Grant Thomas: Good to be back - how is everyone?
Grant Thomas: Fire away!
Spelly: Thomo, will you please confirm that you will be St Kilda's coach in 2004?
Grant Thomas: Confirmed.
saintwin: Does it get hard every week choosing the teams?
Grant Thomas: Very difficult at the moment - but that’s a good thing.
OJ: Grant, will Troy Schwarze be at the Club next season?
Grant Thomas: #40 is contracted, and I expect him to play a vital part in our future.
noddy04: Grant, why didn’t any Official come back to the function at AAMI stadium last Sunday week?
Grant Thomas: What function noddy?
noddy04: Grant, it was the one that the players attended at the Stadium Bar.
Grant Thomas: I don’t know the reason for no Officials being there - I will enquire.
danni_luvs_riewoldt: Please don’t stop coaching the Saints – you’re the best thing that’s happened to us!
Grant Thomas: Thanks DLR.
sainters: Grant, why do you want to rotate the captaincy every year?
Grant Thomas: Captaincy rotation is good for us at the moment, and we will continually assess what’s best.
sainter_22: How’s Hamill?
Grant Thomas: The players will be even happier with his leadership next year as he will improve - one issue is captaincy, the other is leadership.
FootyTipper: GT, what's the real story behind Lawrence?
Grant Thomas: The real story has been well documented - the Club is only interested in what’s best for his life.
sainter_22: Where is Fish going to play?
Grant Thomas: #22 is a very versatile player and has a good future.
Premiers2003: Will Thompson and Peckett be in the side Saturday night for Burke's last game?
Grant Thomas: #1 & #4 will be in the mix at present.
saints_fan: How old is Max?
Grant Thomas: #8 is nearly 27.
Riewoldt_Rox_My_World: Is Daniel Wulf playing on Saturday night?
Grant Thomas: #30 has a fractured jaw and will miss 3 weeks.
saintwin: When do you think we will be a strong contender for the flag?
Grant Thomas: We want to be contenders for at least a decade. We are closer than it was last year, but there is still a lot of work to do and experience to gain.
blacks_gal: On Sunday I was watching the game and spotted a few of the players sitting in the crowd, and every time we got a goal and I looked over they had no expression, not even clapping! Is there a reason for this?
Grant Thomas: Players don’t like to show too much emotion when they are in the crowd for the very reason you have mentioned - all eyes, especially cameras, are on them.
mocca: Is Gehrig in the gun too?
Grant Thomas: #9 is not in the gun - he is in terrific form and has a new lease of life that is the best attitude I have seen in him.
Steve_the_Saint: Whose idea was it to put Gehrig at full-forward for most of the year?
Grant Thomas: It was something we all agreed on with #9 - he is very good at both ends.
lenny_rox: You've said that the captaincy rotation is because we don't have a standout leader. If you do come across one - say, Lenny for instance, will you abandon the captain rotation policy?
Grant Thomas: Leadership and captaincy are not necessarily the same thing ... leadership comes in a lot of forms and captaincy can accelerate that development. If #7 proves outstanding why can’t #14 or #12 or #8 or anyone else. By the way #7 will not be going anywhere, and he doesn’t need the title to be a leader.
saintwin: I think if we get a Brownlow soon, it will be Riewoldt, Hayes or Harvey ... who do you think?
Grant Thomas: I am not interested in Brownlow Medals, I am embarrassed and angry at our history of individuals - you will see a great team in the future if I have anything to do with it, and not great individuals.
sainters: I was watching Allan Murray’s game ... he made some simple errors that shouldn’t be made. What’s your opinion on him?
Grant Thomas: #38 is continually developing and has done well to get lifted from the rookie list and play senior games - give him time.
MILNE_ROX_MY_WORLD: Will Milne get a chance this week?
Grant Thomas: #44 is in the mix, but it will be difficult to fit them all in.
Kosi_Hottie: I watch 'Saint Scared' every week (it's the funniest show!), and I was just wondering if you've ever seen it, and if you're worried Milney and Bakes will get injured filming it!?
Grant Thomas: ‘Saint Scared’ is monitored by Chris Jones (Training Services), and he OK's what they do.
stkfc66: Grant, what’s your opinion on Sunday night football?
Grant Thomas: I am not in favour of Sunday night football.
saintwin: Grant, do you get angry with Milne when he acts undisciplined?
Grant Thomas: I get disappointed, not angry, because he is legitimately trying.
saintwin: Did you support the Saints when you were a kid?
Grant Thomas: Essendon until I was 14, and then went to St Kilda.
dodgy: GT, did the players get to see Doc's speech last Friday? I saw a snippet on Saints TV and it looked very emotional.
Grant Thomas: The players had left.
sainter_22: Do you think Burkey will take over after you?
Grant Thomas: Whatever is best for the Club and if it’s Burkey - so be it. I want to do such a good job that I am around for the long haul.
sainters: Do you think 2003 is over for you?
Grant Thomas: 2003 is nowhere near over - there is lots to achieve.
saintwin: Do you enjoy coaching the best team in the world?
Grant Thomas: I am proud of what we have put together and held our nerve for the long term sustainability of our Club - we will get it right.
mocca: Are we looking at Brogan or any other ruckmen?
Grant Thomas: We will look at all options for list improvement.
dodgy: Do you ever doubt yourself, and how do you keep it together under such pressure and scrutiny?
Grant Thomas: I never doubt myself - I get impatient and frustrated - I just want the supporters to feel success.
