Toast Blake Caracella Article

[Tzatziki_Man]

Caracella said the team needed to evolve next year to remain at the competitive edge of the AFL.

“You can always improve, but the competition improves as well, so we will need to,” he said.

“It doesn’t improve in a linear way, the game is going to adapt and what we got away with (this year), you won’t get away with next year.”

Asked about his desire to one day take on a senior gig, Caracella said he was happy with his position at Richmond, and looking forward to next year and beyond at Punt Rd.

“Who knows what happens in the future,” he said.

“I’m just happy that I have been able to develop a great bond with the players, and that’s something that will be there forever.”

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...l/news-story/59fa92268e97d0724873484c175e87a9

This part stuck with me, he is going to make an amazing coach when he gets picked up. Part of me wants Hardwick to give the reigns to him in 4-5 years if he can be patient and wait. We are very lucky to have had his legend fall into our laps.

 

[Darth_Tiger]

Dimma being our seventh premiership coach is likely able to hold the reins now for as long as he wants to, but if there is a succession plan and Caracella can be the man to take over I would be more than happy.

 

[BF Tiger]

Hardwick is only 45 years old. He'll want to coach for at least another decade I think. As of right now he's probably guaranteed for three more years at Richmond. Strong performances and that could extend well into the 2020s. I'm not sure Caracella would want to wait around that long.

 

[TigerImposter]

The work and tactical nous of Caracella cannot be measured with any instrument or put in words. Legend and football genius.

 

[Muddiemoose]

When he was appointed last year I was convinced they were going to let Hardwick run out his contract than promote carra
Will be interesting what happens now

 

[Tiger2709]

Maybe he isnt ready for the hefty responsibility of head coach, maybe he enjoys the role he has either way we are lucky so far to hold the team together for another year.
I honestly believe we can go back to back, not necessarily with the plan that worked this year but for me its about the love the players seem to have for each other and the club, big thankyou to Ivan for helping to trigger this closeness, I think Astbury's speach at the JDM said it all about the great mullet.

 

[DrMike]

When he was appointed last year I was convinced they were going to let Hardwick run out his contract than promote carra
Will be interesting what happens now

It may happen, but by Hardwick's choice
Not going to elaborate on why

 

[Mootsy]

We don't hear a lot from Blake, but i've heard is great at coaching training drills and actually very vocal, damn good at what he does through great footballing experience and a lot of finals experiences....

been in the AFL system since 1994, just like Hardwick.

 

[69vintage]

Great pickup Blake ,would also like too give a shout out to BEN RUTTEN coach of the best BACKLINE in the comp .

 

[JackNah_8]

I hope Blake stays with Richmond for awhile, and sounds like he happy to stay on long term and thinking about our future.

 

[Bobby Sands]

He already is the coach.

 

[TigerImposter]

thanks GoTigers2015


Blake Caracella says Richmond must evolve to stay at the pinnacle of AFL

BLAKE Caracella, the man credited as one of the architects of Richmond’s drought-breaking premiership game plan, says the Tigers players taught him as much as he helped them out.

The highly-rated assistant coach, who won flags as a player at Essendon and the Brisbane Lions, as well as premierships as an assistant coach at Geelong and now Richmond, said the honesty of the Tigers’ playing group made him open up more as a person.

He is convinced that change will help him long into the future, as he is considered an AFL coach-in-waiting.

“I loved my time at Geelong and I’ve loved my time here at Richmond,” Caracella said.

“This year has taught me a lot.

“I tried to impart what knowledge I had with the players, but they have actually taught me this year.

“I am private person and I’m quite reserved.

“But they have taught me to open up and to be yourself, and to not be scared about being that way.

“To be a part of that, and to develop that connection ... they are an unbelievable group of players.”

Caracella, who joined the club at the end of last season as part of a shake-up to assist senior coach Damien Hardwick, was recently lauded by Brandon Ellis as “a tactical genius”.

But he said Hardwick had made for a great learning environment, and that the players deserved so much of the credit for their approach.

“To be where they were last year and where they are now, it’s just unbelievable,” he said.

“They have got a really special connection this team. They play for each other. Going through what they went through last year tends to develop a real bond.

“They had to go through a lot of s*** (last year). They are an amazing group.”

He said the club learnt from the narrow losses earlier in the season which prompted some jokes.

“Some people like to laugh at other people, (but) the boys had the last laugh,” he said.

Caracella said the team needed to evolve next year to remain at the competitive edge of the AFL.

“You can always improve, but the competition improves as well, so we will need to,” he said.

“It doesn’t improve in a linear way, the game is going to adapt and what we got away with (this year), you won’t get away with next year.”

Asked about his desire to one day take on a senior gig, Caracella said he was happy with his position at Richmond, and looking forward to next year and beyond at Punt Rd.

“Who knows what happens in the future,” he said.

“I’m just happy that I have been able to develop a great bond with the players, and that’s something that will be there forever.”

 

[Phar Ace]

It may happen, but by Hardwick's choice

Mr or Mrs?