As we look back there are some large similarities between how Essendon have fared and how the cricket team has.
This year
1) Both are immensely successful organisations and have a long proud history however are now at their lowest point. Whilst losing comes through in cycles what is most concerning is the manner of the loss- with a lack of leadership on field and the same thing happening week in week out with no mental application (e.g. batting collapse every time with Australia and no defence with Essendon).
2) Both coaches received a premature contract extension and team performances since then have gone downhill.
3) Both clubs selectors have a scatter gun revolving door policy for some players (such as spinners, Prismall for Essendon) and then a keep them in for as long as you can approach for players who should be dropped earlier (e.g. North, Hussey versus Welsh, Slattery etc.). Moreover younger players who have been very consistent fail to get regular oppurtunities (e.g. Houli v Ferguson, Hodge and Khwaja).
4) Following on one of the biggest criticism of Knights was that he had no idea who his best 22 were even after three years- with Australia's current make up there are also the idea that no one knows the best 11 (particularly bowlers).
5) Essendon became a laughing stock due to their gameplan and performances- Australia having conceded records in the past six months have become the same
6) Fans have deserted both teams in droves with plunging popularity and crowd figures.
7) Essendon's sash was sagged and not very awe-inspiring. The current Australian uniform (particularly their blue one) remind me of England too much.
What Essendon did.
Essendon terminated Matthew Knights contract, announced one of the best coaching panels in the AFL and brought in a favourite son to bring back belief in the players. Almost no remnants remain of the previous era and a complete overhaul was ordered.
Essendon have announced a new state of the art training facility to bring them in line with other clubs. More then 38500 members have already signed as of today
David Evans and Ian Robson have set an ambitious agenda to bring back Essendon to the top.
They have also straightened the sash on the jumper to its former glory and have worked hard to regain their place as the most successful club in the AFL with a lot of work still to do. The sleeping giant has reawoken.
What will Cricket Australia do?
Is James Sutherland the man to complete the entire cleanout that is required and make the hard decisions?
Who is the one or two people who can re inspire the faith in Australian cricket?
Thoughts? Comments?
This year
1) Both are immensely successful organisations and have a long proud history however are now at their lowest point. Whilst losing comes through in cycles what is most concerning is the manner of the loss- with a lack of leadership on field and the same thing happening week in week out with no mental application (e.g. batting collapse every time with Australia and no defence with Essendon).
2) Both coaches received a premature contract extension and team performances since then have gone downhill.
3) Both clubs selectors have a scatter gun revolving door policy for some players (such as spinners, Prismall for Essendon) and then a keep them in for as long as you can approach for players who should be dropped earlier (e.g. North, Hussey versus Welsh, Slattery etc.). Moreover younger players who have been very consistent fail to get regular oppurtunities (e.g. Houli v Ferguson, Hodge and Khwaja).
4) Following on one of the biggest criticism of Knights was that he had no idea who his best 22 were even after three years- with Australia's current make up there are also the idea that no one knows the best 11 (particularly bowlers).
5) Essendon became a laughing stock due to their gameplan and performances- Australia having conceded records in the past six months have become the same
6) Fans have deserted both teams in droves with plunging popularity and crowd figures.
7) Essendon's sash was sagged and not very awe-inspiring. The current Australian uniform (particularly their blue one) remind me of England too much.
What Essendon did.
Essendon terminated Matthew Knights contract, announced one of the best coaching panels in the AFL and brought in a favourite son to bring back belief in the players. Almost no remnants remain of the previous era and a complete overhaul was ordered.
Essendon have announced a new state of the art training facility to bring them in line with other clubs. More then 38500 members have already signed as of today
David Evans and Ian Robson have set an ambitious agenda to bring back Essendon to the top.
They have also straightened the sash on the jumper to its former glory and have worked hard to regain their place as the most successful club in the AFL with a lot of work still to do. The sleeping giant has reawoken.
What will Cricket Australia do?
Is James Sutherland the man to complete the entire cleanout that is required and make the hard decisions?
Who is the one or two people who can re inspire the faith in Australian cricket?
Thoughts? Comments?
