Mick Malthouse talks to his team at 1/4 time during the AFL Round 03 match between St Kilda Saints and the Collingwood Magpies at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Slattery Images
As Fred Weatherley wrote in that 1913 folk classic, is it possible that the final resting place – in coaching terms at least – could be the Republic Of Ireland?
I wrote for another publication back in November last year that one of the main reasons the International Rules Test series got back on track after a number of violence-related disaster tours was Mick Malthouse, Australia’s coach.
Ignore the convincing Aussie victory in those Tests for the Cormac McAnallen Trophy. The quality of the matches was courtesy of the coaches – Ant Tohill of Ireland, and Malthouse. It was nothing but smooth, easy Malt, as it were. A man who genuinely cared about the IRF concept and treated it with respect rather than disdain.
Footy fans should be proud of him for doing so. He’s ensured the survival of the concept for at least another year or two. No-one else seems to be nicer to the IRF idea than Malthouse. He calls it taking the best bits of both sports and producing something special. Malthouse told The Irish Times’ Sean Moran that the gaelic connection would only improve Aussie Rules in the long term.
“Too many people think our game is complete… That’s the death of any sport. You’ve got to keep expanding and looking outside,” Malthouse said at the time.
Anyway, Mick is scheduled to apparently at least hang around Collingwood until 2014 as a coaching director – presumably that means he’ll have a hotline earpiece to new boss Nathan Buckley and toss him morsels of football fortune-cookie wisdom every afternoon. But what about after all that is done?
As Herald Sun writer John Ralph put it on February 12: “At 57, and with grandchildren multiplying, a less-taxing future makes sense – but even an hour with Malthouse give the unmistakable vibe he is not prepared to wander off into the sunset.” Ralph added that the Pies coach “is at the peak of his powers”.
“It might take a messy departure at season’s end, but surely he will coach on elsewhere?” he wrote.
Why not in the Emerald Isle? Malthouse could return to Ireland and complete his career coaching an All-Ireland GAA side – Dublin, Kerry, Cork, etc… It would be a fascinating finish to his life in the game, and I have no doubt he’d make a terrific manager over there, too.
I know of at least one district footy player from Victoria – Wedderburn’s Ro McHugh – who has just begun a two-year stint at Clontarf in the Dublin regional league. His father reckoned it would only be the start of a flood of footballing traffic in the Australia-Ireland direction, a reversal of the common theme in recent years of the AFL seemingly “poaching” the best GAA talent. Would Mick be willing to be gladly nabbed by an Irish club?
I emphasize here that, while I do enjoy my footy, I am not a specific Collingwood-lover or hater – just someone interested in where Mick might go next, although I don’t agree with Ralph that he’s the AFL’s equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson (I’ve always thought of Kevin Sheedy in that role, but that’s a debate for another day).
Still, whether he’s a proto-Fergie or not (Sir Michael Malthouse, anyone?), any gaelic club would definitely be in safe hands if Malthouse was at the helm. To be sure.
GrantS
Guest
I am a punter but that is one bet I wouldn't take because there are too many variables against me. Still, it's a shame to see the man's talent wasted.
Richard
Roar Guru
I would think there would be a better chance of Brendan Fevola becoming Prime Minister, or that St. Kilda girl becoming the queen, than Malthouse going interstate again, no matter what happens with John Worsfold or Vossy. He's a great family man. His daughter has just given him another grandchild, he's clearly enjoying his life as an elder statesman, and he's the prime candidate to revive the international series as long term coach. He would want to remain in the heartland of Australian Football, close to AFL HQ. If Malthouse was to go, Carlton is the only real possibility imo - he is, it's said, a great friend of Greg Swann. But Malthouse has a contract with Collingwood, he has said he will honour it, and it is clear that he, Buckley, McGuire, Walsh and Pert have great respect for each other. They are all real corporate professionals, which is the true reason for Collingwood's great success as a club these days. I'll bet he'll stay. I'm so confident I'd put money on it.
GrantS
Guest
Even if West Coast have a reasonable season I think Worsfold will not survive. With regards to Malthouse moving into the background and Buckley to the fore I am surprised Mick signed a contract like that. It may well be (as Richard stated) that there is some strong club affiliation there. I am not "in the know" so unfortunately can not comment. Guess we will just have to wait and see.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
There is every chance that Malthouse could end up at West Coast Eagles where he won won his initial GF's with. They are probably half a bad season away from sacking Worsfold (it is his final year) and would be looking for experience due to the youthful list that they have. They would certainly have the cash. People can't seriously expect that Malthouse would be happy being shunted into the background at CFC and watching Buckley stroll in and take over a team that he and his recruiters put together which was capable of winning a GF. Eddie can rant and rave that he will sue if the contract is broken, maybe Ed should learn some basic contract law before mouthing off. It would be a restraint of trade to prevent Malthouse from practising his occupation as a senior AFL Coach. Other clubs possibly in line for new coaches depending on how their seasons play out - Carlton, Melbourne, Brisbane, pretty much every other club coach will survive this year regardless of where their club finishes.
GrantS
Guest
Buckley was a great player and so if he wished to be arrogant that is his decision. However, I noticed that when he became a commentator the arrogance dropped off a lot (but then soon came back after his coaching confirmation.)
GrantS
Guest
No Richard I do not underestimate the integrity of Mick Malthouse and I am sure if Collingwood want to hold him to his contract then he will stay ,but I would like to see Buckley go it on his own and Mick move to strengthen another club.
Koops
Guest
I am suprised there is not more traffic between Gaelic footy and Australian football , i have come across plenty of Irishmen playing bush/metro leagues in Australia, but have not heard of many Australians going to Ireland to play Gaelic at grass roots level. On Malthouse, i would not be suprised if he leaves Collingwood, but only with their blessing, but ATM they are a shoe in for the flag this year. Buckley to me seems to be a little bit arrogant, does he have the players ears.
Richard
Roar Guru
Malthouse will take part alright, as an AFL elder statesman. If you think he will leave CFC at the end of 2011, methinks you greatly underestimate both the integrity of the man and the strength of the links he has to the Club. Mark my words. He'll stay.
Richard
Roar Guru
Mick has said that he will honour his contract with Collingwood FC. I'd be prepared to bet that's exactly what he does. Carlton will have to go elsewhere for a decent coach. Melbourne already have one.
GrantS
Guest
Coaches like Malthouse (and Sheedy) don't come around every day. When Sheeds left Essendon I was very disappointed but now we see him back ,once again, in a new and demanding role. In my opinion having a coach of Mick Malthouses' abilities sitting around in a "babysitting" position is degrading to both him and Buckley and I'm sure not wanted by either of them. I believe we will see Malthouse leave Collingwood at the end of 2011 and go to one of the other clubs (where the coaches are already looking over their shoulders.) No matter if you like or dislike Malthouse and Sheedy , the fact remains they have exceptional talents and our code benefits by having them take part.
Redb
Roar Guru
Intriguing questions? I doubt Malthouse will end up in Ireland though. The real focus is on the end of this year when he is contracted to hand over the reigns to Buckley and stay on for a further 3 years as Director of Coaching. Director of Coaching is that a euphemism for 'back seat driver' ? If Matlhouse is indeed at the height of his powers and provides Collingwood with back to back flags (perish the thought) how can he possibly stay with the Magpies? Throw in Paul Roos he seems to be warming to the idea of coahcing again, then we could ahve two very senior and highly capable AFL senior coaches ready to fill the void at failed seasons from either Carlton or Melbourne mehinks. Or could Paul Roos end up back at the Lions to replace Voss or even Malthouse?