Matthews rejects Tigers' call for helpGreg Denham | June 24, 2009 | The Australian
FOUR-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews is the second AFL great to reject an offer to join the panel in charge of selecting Richmond's new full-time coach.
The Brisbane-based Matthews, who cited logistical reasons as the main drawback in helping Richmond find the man to replace Terry Wallace, joins Kevin Sheedy in knocking back the Tigers' offer of an official advisory capacity.
Richmond remains undecided on whether it will rely on its internal sub-committee, or add an "outside" person for the second stage of the selection process to narrow the field of candidates.
Board approval following final interviews will be required following a recommendation from the sub-committee.
Richmond's initial coaching panel will consist of general manager of football operations Craig Cameron, football director Tony Free, chief executive Steven Wright and the club's development and learning manager, psychologist Jeff Bond.
North Melbourne premiership coach Denis Pagan has not been approached for his professional input, presumably because of his well-publicised desire to be considered for another senior coaching role after his time at the Kangaroos and Carlton.
Matthews, who has won flags as a coach with Collingwood and three times with the Lions, was guarded yesterday because of an exclusive commercial agreement he has with the AFL website.
But his message was clear: he is not interested in the Richmond coaching position.
Despite a media report that he would invite clubs without coaches beyond 2009 to phone him so he could entertain what they were offering, Matthews described his chances of coaching next year as 500-1. He said that while he might accept a phone call from either Richmond or the Kangaroos about their vacant coaching position, nothing should be read into that.
"The fact is some days I'm 100 per cent not interested and other days I'm only 99 per cent not interested," Matthews said on radio. "That's about where it stands, no one should be thinking of me as a potential coach."
He described speculation of him coaching at a third club as having no substance, and a total exaggeration. As well as writing his column on the AFL website, Matthews has an ongoing arrangement as a commentator with the Seven Network, which is believed to extend beyond this year. He resigned as Brisbane coach late last year.
Matthews had selected Richmond over North Melbourne as the club with the most potential for a new coach, but admitted that judgment was made after minimal thought.
Sheedy, a veteran of 886 games as an AFL player and coach, ruled himself out of returning to Punt Road next year as a permanent replacement for Wallace and interim coach Jade Rawlings.
He also excused himself from any involvement in a caretaker role with Richmond for the remaining 11 rounds, or in a role on the Tigers' advisory coaching panel because of work commitments he has with the AFL.
Sheedy, 61, will instead concentrate on the establishment of the AFL's 18th licence in western Sydney.
The AFL is expected to announce Sheedy's involvement with the new club from Sydney's west next month.
"I haven't put my hand up or applied for a senior job since Melbourne at the end of 2007," Sheedy said. "Down the track somewhere there may be someone who needs my help and I'm not in a position yet to never say never to coaching again."
Meanwhile, North Melbourne will not go outside the club when it this week appoints its coaching sub-committee. Chairman James Brayshaw will update directors tonight on No1 choice Nathan Buckley's availability and willingness to coach the club following several meetings with Buckley's manager Craig Kelly.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25680995-2722,00.html
