Replacing the irreplaceable with another Tigers captain

[SOT4]

http://realfooty.com.au/news/news/r...-tigers-captain/2007/09/27/1190486481632.html

MATTHEW Knights saved his best until last. Until Wednesday, the ruthless, single-minded Damien Hardwick was slightly in front in what had become a two-horse race for the Essendon coaching position.

Mark Thompson had not responded to a text message the previous week from club chief executive Peter Jackson and Peter Sumich had been the last to depart the official process, although there remains a strong chance he will be offered another senior football role by the Bombers.

So the decision was down to the former Richmond captain and Bendigo Bombers coach or the former Essendon and Port Adelaide premiership player who was now a highly-rated assistant coach. Clearly, Hardwick, who had been the most impressive following two long interviews, would have been the more popular choice with Bomber supporters.

Both presented for three hours of scrutiny from the Essendon board on Wednesday in one of the Crown complex's first-floor garden rooms. Knights went first and proved more positive about the state of the Essendon list.

While previously there had been doubts over the futures of Jobe Watson and David Hille, Knights made it clear both played a part in his long-term thinking. While Hardwick had Essendon roots, Knights had the benefit of inside knowledge, having been promoted this season to the club's development coach as well as VFL mentor.

Hille, Jason Johnson and Damien Peverill, all of whom had played for Bendigo this year, spoke highly of him. To the board and its consultant Stride, he fitted the bill of a youthful communicator, stressing that every player required different treatment and detailed communication.

Hardwick stumbled in a couple of areas, according to those in the room. When questioned regarding the club's indigenous players, he gave the impression he believed all players should be treated the same. Hardwick's tough uncompromising approach had won the Bombers' interest but perhaps hurt him in the end.

Knights responded by saying it was the club and coaches who needed more indigenous education and understanding and not the other way around. He made it clear which six players he felt should be discarded and said he would focus on securing a running tall defender.

Like Hardwick and Sumich, he said Matthew Lloyd was one of, if not the best leading forward in the game, and should be played as such. Knights said a fitter trio of Andrew Lovett, Courtenay Dempsey and Alwyn Davey would provide much-needed midfield pace.

Of course, even the tightest processes become a little loose at times. Throughout the Bombers' search for a replacement for Sheedy, the shadow of Mark Thompson hovered overhead. Essendon chairman Ray Horsburgh assured Frank Costa at yesterday's Essendon Women's Network lunch that the club had never approached Thompson. In fact, it had unofficially, via long-time club director Alex Epis, who had called Thompson.

Last week, chief executive Peter Jackson sent Thompson a text message along with a voice message in a bid to communicate that the club did not want to get in the way of a premiership campaign, but requesting that the Geelong coach's manager contact the club to let it know if Thompson would be available for an interview. Michael Quinlan did not respond to the club, so the option was shelved.

A couple of very interesting paragraphs there.

Hille and Watson are required players- seems to indicate Dimma wanted to get rid of them. I'm willing to side with Knights, as while I'm an advocate of trading Hille it is just because I have big wraps on Laycock, and would love another high draft pick. Watson is definitely a required player and IMO we haven't seen the best of the kid. Wonder who the 6 players are to be chopped.

I think the point about the indigenous boys is very good. We all know Dimma would have been a hardass which is good, but this shows the negative aspect. I personally don't believe an uncompromising attitude towards all players is the correct approach, as not all players will respond. There is a variation in culture between indigenous and non-indigneous Australians, and I think Knights here shows that he is a culturally aware and switched on bloke. I dont think being a hard ass would assist someone like Davey, but I do think that Knights will come down hard on those who are lazy (Laycock I'm looking at you).

The point about midfield speed is good too, as I think Knights will be looking to implement a run and carry game plan, using the quick legs of these boys and others, and then look for a long target up forward. I really think our young players are well suited with this style, as we have the pace and the genuine options up forward. Lets just all hope we can improve on skill level, which hopefully we will as Knighter said that was his number one priority.

Also with regard to Thompson, I'm comforted knowing we had approached him. I think the club is genuinely happy with Knights as a candidate.

Also preempting the thousands of threads/posts saying the board just picked Knights for a quick fix (courtesy of The Age's headline) I think this is compltely incorrect. This article indicates he will cut six players from the list. In the press conference PJ said we would be moving on 28 year odls and their type for young draftees. I dont think the board is under illussions that we need to continue to rebuild. I think it just shows that Knights is more positive about our youth. IMO there is noone better placed to make this statement than our development coach, who works with the kdis in Bendigo. Apparently Dimma thought we wouldn't be in serious contention in 2010, which is pretty silly in my mind. our list isn't perfect, but we only have on glaring weakness with our younger kids (key backs), and we have a lot of good kids.

I dont understand the want of the media and posters around here to portray this as a bad decision. I personally am very excited about 2008 and beyond, and have full faith in Knights.

End Rant

 

[eth-dog]

I 110% agree with you, we need a rebuilding stage, and who knows, we might repeat a 1993 and win the premiership. As well as the 28's plus, get rid of Cole (hate him)

 

[VelvetSledge]

I 110% agree with you, we need a rebuilding stage, and who knows, we might repeat a 1993 and win the premiership. As well as the 28's plus, get rid of Cole (hate him)

So Lucas, Lloyd, Fletcher, Mal?