The Next Coach to go?

[boof1978]

[The Portonian]

I think a lot of fans and people in the AFL have been expecting Thomas to go for the past three years at least. Me, I been wondering how he ever got appointed in the first place (apart from the jobs for mates theory given Rod B's control of the club). To sack Blight in the early stages of the season and appoint a guy who has no coaching experience or top level playing history was absolutely ludicrous. Thomas held back the Saints the whole time he was there, a superstar list and a swathe of incredible draft gifts, they have the potentially the most talented list in footy yet he squandered it every step of the way.

Even without Lenny Hayes onboard, one man does not maketh a team, there were no excuses for Thomas this year, the club had no choice but to ditch the donkey. It'll be interesting to see who they try and nab as coach now, rumor is Pagan, however, he's under contract, they can't get him unless Carlton ditch him. My money would be on either Harvey (assistant at the Dockers) or more probably Bomber Thompson...I think he will be gone from the Cats in the next month at the very most.

[boof1978]

Funny watching fox footy last night, all the saints supporters were ringing up in support of Thomas. Usually its the teams own supporters that bag the coach, cant they see he was holding back a club that could have had a dynasty since 2003. I would have been more than happy if they'd kept him. Only problem now is if they get a real coach they might be something special. Bastards!

[The Portonian]

Saints supporters = fickle and frustrated heh

Personally I think that St. Kilda have missed the boat well and truly. While they still have a top class playing list, they might be missing a few big names next year, there are some ageing and frail bodies running around now. Look at the likes of Gehrig, Harvey (although he could definitely play another season, the freak), Peckett, Voss, Hamill. All are starting to struggle with fitness, injuries and consistancy. They'll have to start looking to find very decent replacements for those kinds of guys and there will be no cherry help from the flawed draft system for them this year given their high ladder position finish. Whichever poor sap gets the coaching gig there will inherit a lot of problems to solve methinks.

Although I despise the all too often used term of "rebuilding", the Saints are most definitely going to be in a restructuring period at the very least. They rely too heavily on a rather stagnant setup and play design which relies heavily on Reiwolt (much like my boys do with Tredrea). Saints are gonna need some tweaking in both the forward and backline if they are going to maintain anything near a threatening lineup on the park in '07.

I wish them the best of luck, they are one of the few Vic teams I don't have an innate hatred for, but I think they are going to face some harsh realities next season and it won't be easy to overcome them.

[Beaussie]

[The Portonian]

That's what generally happens with early season predictions heh. But in all fairness, only an idiot wouldn't have made that prediction, I think Connolly was very much on the last gasp doorstep. It was pretty clear that the appointment of Harvey to the assistant role was the two way bet the Freo board were taking, he'd either help Connolly turn the club into a force or they'd fail yet again and Harvey would be there ready to step into a senior role when Connolly got the sack. Freo is one of those clubs that has a very well known history of impatience with coaches, they are desperate to prove themselves, in a competitive sense and Connolly, whilst respected in general, really hadn't delivered up until this year with the amazing late season run of victories.

Even tonights game against Melbourne may have a big influence on his future, I doubt very much whether the club fans and backers, would tolerate a quick exit from the race with back to back losses after such a fine finish to the regular season. I think Connelly will be both praying and coaching to his utmost tonight, one poor game in a knockout final could prove his undoing if the club is feeling particularly ruthless.