Bye bye Clarkson

[Horizons_00]

The fear i have about being patient and it will turn etc.
Is that improvement isn't linear and some players might end up completely regressing.
We really need to find a way to be more competitive NOW and instill a better culture.

Draw the line, no more 10 goal losses, stop conceding 100+ every bloody week.

B Scott, Stephenson, LDU, Jy, Larkey, Cam have all regressed badly.

Shiels, Corr, even Greenwood / Lmac has too but I think they're cooked (age, weren't ever that great)

The culture is pathetic RN and I also fear its going to spread throughout the group (already evident with the heads dropping during the game)

 

[RossHenshaw]

B Scott, Stephenson, LDU, Jy, Larkey, Cam have all regressed badly.

Shiels, Corr, even Greenwood / Lmac has too but I think they're cooked (age, weren't ever that great)

The culture is pathetic RN and I also fear its going to spread throughout the group (already evident with the heads dropping during the game)

once again . I keep saying it. This pathetic attitude head dropping from the payers starts & stops with Clarko and the message , goal & vision he setting for this side. That is what Leaders get paid to do and action . Or at least try to action .. We have not seen anything significantly different in what he is trying to achieve for 9 rounds now. (maybe Shiezell to the midfield) ?

 

[TheKanga]

100 percent.
11 players last night layed 10 tackles between them??
Z Fisher 0 tackles
LDU 1 tackle
W Phillips 1 tackle
N Larkey 1 tackle
B Drury 1 tackle
B Scott 1 tackle
P Curtis 1 tackle
C McKercher 1 tackle
L McDonald 1 tackle
A Corr 1 tackle

I think our problem at the moment lays with our pressure rating.
Sure we can’t execute Clarko’s game plan…. But surely we can exert pressure on the opposition??
However our Pressure rating is terribly bad.
A HIGH pressure rating is a non-negotiable in todays football . Would love to know why our pressure is so poor, when it’s effort based rather than talent based? Can Clarko motivate/stimulate our group or not? He needs to get our pressure rating up to a competitive standard quickly

It's also pretty worrying that oppo coaches can make one simple tweak or even just a team talk and we fall apart concede goals for fun.

Case in point after qtr time vs Gold Coast

 

[Ichiro #51]

At the start of the year like a lot of pundits on this page. We just wanted the team to be competitive (in the 15-18 ladder range teams) and with luck and injuries perhaps jag 3-4 wins. Getting another 15-23 games each for the 1-3 year players would be nice for their development in the 1’s and 2’s.

The one stat I wanted to see was the average losing margin to come down. This stat to me reflects the level of competitiveness and pride in the jumper, club and its supporters. So I have pulled out the Excel and come up with these observations.

• 2023 and 2024 losses have an Av 40.5 points
• When Clarko had his spell after round 9 and handed over to Ratts it was 50 points
• Ratts despite not winning in his 10 game spell had an average of 39.9 points. This then reduced out average down to 37.1
• When Clarko returned for the 3 more losses (Av 23.3) to further pull down the Av. to 35.1

So I start getting excited for 2024, that this is going to trend in the right direction.

• 9 losses at 52.6 Av
• Clarko 19 loss Av losing margin is 47 points a match.
• I really hope that Jenn and Sonya are reading this and ask Clarko and Todd why is the team performing like this, and what are your plans to get us out of this mess?

The current storyline being rolled out is that we are told to stay to stay the course and be patient. From what I can see the canoe is currently approaching the Zambezi river Falls and our rudder and motor have broken.

I totally with your point re. losing margin (or percentage) being a good guide as to intangible things like effort/attitude.

There was a line in one of the many articles about our current state that was “Sonja Hood’s KPI for the football department was how fans felt coming to the footy”. I raised the point that perhaps something more concrete ie. percentage might have been a better indicator.

I reckon the old feel-o-meter would be doing even worse than our percentage at present.

 

[TheKanga]

A lot of people aren't going to turn up to games that's how they feel.
Not worth the hassle attending when you know the oppo will score 100+ we will be lucky to score 7 goals.

