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Old dog McCartney deserves some recognition

Roar Rookie
29th September, 2016
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Jason Johannisen. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Roar Rookie
29th September, 2016
5

Former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney deserves credit for the team’s impressive run of success.

McCartney left the kennel after he coached the club to 20 wins in three years. But what he did in those three years is a part of the reason the Bulldogs are breathing down the barrel of a premiership.

He was a big believer that the senior players needed tough love, whilst the younger players needed to be nurtured, and if any one player is bigger than the club and its goals, then they shouldn’t be there.

Former President Peter Gordon confirmed his support in McCartney’s beliefs that no man is bigger than the club itself.

“Our players do not run this club, we do,” he said.

Ryan Griffen and Shaun Higgins then decided their time at the club was up. At the time, the departure of captain Griffen and Higgins seemed like the end for the Dogs and that the club was in turmoil.

McCartney resigned soon after.

At the time, it was easy to blame McCartney for leaving the club in chaos. But what he actually did was set a foundation that is now a part of the Bulldogs’ winning culture.

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The culture included a team-based, honest-attacking-running style of footy, a style of footy that has been respected and loved by all AFL supporters.

Since he started until the day he left, McCartney had been honest about where the club and players were at. For some, it was a reality check that was needed.

His concluding words were for the loyal supporters to hold on too.

“What I would like to reinforce to you is that your club is in good hands,” he said.

Two years later, the Bulldogs find themselves playing in the grand final.

Young gun Jason Johannisen also believes that McCartney is a key reason for his side’s spectacular grand final run.

“Macca had a big influence on the young players because he did have a good game-style and he taught us a lot about contested ball, which we pride ourselves on,” Johannisen said.

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“He had a big impact on that. The foundation was there and Bevo (Luke Beveridge) has put that extra touch and extra belief into the players that we can play some good footy.”

McCartney is a man who should hold his head high. He should watch the game on Saturday and be proud that his hard work and commitment has helped the Bulldogs get to where they are today.

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