[20:39:43] Spelly hands Grant a tissue just in case he sneezes ... hope you are feeling better now ?
[20:39:45] Statsman: Ah, the rumours are too. G'day GT.
[20:39:46] Grant Thomas: Hi everyone - hope you all enjoyed Xmas.
[20:39:56] Statsman: Are you sick again Grant?
[20:40:28] Grant Thomas: Tyson open his gob has he?
[20:40:32] SIC: yep.
[20:40:48] Spelly: I won’t say what he said.
[20:40:48] SIC: Told us you were coming on.
[20:40:52] SIC: lol
[20:41:13] Grant Thomas: I'll have to have a talk to him about confidentiality - just a sore throat, it will be OK tomorrow.
[20:41:32] Spelly hands Grant a throat lozenge
[20:41:56] Statsman: Give him the "loose lips sink ships" speech.
[20:42:02] Grant Thomas: He came and asked me if I was going on tonight and I think I just muttered to him - he said you had better or else!!!
[20:42:43] Grant Thomas: He loves the Saints does Tys - he is a fanatic.
[20:43:24] SIC: Do all your kids go for the Saints?
[20:43:53] Grant Thomas: Absolutely, it is part of their birth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[20:43:25] Grant Thomas: What else has he divulged?
[20:43:34] Spelly: You should be very proud of him Grant, he is always so well mannered when he comes on here.
[20:44:07] Statsman: GT, I noticed you listed the team the other night in terms of "key", "running" and "crumbing" players. Is that how you think of the team, rather than the more traditional position-based roles?
[20:46:34] Grant Thomas: Statsman, we thought 12 months ago that the existing terminology did not reflect the situation. Therefore we decided to name them more appropriately to the position that they play to assist their understanding and requirements. It gets a Half Forward Flanker thinking like a midfielder rather than an opportunist.
[20:46:22] saintjohn: Just to move the subject way from footy just for a moment, Grant did you work for City Mutual or Capita back in the early 80’s?
[20:47:00] Grant Thomas: Capita.
[20:47:23] Statsman: Good thinking. Is that common place or a Saints specific idea?
[20:48:00] Grant Thomas: It was my idea coming from outside the game for a while and listening to the jargon.
[20:48:24] Statsman: GT, you didn't mention Troy Schwarze on that magnetic board list. Was that an accident or is he not in the running right now?
[20:50:49] Grant Thomas: Certainly he is in the running (there were a few I missed!). I see 40 playing a running back/midfield role. We want him to be able to play tall and short down back and use his running and disposal through the midfield. 40 will be very good next year especially when he gets some confidence with his body.
[20:50:33] Eastern: GT. How is X going?
[20:51:11] Fraser: Hey Grant, is JB going to keep a close eye on Raphael Clarke this year? Maybe get him into a Saints jumper next year!
[20:51:23] Grant Thomas: Is that the old Eastern Saint from the old forum?
[20:51:36] Eastern: Most definitely YES.
[20:51:40] saintjohn: Any reason why Matty Ball wasn't in the rookies?
[20:52:10] Eastern: And steady on the OLD bit.
[20:54:07] Grant Thomas: I'm slipping behind already. Ball was unfortunately not what we needed. X is going very well and has matured (I reckon the AFL penny has dropped). Raphael is a very good prospect that will come under close scrutiny, however hopefully it will be difficult for us because we won’t have early choices.
[20:54:49] Grant Thomas: Eastern, remind me of some of the other regulars please.
[20:55:55] Eastern: Roger, Stikman, Stinger, Firthy,
[20:56:22] Eastern: Now I will get into trouble for forgetting someone.
[20:56:37] saintjohn: Tell you who we need here, Dan Warna!
[20:56:39] Grant Thomas: Of course, where are they all now. They were good solid supporters - I miss Stikman’s passion - he was a hoot!
[20:57:09] Eastern: He is still around, posting on a few sites.
[20:56:55] Statsman: GT, have you paired up any of the young kids with a specific older player as a mentor?
[20:57:41] Grant Thomas: Every player has a "Buddy".
[20:57:18] SIC: On that note, is Baker still living with the Loewes’?
[20:58:09] Grant Thomas: Bakes moves out in the next few days for memory.
[20:58:27] Statsman: GT, are the "buddies" selected by on-field similarity or off-field compatibility?
