Robbo jumps at new Dees deal
By Bruce Matthews
October 02, 2007 HIGH-leaping Melbourne forward Russell Robertson has re-signed with the club for the next two seasons.
New senior coach Dean Bailey announced Robertson was staying during his speech at the Demons' best-and-fairest count at Crown casino last night.
"I think that's sincerely terrific that a player who has spent most of his career at Melbourne, that he's going to be a one-team, one-club player," Bailey said.
Robertson, who turns 29 next month, will saddle up for his 12th season with Melbourne to add to his 205 senior games.
It was welcome news for the Demons faithful after a dismal season as Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade made a late pitch to Robertson as late as Sunday night.
Bailey also announced he was bringing premiership forward Josh Mahoney with him from Port Adelaide as an assistant coach.
"Josh's history is one of a battle, of being delisted, playing VFL and then becoming a premiership player," Bailey told the 600 guests.
"He's a very smart, very intelligent young man and he's going to be a very, very good coach."
Mahoney, a member of Port Adelaide's 2004 flag team, failed to force his way into the Power team that lost to Geelong in Saturday's grand final.
The Demons must find another assistant coach. Mark Riley has crossed to Carlton, while Peter Curran has left the club.
Bailey issued a stern warning to the players at the start of the night as he reminded them that pre-season training would start on October 31.
"To the players who are in the room, I put this challenge to them," Bailey said. "In 30 days' time, pre-season starts. The reality is that it actually starts tomorrow.
"It has been four to five weeks off now. The greatest challenge will be when you walk in that door on the 31st of October, will you be in the best condition that you've been for a pre-season?
"Because if you are, you will certainly show me and your teammates and everyone else who's involved in football, that you're seriously committed to next year."
Bailey made mention of the Junction Oval, the spartan conditions that were a factor in West Coast ace Chris Judd's decision yesterday to reject a move to the Demons.
"One of the first things I've been asked is about the Junction Oval. It smells like a footy club," he said. "There's sweat and anger in the rooms. That's what a football club is about."
Bailey noted how Melbourne had blooded six youngsters this season and the continued development of four others, including Nathan Jones, Matthew Bate and Daniel Bell.
"That's 10, nearly half a team. It's that youth and enthusiasm that will drive this club. We're going to gain a little respect," Bailey said.
Heard that Never had a doubt anyhow, but good news none the less
And can anyone confirm what I read in the paper, that Adelaide young ruckman John Meeson wants to come to Melbourne? And if so, was it Melbourne in general or the team? Cause the way I read it was the team...
Heard that Never had a doubt anyhow, but good news none the less
And can anyone confirm what I read in the paper, that Adelaide young ruckman John Meeson wants to come to Melbourne? And if so, was it Melbourne in general or the team? Cause the way I read it was the team...
Don't really need a ruckman with Paul Johnson and Mark Jamar and Mr. Over-rated, Jeff White...but if we can turn him into a Key possie forward or defender, that'd be good
Good to see Robbo staying with the Dees....although I never thought he would leave!
Oh and Ben....Macca got the B&F....well deserved too!! Good to see a lot of the youngsters polling very well....Jones, Bate and co....
MELBOURNE midfielder James McDonald has become the seventh Demon to win the club best and fairest in successive years.
McDonald was a popular winner of the Keith “Bluey†Truscott medal last night ahead of younger teammates Nathan Jones and Matthew Bate.
McDonald follows Allan La Fontaine, Stuart Spencer, Laurie Mithen, Hassa Mann, Laurie Fowler and Jim Stynes as players who have won the award in successive years.
In accepting the award, McDonald, which he won from Nathan Jones and Matthew Bate, played down his own achievements, pointing out the efforts of his younger teammates.
â€I’d like to thank my teammates. It wasn’t a great year but hopefully we can bounce back,†McDonald said.
“It’s exciting to see Matthew Bate and Nathan Jones feature; they are exciting young players.â€
McDonald also paid tribute to former coach Neale Daniher and interim coach Mark Riley.
Speaking just hours after arriving back in the country from a trip to Europe, McDonald said he benefited from his first year in Melbourne’s leadership group.
“I suppose naturally it is not my style but it is a great learning experience and being such a tough year it was character building,†he said.
“Hopefully I’ll be better for it.â€
In more good news for the Demons, new coach Dean Bailey announced that forward Russell Robertson had signed a two-year deal to remain with the club and that former Port Adelaide premiership player Josh Mahoney would join the club as an assistant coach.
Melbourne Best and Fairest:
1st: James McDonald
2nd: Nathan Jones
3rd: Matthew Bate
4th: Brad Green
5th: Aaron Davey
Norm Smith trophy for best team player: Brad Green
Jim Hannan Memorial Trophy for best clubman: Lynden Dunn
Ron Barassi Jr trophy for most improved: Michael Newton
Ian Ridley trophy for Most Consistent: James McDonald
Harold Ball Trophy for Best First Year player: Ricky Petterd
Troy Broadbridge memorial trophy for most votes in Sandringham’s best and fairest by a Melbourne player: Ryan Ferguson.