Melbourne coach Mark Neeld says he has no problem fronting fan forums to help ease supporters’ concerns about where the winless AFL club is headed.
Club president Don McLardy has moved to quell any unrest about the club’s direction by holding meetings with key supporter groups to brief them following a barrage of unfavourable media comment.
Neeld and senior assistant Neil Craig addressed a forum this week, also attended by chief executive Cameron Schwab and McLardy.
Despite the potential for a grilling from the disgruntled, Neeld said the question-and-answer sessions were “good experiences” and was comfortable being asked to talk to the Demons’ faithful to explain decisions, strategy and the club’s direction.
“They’re quite good for the people who come along and support and ask a few questions, and good for the coaching group to meet and greet and see the people who fund the club and have a bit of a chat to them about footy,” Neeld said on Friday.
“There’s a massive gap between what happens inside a footy club and what the perception is. So it’s quite enjoyable both ways.”
After losing their first nine matches of the season, Melbourne take on high-flying Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Bombers have won eight of their first nine – the solitary loss by a point to Collingwood – and sit second on the ladder.
The Demons are last.