Belisarius wrote:
How do dropping Scotland and Stevo in the middle of last season fit into this timeline?

I think last year the boys and upper management were too chummy. I really think you also have to appreciate the negative influence Fev was having on the playing group. In every way, playing field, training track, booze ups and him being a gambling degenerate. These were a bunch of talented, young and therefore easily led players on our list.
This was Ratten's first big show of balls ... and it worked. Plus needed to be done I was starting to call Stevo KFC but in the end if he can come back, 90% his best would we consider him for depth?
Anyway, Ratten too was finding his way. Cannot grow huge balls .... have to grow with the team, let them know who is boss but also give them chances to prove themselves. What Ratten has done, I am sure with Browne and Anderson is take them aside and told them a few home truths. They are depth but improving players. Give them a couple of weeks each but better players at the moment will be coming back in the fold .... so show us how you have improved ... you have 2 games.
So yeah in a nutshell, someone wrote in another thread that he believed Ratten was the most improved coach in the AFL. When I read that I agreed.
The Stevo/Scotland incedent was on the road to him being a great coach. Still not there yet but me thinks is starting to look A1.