Jason Akermanis has stated publicly that he wants to coach at AFL level, even though his coaching career is still at the infancy stage.
Essendon is the latest club to be linked with Akermanis in a development coaching role, the question is should Akermanis be given a chance, or is too much a risk?
Certainly Akermanis’s record as a player speaks for itself, playing more than 300 games, winning three premierships, two best and fairests, a Brownlow medal, and being named All-Australian four times.
Most players would be pretty happy to have that on their CV. But for all his brilliance on the field, Akermanis is known just as much for his antics and opinions off the field.
Akermanis’s playing career did not end with a fairytale. Instead he was sacked partway through the 2010 season by the Western Bulldogs after he had reportedly lost the trust of the playing group. Depending on who is telling the story, it was a similar occurrence at Brisbane.
Akermanis was transitioning himself for life after football and was certainly spending more time in the media with a regular newspaper column and regular radio and television appearances.
He has not been afraid to give his opinion which has often caused a stir. From providing comments on drugs to his views on homosexual players, Akermanis was always someone the media could rely on to comment on a matter, football related or not.
It would appear Akermanis is serious about transitioning to AFL level. He has coached North Albury since 2013 in the Ovens and Murray League, gaining valuable experience along the way.
He has also completed his Level 2 coaching course which is generally valued favourably by AFL clubs. While North Albury has not won a premiership, the club has played finals football, and the club was bottom when Akermanis took over.
Akermanis is well aware his past may be something that counts against him and whether he can be taken seriously for a role within an AFL environment remains to be seen.
“My opinions and the way I go about things as a coach are completely the opposite to when I played. I’m a completely different person doing a completely different role,” he said.
Essendon are expected to interview Akermanis formally next week. In the past there would be not be a dull moment with the former AFL footballer around, but maybe Akermanis the coach is a different story.
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For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
Old mate summing it up better than anyone possibly could!
