It is difficult to analyse if Neil Craig has done a good job or bad job at Essendon. Certainly with the ASADA issues it is difficult to judge overall performance of coaches, players or administrators at Essendon.
Since the start of 2015, James Hird has already lost his position, and Nathan Bassett has moved to Port Adelaide as their new defensive coach. John Worsfold is the favourite to take over at Essendon and no doubt this will lead to a further shuffle in the coaching box.
So where does this leave Neil Craig?
With Steven Trigg at Carlton the rumour mill is in full swing that Craig will find his way to Carlton in a Director of Coaching role, especially with first time AFL coach in Brendon Bolton at the helm.
As coach at Adelaide, Neil Craig had a good overall win/loss record between 2004-2011. What was considered Craig’s weakness was match day coaching, and most notably finals in which Adelaide had a 3-6 win/loss ratio during Craig’s tenure.
A disappointing 2011 season saw Neil Craig depart after Round 16, bringing an end to a long association at Adelaide. Before coaching, Craig was a fitness adviser during the Crows Premierships under Malcom Blight in 1997 and 1998.
Recently Neil Craig has not been involved in a lot of success. After leaving Adelaide, Neil Craig found himself at the Melbourne where he was appointed the Director of Sports Performance role, a job primarily mentoring and assisting players as well as the assistant coaches at the club, while also providing support to new senior coach Mark Neeld.
Unfortunately the performance of the Demons continued to be poor and Neeld was sacked part way through 2013. Craig took over as a caretaker coach for the remainder of the season.
The change in coach did not really lead to a boost in form. Melbourne won 1 game out of 11 and Craig left Melbourne with the arrival of Paul Roos at the end of the 2013.
No doubt Neil Craig is highly respected within the AFL environment. But the old adage that success breeds success might be something Carlton need to think about before making a play for Craig. Neil Craig has vast experience in football, but tasted very little success in recent times. 2009 is the last time Neil Craig has been involved at an AFL club that has won a finals match.
Of course being involved at Melbourne and Essendon are not ideal environments to be in so is it too harsh to judge Craig based on results at these clubs?
Carlton have made a lot of poor decisions in recent seasons, Brendon Bolton needs as much support as he can get at Carlton and the jury is out if Neil Craig will be the right support.
Col from Brissie
Guest
I don't know what all the negativity is about. He has been appointed as Director of Coaching. He is not there to coach the team but as support and to oversee the development of the coaching staff. He will have no involvement with coaching the team, that is the job of Brendon Bolton and his assistants.
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
The initial thoughts from Carlton supporters on talkback and social media does not appear all that positive towards the appointment. I certainly get the idea of providing experience around Bolton, i just don't see Craig as the most inspired choice.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Well, Carlton just made him director of coaching. I think that's a dreadful decision. Craig and Trigg back together - what could possibly go wrong. If I were a Carlton man, I'd be more than a little annoyed right now.
Gary
Guest
Neil Craig would put Carlton back a further 20 years so they wont win a flag for at least another 35 years it would be a backward step if Carlton entertains him. Ttrigg should be show the door hes put Carlton back 10 years plus
Josh
Expert
Yeah I don't really see how you would look at the results Melbourne and Essendon have had with him running the show and think yeah, gotta get me some of that.
Paul D
Roar Guru
That's the stuff of nightmares! As Edgar says, he is well and truly yesterday's man.
Jay
Guest
Yeah given his recent history I just don't see how Craig could be seen as a good fit for a club trying to put together a winning culture.
TomC
Roar Guru
Supposedly he was on a pretty short short-list for the Lions job two years ago.
Evan
Guest
I don't want him anywhere near Carton. Was Trigg the 1 that sacked him at Adelaide? Now giving him sum plum job with us.
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
Nil Craig once said he would never work at any other club when he was Crows coach. 3 clubs later and a fourth on the horizon he is starting to look like a man who doesn't have any other option but to ply his horrible defensive game plan to whoever wants him. He has never played or coached with a plan B and he shouldn't be given any kind of brief other than orange boy at AFL level now. His time has come and gone.