Coach Assistant coach changes for 2020

[jackcass]

I think the criticism of Harvey is deserved. It's hard to judge assistant coaches so I stick to the area of the field they're responsible for and how that area has performed. We have had a strong midfield right through Harvey's tenure with us. He hasn't done poorly however we are consistently beaten at centre clearances despite a strong midfield and ruck.

In our two biggest losses of recent times, last years grand final, this years prelim, a big reason for the failure was because the midfield was beaten. Against West Coast they nuetralised Grundy by targetting his right side and tag teaming him and their midfield structures won them clearances, and them the game.

I personally don't think it's as black and white as Harvey being a good vs bad coach, it's more nuanced than that. He appears a meticulous and hard working coach from comments made by people at the club. But I reckon we are a bit predictable and don't think on our feet/prepare alternative plans when things aren't working for us. I wonder if Harvey would be worth using in an oppo analysis type role and bring in someone with some new ideas for the midfield.

Can coaching compensate for deficiencies in the playing group he's got to work with? For example, we've heard a couple of times this year about competing interests wanting Crisp in both the defense and the midfield group. You'd imagine it'd be the same with others like JDG. Or being stuck with (for example) using Mayne on a wing when you'd rather have a Darren Millane or Keith Grieg clone, or a fit and healthy Wells.

It's also interesting that sides like Carlton and Port who were good with clearances this year got no impact from the midfield group beyond the clearances whereas sides that were poorer at clearances like Pies (CL - 14th; CCL - 16th), Tigers (CL - 18th; CCL - 10th) and Hawks (CL - 17th; CCL - 18th) got more from the midfield group beyond the clearances.

It's about balance and cohesion. I don't think we had much of either this year.

 

[Jen2310]

On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[TradeDraft]

On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Good Move for All Parties

 

[sr36]

Can coaching compensate for deficiencies in the playing group he's got to work with? For example, we've heard a couple of times this year about competing interests wanting Crisp in both the defense and the midfield group. You'd imagine it'd be the same with others like JDG. Or being stuck with (for example) using Mayne on a wing when you'd rather have a Darren Millane or Keith Grieg clone, or a fit and healthy Wells.

It's also interesting that sides like Carlton and Port who were good with clearances this year got no impact from the midfield group beyond the clearances whereas sides that were poorer at clearances like Pies (CL - 14th; CCL - 16th), Tigers (CL - 18th; CCL - 10th) and Hawks (CL - 17th; CCL - 18th) got more from the midfield group beyond the clearances.

It's about balance and cohesion. I don't think we had much of either this year.

I'd suggest that the balance of our midfield is tilted heavily towards cohesive linking skills versus clearance skills and that's the crux of our stoppage mediocrity.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Age reporting that Hayden Skipworth will take Lockyers spot told the club today that he's quit Essendon

 

[Soups]

Skipworth is a massive upgrade on Tarks. Good work!

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Skipworth is a massive upgrade on Tarks. Good work!

Agree

Not sure what happend maybe he's feels he needed a change has been at EFC for over a decade.

 

[Soups]

Agree

Not sure what happend maybe he's feels he needed a change has been at EFC for over a decade.

Maybe he thought he was in line for the top job? Not that he’s going to be anywhere near that for us but yeah maybe just a change of scene.

 

[TradeDraft]

Skipworth is a massive upgrade on Tarks. Good work!

Good to have a Relation work for the Club

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

I think the criticism of Harvey is deserved. It's hard to judge assistant coaches so I stick to the area of the field they're responsible for and how that area has performed. We have had a strong midfield right through Harvey's tenure with us. He hasn't done poorly however we are consistently beaten at centre clearances despite a strong midfield and ruck.

In our two biggest losses of recent times, last years grand final, this years prelim, a big reason for the failure was because the midfield was beaten. Against West Coast they nuetralised Grundy by targetting his right side and tag teaming him and their midfield structures won them clearances, and them the game.

I personally don't think it's as black and white as Harvey being a good vs bad coach, it's more nuanced than that. He appears a meticulous and hard working coach from comments made by people at the club. But I reckon we are a bit predictable and don't think on our feet/prepare alternative plans when things aren't working for us. I wonder if Harvey would be worth using in an oppo analysis type role and bring in someone with some new ideas for the midfield.

I'm pretty sure Garry Hocking was the midfield and stoppages coach this year.

I dont think Robert Harvey has had a 'line' to look after for sometime. He is just Buckley's senior assistant.

I understand Hocking is the new VFL coach for 2020, so there will be a new midfield coach.

 

[TradeDraft]

Isn't Garry Hocking the midfield and stoppages coach?

I dont think Robert Harvey has a 'line' to look after. He is just Buckley's senior assistant.

Hocking is the VFL Head Coach

 

[Go Woods]

Agree

Not sure what happend maybe he's feels he needed a change has been at EFC for over a decade.

Saw the light and wants to join a power house club

 

[unplugged]

Know nothing about Skipworth as an individual but I can hardly say Essendon's players' development over the last decade is inspiring...

