Post Game Pandemonium!: AFL 2021 Rd 4: Carlton vs Gold Coast

[Baggers]

Barker is not a development coach and has only been midfield coach for a couple of seasons - and Cuningham is in the forwards group.

If Barker is to wear the blame for poor development, Bolts and Teague have to share it - particularly Teague who was Cuningham’s line coach for a couple of seasons.

The bottom line is that our player development has been lacking for far too long.  Criticism of our player drafting should be tempered in that light.

I suspect you're right but I see this as an overall 'safety' or 'conservative' approach of the club in so many areas. You can see it reflected in selection... always conservative and too often out of form blokes still get a gig. I understand that injuries sometimes hamstring selection.

And it probably is an indictment on a number of people that the newbie into the group identified the Cameo King's dreadful inconsistencies, poor defensive mindset yet sublime skills and hence created a new approach with the kid which seems to be reaping benefits... well, so far! I single out Barker as he's been with the club in the coaching dept the longest and is the most senior next to the actual senior coach.

But, ultimately, like Jones, a complete change of mindset toward a bloke MAY be the saving of that bloke.