I see this week’s final against Sydney is Game One of a new era for the GFC.
The previous era is bookended by the massive 157 point win over Richmond in 2007 and the 51 point loss to Richmond last week. It is not the time to bottom out (there’s never a time to intentionally do that IMO) but it is a time for serious reflection.
If I remember correctly I voted here to hold off reappointing CS until season’s yet and I have certainly not supported the pitchforks and torches crowd demanding that the club sack him.
I am gathering my thoughts on what can be done to maximise our chances of landing another flag or two in the next few years. The main areas of influence that can drive change on the ground are the player list and game plan.
The list we are managing pretty well although team balance is not being managed as well as it could be. The game plan is in serious need of overhaul as the weaknesses are on show and whatever changes are made it is not fixing the problem.
In relation to the coach there are only two options when it’s all boiled down; he either remains or he leaves. I’m interested in exploring the ‘he remains’ option ATM as the alternative can be addressed later and would derail the discussion if the two camps are waging war on each other.
If CS remains I’d suggest something radical. CS is required to hand over coaching duties to another experienced operator so that they each work part time. The ‘other’ coach can take over mid season to allow CS a brea to refresh. The other coach could get us through the period of the bye and be involved throughout the season in the box.
We’ve actually seen this at other clubs although it’s through necessity with the regular coach being unavailable for whatever reason. We see it with players all of the time. The club calls it ‘rested’ or ‘managed’. I’m suggesting that it be an event that is planned for maybe two or three times in a year and maybe for two or three games at a stretch.
Any thoughts on this and/or other ideas to shake it up?
Please, at this stage leave out the sack the coach option.
BTW I’m aware that CS probably wouldn’t be agreeable to this idea. I’m simply looking at ideas.
I think list wise (and I know it's been said repeatedly) our 2nd tier of on ballers just can't and won't ever cut it.
I certainly know that not every player needs to be a star but I think if Murdoch is safely inside your best 22 at any stage you're in trouble.
The trade value of Guthrie and Blitz needs to be seriously looked at. We can't have this incestuous nature at the club that cause the old man is matey at the club we don't do what's best for the club.
We need 2 more solid and consistent players in that mid tier and from now on selection needs to be more merit based.
Coaching wise we are a bit hamstrung cause of the 3 year contract (unless there a clauses we are unaware of)
Same goes with the matey mate mates. Enough of the former team mates, colleagues and ex players.
Shocking's replacement should not be the guy who's in the front running because he's good friends with the Scott brothers.
We need at least one assistant who is older and more experienced than CS who's opinions must be listened too.
Accountability wise I think it's a must CS does things like attend player exit interviews and make the time to speak to young players etc.
I believe we also need a new forward and midfield coach and at least a part time ruck coach as in more than once a month.
Obviously I have no idea about the inner workings of the club but there just my ideas from what I've seen and heard from people.