TC, Bellemy had a leg up with these guys. The whole spine of Melbourne were ex-Australian Schoolboys players. They were bought by Melbourne after playing for this team. I could be wrong but I don't think Manly has one of these players in their team.
This means that Bellemy didn't turn these guys into superstars, they already were superstars and no team can afford to have 10 of these guys in their team under the salary cap, and for so long, without cheating the cap.
I had an incling (sp?) that this was the case back in 08 or 09 when they bought Finch and then tried to go after Mason. Before they went for Finch I thought they might be just on the line, like we are. Then they go after 2 extra players and it became a joke. They weren't losing anyone while everyone else was. The writing was on the wall.
On top of that, they brought in several wrestling techniques to injure opponents, and Bellemy's whinge after the Smith suspension in 08 was spoiled child syndrome.
No Manly fan had a problem with Melbourne until they knowingly took out our Golden Boy in a disgusting, well-planned assassination in the GF in '07.
TC, you are one of 2 Manly fans that I have seen respect the Golden Children of the Murdoch family, even after everything they did. The only other person I have heard is Lotti and she supported both teams, would get on the MWSE forums and defend Melbourne and stated honestly that she was a supporter of both clubs...and she was shot down in flames. That is why others are calling you Lotti.
I'm not going to do this but I don't think it is wise to come onto a Manly supporters forum and ask the question why people don't like Melbourne and why there is so much hatred for them. As a Manly fan you shouldn't be asking that question. Its the same as our hatred for Parramatta.
You can come on here and say they are a good team, have good players...we know this and won't deny this. It's called respect and noticing talent, giving credit where it is due. But don't ask us why we don't like them and defend their actions when, as a Manly, fan you should know damn well why we don't like them.