Not looking forward to the Port game down here.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

I totally with your point re. losing margin (or percentage) being a good guide as to intangible things like effort/attitude.

There was a line in one of the many articles about our current state that was “Sonja Hood’s KPI for the football department was how fans felt coming to the footy”. I raised the point that perhaps something more concrete ie. percentage might have been a better indicator.

I reckon the old feel-o-meter would be doing even worse than our percentage at present.

How fans ‘feel’ coming to the footy?

If that’s genuine, it’s no wonder we’re complete and utter shit.

What are the other KPI’s?

‘How satisfied are the supporters with Luke McDonalds hair ruffling?’,

‘Would you go to the football if it meant having to listen to Brady Rawlings answer questions about our list build in Marge Simpsons voice?’

Like, **** me that’s grim.

 

[TheKanga]

Last time we played Port in Hobart apparently Clarko threw a chair in anger.
Then he went on leave after that match.

I just hope we can go into the bye with some hope.
If we can keep margins in Essendon/Port both under 30pts and keep them to under 100pts
That would be a start.

 

[ferball]

A lot of people aren't going to turn up to games that's how they feel.
Not worth the hassle attending when you know the oppo will score 100+ we will be lucky to score 7 goals.

Not looking forward to the Port game down here.

I am. Sucker for punishment I guess.

 

[Horizons_00]

Last time we played Port in Hobart apparently Clarko threw a chair in anger.
Then he went on leave after that match.

I just hope we can go into the bye with some hope.
If we can keep margins in Essendon/Port both under 30pts and keep them to under 100pts
That would be a start.

And we were super nice to JHF

 

[northbergs]

It’s becoming a little embarrassing for Clarko to trot out the ‘oh, we’re a young side rubbish. Age profiles from the Gold Coast match:

Players 25 and over

Gold Coast - 7
North - 9

Players 21 or under

Gold Coast - 6
North - 8



On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[chubbspeterson]

It’s becoming a little embarrassing for Clarko to trot out the ‘oh, we’re a young side rubbish. Age profiles from the Gold Coast match:

Players 25 and over

Gold Coast - 7
North - 9

Players 21 or under

Gold Coast - 6
North - 8



On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

What about the 22-24 year old group and games experience of each category?

 

[DuckYeah]

It’s becoming a little embarrassing for Clarko to trot out the ‘oh, we’re a young side rubbish. Age profiles from the Gold Coast match:

Players 25 and over

Gold Coast - 7
North - 9

Players 21 or under

Gold Coast - 6
North - 8



On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Do it by games
0-25
25-50
50-100
100-200
200+

 

[Ardent Roo]

Do it by games
0-25
25-50
50-100
100-200
200+

I think this is the main issue - we have a LOT of players who are still below 25 games! Off the top of my head as CBF like NM in a 2nd quarter run on, I'd think that there's (who've played this year):
Comben
Archer
Hardeman
Wardlaw
Colby
Drury
Pink
Biggy
Durz
Whil Phil

 

[disco_cowboy]

i would love someone to explain to me the benefit of sacking Clarkson in order to bring in an unproven coach at AFL level.

The way I see it:

As he is coaching the youngest list in the AFL, without bringing in external talent, he needs time for his players to develop in order to see improvement.
He is playing a very young list week in and week out meaning his prioritising development over wins.
He is 1.5 years into a 5 year contract - My assumption is that he has a 5 year plan and this would be communicated internally.
If we were to bring in a yet to be proven AFL coach before we have a team who can compete at AFL level only creates new issues as stakeholders, fans and members start to question whether or not this new coach has the ability - we don't need to worry about that with Clarko.

I can understand the frustration of losing but BigFooty, please, try and play the long game for once.

 

[Muscles Thommo]

i would love someone to explain to me the benefit of sacking Clarkson in order to bring in an unproven coach at AFL level.

