Magpie plot thickensCOLLINGWOOD has won six games in a row under Michael Malthouse for the first time since 2003 and still his future is clouded.
Imagine the situation had Collingwood lost six in a row.
There would be hourly updates on radio, daily bulletins in the papers, marching in the streets, armed guards at Lexus Centre.
The Magpies, though, are fourth, the coach wants to continue to coach, and, clearly, he is at the top of his game.
What, then, is the hold-up, and is there a risk the club might end up with egg on its face?
Will Malthouse continue to coach Collingwood in his own right next year?
Could he be directed to do the job with Nathan Buckley as his right-hand man and heir apparent?
Or, might he yet end up at Punt Rd, for Richmond’s interest could be more meaningful than many suspect? It is a highly intriguing situation.
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While Malthouse has said publicly he’s not fussed and won’t think about the future until his contract expires later this year, he must be more than a little irritated.
Given the delay, it would be no surprise to find Richmond making discreet inquiries. If Malthouse were to suspect he had no more than 12 months ahead of him at Collingwood, four years at one of the clubs he represented as a player would have to appeal.
Surely he would appeal to them. He is 55 (56 in August), vastly experienced, still passionate and implements the best rotation system in the competition.
It is a bizarre situation. As it is at the Western Bulldogs, with Rodney Eade still uncontracted for next year.
There has to be movement soon. In both camps.
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