Hooray for everything, we're all winners!

A new jumper and we're going to take the world by storm. In fact I'm going out right now to buy some new clothes so that I can run faster, kick more accurately and break tackles better.

In fact, sack Harves and the coaching panel, all we need to win is lots of snazzy new threads!

How much more do you people want to be embarrassed by?

The AFL is now Neesham's game. Variations on, extensions of (strategic kick-ins, run and carry, high possession, backwards to go forwards, abrupt switches of play, kicks to non-contests, etc.) ... but basically Neesham's game.

That's the game designed by the inaugural coach of the footy club you reckon you barrack for.

Maybe that club hasn't won a flag, but why wouldn't you be proud of the fact that it's had more influence on the game you reckon you love — hands down, without question — than any club in the land?

Reference? Ron Barassi, who said of Neesham (when Barassi was coaching the basket case that was then The Swans) that it's only once in a generation, if that, that someone comes along who changes the game ... and Neesham, coach of the whacky pomo Dockers, was such a someone.

Then there was CC. Remember the ridicule we copped over pre-planned and frequent interchanges? In the first yr, all the TV commentators laughed their heads off at us for it. The next yr, all the other teams were doing it.

Then there's the unprecedented disproportionate representation of black players on our list (again, starting with Neesham, and for some of us the single most influential factor in getting us to come on board), which the other clubs were slow to emulate ... but by now it's an industry standard to have at least SOME blackfellas on your list.

Then there's the fact that, from the outset, Neesham played black players backward of centre, against (let's call it) the game's historical trend. And he played (also against the tide of history) more than two (take a deep breath), more than two black players in the team at the same time.

We achieved all of this, and they're great achievements, historic achievements, wearing an anchor around our necks and with a guy in a beanie as our logo.

Wanna feel embarrassed about our club?

Go shove some coconuts down your Levis.

I have launched an inferior version of this Neesham/Connolly/Freo defence countless times after countless drinks.

Well put, Wizfan.

We are a bit testy aren't we. Yes I agree with all of that but you convenienly left out something else that we're near the top of the wozza with - apart from Richmond we have had the least on field success - 6 finals for 2 wins in 15 years. But don't worry brother, I'll be with the club for ever, irresective of on field success and jumper designs!

Roo, are you getting the same impression as me that some don't actually want success. I have seen some strange comments such as "give me 2001 again than the new jumper". Is it that we are actually in the top 8 that is upsetting some people. Certainly that is the impression I am getting.

As for Neesham, he was the best coach I have ever seen. For those who remember - in his last few matches he could hardly get a full team on the field because of injuries.

You're on the money AEL.

ohhh. please, you're reaching now.

Every time one of these threads looks like succumbing under the pressure of resolution, one of you 'get over it' types stirs the thing up again and then accuses the pissed of majority on this site of all manner of ills and evils to prove your yet to be defined point.

We had the slippery hot squirt of success in our hands with an anchor proudly displayed across the front of our strip and we had a hardened the 'k up thanks bloke in a beanie offering the hairy eyeball to anyone daring to question our arrival at the big table, the one with the nice cutlery and first dibs on the pig on a spit.

It felt good, too, until someone decided the remove what got us there and tell us to swallow with a smile on our faces while people clamoured (to quote Nick Cave) to kiss the devil right under the tail.

You have a nice long suck on that and see about getting over it.

AEL,

FFS.

Do you *really* believe that those of us against the changes are against them because we don't want our club to be successful?

Do you think if we win the flag next year it will be because of the changes or the 'club's leadership' in rebranding? Do you think the old jumper/colours/logo/name/song were holding us back?

I'm not sure who said 'give me 2001 again than the new jumper' but I completely agree. Otherwise, if you just want success, go jump on the Collingwood bandwagon.

No? You chose *this* club, yes? Why this club? And what if the reasons you chose this club are the very things the club is disassociating itself from? And what if you woke up tomorrow and the club was called Diet Coke and we had a USB for a logo--still your club? What makes this club your club for you?

I didn't choose the club because of the jumper or the anchor. We had neither on that famous day in 1994 when the club's formation was first announced. I hopped on board 33 years after first following the mighty black Ducks, because it was a WA team named the Fremantle Football Club (the spiritual home of WA footy, after Bassendean) as distinct from some homeless, soulless crowd called West Coast. I love the Dockers name, I prefer the old logo (as I've said before) I prefer the new strip and I certainly struggle with the logic behind "give me 2001 again than the new jumper". But I tell you what I'll be on borad for ever irrespective of jumpers, logos, songs and on field success. Ducks supporters have been toughened by many dark days with countless wooden spoons and only 8 flags in 77 years.

I'm worn out. Time to hit the sack.

Have enjoyed the banter.

If people are questioning whether or not other supporters want the team to be successful, then I really don't know where they're coming from anymore.

Almost every last person against these changes is capable of recognising that the colours/logo/jumper/song have absolutely zero impact on winning and losing. It has zero impact on whether or not Michael Barlow's leg snaps, on Aaron Sandilands' knee blowing up or Chris Tarrant chasing his wife back to Victoria.

If you don't 'get it' by now, I dare say you never will. Perhaps you should just 'get over it' and leave those of us who do have a problem with the club's direction to discuss it amongst ourselves. There are plenty of other threads on here discussing winning/losing/players etc.

Well said Rogerhilly.

AEL, one question for you: What is it about the new logo and jumper that makes you think it will achieve more onfield success for us?