The latter half of the AFL season typically produces more coaching rumours than any other time of year, most of which is unfounded, speculative gossip.
You only had to watch Footy Classified’s self-proclaimed ‘news-breakers’, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchison, last night to realise that, despite all their speculation on the subject of Nathan Buckley’s future, they have no idea what is going to happen and are merely guessing.
How their guesses, albeit educated guesses, make accurate journalism is questionable.
Nathan Buckley has been tight-lipped about his future in 2010, other than stating earlier in the season that it is his goal to coach at senior level, in some capacity.
The rest of the chatter surrounding him is circumstantial hearsay created and printed by journalists and footy ‘experts.’
James Hird urged Buckley in the Herald Sun to go to the Tigers and bring them back from the brink. Mick Malthouse is harassed at press conferences, fielding questions about his willingness to work with his former captain.
North Melbourne’s desire to obtain the Brownlow winner is no secret, but just how close Buckley is to signing with them is a mystery.
The Tigers don’t reveal too much other than continually repeating the club line that their ‘three-step’ approach will be applied to any and all candidates. All of this material is analysed to produce likely future scenarios, all of which are as likely as each other with the deafening silence coming out of the Buckley camp.
Where Bucks will go, only he knows.
We can guess wildly about his ambition, his preferred pathway to head coaching and his personality, but none of this makes solid evidence.
When he makes that decision, that will be the real news.
Kazama
Roar Guru
The question is Pip, would they be able to work together? Would you be able to work with someone who the club president is basically in love with, who you know will be taking your job one day, and probably sooner than later?
Pippinu
Roar Guru
It's an interesting concept. Probably an extreme example of succession planning. But if they were able to work together, look each other in the eye knowing that the student would soon become master, well, why not?
Kazama
Roar Guru
Here we go again: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25822734-5018851,00.html
Pippinu
Roar Guru
NIce strip too!
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Long live the mullet!!
Kazama
Roar Guru
Indeed. The union jack is not a rare sight at a Doggies game; nor is the mullet.
Kazama
Roar Guru
1. The current alternate guernsey they use is white but with the standard red/white/blue hoops rather than the two vertical stripes: http://cdfc.com.au/cms/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&func=detail&id=537&Itemid=27 2. Perhaps a possibility given your club's current financial situation. The Doggies have probably the biggest (and most feral) fanbase in the SANFL, so maybe there is a way for your club to tap into that.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Interestingly - their histories are very similar - representing protestant working class areas (and no doubt the colours and nick name derive directly from that fact)
Kazama
Roar Guru
Likewise for me - my parents both have life membership at an SANFL club, but not the Eagles!
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Kaz you don't have to tell me that Centrals are the doggies!! It's often made me think: 1. Wouldn't mind using their strip as an alternative design (white with the two verticla stripes - do they still use that?) 2. if down the track the bullies had found it too hard to survive, whether they could have some form of amalgamation that allowed for say four Bulldogs home games to be played at AAMI (almost like a 3rd Adelaide side).
glocko87
Guest
Yes Kazama, it should be a big one! I should note I have a father who played for Norwood so my allegiance is somewhat treacherous!
Kazama
Roar Guru
Good point Pip. Actually the SANFL may be a great place to study this, given that so many of the clubs are, and have been for a long time, reliant on female members, staff, trainers, cheerleaders and of course volunteers. I'm an Eagles fan myself. The Bays have a big game coming up on Saturday against the Doggies (Central District). For all the non-SANFL fans reading this, at the moment Glenelg are on top of the ladder and Centrals (like the Collingwood of SA) are second, one win behind. It's the Grand Final replay as well. Hopefully the rain holds off.
glocko
Guest
I absolutely agree. In my family, my mother, sister and grandmother are all keen about footy and although we don't play it, we really do love it! I think that some men underestimate the knowledge that some women have of the game and their interest in it, which is a shame. In my experience not too many guys are interested in my opinions!! I don't pretend to know the sport inside out but I am always keen to learn and ask questions! I don't follow Port in SANFL actually, I follow Glenelg!
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Glocko Many of our non-AFL friends here on the Roar probably don't appreciate the depth of support for aussie rules amongst the female population. If you ever get half a chance, it would be great to explore that subject. I think something like 45% of all attendances and memberships are female, which I would think is a massive proportion amongst the football codes, and no doubt is very important to the financial well being of clubs. By the way, seeing that you're in Adelaide, do you follow Port in the SANFL?? :)
glocko
Guest
Kazama Yes, when I picked my team I should have had that foresight! This weekend I get a rest because it's Showdown, so for once, no one will care!! Pippinu Yes I am a she! And I barrack for the Pies so no 4xc from me! Cheers for the welcome!
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Glocko are you a she?? Welcome to the Roar. I'm sick of having to put up with blokes who don't know their @rse from their face!!! If you hate Collingwood, click "c" four times: cccc
Kazama
Roar Guru
Fair enough not supporting the Crows then. There are however nine other Victorian teams you could have picked, all of them guaranteed to make you more friends, or at least less enemies, when responding to standard Adelaidian question #47 ("So, which footy team do you support?").
glocko
Guest
Paton, I think you have misunderstood me. The very point I am trying to make is that there is a lot of unnecessary speculation about football by journalists trying to break a story before it happens, and losing focus on reporting on the sport. Because I am a writer does that mean I am not a true fan of the sport and my club? I choose to write about football because I am passionate about it! I am not 'coming out of the woodwork' but have been a steadfast supporter of the Pies the entirety of my short life. AFL Merchandise you hit the nail on the head: when he makes an agreement with the club is what I am waiting for, gossip and guessing is useless! Thanks for the support from everyone else. To clarify I am a Victorian who moved to Adelaide to study, so supporting the Crows was never an option!!
AFL Merchandise
Guest
I'm sure wherever he ends up he will make a positive impact - he has footy smarts and a brain for leadership. Journalists can speculate as much as they want, the reality is he probably doesn't know himself yet. He will likely meet with a number of teams to discuss his future. Can't wait to hear when an agreement is reached.
blinq
Guest
Leave it out, let them play. I really don't care what the tabloids are saying, good thing I don't read it, I know it's a waste of time. My passion is with the game.