G compared to 30,000 at Etihad - with room for more at Etihad.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 5:03:29 PM)

yep, i understand that the AFL is the major obsticle on the issue of seating, but would be nice, great infact, to be able to sit with ur mates at the footy...just like in the good old days...hehehe!

- Davor Stanic (posted 1/12/2011 5:31:55 PM)

E.I., in regards to your response to Davor: I attend both Essendon and non Essendon games at Etihad and the MCG. At the MCG there are ample general admission seats for all members/fans of all teams, in all games excluding ANZAC Day. At Etihad for the majority of games there are also. Not being able to sit with non-Essendon member friends and family is a huge disappointment, and a bigger inconvenience than queuing up at Etihad before a game… Are you only talking reserved seats in this instance?!?

- Gareth Waite (posted 1/12/2011 5:40:54 PM)

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 9:51:42 AM) ahahahaha kiddin right mate as some one said earlier all the money wasted on knights, williams etc. wont see anymore of my hard earnd while this club chuks money away

- Leslie Behan (posted 1/12/2011 6:29:41 PM)

Poor EI has had a lot to deal with in the forum. Hopefully everyone can take a deep breath and the club can come up with some solutions/explanations so both sides are happy. An idea to raise money is separate from the family day have a pre-season day at windy hill with all the players where entry is a gold coin donation. Have the works, you know open training session, handball drills with the kids, signings, etc. Auction/raffle off heaps of team signed guernseys, footballs etc. Really allow the fans to experience our great club a bit more

- Dominic Lauricella (posted 1/12/2011 7:16:11 PM)

funny how some comments get "edited", thats a concern when nothing but an opinion was expressed.

- Todd Walsh (posted 1/12/2011 10:09:08 PM)

I dont understand the rational of some people.They will donate money if they rookie Lovett.Why not donate because we have Hurley,Heppell,Crameri,Colyer,Pears Browne,Hibbered

- Diane Trask (posted 1/12/2011 11:49:00 PM)

Pt2. Melksham,Ryder,Zaka,Watson,Hird,Thomspon. Then there is Fltetcher,the man who loves this club and never gives up.As members,we were surveyed and asked many questions on how we wanted this facility paid.I think maybe some either didnt fill out the survey or didnt pay attention to what they were filling in.They are asking for money,not putting a gun to you and demanding.A big difference.I will go to the new facility with pride,knowing I helped the club build our great facility.I am looking to the future.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 1/12/2011 11:58:27 PM)

Awesome, what dates are they coming up and will they have open training session? Will it be at Carrara?

- Michael Lendvai (posted 2/12/2011 7:57:30 AM)

Perhaps the administration should employ Davor for his number-crunching skills. As he rightfully pointed out, 60K into 30K won't go, so the point is moot.

- alec shiffman (posted 2/12/2011 10:05:13 AM)

on the issue of raising funds, EFC has made it quite clear that the first option is to engage members to make us feel a part of the plans. another option is to get funds from elsewhere. please don't be so short sighted to accuse our administration of bungling this up. they are doing a stellar job and keep up the good work!

- Davor Stanic (posted 2/12/2011 10:47:03 AM)

Me,bobby,Margaret,troel and Ray are all available to put on a "fashion" show for the club if that can be of any assistence say a gold coin entry to a venue of the club's choice or even at Surrey Hills to show off the five flags.. magnificent achievemant !!!

- raibee """"bobalina"""" dazzler (posted 2/12/2011 11:28:30 AM)

Can we get some details on were they are training on the Coast for QLD memebrs to head down? Also are you running a memebr function given there is no Brisbane game this year, I would think this a good time to do it, as we did on the Coast several years ago.

- Lee Slattery (posted 2/12/2011 11:50:03 AM)

Lee, there will be no open session while the team are on the pre-season camp. When we play against GWS on 14 April I am sure there will be some sort of supporter group function, but probably not a training session. Hirdy prefers to keep things low key when interstate.

- Essendon Insider (posted 2/12/2011 11:56:56 AM)

I reckon the club should have a DONUT drive to raise money? $$ I will purchase at least $1000 worth. also I will pledge another $1000 if Andrew Lovett comes back to the club. cheers! BUILDING!!

- Troel Shields (posted 2/12/2011 1:16:01 PM)

Let me preface this post by saying that I have already signed up as a member for 2012 and have done my bit towards the flight plan - and proud of it too. From posts on this forum it appears someone has really stuffed up with the re-organising and pricing of the new membership packages. I was surprised to find that there was no basic membership and everyone who signed up was forced to buy a reserved seat. Not everyone can afford a reserved seat and IMO should have been given the option to choose. We are going to struggle to get 60,000 members this year.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 2/12/2011 1:33:29 PM)

If we had our own home ground, like Geelong do, seating for members at home games would not be an issue. I know the cost would be huge, but you may find the dollars flowing in a lot quicker? Surely the AFL, state and federal governments would contribute willingly for another A-grade stadium, situated around the Tullamarine area. Worth a serious look.

