Which Coach Will be Most under the Pump in 2005

[WilliamPowell]

During 2004 three coaches copped the brunt of the media coverage regarding their teams performances. Schwab, Rohde and Frawley were constantly under the microscope - deserved or not (and this isn't what this thread is about BTW) the focus on those 3 was, it can be argued, over the top when you look at say the Magpies and the heat (or lack of heat) on Mick Malthouse.

The facts are that the Magpies suffered the biggest fall in 2004 - they went from runners-up to 13th. The tigers went from winning 7 games in 2003 to winning 4 in 2004 - not the same fall and going by the media predictions pre-season not that unexpected.

So why didn't Mick Malthouse cop it like the other 3 did - is it simply because he's a premiership winning coach and therefore given some sort of "lee-way" from the so called media experts? You look at 2004 and Mark thompson was under the pump after 3 rounds, Cornflakes Thomas cooped it when the Saints lost a couple of games and he took them to the pics. Gary Ayres copped a bit compared to my first 3 it was minor. Malthouse was immune to any criticism.

Which brings me to my question - Tezza has already highlighted that we will probably be immune for at least a couple of season of the media being on our case now they see us having a good coach who has a plan - that involves re-building.

Who do you think will be under the coaching microscope in 2005?

My monies on Chris Connolly from Freo, Paul Roos, Craig from Adelaide and if they slip up Thomas or Thompson

Thoughts?

[Bulluss]

I reckon the Pies are going to really struggle, they havent really picked anyone up( Caracella is only an outside player/finisher) He needs people to give him the ball.

They have been playing above themselves and their backline is pretty ordinary in the KP spots. Clement is their only decent defender.

Looking at their list they dont really have many new players really coming through the ranks.

Other than that i agree with WP that Connelly and Craig will be under the pump if they stuggle, especially Connelly. Adelaide have pretty much said they are starting over, so he may be spared if thewy stuggle.

[Life goes on]

Can see the Roos losing early games and Laidley being under the pump BIG time !he will say something silly at a media conference and that will be the end of him, wait and seee !

[mightytiges]

Making back to back GFs saved Malthouse from media criticism. He's classed as one of the "Big 4" of coaches in the AFL so was above scrutiny. If the Pies fail again next year with their very average list then their fans will turn on him. Already this year their were some on their messageboards saying he needed to move on.

Laidley is my bet for first coach to go next year. Got his trading and drafting ideas straight from the Danny Frawley AFL coaching manual  .

[WilliamPowell]

Can see the Roos losing early games and Laidley being under the pump BIG time !he will say something silly at a media conference and that will be the end of him, wait and seee !

Laidley is my bet for first coach to go next year. Got his trading and drafting ideas straight from the Danny Frawley AFL coaching manual .

I actually forgot all about Laidley - I think I'll add him to my list especially when you consider they way they have recruited this year. When he was appointed he said they were rebuilding now I am not sure what they are doing - no disrespect to Nathan Thompson but I don't think he is the answer to their woes. Also, they have fallen away in the second half of the last 2 seasons and one of the reasons for that IMO is their list isn't that great. Their middle tier group is alot like the Tigers - either good or bad there doesn't seem to be an average in there.

I think Roos is under pressure because he said they were going to go out and recruit a big name player and all they ended up with was Jolly and Spriggs Personally I don't like watching them play - their possession game drives me nuts and I cannot see where anymore improvement will come from.

Freo - were a huge disappointment IMO in 2004 but after watching the way the carried on after their first finals appearance in 2003 - in the end I wasn't surprised. High fiving the crowd after getting thumped in a final can set you back rathewr than set you up (look at the Tigers in 95 and 2001). With their list they should be better - Pavlich should be winning games for them off his own boot - I am yet to see him do that. And let's not forget they have lost Simmonds in 2005 and I recokn that'll hurt 'em . Finally I reckon they gave up far too much to get Carr from Port Adelaide - their first 3 draft picks (?) sounds like something the Tigers of Old (read 2001) would do

[froars]

I'm hoping it's Sheedy - wouldn't that be sweet 

[The Undertaker]

I actually forgot all about Laidley - I think I'll add him to my list especially when you consider they way they have recruited this year. When he was appointed he said they were rebuilding now I am not sure what they are doing - no disrespect to Nathan Thompson but I don't think he is the answer to their woes. Also, they have fallen away in the second half of the last 2 seasons and one of the reasons for that IMO is their list isn't that great.

With Spud gone the standout candidate for AFL media performer 2005 is Laidley. No wonder players get confused about the game plan. 

[Ox]

Danny Laidley gets my vote.

[mightytiges]

Going by the news Micky Malthouse offered to walk but Eddie refused his resignation. Poor ol' Pies  .

[Tiger Spirit]

Even if Malthouse were to resign, which now seems unlikely, who would be out there to replace him?  I'm sure they'd find someone, but no one stands out at the moment.