[20:59:06] Grant Thomas: The new guys have not been aligned as yet - that will be done when we get back. Needed to see the personalities first.
[21:00:03] Grant Thomas: Just the best fit. For example if we have an introvert we match them with an extrovert.
[21:00:24] Grant Thomas: Not always, but generally speaking it is the fit that best maximises the situation.
[20:59:22] saintjohn: Didn't V2 go in for an Op? How’s he going?
[21:00:06] Eastern: V2 had OP, didn't he?
[21:01:26] Grant Thomas: 13 has come through the same op as his brother very well and expects to be ready for full training by mid January.
[21:00:48] Fraser: Grant, do you know if there will be another Intra-club match during the pre-season like this year at Moorabbin? I really enjoyed it!
[21:01:56] Grant Thomas: Hopefully not Fraser, because we keep winning and play in the final.
[21:02:05] Statsman: GT, I've heard Ferguson compared to Hamill in terms of a strong, aggressive, midsized marking forward. Is that a good comparison?
[21:03:27] Grant Thomas: Geez, where did you get that from Statsman? Ferg has a long way to go. I have not seen the same aggression from him as we do from #2 - let’s hope it happens, but I cannot see it.
[21:02:06] Eastern: GT, is 23 in full training yet?
[21:03:53] Grant Thomas: Kosi is in X-training and will increase intensity after we get back.
[21:03:50] Eastern: I've made it my 2003 priority to get Roger on here.
[21:04:08] Spelly: Well he is on ss at the moment Eastern, go get him !
[21:04:15] Eastern: It may still be beyond me though.
[21:04:23] Spelly: Nah you can do it.
[21:04:33] Grant Thomas: Roger from WA?
[21:04:43] SIC: This may be too complex for Roger’s computer skills......
[21:04:56] Eastern: Yes, RogerWA.
[21:05:00] Fraser: I.T. hasn’t hit WA yet SIC ;)
[21:05:16] Eastern: I'll tell him you said that.
[21:05:27] Grant Thomas: Tell him to come and say hello Eastern. I look forward to it.
[21:05:50] Eastern: Computer literacy is the problem.
[21:06:22] SIC: Roger still has problems with his gramophone lol.
[21:07:14] Grant Thomas: Tell him we will goooooo vvveerrrryyyy sssslllooowwwlllyyyy.
[21:04:39] saintjohn: I saw the sand dune stuff on fox footy - it looks like it really affected a couple of them.
[21:06:42] Grant Thomas: The sand dune work was the most intensified and demanding training I have EVER witnessed. It was gut wrenching and the way the boys attacked it and what happened at the end was uplifting and you all should be proud of them.
[21:05:33] Jayman22: Hey all.
[21:05:40] Grant Thomas: Hi Jayman.
[21:08:23] SIC: Are they going to do another camp along the lines of Warrnambool this year?
[21:08:45] Grant Thomas: Launceston from 30/01 to 07/02.
[21:08:50] saintsman2000: I think they're coming to Tassie!!!
[21:09:15] saintjohn: Aren’t they doing the "official AFL" one in Tassie?
[21:09:42] Grant Thomas: Last 4 days AFL, first 4 Saints.
[21:09:49] Eastern: GT, trial matches before Wizard Cup?
[21:10:57] Grant Thomas: We will play every day for the last 5 days in Tassie - which doesn't help you guys - but most Mon/Wed/Fri at training we will be doing some sort of match practice.
[21:11:24] vergs: Grant, what do you think Max Hudghton's greatest strength is?
[21:12:49] Grant Thomas: His closing speed and his determination not to be beaten. I would say he had the least goals kicked on him last year of any regular Defender and that’s from a team that finished 2nd last. I thought his effort was grossly under-rated.
[21:11:47] Fraser: Hey Grant, has the club thought about marketing Riewoldt in some way in Southport? I heard their footy club has 65,000 members!
[21:13:52] Grant Thomas: Yes, but I would also encourage you to email davidf@saints.com.au with any ideas on membership.
[21:13:26] SIC: Grant, do you think our history in Tassie has given us a bit of a one up over the Hawks, even though they were there first?
[21:15:21] Grant Thomas: No doubt SIC, when we went there they went ballistic and we sold 100 m'ships in 3 days. They love the Saints.
[21:16:30] Grant_Thomas: that was 100 not 100
[21:16:44] Spelly: 1000 ... 100 was a typo !