OJ: Why was Heath Black out of the team on Sunday Grant? His form was good.
Grant Thomas: #6 needs to be more consistent - there is real pressure on all players to perform and give 100% effort all the time, and not pick and choose. #6 has played better of late, and I’m sure he will get back in and be a better player.
Riewoldt_Rox_My_World: GT, do you think we have a chance of winning against Richmond on Saturday night?
Grant Thomas: We have a great chance to beat the Tigers ... they are playing well and it should be an even contest.
Kosi_Hottie: What's been the best game you've coached this year ... against Brisbane Lions?
Grant Thomas: Brisbane Lions ... it was a great team effort.
Riewoldt_Rox_My_World: GT, who do you think Burkey will give his top to?
Grant Thomas: I have an idea who will be number 3 and I don’t reckon you'll get it!
noddy04: Grant, you must be very pleased with the development that Brendon Goddard has shown this season?
Grant Thomas: I’m very happy with #18 - coming along nicely.
stkfc66: Grant, will there be much training on the field this Friday?
Grant Thomas: Short, sharp 30 min. session on Friday.
longtimesaint: Grant - some faith shown in the X Man - but does he try too much?
Grant Thomas: If that’s a sin to try too hard, he's ok by me. He has proven that he can fight his way out of a slump.
St_Rick: GT, should you be coaching the Saints when Wallace and Eade are on the sidelines?
Grant Thomas: Yes, I should St_Rick, what do you think?!
St_Rick: Only time will tell Grant - I sincerely hope you will go down in history as our most successful Coach, but it is hard to gauge.
Grant Thomas: You are entitled to your opinion St_Rick, and I know you don’t have faith as yet - I am determined to succeed.
Borat: Hi Grant, if Jeff White is available would you consider him?
Grant Thomas: We would consider all options - White is a very good player.
sainters: GT, I want to know ... will you remind the team on the comment you made ... we are a better team than Richmond?
Grant Thomas: No sainters – I got enough grief for my honesty on that last time.
CocoCharleton: How is Luke Ball looking at training? The injury all sorted out?
Grant Thomas: #14 is fine.
RodgerFox: GT, what's Milne's future? Fair to say he is at a mini crossroads with the team doing so well without him?
Grant Thomas: #44 is not at any crossroads ... he is a quality player, but performing at the highest level every week for 2 years is damn hard, and he has done that.
Riewoldt_Rox_My_World: Is Knobel going to play?
Grant Thomas: #33 at Springvale.
longtimesaint: GT - great work with switching players around a bit ... like Hayes and X Man. Are the players allowed to initiate positional changes?
Grant Thomas: Players have the authority to structure up according to plans.
saintwin: I feel sorry for Milne ... people criticise him too much ... I think he’s one of the best things that's happened to the Saints, besides you, in a long while ... what do you think?
Grant Thomas: #44 is terrific and is uplifting with his spirit and positivity.
CocoCharleton: Grant, what are some of your game plans for the coming week?
Grant Thomas: Are you serious CocoCharleton?
sainters: How will we match up on Richardson and Kane Johnson this week?
Grant Thomas: No strategies guys, so don’t ask.
Mangas: Why do you handle contracts?
Grant Thomas: I head up the Football Department, and I am in a good position to evaluate and negotiate.
TheSaint: Grant, what long-term position do you think Goose will hold down? Key forward/back, or running ala Solomon?
Grant Thomas: #31 will be very versatile.
mk: Grant, who do you think is your most promising player in the side.
Grant Thomas: All the young guys are promising - TEAM REMEMBER!
RodgerFox: GT, I'm handing the hat around to raise enough money to take out a contract on Patrick Smith's life. Got any spare bucks to chip in?
Grant Thomas: Don’t waste my time with Patrick, and don’t waste your emotion ... that’s what he wants.
Mangas: What’s the story on Houlihan ... will he play a game of AFL football soon?
Grant Thomas: #32 isn’t far away.
dodgy: What do you say to X when he's in the mood for a screamer? Do you encourage him to go for the big grabs?
Grant Thomas: I encourage all players to express their skills, and what they are confident in.
longtimesaint: Carlton's put everyone up for trade. Do we have untouchables?
Grant Thomas: Yes, we have untouchables.
sainters: Grant, what do you think you are in most need of - forwards or backmen?
Grant Thomas: Running backs.
Grant Thomas: I’ve caught up, or have you slowed down!!!
longtimesaint: What's the deal with Jordan Barham. Will he make the list?
Grant Thomas: #39 has been upgraded today for #24's long term injury.
mocca: Is our off-field player management under control?
Grant Thomas: Welfare can always improve.
RodgerFox: Nathan Brown? Would we be able or want to fit him in?
Grant Thomas: Quality player, Brown – let’s wait and see.
lenny_rox: Grant, was there a reason behind Lenny’s recent (very mini) form slump - or has his fantastic season just taken its toll?
Grant Thomas: #7 was quiet for 2 weeks - being heavily tagged, but rebounded on the weekend.
the_doc: GT, how did the players enjoy the Hall of Fame night?
Grant Thomas: They loved the Hall of Fame.
sainters: Grant, what do you expect most from our players?
Grant Thomas: A win!!
Spelly: Thanks Thomo, look forward to seeing you on here again!
stkfc66: From a third generation Saint, THANK YOU and keep up the good work ... it is much appreciated.
Grant Thomas: My pleasure, thanks for the support - we will keep getting better.
