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One of the great things about the AFL is the seesawing effect that ensures every team has its day in the sun as well as in the dark.
Many believe that the implementation of the new era in Australian Rules paved the way for this with the introduction of the draft and many other policies which saw the league move away from what it once was.
However, while many other clubs have benefited from this a few clubs have still failed to either implement or adapt to this system, and results have shown. Teams such as Hawthorn, West Coast and Sydney have been successful in their rebuilding process.
Unfortunately, the once mighty Carlton have failed.
The Blues were a formidable powerhouse in days gone by, however they have been significantly impacted in this new era as they have refused to adopt the rebuild system. Former outspoken president John Elliot mocked the term rebuild, as not being the Carlton way.
This style of attitude has resulted in the club being surpassed by other teams, and being left wondering why they have not been able to get back to the success that underlines their 16 premierships.
The current state at Carlton is simple – the team is in shambles. While it is very difficult to make dramatic changes a third of the way into a season, there is no doubt that things must change in order for the club to relive their success.
For Carlton to relive success, they must implement the painful long process of improvement, which is also known as a rebuild faze.
Carlton have never really experienced a rebuild stage as the club as traditionally done whatever it could to find a ‘quick fix’ whether it’d be the sacking of a coach or the recruitment of star players in order to achieve success. Although Uncle Jack’s fortunes may have won the Blues a few flags, they will need a bit more than that if they want similar success anytime soon.
An ideal start for this process would be for Carlton to analyse what rivals Hawthorn did some years ago. The Hawks understood that a rebuild had to happen and thus did so, through the signing of Alastair Clarkson, who immediately swung the axe and ultimately created a new side.
In contrast, while Carlton does not necessarily need to sack Malthouse, there must be some significant list changes over the summer that transform the team and start them in the right direction. The club must also continue to use the draft to their advantage and recruit players to suit specific needs that possess specific qualities that can help the teams on-field performance.
As much as on-field work is important, it’s what happens off-field that really makes a club.
The amount of faith that Carlton fans have for their side can be summed up by the 16,000 people that rocked up to their match with GWS. Carlton currently have 46,000 members, but the Blues must look to get that figure well above 50,000 mark and create a strong supporter base that will help carry them through the rebuild.
The club must recreate that emotional connection between the club and supporters.
Although Carlton won’t necessarily be winning many games in the early rebuilding stage, the supporters will acknowledge this and thus a new hope and excitement for the future will be established which will ensure more bums on seats – a crucial factor in re-capturing hostility and aggression.
There is also the issue as to who will lead this charge forward. Mick Malthouse has been under heavy scrutiny recently, however he has gained significant credibility over his tenure as an AFL coach.
Looking back at some of the past premiers such as the likes of Hawthorn and Geelong, these clubs had to endure rebuilding stages to get the club to where they are today. This included sticking with their coach through thick and thin.
In addition to implementing a rebuild plan, list management and player development becomes extremely important. Without a strong process and plan to develop young draftees, any rebuild strategy will fail. All of a sudden Stephen Silvagni becomes integral in laying the future foundation for the blues, as will the appointments of future development coaches.
Ultimately, the way the game is right now, a quick fix is very undesirable. In many cases it will only send clubs even further backwards.
The process from bottom to top is not one that can happen overnight. Carlton must acknowledge that it is a hefty process that will lead to much blood and tears, but if done right will lead to great rewards.
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