The way I see it:

As he is coaching the youngest list in the AFL, without bringing in external talent, he needs time for his players to develop in order to see improvement.
He is playing a very young list week in and week out meaning his prioritising development over wins.
He is 1.5 years into a 5 year contract - My assumption is that he has a 5 year plan and this would be communicated internally.
If we were to bring in a yet to be proven AFL coach before we have a team who can compete at AFL level only creates new issues as stakeholders, fans and members start to question whether or not this new coach has the ability - we don't need to worry about that with Clarko.

I can understand the frustration of losing but BigFooty, please, try and play the long game for once.

But does he have the ability? Everyone is just saying that he does based on 4 flags (which is a good reason) however, as time has gone on has he lost the ability, has the game passed him by, he certainly doesnt appear to be angry Clarko anymore, more like soft and cuddly Clarko. Head coaches like all managers cant go on for ever. At the moment I do not believe that he is showing those aspects of coaching that will take us back to even winning a game.

 

[blackshadow]

But does he have the ability? Everyone is just saying that he does based on 4 flags (which is a good reason) however, as time has gone on has he lost the ability, has the game passed him by, he certainly doesnt appear to be angry Clarko anymore, more like soft and cuddly Clarko. Head coaches like all managers cant go on for ever. At the moment I do not believe that he is showing those aspects of coaching that will take us back to even winning a game.

I don’t think he cares too much about winning games at the moment. I think he cares about developing a team that will be able to play consistently good football in years to come that will take us deep into September.

While losing absolutely sucks I’d rather sacrifice a few sugar hit wins for sustained success in the future.

 

[disco_cowboy]

But does he have the ability? Everyone is just saying that he does based on 4 flags (which is a good reason) however, as time has gone on has he lost the ability, has the game passed him by, he certainly doesnt appear to be angry Clarko anymore, more like soft and cuddly Clarko. Head coaches like all managers cant go on for ever. At the moment I do not believe that he is showing those aspects of coaching that will take us back to even winning a game.

The answer is absolutely yes he does. At worst, he takes as far as he can and we move him on at the end of his contract but I can’t think of a better coach who can wear the next 3 years and hold his poise than someone who has conviction because they’ve done it before.

 

[Sphynx]

i would love someone to explain to me the benefit of sacking Clarkson in order to bring in an unproven coach at AFL level.

The way I see it:

As he is coaching the youngest list in the AFL, without bringing in external talent, he needs time for his players to develop in order to see improvement.
He is playing a very young list week in and week out meaning his prioritising development over wins.
He is 1.5 years into a 5 year contract - My assumption is that he has a 5 year plan and this would be communicated internally.
If we were to bring in a yet to be proven AFL coach before we have a team who can compete at AFL level only creates new issues as stakeholders, fans and members start to question whether or not this new coach has the ability - we don't need to worry about that with Clarko.

I can understand the frustration of losing but BigFooty, please, try and play the long game for once.

Not face the existential threat of the football club itself?

There's is a hell of a lot of difference between a coach at a struggling rebuilding club like Yze or Mitchell vs the performances Clarkson is currently putting up.

Richmond for all their woes, have a shitload of injuries, still won a game and have lost 3 by a goal or under (including against two top sides in the Swans and Blues)


We've lost 5 of our last 7 games by more than 10 goals and looked like one of the most uncompetitive teams of the AFL era, a fair effort given historically the efforts of Fitzroy, GWS, GC, Melbourne, Carlton and Freo in the last 35 years.


The performances at the moment are completely unacceptable and any improvement is worth considering, even if it doesn't lead to a panacea of wins.

 

[disco_cowboy]

Not face the existential threat of the football club itself?

There's is a hell of a lot of difference between a coach at a struggling rebuilding club like Yze or Mitchell vs the performances Clarkson is currently putting up.

Richmond for all their woes, have a shitload of injuries, still won a game and have lost 3 by a goal or under (including against two top sides in the Swans and Blues)


We've lost 5 of our last 7 games by more than 10 goals and looked like one of the most uncompetitive teams of the AFL era, a fair effort given historically the efforts of Fitzroy, GWS, GC, Melbourne, Carlton and Freo in the last 35 years.


