Being an Australian sports tragic, I have followed with interest the progress of the Kookaburras, the Australian men’s hockey team, since Ric Charlesworth was appointed the coach in 2009.
Since his appointment, the Kookaburras have been all conquering and now possess the Champions Trophy, the World Cup, and now the Commonwealth Games gold medal. Charlesworth had similar success with the Australian women’s hockey team, the Hockeyroos, when he was coach from 1993 to 2000.
When I was watching the Kookaburras demolish India 8-0 in the gold medal match last week at the Commonwealth Games, what impressed me most was the fact that when the match was clearly in their control and keeping, they kept going and completely put India to the sword. They played like a complete team machine and were relentless for the whole match.
I thought it was also interesting that when Charlesworth was asked whether he was now happy (he had been terse, grumpy and demanding through the whole tournament), he replied that he was “temporarily pleased”.
Clearly he has his eye on a gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012 and will not be happy until his team has achieved this goal.
I believe Charlesworth describes himself as a sports and performance consultant.
I was wondering if any other readers of The Roar can see any value in the ARU trying to engage Charlesworth as a motivational consultant/coach for the Wallabies?
As I watched the clinical way in which the Kookaburras crushed India, I couldn’t help but wonder how good the Wallabies could be if they had the same level of ruthlessness instilled in them that the Kookaburras clearly have.
Thoughts?
NickF
Guest
I think Bennett working with NZ rugby league under Keaney shows his ego is under control.
Spaldo
Guest
Just had a look at his Wikipedia page. Good god, we have to get this guy for the Wallabies at some stage
Sylvester
Guest
Agreed, his methods just didn't seem to gel with NZ Cricket. But in saying that, he's used to dealing with talent...
John Alleyne
Guest
Would never be considered by the Wallaby management, you only get a job with the Wallabies if you cant coach eg Phil Blake and your not a high achiever
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
As with high achievers and high profile sports people the problem is not if they can code cross but if they can control their ego's. Bennett, Deans, Charlesworth, you name them they all have an ego and that does not tollerate having someone else calling the shots while they are not totally in control. The best example of people working within a group without too many ego problems are Henry Smith and Hansen. Pretty good example isn't it and I might add a winning example.
Jason
Guest
Because running one off has been a remarkable measure of success for them lately...
Brett McKay
Guest
correct RR, and in both of those cross-sport roles I seem to recall that he left on less than glorious terms (see Boulty's comment below). I've heard the same said about Wayne Bennett, whether he would be of use in other sports, and Harry Kewell only recently said something about wanting to have Bennett involved with the Socceroos, but you do have to wonder sort of contribution someone can make outside their chosen field of excellence...
Boulty
Guest
Just quoting what Martin Crowe said a few years ago about him, good riddance he has put NZ cricket back for the worse 10 years.The players spent most of there time getting brainwashed then more time in the nets.
Greg
Guest
Do The Wallabies need Ric Charlesworth? Only if he can get across the advantage line. They don't need another coach or consultant they need power runners one pass off the ruck -- and a stable scrum.
NickF
Guest
Another name to throw into the mix would have to be Wayne Bennett. His man management would suit any code, his record is proof that it works. Rod McQueen is another, and I am looking forward to how the Melb Rebels go the next few years.
OneJayBee
Roar Rookie
Interesting suggestion. You can't fault his history in hockey and life generally (combining being a doctor and also a political stint). Obviously an achiever. Not concerned about his (apparent) lack of rugby pedigree - I think his organisation and personnel management skills would be a great help and a bit of a consultancy would be a positive (although he'd probably have to be voluntary as all the ARU funds have to pay O'Neills salary.....). Alan Jones could never be called a great tactician but in conjunction with Alec Evans formed a great team for a period utilising their relevant skills and took the Wallabies to (then) unprecedented heights....
ben
Guest
There is always room for another critical eye, gee-up or motivation element in any elite group. I was convinced Woodward was on the right track when he appointed a peripheral vision expert to improve hand-eye-reaction time in 2003. Charlesworth would be a welcome addition.
rich1612
Guest
Never met him but two points come to mind - 1. He seems to be his most effective when he leads the show (not a second fiddle sort of guy); 2. His experience is with teams that are effectively amateur and are wholly selected on form, as we know the Wallabies are professional and are contracted players. That being said I think the Kookas demonstrate much more professionalism than the majority of the Wallabies.
johnny-boy
Guest
A pretty good suggestion actually. He couldnt do any worse than Deans now could he.
Red Rooster
Guest
He has had a go at AFL (Fremantle) and I think he was High Performance Manger at NZ cricket? He has done his best work in Hockey and when he is in charge. I dont see any value in him in a support role where he has not been as effective. He did have a crack at politics at one point so he might have some tools that would be useful in rugby
allblackfan
Guest
Whether he could make the transition from hockey to another sport (especially a contact one) is another matter ...
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Ric Charlesworth is the best Australian coach bar none. In any code. He gets the best out of his charges and is a strict disciplinarian. He would not put up with the "entitled" sportsmen in cricket,Rugby or AFL. Sporting administrators in Rugby and cricket would be petrified of the Doctor. Some of his medicine is painful. But he is respected by the players and speaks with authority as he has been there and done it.