In response to The Galah and Dave Beats hyperbole regarding the 3m's or MMM I'd like to add the following. Since Manly last won the Shute Shield in 1997 against Eastwood the Manly playing roster has included some of the following players.
Forwards
Willie O, Simon Kerr, Tony Daly, Damien Cummins, Josh Mann Rae, James Lakepa, Ruben Bilj, Eddie Aholelei, Elvis Taione, Salesi Manu, Jono Owen, Tim Fairbrother, Stu Wilson, Sean Maloney, Jarrod Heaney, Bruce Raque, Greg Peterson, Dylan Sigg, Ed Gower, Luke Jones, Caderyn Neville, James Campbell, Tim O'Brien, Matt Hodgson, Simon Kasprowicz, Marlon Solofuti, Tevita Metuisela, Ben Kennedy, Kotone Ale, Jordy Reid, Cliffy Palu and Geaorge Smith.
Backs
Chris Siale, Lui Siale, Ben Seymour, Dave Collis, Paul Warwick, Chris Malone, Peter Hewat, Willie Ripia,Scott Daruda, Paul Sheedy, Mark Swanepoel, Chris Cottee, Tyrone Smith, Andrew Smith, Robbie Coleman, Semi Taupeaafe, Meli Nakauta, Alaska Taufa, Emori Bolo Bolo, Nemani Nadolo, Leon Bott, Adam Darcy, Josh Valentine, Sam Harris, Siqeli Qua Qua, David Alo, Brian Sefenaia.
Some of the players only played together for short periods of time, but for several seasons in succession Manly have had very settled squads with a few new names playing part time rolls. An example being Nadolo who only played a handful of games before going to France. My point is that with all this talent and several first class coaches such as Melrose, McGoldrick, Cummins, Blake, Lane amongst others they still haven't been able to hold up the Shute Shield come seasons end. Manly have had a history of either chocking or just not lifting in the pressure moments during games. Last years second half against Souths would be the latest example.
Watching them play against Eastwood on Saturday it was great to see all the ManlyRoos guys coming through such as Alley and Crerar, Bergelin, BJ as well an injured Gilmore and the Hooper brothers. That said it is going to take alot of hard work from these guys and the coaching staff to get them to the level of Eastwood.
Lastly I know how strong and how mch depth most clubs have had over the same period of time but seriously no grandfinal appearances since 1997 with those guys playing. Extraordinary.