Just watched the replay of the footy show and i am now at work. I work nights so there are quite a few points i want to mention.
I would like some comments on these points i will list down below. These views are mine and not of puntroadend.
* who was the leak? My opinion is either 2 players.........Kane or Nathan.
* kane johnson's role. Was he pissed off at being asked to step down as captain last year and this led to the back stabbing of the coach and getting Newman to do the dirty work?
* joel's/richo's role. just showed that either of these 2 should have been made captain this year. Being possibly there last years it would have been fitting. Even though i, and others , at times have been critical of both of the years, they showed true leadership skills. It wasnt Kane's , Newman's, King's , Simmond's or any of the other "rebel's" role to front Terry on his own initially. All parties , along with the President , Craig and Newman himself.
* The stupidity of Jake to get embroided in all this. Just may have cost him his career at season's end. Upset at not getting a regular game? In/out of the side? Well it takes more than grunt to play this modern game.
* Morton, for a young player of 30 odd games spoke well. He seemed visibly upset at what developed. These things should be kept in house. All players get a spray, if they all "sooked" , well there wouldnt be any coaches coaching this game. Gee how would Barassi, Blight and others go ?
* Prospective coaches looking from outside at these going ons. Would this make them not interested in coaching this club? I think this is what may have swayed Malthouse and Thompson looking at our club. I firmly believe that a seasoned coach like a Malthouse, Matthews type would be strong enough to handle coaching this club and all that comes with it. A young coach could find it difficult in this role. The only way he could succeed was if he had strong support staff, say a Sheedy mentoring and was of strong character himself who wouldnt tolerate what has been going on, not only this season but for the past 27 years.
* Garry's/Craig's leadership and strength. I have to say i was rapt the way these two have handled the situation , have conducted themselves over the course of the year and this week's trying week. This could be only the begginning though. To hold firm and not buckle is a true test of strength, unity and character. Gee you wish all our players had this fortitude.
* Wallace. Look, love or hate him, you would have to feel for him and his family. What they have had to go through, and still possibly go through, no one shoul have to endure this type of scrutiny. Not his family thats all i am saying. This is what you get coaching the RICHMOND FOOTBALL CLUB. It has to stop though.
* Should Newman step down? I think not now but consideration may have to be given come seasons end. What he did showed immaturaty. The way he was swayed to be the fall by Kane to me lack true leadership. It showed he was naive even though he may have had reason to do so. He may not only have had Kane in his ear, but as it has been shown there were others involved that may have made it hard for him , being the captain, not to do anything. The way he went about it was wrong in my eyes. Kane should be sacked at season's end AND not play a game at all.
* How will the players respond this week? The one's that wanted him gone and the one's that didnt want a part in this. Was there more players involved in all this? Will they ALL respond collectively or will it be a "Geelong" like performance , ala *smile* Gate"? There are players playing for their careers and any prospective coach would be keeping a close eye on how they conduct themselves over the course of the remainder year. But Richmond's history over the last 27 years is one of shelfishness.
* How many of the " rebels" were involved.? I was trying to look at the footage of the players coming out of the meeting, but i didnt get them all. I ma not sure if it has been mentioned how many were there? The names i will note down are newman, kane, bowden, richo, simmonds, king, jackson, deleido. Who were the others? Most of these players will not play for Richmond next year.
* What were the player's grievances? I find it hard that it was 'Morton's spray". Obviously it was the catalyst that was the final straw. We believe now it was a number of things such as :\
- favourtism of players
- players coming in one week and getting dropped the next
- the game plan. That it keeps changing time and time again, weekly , within a game.
- discipline
- not following team rules. Was this one?
Can anyone help here with confirmation and or other grievances. Thanks
* What would you do if you were the coach now in this situation? It makes it hard to coach i would think knowing that there are players within the group who wanted you gone. Would you play the players who you knew wanted you gone, not the ones that got involved in talks (leadership group here i am talking about)?. Would you step down? What if the result this Saturday night is a nightmare? Would you say enough is enough here knowing you have lost a percentage of your players?
* Captain/Coach situation. In all situations you would think that your captain is someone you could trust and go to, not someone conspiring to have you removed. How hard would this working relationship be now?
* Do you think truly that this situation has been resolved? I dont and this is just my opinion.
* I am going this Saturday night to show my support for all concerned. I would like to put this week behind , hope the players do and see a fighting spirit by all the players. Play for the jumper if not for the coach and for your pride. Lets get as many as we can down there at the G. Which Richmond will show up? We will now come Saturday night at the start of the bounce. There is one thing i have learnt , that very early on, and normally i am spot on, i know if we have come to play.
I would appreciate some views. Thanks all.
George
