If Nathan Buckley manages to land a coaching contract as large as some are speculating, he owes Michael Voss a beer, maybe even a carton of beer. Well, $400,000 is closer to the mark.
It was not long ago that supporters and those in the media were questioning Michael Voss’ credentials for a coaching positioning. Some even questioned Voss’ character as he seemed interested one week, and not the next. Once he signed as an assistant for the West Coast Eagles, peace was restored. The natural order was back in place. Voss would go the ‘traditional’ route, being an assistant at another club before putting his hat into the ring for a senior role.
But that all changed when Leigh Matthews, somewhat surprisingly pulled the pin on a stellar coaching career. Voss would have known if he wanted to coach Brisbane, now was the chance. Possibly the only chance. As cut throat as modern AFL coaching is, clubs tend to back in new coaches for their first contract, and if a coach mentions ‘rebuilding’, he’s guaranteed 3 years in the top job. And Voss would not like a scenario where he is promised the job down the track. As John Longmire knows; sometimes senior coaches get more comfortable than first planned.
The argument for Voss failing was not flawed at all. To say a good player equates to a good coach is a fallacy. There are t0o many examples that prove it wrong. Too many ordinary players, in sport worldwide, who have become great coaches. Self dubbed ‘The Special One’, soccer’s Jose Mourinho’s managing record speaks for itself, but he never played professionally. Current premiership coach Alastair Clarkson’s playing record is hardly illustrious either. And successful players have struggled in the move to coaching.
However, Brisbane may have been harder to convince. After all, the player of the century just provided them with three premierships in a row, a seemingly impossible task in modern football. And let’s not forget Voss’ popularity in Queensland. Marketability shouldn’t be a key focus for selecting a coach, but when your club is struggling to attract fans and members, it is looked at.
If Brisbane were now struggling, newspapers country wide would be full of ‘I told you so’ articles. But they aren’t. Brisbane has been one of the surprises of the 2009 season, currently sitting 5th, with only percentage holding them back from a top 4 position. For a club that has been out of the finals for so long, making top 4 would be a massive achievement, and a lot of credit must go to Voss.
Now Buckley is reportedly heavily sought after, particularly from North Melbourne. James Brayshaw’s comments on the Sunday Footy Show yesterday were bizarre. To give a candidate significant time to decide whether he actually wants to coach, when another candidate is already coaching the team and presumably with many others wanting an interview, is odd, to say the least. It dismantles any ‘process’ and could make North look silly if they don’t land Buckley.
Not only would have Voss’ failure brought about hind sight specialists, it would also have severely dampened Buckley’s chances as a senior coach. Voss broke the mould of becoming a senior coach. No prior senior experience. Buckley has exactly the same credentials as Voss did last year. A fantastic playing career, junior coaching with the AIS and some work in the media.
The trend is turning. If Buckley signs with North and Rawlings stays at Richmond, combined with the young Alistair Clarkson, the gap between AFL’s oldest and youngest coaches will be huge. Maybe it’s time to bring the player coach back?
Hmm, probably not.
Guest article by Julian Major who also writes for judgejulianandexecutioner -Check out his latest article to find out why 22 is the new 18
Tags: Guest Posts, Julian Major, Michael Voss, Nathan Buckley
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