In a meeting of a unique group, the heritage of the Melbourne Football Club yesterday gathered at the very highest level.  The MCG was their stage, red and blue their colours.

With Jim Stynes front and centre, Melbourne Football Club Presidents of the past thirty years joined him, showing the spirit of unity and cooperative ventures that is central to such gatherings.  From supporters flocking to Family Day in their thousands, to keen Casey based crowds at practice matches, membership numbers well over 23,000, and the announcement of major sponsorship by Hankook Tyres, all hearts are beating true, gathering strength as Season 2009 approaches.

So - there they were, proudly assembled, having given years and dedication, passing on encouragement to the new incumbent.  With Stuart Spencer and Joseph Gutnick to one side of him, Paul Gardner, Wayne Reid and Gabriel Szondy to the other, Stynes represents both a rewarding playing past, and a challenging but promising presidential future.  As Joseph Gutnick said in a simple statement that captured the spirit of the Club – ‘Jimmy is the right guy for the job.’

And the job, with everyone behind it and strong in support, is the Melbourne Football Club.  It is the sum of many parts, from the youngest Young Demon member, to players and Presidents past and present, all doing whatever they can for mutual benefit – for Melbourne.