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Alan Richardson could be a victim of his own misfortune and not gain top post as Essendon coach. If it is the case, it will be hard luck for the man who has worked as hard as anyone for the open position.
With supporters already aware of his position as assistant coach at the Bombers, which he has held since the start of the 2008 AFL season, it will be possibly a hard road for “Richo”. Dons fans don’t want a man with the same game plan as Matthew Knights and with Richardson as one of his second men during his tenure (the other being Gary O’Donnell), this will place him in the gun of criticism.
Richardson said he has a coaching philosophy based on those of AFL legend Leigh Matthews and Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, and this is a great sign. But, the club may think he has the same tactics and vision as Knights as he has been under his collar for the past few years, a coach that has soaked into his mind the work of his colleague. If the final case, it would be devastating for Richardson, but he may never know why he isn’t selected if the Bombers tell him otherwise and hide the real truth.
As a player under Matthews for nine years at Collingwood and assistant under Malthouse for three years, Richardson has a wealth of knowledge. He is up against some big opposition in Mark Williams and Dean Laidley, but it is comforting knowing former Don Mark Thompson won’t be challenging for the coaching role having taken himself out.
Withdrawing himself from the Port job which Matthew Primus won, has given Richardson every possible opportunity for the Essendon job. He’s done it all. Suburban football coaching for East Burwood, VFL with Coburg and at AFL level with the Western Bulldogs as an assistant and then as mentioned Collingwood before Essendon, so all’s hoping the Essendon selection panel for the coaching gig don’t knock him off his perch as a possible front runner because of his recent history at the Dons.
As Richardson has noted – assistant coaches should not be considered extensions of their former bosses. Leigh Matthews was successful taking over Bob Rose’s coaching role at Collingwood, likewise the system at Sydney with Paul Roos as assistant who replaced Rodney Eade.
Matthews won a premiership in 1990 for the Pies, five years after he took the top job in 1986. Roos is similar though quicker with a flag in 2005, after taking the Sydney coaching helm from Eade, half-way through the 2002 season. History has shown those following on from their clubs main men have performed well.
An exciting list as Richardson sees the Bombers proves he is highly interested in the position and does not feel insecure with an under performing side of 2010. He wants to be successful and win a premiership, and that’s what Dons supporters have always wanted like under Kevin Sheedy’s reign.
Mark Williams is getting most of the media attention, and it’s only a good thing for Richardson. He knows he has what it takes; it’s only the Essendon coaching selection panel in which can stop him. His fate lays in the hands of Essendon CEO Ian Robson, General Manager of Football Operations Paul Hamilton and former player Scott Lucas, Club Chairman David Evans who will oversee the panel, and then the Essendon board which will make the final decision. With Lucas on the panel that can only help his cause.
So what does Essendon have to worry about? Nothing, except their own insanity that he could well be the same coach as his past predecessor.
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