Angak
All Australian
- Mar 18, 2021
- 995
- 2,417
- AFL Club
- Western Bulldogs
In Bob Murphy's retirement press conference he described his relationship with the Bulldogs as "not as the club I played for... but as my club, the club I love". Bob along with Wood, Boyd, Morris and a young Bont was the nucleus for our successful 2015/16 seasons.
Every successful team over the past 20years has had 4-5 strong leaders within it's playing group. Setting standards, holding each other accountable and putting the club above themselves that has propelled them to the top.
Richmond successful era was led by Cotchin, Rance, Riewoldt & Edwards.
Hawthorn was blessed with Hodge, Mitchell, Roughead & Lewis.
Even this current Melbourne team have a strong group of leaders led by Gawn, Lever, Brayshaw.
I say this to say - there have been clear signs of lack of leadership within the playing group over the past 3-4years. For example:
There are countless other examples, some I won't make public, due to the potential harm it may cause the club or players. However I think the issue of leadership is at the core of our inconsistencies from season to season and even within seasons. Bont is a great leader but he needs help.If we don't have a group of 4-5 players take ownership of this club, as Bob would say 'as my club, the club I love' no amount of talent or the right team selection will fix these persistent issues.
Every successful team over the past 20years has had 4-5 strong leaders within it's playing group. Setting standards, holding each other accountable and putting the club above themselves that has propelled them to the top.
Richmond successful era was led by Cotchin, Rance, Riewoldt & Edwards.
Hawthorn was blessed with Hodge, Mitchell, Roughead & Lewis.
Even this current Melbourne team have a strong group of leaders led by Gawn, Lever, Brayshaw.
I say this to say - there have been clear signs of lack of leadership within the playing group over the past 3-4years. For example:
- How did we miss out on top four after finishing round 19 top of ladder ? Clearly a few players after the round 19 win against Melbourne decided to party like the season was over.
- How did we rock up to the start of the 2020 season completely unprepared and unfit?
- Dunkley wanted to leave the club because he thought the group was unprofessional in the hub. What did the club and playing group do to address it?
- Why was Bailey Williams allowed to show up to the start of this season completely unprepared?
- Why is Caleb DanielPLAYERCARDSTART35Caleb Daniel
- Age
- 27
- Ht
- 171cm
- Wt
- 72kg
- Pos.
- M/F
CareerSeasonLast 5- D
- 21.3
- 5star
- K
- 11.5
- 4star
- HB
- 9.8
- 5star
- M
- 3.5
- 4star
- T
- 2.9
- 4star
- CL
- 1.4
- 4star
- D
- 19.5
- 4star
- K
- 11.1
- 4star
- HB
- 8.4
- 4star
- M
- 3.6
- 4star
- T
- 2.0
- 3star
- CL
- 1.0
- 3star
- D
- 16.4
- 4star
- K
- 7.2
- 3star
- HB
- 9.2
- 5star
- M
- 3.4
- 4star
- T
- 2.6
- 4star
- CL
- 0.2
- 2star
PLAYERCARDEND - Why is Tim English and Dunkley allowed to dictate to the coach where they play? This is the antithesis of the values required to be a successful team.
There are countless other examples, some I won't make public, due to the potential harm it may cause the club or players. However I think the issue of leadership is at the core of our inconsistencies from season to season and even within seasons. Bont is a great leader but he needs help.If we don't have a group of 4-5 players take ownership of this club, as Bob would say 'as my club, the club I love' no amount of talent or the right team selection will fix these persistent issues.