The sacking of Michael Voss as head coach could signal a changing of the guard at the Brisbane Lions.
Voss, who has been associated with the club ever since the days of the Brisbane Bears, was told on Tuesday his services would not be required for the 2014 season.
His sacking came as no surprise, given the Brisbane Lions haven’t had an impressive season, but the fact the team appears unlikely to play in September this year, as well as a coaching record of around 40%, may have been a big factor behind the decision.
But somehow the Lions still remain in finals contention, and have produced some amazing performances this year, none more so than that spectacular comeback against Geelong in Round 13 whereby Ashley McGrath, playing his 200th AFL game, kicked the match-winning goal to seal a 52-point comeback win for the Lions.
Since taking the club he captained to a hat-trick of premierships in the early part of the decade to the finals as their coach in 2009, the Lions have not impressed on the field and the highest finish the club has been able to manage was 13th (in 2010 and 2012).
The club also implemented a recycled player policy, similar to that of the Sydney Swans (who are the masters in that department, as proven by two flags in the last eight years), and while that has worked out, some have failed to fire.
The biggest example was Brendan Fevola, whose intimidating figure, which made him famous at Carlton with two Coleman Medals, diminished after he was traded from the club following that infamous drunken episode at the 2009 Brownlow Medal.
Although he was able to boot 48 goals from 17 matches with his new club, a groin injury and a series of alcohol issues saw him sacked from the Lions in early 2011.
Others who have continued (or spent part of) their careers in Brisbane include Brent Staker, Matt Maguire, Brent Moloney, Travis Johnstone and Stefan Martin, among others.
All except Martin have proven to be valuable buys for the Lions in recent years.
As of now, only Simon Black, Jonathan Brown and Ashley McGrath remain from the powerhouse team that captured a hat-trick of flags between 2001 and 2003. And it won’t be long before neither man remains.
Voss’ sacking now means the Lions are on the lookout for a new coach.
Assistant coach Mark Harvey could be considered an early favourite, having taken Fremantle to the finals in 2010 before being controversially sacked 12 months later in favour of Ross Lyon.
To this day I still believe Harvey was unfairly treated by the Dockers, who had secretly been launching an assault on Lyon during the 2011 season without either man’s knowledge.
Additionally, the Dockers suffered one of the worst injury tolls in the AFL, which almost prevented them from being able to even field 22 men for what would be his final match in charge, against the Western Bulldogs in the final round of that season.
But undoubtedly, top of the Lions’ wish list is former Sydney Swans premiership coach Paul Roos.
Roos has repeatedly reiterated he is not interested in returning to the coaching scene, but the lure of Queensland’s glorious weather (especially during the summer) and the chance to inherit a talented playing list could entice him to make a move up north.
He also has a strong link to the Lions through his playing days, when he represented Fitzroy (one half of the merger) along with good friend Ross Lyon during his illustrious 356-game playing career.
His youngest son also completes high school this year, and it could also be time for the family to move away from the lifestyle of Sydney, which Roos enjoyed during his Swans coaching days.
But if Roos were to coach the Brisbane Lions, then Sydney fans would be frightened at the prospect of him coaching against the team which he turned from pretenders to contenders in the space of four years.
Roos inherited a dispirited Sydney Swans squad midway through 2002 and in three years he turned the likes of Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton, Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Barry Hall, among others, into a premiership winning team.
However, most of the Brisbane Lions squad will relish playing under one of the most trusted mentors in the game, and there is no doubt he will fast-track the development of their youngsters as well.
But the question many Lions fans may want answered – can he return the Lions to the once-dominant force they were?
He might not become the next Brisbane Lions premiership coach but there is no doubt he will be able to return the club to where they belong, and that is in the top half of the competition.
Roos’ coaching record might not be the best in the league, but his resume is very impressive.
In eight completed seasons coaching the Swans, he coached the club to the 2005 premiership, its narrowly unsuccessful defence of it the following year, and missed the finals just once, in 2009.
It was his coaching influence which has seen the likes of Ross Lyon and John Longmire, assistant coaches under Roos when the Swans won the flag in 2005, become successful head coaches in their own right.
Lyon took St Kilda to three grand finals in 2009 and 2010, and will become the first man to take Fremantle to two consecutive finals series this year.
Longmire, on the other hand, has had more instant success, keeping the Sydney Swans at the top half of the competition and taking them to last year’s flag.
So, who should be the Brisbane Lions’ next coach? And can he coach them back to the top half of the competition in 2014? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Gecko
Guest
And another left fielder - what about Mark Harvey? Maybe Voss stepped down to give Harvey a few weeks to show what he can do. ... No I don't think that's likely either. Brisbane need a coach with good media skills and Harvey doesn't fit. I expect they'd be looking at an experienced coach rather than a Blakey, Lambert etc both for reasons of media profile and 'coz business-wise they couldn't risk another few years in the wilderness.
