- Mar 1, 2010
- 23,186
- 16,587
- AFL Club
- Richmond
Footballers are the biggest whingers and complainers going around.
It's natural when you've got 40 blokes for 22 spots.
Having been involved in lots of footy clubs at all different levels the number one most important thing is to find leaders in the playing group who have the strong follow me character trait,that are almost an extension of the coach himself.
They are absolutely devoted to the coaches cause but most importantly will denounce anyone who isn't.
Those blokes doing the whining are either transformed or weeded out very quickly.
Your Luke Hodge type is the perfect example.
It's why Chris Newman is held in such high regard from his peers.
He has been a huge part of changing the cancerous mindset that RFC players have had for over 20 years.
Because we found ourselves at the polar opposite end of the scale.
Every club has their complaining types but it's at which end of the totem pole they are that matters.
Ours were at the top for a long long time.
Everyone will follow the top dogs,good or bad.
I reckon Adelaide are that club now.
Just the very fact that we were somehow able to make the 8 from where we were speaks volumes about our player leadership and their relationship and belief in the coach.
I don't think the players had a role in it as much as some would like. I think the board and supporters had a bigger say.
Remember during the year they were trying to get BGibbs. Riccuito on TV said he thought if he was going somewhere it would probably be Port. He knew then AFC's list was not that appealing going forward. Now he is in the board.
TBH its a good thing Adelaide got rid of their CEO and Coach. They can only improve which makes our job harder!