- Josh Byrne (posted 2/12/2011 2:15:30 PM)

I already donated half of my pledge and the counter ticked over by $5. now I am saving up for hte other half. BUILDING!!

- ''sausage'' Roel Shields (posted 2/12/2011 2:46:51 PM)

Alan, the decision to make all memberships at Etihad have reserve seats came after large amounts of member complaints about having to purchase a ticket for the games (either queuing at Etihad or online) instead of walking straight in.

- Essendon Insider (posted 2/12/2011 2:50:33 PM)

Josh, FYI the new stadium being built in Perth will cost $500 Million. This is clearly out of our financial reach.

- Essendon Insider (posted 2/12/2011 2:51:15 PM)

Ha ha.. Well you got the $5 right,but the genuine "Shields" donation had a couple of zeros after the five,making that one hundred times five (100 X 5 = 500).. best I could do for now,and will look forward to reading your donation up on the board as well,all for a good cause.. Go Bombers :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 2/12/2011 3:59:04 PM)

Don't you think it's better to have the money before you spend it. This money issue gives me a bad gut feel! The Board should have started (thinking about the future) planning fot this in 92 when we stopped playing at windy hill! eg. Hawthorn, Collingwood

- Steven Boyle (posted 3/12/2011 9:31:31 PM)

We may be the only team trying to win the NAB cup next season!

- Steven Boyle (posted 3/12/2011 9:36:48 PM)

EI - Thanks for that clarification and fair enough but the proof will be in the pudding. I hope I am proven wrong and we get the 60,000 members the club hopes to achieve.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 3/12/2011 10:43:06 PM)

Ignore him/her Noel. That man, woman, childs existence on this forum is being fuellled by all of us biting at the bait he/ she throws at us. I am to blame too for getting sucked in too often than not. My New Years resolution is to ignore all the garbage that the chameleon throws up on this forum for here on end. Hope you can join me in doing the same.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 3/12/2011 10:49:42 PM)

Great call Alan. Noes is a big dreamer.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 4/12/2011 10:15:42 AM)

Good on you Alan my friend,always sound advice :-) All not one way though,but will give it a try my end... Go Bombers :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 4/12/2011 9:17:25 PM)

I will most definitely make a donation, though with xmas coming up, it will not be until after xmas, guessing a lot of us will be in this positon..will not let my bombers down, that's a promise..

- Gwenda Warfe (posted 4/12/2011 10:43:05 PM)

Ei , thankyou for the reply by the reposnse on here i would be setting the clubs expectation for 60,000 members much lower , there is no way i'm going to purchase a reserved seat considering i go to the footy with afl members, other club members and non members, mainly because the seat would go to waste as it would sit empty most games which i feel is unfair for someone that might not be able to get into the ground.

- Anthony Doyle (posted 5/12/2011 1:19:03 PM)

But I do have a profile Ralph,and why am I a dreamer by not wanting Lovett & Fev back.. :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 5/12/2011 2:01:58 PM)

I am 70 yrs old and cant afford to donate any more.I agree with Paul Mifsud- what a waste of money on Knights etc

- Terry Patten (posted 5/12/2011 6:39:40 PM)

EI. Sorry to be like a dog with a bone on this topic but the large amount of members who complained always had the option of buying reserved seats just like I do. However the club has taken the choice away from those who cannot afford reserved seats. I still question the wisdom of this move by the club abd feel we will suffer as a consequence of this decision. Time will tell. Is it too late to give potential members that option?

- Alan De Menezes (posted 5/12/2011 10:41:44 PM)

Noel, because your posts are full of it and you are happy with mediocrity.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 7/12/2011 12:18:36 PM)

So Ralph,or bob..? Are you are insinuating Hirdy & Bomber know less than you by them also not showing even the slightest interest in the human headlines "Fev & Andy Show"..? You serious..? If you say I am happy with mediocrity,you must be happy with ss... :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 7/12/2011 2:53:23 PM)

Ralph, forget about Lovett coming back to Essendon, cos it ain't gunna happen.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 7/12/2011 3:20:45 PM)

Gordon that is fine but I will judge Hirdy harshly if we continue to get slaughtered in the midfield as he has a perfect opportunity to support the youngsters with an established player as they are coming thru. History shows not all of the youngsters will make it. I am a firm believer of adding value as a situation arises. Oh and we should of got Caddy.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 8/12/2011 11:46:46 AM)

Ralph, I was a great fan of Lovett, because he could be so devastating and exciting, but he has turned 29 and has tonnes of baggage, which would be a big distraction. Hirdy is trying to build a young side for the future, and he doesn't see Andrew as part of that future.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 8/12/2011 1:22:39 PM)