Neeld Sacked

I don't think you, or most people, understand the way Neil Craig operates.

They'll surprise people under him. Perhaps he might even get the job as a result.

 

Yeah, see I doubt that. Craig's background is in fitness and athleticism. He's not only got that string but also a degree in sports science. There's a reason before Craig was sacked from the Crows he was moved from contract to staff - because his skills were so useful in a non gameday capacity they wanted to ensure even if he were let go as coach he'd still be of use somewhere else.

That's why Melbourne picked him up. He's the director of sports performance there, not an assistant coach. Yeah, he's got an advisory role to some of the assistant coaches but in terms of seniority he was quite low. The only reason we saw him in the media a bit more is that Melbourne realised he was the respectable face at the club and seized upon it.

I've met Craig numerous times, the first time was when I was a kid and he was still the assistant coach. I was a passionate footy fan and despite the fact that I was, well, a kid, he took a good bit of time to explain and discuss several things with me. It was from him that the way I look at and analyse football was derived. Of course, there's an element of bias here, I think he's fantastic and it clearly shows - and I recognise that in terms of being a gameday tactician, he's a bit below par. But the package he offers in other facets makes up for it.

I know he's an honourable man who respects his place. I'm pretty sure he respected Mark Neeld's seniority and that it wasn't his place to tell him what to do. Craig very much dealt with the players and the assistants in a more 'overseeing' role. I don't believe it allowed him to put 'Neil Craig' all over the playing group.

What we'll see under Craig is discipline. Only once under Neeld was a squibbish act punished (Pedersen). Even in training I'm sure players who aren't willing to play hard will be punished. I have no doubt the fitness and performance schemes that Craig has and will install are going to begin to shine through around next year. Even now he'll be able to condition the players far better in a short period of time.

What Craig is useful for though is his view of the game. He sees things in a different way, unconventional, I guess. It's obvious that that hasn't shone through under Neeld, whereas if Craig had much influence it would have. We'll begin to see players played in completely different roles and positions, ones most people wouldn't even think about until then. And it'll work, because that's just how Neil Craig works.

Most of all though, the players will play for him. He's a little bit of a squib, but he's honourable, approachable and fair. Once you speak to him, you can't help but respect what he does. You couldn't get that with Neeld.

In short - I don't think what Craig does has come through at all. To me it's clear that either Craig's been limited by role in what he can influence or Neeld just ignored him. Don't expect instant change, but there'll definitely be change present by the end of the year.

 

Punishment was the wrong word. Discipline is better.

If Neeld were disciplined he'd have dropped blokes who backed out of contests. He didn't.

 

I've recognised I'm biased. I think he's a god, it's one of few things I reckon re: afl I'm genuinely biased about.

I don't think he *will* be the senior coach next year but I think there's a small chance. I do think he'll get better results and it'll cause a little bit of thought to be had.

 

You are deadset the worst poster on this board and probably on the site. Your post of 'Hodge is a cunt' in the other thread was probably one of your better posts, that's how shit you are. deadset don't reckon you've ever posted anything that shows any sort of understanding of the game, only biased north shit and tripe nobody reads.

Deadset, you're the shittest cunt on the site.