Football Myth #6 - That a club is in a "rebuilding" phase

[HawkXNtric]

Myth: That (insert name of any club not presently challenging for the premiership) is currently in a "rebuilding" phase.

Background: In recent years it seems that any club not finishing in the Top 4 claims to be "rebuilding". Do clubs really "re-build"? Or, do they simply do a few "minor renovations"? Considering that most teams turn over 5 to 6 players each and every season, when can a team genuinely claim to be "rebuilding"? Is this just an excuse trotted out by jaded supporters and club officials?

My Opinion: I think that this is pretty much busted. I won't discuss it in-depth here but will leave it to others to fill in their opinions. I reckon the whole "rebuilding" line has been done to death. Personally I think that you have to appoint a new senior coach, replace at least half your coaching panel, clean out one-half of your playing list over a 3-year period, and go for youth, youth and youth. Sort of like the Hawks have done, but not many others have - clubs like the Tigers have talked the talk but then gone off walking somewhere else...:D

Your Opinion: True, plausible or busted?

PS: This is the last of my 'myth-buster' posts for the time - just thought that I would stimulate a bit of 'non-urgent' discussion while we all struggle through the 2-week break with no footy of any note. Cheers;)

[cradle of filth]

we're 3 years into a five year plan. The list has been made, we just have to give it more experience.

[blackhead&boil]

every club is in a constant phase of rebuilding. if you didn't you would hit the wall after a few years and sit on the bottom for a decade (like the west indies). even premiership sides have an eye for the future, but the difference is that they are always looking to be the best team they can possibly be NOW.

I would say that in the last couple of years hawthorn has been genuinely rebuilding as their main focus, and rightly so. but that doesn't mean that you have to concede that you will lose. heck, they are rebuilding right now from 3rd!

do you want to build a losing team or a winning team??

[Hedgehodgy]

There is a stage or serious rebuilding in my opinion. I believe that Carlton Hawks and Richmond are going or have just been through it. New coach and very much a whole new team within 3-4 years is serious rebuilding.

List management is a separate issue, every club must continually inject young talent in its team to try and keep a balance. When they believe they can have a serious crack at the premiership then they stick with the mature players instead of blooding young talent unless that talent is exceptional (eg. Brown at Brisbane). Look at Sydney now, they have made the last two GF's and won one of them, they also have not played many kids for much game time over this period, and why would they? The goal of any club is to win premierships and having a settled line up increases the chances of winning premierships. They have an aging list and might only have one more shot, but they want the shot even if they may have to endure the next 3-5 years towards the bottom of the ladder given their current list of mature aged players.