That said he had Dodoro picking his team...

 

[Obese Arachnid]

Know nothing about Skipworth as an individual but I can hardly say Essendon's players' development over the last decade is inspiring...

That said he had Dodoro picking his team...

Well he's been on the sidelines due to another program taking precedence.

Though I actually have no records to back up this assertion.

 

[Aishole]

ah ok it was boyd as backline coach
dont mind that but im not sure why we constantly get players to coach in positions they never played
longmuir was a forward/ruck - defensive coach (admittedly he did brilliantly)
boyd was a midfielder - defensive coach (he occasionally ran off half back i suppose)
anthony rocca was a full forward - ruck coach

ill back these blokes in. but any chance of doing something that makes sense?

If you were to take a look around the league, you’d be surprised at the amount of coaches who coach a line that wasn’t their forté as a player.

 

[eth-dog]

Skipworth is a massive upgrade on Tarks. Good work!

Well then Tarkyn must have been terrible. Skippy is the personification of our mediocrity

 

[barrackers]

First Rivers and now his right hand man. Having appointed someone with experience (Hocking) becomes more important.

 

[Scodog10]

Good Move for All Parties

My feel as well. I’m not entirely sure re Skipworth, but Lockyer surviving the shuffle post 17 was jobs for the boys, IMO, so he could be thoroughly meh and still be an upgrade. I just can’t fathom Tark’s kept a role in coaching with the third biggest club in the country post the debacle that was the stint as VFL coach. Thanks for the contribution though and good luck with the AFL.

 

[Soups]

Well then Tarkyn must have been terrible. Skippy is the personification of our mediocrity

Most will probably agree Lockyer was terrible. Apart of the boys club.

Most Essendon supporters feel that way about Skipworth? He came to you guys with high regards.

 

[eth-dog]

Most will probably agree Lockyer was terrible. Apart of the boys club.

Most Essendon supporters feel that way about Skipworth? He came to you guys with high regards.

He had two good years. One where he was in charge of the forward line which lead it to be one of the best in the AFL (2017) and another where he was VFL coach (2015, prelim). That year in the VFL we had a ridiculously strong side both from AFL listed players and probably the strongest VFL list in the comp, so even then we probably should have done better. He's been coaching here since 2011 in some capacity.

There are a few fans of his over there but when you're as mediocre as we've been for so long and he keeps going around, well...

 

[sr36]

Skipworth is a massive upgrade on Tarks. Good work!

I've got no idea about either as coaches, but I kind of like that Skipworth was a no name player not connected to us at all. Kind of suggests that he's moved into the coaching world on ability rather than reputation or mateship links. I'm always a bit wary of when clubs sign a guy who was a footballing legend, as there's always a chance that the club are picking him on his playing ability - athleticism and ball skills, which are completely useless in the coaches box.

But then I think of Bolton at Carlton...

Good luck Skippers. I'll support you, even though I'll never have any idea whether you are doing a good job or not.

 

[eth-dog]

I've got no idea about either as coaches, but I kind of like that Skipworth was a no name player not connected to us at all. Kind of suggests that he's moved into the coaching world on ability rather than reputation or mateship links. I'm always a bit wary of when clubs sign a guy who was a footballing legend, as there's always a chance that the club are picking him on his playing ability - athleticism and ball skills, which are completely useless in the coaches box.

But then I think of Bolton at Carlton...

Good luck Skippers. I'll support you, even though I'll never have any idea whether you are doing a good job or not.

He stayed at Essendon for 9 years as a former VFL captain, and then senior player

 

[sr36]

He stayed at Essendon for 9 years as a former VFL captain, and then senior player

Ok. Now you're just raining on my parade. Probably just a job for a mate. But at least he's not Bolton, who I doubt has any mates.

 

[Scodog10]

I've got no idea about either as coaches, but I kind of like that Skipworth was a no name player not connected to us at all. Kind of suggests that he's moved into the coaching world on ability rather than reputation or mateship links. I'm always a bit wary of when clubs sign a guy who was a footballing legend, as there's always a chance that the club are picking him on his playing ability - athleticism and ball skills, which are completely useless in the coaches box.

But then I think of Bolton at Carlton...

Good luck Skippers. I'll support you, even though I'll never have any idea whether you are doing a good job or not.

One thing that struck me listening to Lockyer this morning was how quickly it all came together. Apparently it was only a couple of weeks ago that the ball started rolling which to me indicates that Skipworth was already on our radar. I’d also add that development has never been an issue at Essendon I’ve always felt it’s been system and leadership that’s let them down under Hird, Bomber and now Worsfold.

I’d also like to clarify that most of my above comments weren’t to be directed at Lockyer in a derogatory way. He got the best out of himself over a 20 year period with the club so full credit to him. My negativity in that context was directed at the club for keeping a guy on the coaching panel for 6 years after he did a poor job as VFL coach and by his own admission was comfortable at the club (that’s not when the magic happens, IMO).

He’s one of the good men of footy so I sincerely hope he does well in the new role.

 

[TradeDraft]