Dimmas not a spin doctor - Wallace was a spin doctor. The interviewers were hell bent on getting a headline from him and force him to admit accountability. If the media and supporters would listen to such admissions in context I think more coaches and players would be more honest but we all know the media loves to grab a quote and create a sensational story/angle that suits their agenda. Its all about stirring up the football public and generating interest.
You can only imagine the stories they would write if he said something like - 'We have had our injury concerns this year which has forced us to make some structural changes to the side and our game plan. Not all of them have worked out. The opposition has defended us well and our confidence is low at this stage. I tried to make a few changes to the game plan to help us play a brand of footy that stands up better in the heat of finals but it hasn't worked out at this stage'
Headlines read - 'Hardwick admits mistakes':Damien Hardwick admitted in an interview last night that it was the changes he had made to the game plan this year that had caused the Tigers dramatic drop in form this year etc'
or
'Hardwick strips players of confidence'
or
'Dumb Dimma'
or
'Opposition works tigers out'
and so.....
You have to be so careful with the media because they are not there to be your friend as a coach. They are their to sell papers and generate ratings. Why do you think players are so lifeless and sterile when being interviewed now days?
I don't doubt that's true for a moment buts its largely due to our performances and the lack of respect the media and fans have for him that they would jump on those headlines. You can't say Dimma doesn't spin after the "We have improved" type of comments. The sad thing is, all the headlines you have suggested above are true and deserved. Is being scared really an excuse for not being honest with supporters and showing leadership? What message does that send.
The only thing Dimma has achieved this year is managed expectations by poor performances. When we beat a few easy beat teams, he will be feeling pretty chuffed with himself and us fans will be stuck wondering again if the club will ever move forwards.
North Melbourne headline, despite their loss on the weekend. "North Melbourne vows to attack again." Its a very different message.
