THE race is on to win a coveted berth in the AFL Grand Final. It’s always tough road to the “Granny” on that last Saturday in September. You need some luck on your side – injury-wise – and a hell of a lot more spirit.
When you look at the engine rooms in the six remaining clubs, a pattern emerges.
All AFL coaches served under some of the game’s greatest coaches – mostly disciplinarians who expected more than you could ever imagine.
Let’s examine these coaching products. Firstly, the in-form Saints are being led brilliantly by Ross Lyon.
In his formative years at Fitzroy in the mid 1980s, Lyon was influenced by coaching great David Parkin.
Lyon later invested in his coaching career, assisting Parkin at Carlton before making impact with his former teammate Paul Roos at Sydney.
With all of Lyon’s behind-the-scenes coaching work, it’s no surprise that Lyon has equipped himself with the skills to lead St Kilda at the highest level.
There’s no doubt “Parkinisms” have filtered through to the coaches of today.
A great mentor to budding coaches and a keen academic of the game, Parkin’s legacy is powerful. Parkin’s methods and wisdom have been shared with the game’s leaders.
These include Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade, former Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews (who has mentored Lions coach Michael Voss) and Lyon.
Eade played under the Hawthorn greats – John Kennedy, David Parkin and Allan Jeans – and has endured some extraordinary experiences in the Hawks’ golden era.
“Rocket” Eade says the Bulldogs can rebound and beat the confident Brisbane Lions this Friday night. I believe him.
Geelong’s mentor Mark “Bomber” Thompson served under Essendon coaching great Kevin Sheedy.
Thompson spent many years developing himself and his team at Geelong. What a fine job he’s done to build the camaraderie, skill and unity amongst the talented Cats. I can feel another Cats’ Grand Final berth coming on.
And Collingwood’s Mick Malthouse? Well, he’s just one tough cookie who has been at the helm since 1984. Mick is the epitomy of pure passion and won’t accept anything less than a top-notch performance.
The Magpies will be throwing everything at Adelaide this Saturday at the ‘G. Expect a crackerjack match.
Adelaide coach Neil Craig has been floating around professional football for a long time. A former SANFL player, Craig has served as an exercise physiologist and fitness adviser in elite football.
Craig’s calculated decisions have served the Crows well this year. But it remains to be seen whether they have the mettle to beat a much-improved Magpies outfit.
Six top teams ... the product of top-class coaching brains. Well-measured coaching - with a steady flow of developing, skilful players - is the key to consistent performance at the elite level.
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