Steve J
Roar Guru
This is strangely familiar. I remember when Melbourne were last in search of a coach and so were Adelaide, St KIlda and the Western Bulldogs. Looks like they'll only be competing with Brisbane this time around, unless John Worsfold decides at the last minute to throw it all in. I can't see any other coaching changes happening this year, with Norths unlikely to move on Scott and the decision on Hird a mystery to all. So what will happen in the coaching stakes, will Melbourne blink like they did last time and grab a coach who was not the best option at the time. I have read reports that they were hasty in selecting Neeld because they thought Adelaide or the Dogs were going to sign him. Willing to stand corrected on that account An experienced coach is what they most likely need after a few years in the wilderness of late. Roos would be ideal, but if Worsfold has had enough of West Coast why wouldn't they chase him? He's a premiership coach and highly respected. Otherwise they will best look to those coaches who have apprenticed under Roos / Longmire or Clarkson. Coaches like Brendon Bolton or John Blakey would have a great wealth of knowledge about how successful teams operate. Or even left field - Peter Sumich. He's had two years under Lyon and umpteen under Worsfold. He also seems to have the appetite for the role.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I have often thought if it were to be anyone coaching Melbourne there would only be one man... Choco!!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I would love to see Choco in the job. I think Roos is quite happy to just do his media commitments and drool over his former players when he commentates ;) I joke but in all seriousness when you look at what Choco has done with putting Dusty Martin in his place, and the work he did with GWS and Port surely he is the man for the gig. Only thing is he wants to stay in Melbourne...
Franko
Guest
Some coaches beyond Roos with a Fitzroy/Brisbane connection Mark Williams – Played 2 ½ years with the Bears, didn’t really like the place and wants to coach in Melbourne. Nathan Buckley – Same as Choco, reluctantly went there in his playing days, looked like a dead man walking a few weeks ago. Chris Johnson – Club champion, currently coaching at the AFL/AIS U18 Roger Merrett – Was coaching at Southport but had a stroke last year. Mark Mickan – Captained the Bears at one stage. Pretty good coach at SANFL level, left West Adelaide last season, not sure what he’s up to now. Robert Walls – Played and coached there already, 4 years older than Malthouse, could be a stretch. Marcus Ashcroft – Currently an assistant at GC Craig Lambert – Currently an assistant at GWS Shaun Hart – Coaching at either GC or Southport, not sure if he is running as the Family First candidate in this election though. Matthew Primus – Played at Fitzroy, terrible time at Port but is still thought to have a good coaching brain. Rodney Eade - Played a season or two up there at the tail end of his career. Has experience on the east coast, Melbourne may nab him. In summing up, Rodney Eade to Brissy, Choco to Melbourne.
Judy Morris
Guest
I was a Fitzroy supporter untill I became a Brisbane lion supporter.The Fitzroy connection would be great kept by Paul Roos if coach,but not at the downfall of Vossy. Shabby treatment of a special player.The board knew he would have to learn the ropes when he was given the job.They have gone behind his back and already had talks with Roos up to about 1 month ago according to commentaters this morning on TV.How come the journos know but Voss didn't.??? Does this mean Black and Brown will be told to go also [NO contract ] I know Brown wanted him to stay on.These football boards should keep out of the football departments and let them do their jobs without pressure.I would say maybe the sponsers run these clubs and want big results to bring attention to their products.Totally BAD day for Brisbane LIONS.At least they knew Vossy was all for this club.[LOYAL] will someone else be the same.?You are only a LIONS follower or you're not.Someone from another team is not .Roos would be accepted maybe.?????
JohnL
Guest
Yes, seriously. Explain to me under what grounds the board has 'sacked' Voss. Not having a contract renewed after the current one expires is not the same as being sacked. In fact Voss is actually not fulfilling his part of the contract and seeing it through to the end. He is walking away. I am guessing when you read Franko's comment above you read that differently to mine about how Voss was not sacked.
Australian Rules
Guest
Seriously?
JohnL
Guest
Why is a completion of a contract being called a sacking? Voss contract is being completed and a new one is not being offered to him. Voss has decided to walk away. How has the club sacked him?
BigAl
Guest
One would like to think that the days of an AFL coach being appointed because he is; recently retired; a much loved golden boy of the team; sensational player in their time.. but with minimal to no coaching experience/record are long since passed. AFL teams should more professional than this. A big part of what drives this is the lure of large (but short term ? ) cash inflows from increased membership and sponsors - parallels with Essendon here
Franko
Guest
You are correct DG, but Voss has not been 'sacked'. The board told him they wouldn't renew his contract in 2014, so he said he'd step down. I know it doesn't make a big difference, but I think he's done a pretty good job at Brisbane and doesn't deserve the 'sacked' title.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I heard last night Franko that Harvey has taken over for the rest of the year. Voss will address the playing group today then Press conference with Board at midday and it's all she wrote.
Franko
Guest
Agreed, I think it is somewhat surprising, they either have someone lined up or they are mad. Small point though, he wasn't sacked. Voss is completing his contract, it's just not being renewed.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Franko Franko Franko....NO NO BL00DY NO I do feel we won't have to worry about this. Primus like a few others is destined to Ass Coach only bin!
JohnD
Guest
I want Paul Roos but he won't come.
Matt
Guest
mybe the wrong place for that comment champ
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Sacking has come as no surprise? You kidding aren't you? The general consensus was Voss had done enough in the back half of the season to get a 12 month extension. Aside from that the club had always said that they would be looking at that decision at the end of the season. So I'd imagine that his immediate sacking has come at a great surprise in the AFL community.
Franko
Guest
Matthew Primus is a former Fitzroy player and is already living in QLD, an assistant coach at GC. Just saying...
Paul Attwood
Guest
It is quite obvious after all said and done, Essendon undertook a supplements program to gain an on-the-field advantage over the other Clubs. Whether it was illegal-time will tell. In any event, it was dangerous to the players' health and who knows the long-term effects it will have? James Hird must accept full responsibility along with others and should suffer the consequences. Who in their right mind would okay the injecting of foreign substances without knowing the real dangers involved. The other Clubs should not feel any empathy for Essendon. Their on field performance was 'false'.