Calling Hawks fans, you be the Judge...

[Voice of Reason]

Rumours abound that the Eagles are thinking of ditching Ken Judge two years into his contract ie at the end of this year, though the Chairman is now quoted as "expecting" Judge to coach next year.

From memory, Judge was assistant coach at Carlton in 1995 (big success), took Hawks to 8th in 1996 (unlucky loss to Swans away in last minute of final), then had 2 shocking seasons (15th & ?), then 9th. In 2000, he coached us to 15th and this year we're hoping to come 14th (ahead of Freo & Saints). Prior to 1995 he was quite a successful coach in the WAFL (I remember seeing East Fremantle win an unexpected flag with the "too old, too slow, too bloody good" team when Mal Brown, South Freo coach, ran through their huddle).

Admittedly, he inherited ageing sides in the Hawks and the Eagles. It is said that he is good at developing young players (so his supporters suggest that he had a big role in building up Hay, Thompson, Chick, Croad etc and laid the groundwork for Schwab's finals series).

Can this guy coach? What do you reckon?

 

[The Hitman]

It is said that he is great at developing youngsters, but my point is what kind of match day coach is he?

Too that...not a good one.

Also, you have to remember the head coach doesn't do anything, and that Peter German, Bohdan Babijcuk, and may others at Glenferrie would have as much if not more credit to their name in my view then Judge.

You only go by the scoresheet, and quite simply, he is not up to standard...

The Hitman

 

[Chris_23]

Apparently he's extremely paranoid about the oppositions match up's. He was a 'reactive' coach, very defensive. I tend to disagree about him being a great developer of youngsters. Because of his game plan, the young players never learnt how to take responsibility or be positive. Last year there were plenty of players who dropped off badly because they simply didn't know how to be positive. They didn't know when to run off there man and they didn't know when to take risks because under Judge...they never did!

Peter Schwab demands accountability but he also likes the players to take risks and be creative. Daniel Harford, Jade Rawlings, Rayden Tallis, Daniel Chick and John Barker have all improved out of sight with Schwab's style. Rawlings, Tallis and Barker weren't even regulars under Judge!

If you want to give credit to someone about getting these youngsters to the club then look no further than our recruiting manager, John Turnbull. The man is a genius.

IMO Judge's gameplan was good in 96 because we had an older list and he got the best out of them. But with a young list you should employ a gameplan that will help them develop into 'All-round' footballers, IMO his game plan was certainly NOT condusive to that.

 

[Grendel]

Originally posted by Chris_23


If you want to give credit to someone about getting these youngsters to the club then look no further than our recruiting manager, John Turnbull. The man is a genius.

Chris has nailed it right there. Full credit to Judge for stabilising what was fast becoming a very shoddy side. He put some discipline back into the core and helped shore up the club. But the real rebuilding is thanks in large part to John Turnbulls ability to pick some great quality (Thompson (81) Cox (80's) Dixon (70's) Rawlings (93) Hay (36) Barlow and Bowyer (both of the rookie list) with some lower picks) Btw Judgey, thanks again for BOF and sending that no 4 pick up north. Also he had (and i think is doing it again at West Coast) a tendency to try and plug gaps with recects. Collica and Taylor, Merenda, Seiwarkoski,Prior) have all been brought in. The Hawks copped at stages, Chapman, Barker (well that ones alright!), Sharkey, Danilchenko, Kilmartin, sorry its to painful remembering!!


But he also played soooooo defensivly that once a group was in place that could attack, he didnt know what to do with them.

Many players that are currently doing well for the Hawks stagnated under Judge. (Rawlings, Tallis, Barks, etc) Also there are players that have come through under Schwabby in the last few years (Mcpharlin, Johnson, Clarke).

I reckon Judge is given a wee bit to much credit for rebuilding Hawthorn. I also reckon he believes the publicty that he was indeed responsible for it the way he always brings up 'well it took time for me to do it at Hawthorn, i need time now'.

Memo Ken, we didnt make a finals series with you after 96 (with the final death throes of a dynasty) and we are a much more attacking side without you which can only be of benefit long term.

Final thoughts, Judge is deluding himself with the 'I rebuilt Hawthorn' thougts. He did some good things, yes. But he had a great deal of help and he left the job half done to take the on the Coasters job (after breaking contract). So if he is given the flick, expect to see some very satisfied (me being one of them) Hawks fans.

Oh, and if he does go, what chances are him picking up the Freo job?

Cheers

 

[Voice of Reason]

Thanks all. Sadly you've confirmed my worst fears.

I'd be very surprised if Freo took him on (unless there's some kind of East Fremantle coup in the ownership side, which I guess is possible).