Post Game Passion: AFL 2019 Rd 15: Carlton vs. Freo

[tonyo]

I think we might not be talking about the same thing. I'm not talking about tearing strips off players. I'm talking about getting the right balance between order and chaos, between a controlled, structured and method driven style of play, and fast / instinctive styles. I'm saying the former is what tends to get you the prize. Watch Rhys Shaw's presser from this weekend - says it loud and clear "I'm a defensive first coach."

I haven't seen Clarkson punch a wall (at least on TV) since 2012. And Malthouse was in a GF 12 months before he came to us, after a sensational H/A season where the Pies had the best % of any team since 2000, including now.

Clarkson has been punching things since 1987.  And no way are Hawthorn top 4 - they have almost no forward line.

Order vs Chaos boils down to a variety of factors, probably the most important one of which is experience - an element in which we are severely lacking and no coach can teach. Unfortunately, there is only one way to get experience, and that is to get experience.  In two years' time, we will have the advantage of a group of early 20s with 50-100 games under their belt and I think structure will be far more apparent then.  Clarkson 2013-15 and Malthouse 2010-11 had the advantage of very experienced teams, which almost by definition brings with it an atmosphere of control and structure.

Once Malthouse came to CFC, his style was found wanting (and several of our players started looking for the door).  And Clarkson is now finding out the same thing.  There is not a coach on the planet who is going to make our list look like a seasoned bunch of professionals overnight.  It will take time.