[21:16:50] SIC: lol, u mean 1000.
[21:20:06] Grant Thomas: 1000 for Christ’s sake why does it keep coming in as 100?
[21:20:32] Eastern: Temper, Temper !!
[21:20:50] bushiepete: It depends how you hold your mouth Coach!!
[21:14:36] noddy04: Hi Grant.
[21:15:49] Grant Thomas: Hi Noddy.
[21:14:47] Miss_What: Good evening to my friends on saints chat.
[21:16:08] Grant Thomas: Good evening Miss What.
[21:15:45] Statsman: GT, has the membership tally exceeded expectations internally?
[21:18:28] Grant Thomas: It has not exceeded my expectations because there are 30,000. Friendy is doing a top job (and his staff) - I reckon he will give 25K a nudge.
[21:15:58] saintjohn: Just like Nick, Barry Brooks would be a good selling point down there.
[21:16:13] Eastern: GT, did you like the article on 12 today?
[21:19:40] Grant Thomas: Part of what's going to keep happening in the future Eastern - it is more important how we manage him.
[21:19:17] Fraser: If we can win the Pre-Season cup, maybe that will push the members to 30k?
[21:22:23] saintsman2000: GT... I think a lot of supporters doubt Cappa’s ability... yes he is injury prone...yes ...he hasn’t played that many games in his 2 years with us so far... please give your opinion...round 22 ...2001.
[21:22:53] Grant Thomas: BOG.
[21:23:22] saintsman2000: That’s the game I always think of when I think of Cappas... he was on his own...ruck wise.
[21:23:08] vergs: Grant, how do all the players react to what is being written in the papers about what the media sees as an exciting list?
[21:24:47] Grant Thomas: I will be dealing with that when we get back Monday week. I think it is something to talk about openly and discuss. We need to ensure we are not in front of ourselves, but keeping the exciting momentum going, it is a fine balance. Communication is the key.
[21:25:02] Eastern: GT, what role for #3. Will he get plenty of game time or off bench?
[21:25:52] Grant Thomas: Plenty I would think. Rested when he needs to or through a rotation.
[21:25:18] saintjohn: There were rumours that Crippa was back at the club in an off field role, true?
[21:27:30] Grant Thomas: Crippa may take a role in Footy Development in Tassie and part of that would be our responsibilities as a club in Tassie.
[21:25:38] Fraser: I read he was in the marketing department?
[21:25:48] Eastern: I hope that rumour is CORRECT.
[21:25:56] saintsman2000: How come we're saying the players numbers...not names...was this requested...or just code?
[21:26:08] Eastern: Easier.
[21:26:29] Grant Thomas: Would you prefer names?
[21:26:34] Fraser: Easier! Some people can't spell Gehrig, Koschitzke, Riewoldt etc. like me.
[21:27:35] saintjohn: #29, who’s that now?
[21:28:06] Grant Thomas: No-one.
[21:28:24] Statsman: The 29 number has been good to us. Burke, Pecko, Aussie and Thompson all wore it I think.
[21:28:28] saintjohn: Funny that, wonder why it keeps changing hands?
[21:28:36] Spelly: Gary Odgers wore #29 !
[21:28:41] Grant_Thomas: Russell Greene wasn't too bad either!
[21:28:47] Statsman: Why did Baker move to #10?
[21:28:56] Grant Thomas: He requested it.
[21:29:14] saintjohn: Wasn't just a statement then?
[21:31:30] Grant Thomas: Spot on Saintjohn "can't say much".
[21:30:05] saintsman2000: Sorry to be rude GT... I’m a saints fan...#1 priority... but I also follow VFL - Tassie.
[21:30:14] saintsman2000: I thought Cripps was playing in the VFL for Tasmania next year?
[21:30:48] Grant Thomas: Good to see Saintsman2000 (could you shorten that name a tad?)
[21:31:12] Statsman: Perhaps we could assign Saintsman2000 a number to make it easier for you GT.
[21:31:19] Statsman: I think 29 is free.
[21:31:21] saintjohn: 2000?
[21:31:23] Spelly: How about S2000?
[21:31:24] saintsman2000: Call me Tasman or somethin’.
[21:31:25] Fraser: We will call him 2000 :)
[21:31:32] saintsman2000: 2000 will be fine.
