Why are the big men so under-represented in senior coaching ranks?

[Forever Hoping]

While Choco Williams can now be classified as "really big" (I was shocked at the vision of his huge gut when he was standing on the boundary at the Gabba last week and as he doesn't drink alcohol, he must be choofing through the big macs or cream puffs to get a paunch like that) with the most recent of the new coaches appointed, I was struck by the lack of big men in the group of current and potential senior coaches.

Roos played CHB & CHF so it could just fit in this category, but that is a long bow. Casting my mind back Balmey was the last really big man who was a senior coach and other than him, I think you need to go back to Bernie Quinlan and before that, Bluey Hampshire.

What do people think (and please refrain from the "no-brains" theory as Tony Shaw's appointment blows that to bits)?

 

[GoodOne]

Ever had a conversation with a big bloke?

 

[davidrodan]

Tony Shaw was from Collingwood so the no-brains theory could hold up

 

[IanG]

While Choco Williams can now be classified as "really big" (I was shocked at the vision of his huge gut when he was standing on the boundary at the Gabba last week and as he doesn't drink alcohol, he must be choofing through the big macs or cream puffs to get a paunch like that) with the most recent of the new coaches appointed, I was struck by the lack of big men in the group of current and potential senior coaches.

It happens as you get older even without beer or fast food.

 

[GoodOne]

Tony Shaw was from Collingwood so the no-brains theory could hold up

:cutelaugh

Good point. However I always thought Tony Shaw was a big man in a little man's body.

 

[davidrodan]

:cutelaugh

Good point. However I always thought Tony Shaw was a big man in a little man's body.

No he was an idiot in a bogan's body

 

[Tiger44]

This coming from a "Collingwood six footer" who has played a bit of footy - if you look at most successful coaches they are back pocket, hard nosed desperate types who have had to work extremely hard and hence develop a strong work ethic. Typically Hafey, Sheedy, Malthouse, Thompson (Mark), Ross Lyon, Worsfold are all of this type. Matthews and Voss are both hard nosed on ballers who had a high work ethic.
Generally speaking big ruckmen have it a bit easier because (funnily enough) they are tall so they don't have the competition for places that mid/small do. I don't think it is an intelligence level thing - more a work factor and habits developed over a career.

I have been involved in junior programs where AFL recruiters salivate over 6'6" (in the old) players with limited ability whilst 5'10" defenders/on ballers who have the ball on a string get overlooked. Hence these shorter players work harder and harder to achieve their goals - the big guys just get everything thrown at them without the same hard yards.

Brad Scott and Hardwick are both this type of player. Oddly enough Hinkley isn't - was more an outside forward who had very good skills and was quite polished.

Just my ten cents worth!

 

[Mac]

No he was an idiot in a bogan's body

:rofl

Was?

I guess now he's just a moron in a jerk's body (so many possible variations!)

 

[premiers2011]

It happens as you get older even without beer or fast food.

Not everyone.

Look at "t-shirt Tommy" He looks better than half the 30 year olds around.

Something to do with being a tee totaler and swimming and doing about a half marathon every day

 

[Bill James]

Can't relate to the players at their own level.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

I suspect that exuding a certain amount of physical/nervous energy helps coaches to communicate effectively. Big blokes don't generally have this characteristic.