Freo's Anthony Morabito is congratulated by team-mate Hayden Ballantyne after scoring a goal during the AFL Round 03 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Geelong Cats at Subiaco Oval, Perth. Slattery Images
At the start of the season, it was pretty easy to suggest that a couple of coaches in particular were skating on thin ice. Probably the most vulnerable was Mark Harvey at Fremantle.
Harvey was appointed coach for 3 years back in September 2007. After successive seasons of finishing 14th, Harvey would have been desperate for something positive in 2010.
However, after having lost mature bodies and experience from his midfield at the end of 2008, he was left with a bunch of no names and kids for 2009.
Competitiveness diminished as their percentage dropped from 93.7 in 2008 to 77.3 in 2009.
And so to season 2010. Who could have picked Freo to be sitting just a percentage off top spot 6 weeks in. 5 wins from 6 and a game clear in fourth?
Harvey looks safe. And the Dockers look buoyant.
Can the same be said for John Worsfold over at the Eagles?
Much more was expected of the Eagles this year, and sitting 1-5 with only a home win over the disappointed Bombers to show, is not a confidence inspiring start.
Other coaches who may suddenly be in more trouble than would have been thought at the start of the season include:
Neil Craig: Adelaide 0-6 with a need for a list clean out and perhaps a new coach at the same time.
Alistair Clarkson: a Premiership in 2008, but they have gone backwards since. Perhaps the magic spell is broken.
Dean Bailey: like Harvey, he will be breathing far easier now that he’s managed to extract some encouraging form from his young list, as well.
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