[21:31:33] saintsman2000: lol
[21:31:50] Fraser: SM2K (saintsman 2000)
[21:32:02] SIC: Good one Fras.
[21:32:08] Grant Thomas: Stdevil.
[21:30:32] saintjohn: Know you really can't say much, but does it not surprise you re Spider & Bazza's antics recently?
[21:32:18] saintjohn: Does that mean the culture that all these so called experts talk about has turned for the best?
[21:34:38] Grant Thomas: There is no doubt the environment at your club is very different to recent times. That is the area we have worked feverishly on and that is why we have not had any indiscretions over the last 18 months. That is not to say we won’t, however you can trust the environment to manage the playing group. That was phase 1 and it is completed.
[21:33:02] Eastern: GT, we have a plan for Patrick Smith.
[21:33:34] Eastern: We are ALL going to send him a box of Cornflakes when we consolidate in the 8.
[21:34:09] Fraser: Good one ES!
[21:34:27] Fraser: :)
[21:34:33] saintjohn: I wouldn't want to spend the money on him!!!
[21:35:56] Grant Thomas: Go easy on Patrick - only 4% of the population read it and he inspires me.
[21:34:47] vergs: Grant, how do you believe that you can change the culture of a club?
[21:34:50] Eastern: Buy stale ones - on the cheap.
[21:35:51] Eastern: The culture was phase 1, and that is complete.
[21:35:56] Statsman: There's no club without supporters, so it is our club..
[21:36:00] Fraser: What is phase 2?
[21:38:04] Grant Thomas: 1. What does everyone think of us? 2. What do we think of ourselves? 3. Do you like it? 4. How do we want to be perceived? 5. Set in place actions and values and monitoring to facilitate change. All through this - be damn strong and don’t deviate.
[21:38:40] Miss_What: Very logical and comprehensive GT.
[21:39:05] vergs: Grant, how does the club want to be perceived?
[21:39:45] Grant Thomas: Environment, People, Actions.
[21:40:56] noddy04: So Grant, I saw ya on Fox Footy this arvo.
[21:41:29] Grant Thomas: What’s better - seeing me on telly or having a chat on this forum?
[21:41:46] Spelly: Live chat !
[21:41:47] Eastern: ON THE FORUM.
[21:42:12] Miss_What: What thinks on chat - more personal.
[21:42:23] Fraser agrees with Miss_What.
[21:42:07] Statsman: I dunno GT, you're pretty photogenic on TV. hehehe..
[21:41:30] saintjohn: Interesting that we picked up a couple of Port Adelaide rookies - was that JB or did Matty Rendell have some input?
[21:43:36] Grant Thomas: Matty has a fair input, but I have empowered Bevo to have the final say. He has been accountable for ALL Draft choices (apart from other clubs) and deserves the credit because I have told him he will get the pain if they are no good!!!!!
[21:42:49] Statsman: GT, do you find that your passion for the Saints makes the high pressure job of coaching less stressful?
[21:46:31] Grant Thomas: I seriously have no stress. I have more being a CEO. Think about me and then think about the other coaches. We have different backgrounds, different experiences and I WILL NEVER COACH ANOTHER AFL CLub, they are in it for life, I am in it for St Kilda; there is a difference that impacts on decisions and temperament.
[21:42:55] noddy04: Well when does training restart?
[21:43:06] Spelly: On January 6th noddy04 cute little ears.
[21:43:24] noddy04: Ok, but I wanted GT to answer.
[21:43:28] noddy04: hahaha jk
[21:43:32] Fraser: hehe
[21:44:41] Statsman: Gt, our drafting wasn't as good 4-5 years back. Did JB not have the final call back then, or has he just got better?
[21:47:39] Grant Thomas: Bevo has only had the authority since I have been coach.
[21:47:57] Statsman: Full credit to you and Bevo then.
[21:48:04] Fraser: 3 cheers.
[21:47:22] Statsman: GT, how does only wanting to coach St. Kilda affect your decisions?
[21:49:14] Grant Thomas: I am not interested in impressions and profiling. I am not auditioning with what I do - there is a subtle but significant difference - trust me.
[21:50:23] Eastern: GT. I think it is called PASSION.
[21:50:43] Grant Thomas: It’s time to go everyone - been great talking to you all again. Keep safe and we will touch base soon. Regards, Thomo.
