Jason Akermanis has stated publicly that he wants to coach at AFL level, even though his coaching career is still at the infancy stage.
Essendon is the latest club to be linked with Akermanis in a development coaching role, the question is should Akermanis be given a chance, or is too much a risk?
Certainly Akermanis’s record as a player speaks for itself, playing more than 300 games, winning three premierships, two best and fairests, a Brownlow medal, and being named All-Australian four times.
Most players would be pretty happy to have that on their CV. But for all his brilliance on the field, Akermanis is known just as much for his antics and opinions off the field.
Akermanis’s playing career did not end with a fairytale. Instead he was sacked partway through the 2010 season by the Western Bulldogs after he had reportedly lost the trust of the playing group. Depending on who is telling the story, it was a similar occurrence at Brisbane.
Akermanis was transitioning himself for life after football and was certainly spending more time in the media with a regular newspaper column and regular radio and television appearances.
He has not been afraid to give his opinion which has often caused a stir. From providing comments on drugs to his views on homosexual players, Akermanis was always someone the media could rely on to comment on a matter, football related or not.
It would appear Akermanis is serious about transitioning to AFL level. He has coached North Albury since 2013 in the Ovens and Murray League, gaining valuable experience along the way.
He has also completed his Level 2 coaching course which is generally valued favourably by AFL clubs. While North Albury has not won a premiership, the club has played finals football, and the club was bottom when Akermanis took over.
Akermanis is well aware his past may be something that counts against him and whether he can be taken seriously for a role within an AFL environment remains to be seen.
“My opinions and the way I go about things as a coach are completely the opposite to when I played. I’m a completely different person doing a completely different role,” he said.
Essendon are expected to interview Akermanis formally next week. In the past there would be not be a dull moment with the former AFL footballer around, but maybe Akermanis the coach is a different story.
TimeForTasTeam
Roar Rookie
Watching the front bar last night Aker stated he has been to 8 interviews and no call back. He was also asked about how many times he had been sacked from club/job and he recalled the time he was sacked from an indigenous radio station,for him to repeat that brief story tells my why after 8 tries he isn't coaching.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Well said Josh. Aker is entertaining, but people mistake his penchant for speaking his mind, for thinking that he has a sound mind. A bloke who leaves the industry with 3 premierships, a brownlow and > 300 games across two clubs, yet was a cancer on both clubs at the end of his time and left without a friend, says everything you need to know about Aker. As they say in The Castle, "tell him he's dreaming".
Chris
Guest
Steer clear at all costs!!!
jax
Guest
Aker made that claim because Braun towelled him up on a wing one day and that was the best reason Aker could come up with. The only dope is Aker, he's a total waste of space that consistently makes very poor decisions. There is nothing wrong with someone opening their mouth and speaking their mind but it helps if what they say is true and makes sense instead of simply chasing a headline. Two clubs didn't want him for a reason - I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.
BBJ
Guest
What a beat up! Acker was one of the early ones accusing WCE of doping. He speaks his mind. I cant see someone like that getting a job at essendon.
The Original Buzz
Guest
I think he should be given a chance. If he is still a loose cannon, get rid of him via a clause in his contract. I am a big fan of Aker and would like to see him coach at the elite level. I think he is extremely passionate about his footy (regardless of his opinions) and that is what I would want from a coach.
Josh
Expert
I love Aker but everytime he opens his mouth he either says something quite smart or something incredibly dumb. He pulls some very immature stuff here in the OMFNL, like putting in five reports against oppo players the week after his team got dumped out of finals, all of which were tossed out. Don't think he has developed the level head and professionalism required to be an AFL coach.
Mike
Guest
Having a 3 time premiership player in a development role is a good move.
Aransan
Guest
Aker is too much of a loose cannon to be given any rôle at Essendon.
Paul D
Roar Guru
The problem for Aker is going to be his mouth - fans, club administration and media will overlook anything while he's winning, but he will struggle to survive in the role if whichever team he winds up coaching has an extended slump or does not appear to be making progress. I think though he would be a pretty good choice as a coach for a side looking to build - he has plenty of experience, and more importantly, he is very competitive. You want your coach to hate losing, it instills it in the rest of the side. Maybe Brisbane will keep the favourite son revolving door going if Leppa fails this year. God. That would be a brave move, as Sir Humphrey used to say.
mdso
Guest
Everyone makes mistakes and fortunately, everyone has the opportunity to change. In the past few years, many clubs and players and even the AFL have made some whoppers. Acker the player has much to impart. If other aspects of Acker are now less dominant and he has the relevant qualifications, why not? Any club taking on Acker would have clauses written into his contract. Perhaps he is a late maturer and coaching a team for the past couple of years might have given him a completely different slant on footy and life.
Bigstu
Guest
I was going to say no, you deserve everything you get, but then I remembered you have mark neeld there, so I guess you guys need a break.
Mitch
Guest
Seems to risky to me. Will he do handstands after a good win?
Gyfox
Guest
As Titus O'Reilly says - when will AFL sanctions on Essendon stop!
Swampy
Guest
Haven't we suffered enough at Essendon?