Players hate Mick.....next minute Gibbs & Murph sign long terms contracts, Yarran (who apparently hates Mick too) re-signs + Walker, Jamo, Simmo & soon Levi & Menz.
Funny how it's all the players that can't get a game (i.e. Lucas & Laidler) who speak badly about Mick.
This exists at all footy clubs (and other sports as well) at all levels, players who get a game love the coach those who are borderline and don't get a game or don't get to play where they want don't. I think there is a bit of sorting the men from the boys going on at Carlton and a big clean out of poor attitudes. I think Mick is testing them. Heard an interesting story from Eloise Southby (daughter of Geoff and Aussie Netballer) who went to the academy as a young netballer and was coached by Joyce Brown (mother of Fraser), apparently was a very hard task master, threw a lot of negative comments at the girls, I think along the lines of "not good enough" or "not going to make it" which Southby copped. Late she finds out that all the harsh criticism was about testing the players mental toughness. Some girls it made more determined like Southby and others didn't handle it. I think Mick will be doing a similar thing and maybe Lucas is the guy who can't handle it. You can bet Yarran copped a fair bit last year and he initially reacted poorly but look at him this year, he's so much more competitive and one of our best. Also probably why Fraser Brown was such a tough and successful player and person.
All the gun coaches say that footy is mostly played between the ears, being nice and supportive doesn't weed out the mentally weaker individuals (sooks). There are plenty of players out there who have skill and ability but are soft. Mick will want players to go out there and prove him wrong when he gives them a belt like Lucas has illegibly copped. He will want to see players who can cop it on the chin and are better for it. Some will sulk, go to the VFL and do nothing and more than likely leave. Waite, Garlett and Lucas come to mind. You can bet the ones who can hack it will be the ones who are loyal, will handle pressure and perform in big games and will be able to stand up and play while injured or when the team needs them to. He's not just trying to get guys into the list who can play but get a list of guys who are mentally tough and hold the right qualities and create a culture that wins games of football. It's just what you have got to do.