Former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney deserves credit for the team’s impressive run of success.
McCartney left the kennel after he coached the club to 20 wins in three years. But what he did in those three years is a part of the reason the Bulldogs are breathing down the barrel of a premiership.
He was a big believer that the senior players needed tough love, whilst the younger players needed to be nurtured, and if any one player is bigger than the club and its goals, then they shouldn’t be there.
Former President Peter Gordon confirmed his support in McCartney’s beliefs that no man is bigger than the club itself.
“Our players do not run this club, we do,” he said.
Ryan Griffen and Shaun Higgins then decided their time at the club was up. At the time, the departure of captain Griffen and Higgins seemed like the end for the Dogs and that the club was in turmoil.
McCartney resigned soon after.
At the time, it was easy to blame McCartney for leaving the club in chaos. But what he actually did was set a foundation that is now a part of the Bulldogs’ winning culture.
The culture included a team-based, honest-attacking-running style of footy, a style of footy that has been respected and loved by all AFL supporters.
Since he started until the day he left, McCartney had been honest about where the club and players were at. For some, it was a reality check that was needed.
His concluding words were for the loyal supporters to hold on too.
“What I would like to reinforce to you is that your club is in good hands,” he said.
Two years later, the Bulldogs find themselves playing in the grand final.
Young gun Jason Johannisen also believes that McCartney is a key reason for his side’s spectacular grand final run.
“Macca had a big influence on the young players because he did have a good game-style and he taught us a lot about contested ball, which we pride ourselves on,” Johannisen said.
“He had a big impact on that. The foundation was there and Bevo (Luke Beveridge) has put that extra touch and extra belief into the players that we can play some good footy.”
McCartney is a man who should hold his head high. He should watch the game on Saturday and be proud that his hard work and commitment has helped the Bulldogs get to where they are today.
ken mantell
Guest
Completely agree with Chris, Macca played a vital role in the success which the Doggies are now having. He undertook the task of breaking up the culture of individualism, which was rife within the club for decades. If you look back at his coaching the evidence is there, and he stated it, that he would start by getting the team to win the hard ball and develop the whole game plan from there. the response from the likes of Griffen and Higgins, to his team first orientation, reflects the type of culture that pervaded inside the club, me first, second and last! Certainly Luke Beverage has taken this initial work of Macca, to a far higher level, but his three years at the club, were certainly of great benifit.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Good article Chris. I agree with you. I was a big fan of Macca and the foundation he laid for our club. But I think it would be remiss to pretend that if he'd stayed as head coach that we would have achieved this premiership. Macca played a good role, but Bevo has done something else all together. Bevo hasn't just cashed-in on a ready made premiership squad. We were a basket case when he arrived and not even Alistair Clarkson or any other coach could have delivered this premiership if they'd walked into our club 2 years ago. So yeah, Macca deserves some credit and respect and gratitude. But what Bevo has done since has been phenomenal.
asd
Guest
first geelong then dogs now the dees look out the dees are coming
Lroy
Guest
Interesting isnt it... plenty of the Eagles premiership side of 2006 were recruited by Ken Judge, I think he really received the rough end of the pineapple IMO.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Half agree, Macca should definitely hold his head hight, but personally, I was genuinely surprised that he was given a contract extension. He was the ideal man to start the rebuild, but after his two years, the role should always have gone to a coach who could then take that next step, i.e. Someone like bevo.