The performances at the moment are completely unacceptable and any improvement is worth considering, even if it doesn't lead to a panacea of wins.

short term thinking.

 

[Horizons_00]

I don’t think he cares too much about winning games at the moment. I think he cares about developing a team that will be able to play consistently good football in years to come that will take us deep into September.

While losing absolutely sucks I’d rather sacrifice a few sugar hit wins for sustained success in the future.

I read on here, his words were exactly that

 

[Val Keating]

i would love someone to explain to me the benefit of sacking Clarkson in order to bring in an unproven coach at AFL level.

The way I see it:

As he is coaching the youngest list in the AFL, without bringing in external talent, he needs time for his players to develop in order to see improvement.
He is playing a very young list week in and week out meaning his prioritising development over wins.
He is 1.5 years into a 5 year contract - My assumption is that he has a 5 year plan and this would be communicated internally.
If we were to bring in a yet to be proven AFL coach before we have a team who can compete at AFL level only creates new issues as stakeholders, fans and members start to question whether or not this new coach has the ability - we don't need to worry about that with Clarko.

I can understand the frustration of losing but BigFooty, please, try and play the long game for once.

There is no benefit. He’s only in his second year of a 5 year contract.

Add to that the further destabilisation it would bring to the club with another sacked coach, it’d lead to players and assistant coaches leaving.

And honestly, no body else would be getting more out if the list atm.

This thread is absolutely ridiculous.

 

[RossHenshaw]

But does he have the ability? Everyone is just saying that he does based on 4 flags (which is a good reason) however, as time has gone on has he lost the ability, has the game passed him by, he certainly doesnt appear to be angry Clarko anymore, more like soft and cuddly Clarko. Head coaches like all managers cant go on for ever. At the moment I do not believe that he is showing those aspects of coaching that will take us back to even winning a game.

Careful Muscles. Soft-Shadow might call you a "bed wetter" with these comments .

 

[blackshadow]

I read on here, his words were exactly that

Would you rather our team being built for future success or a couple of meaningless wins or performances that paper over the cracks?

I’d rather fix the ****ing cracks than have something that looks good for a while but fails.

 

[Blightys Barrel]

Would you rather our team being built for future success or a couple of meaningless wins or performances that paper over the cracks?

I’d rather fix the ******* cracks than have something that looks good for a while but fails.

Perhaps the club can elaborate on the said cracks, and how each is being managed this year and next? This would give me comfort that there is a grand plan, and here are the parts of that plan. Why can this not be shared with the fan base?

eg, Tackling atm is absolutely horrible and we are ranked xx/18 teams and here is what we are doing for this particular issue in 2024. Owner of this Crack is Patch Adams and he will be backed up by Fred and Emma. Their bonus is tied to the lift and improvement of this KPI/Goal by xx % at the end of the season.

1. We have bought in the defensive tackling coach from Melb Rebels/Storm, or other AFL coach who is the guru.
2. 8 specialist coaching sessions on technique and specific strength work (Fisher, McKercher, Powell etc)
3. Individual tackles and team tackle number strategies (coral players to be tackled by your team mates and so on).

AFL clubs are a business. What gets measured, gets Done!!

 

[RooStu15]

It’s becoming a little embarrassing for Clarko to trot out the ‘oh, we’re a young side rubbish. Age profiles from the Gold Coast match:

Players 25 and over

Gold Coast - 7
North - 9

Players 21 or under

Gold Coast - 6
North - 8



On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

As we all have been saying, it's the quality of our over 25's that kill us.

Fisher, Corr, LMac, Zurhaar, Sleevo, Shiels, Greenwood, X, Tucker, Larkey

Probably only Larkey and Zurhaar would get in the GC side

vs

Touk, Ainsworth, Sexton, Collins, Long, Holman, Witts (Not the strongest over 25's list)

All would walk into North and make it much better