goodbuzz wrote:
Need to be patient, Ratts has the smarts is still learning the caper and developing into a stronger leader.
The one characteristic most successful sides posses is strong leadership. Paul Roo's at Sydney, Worsfold at West Coast, Cook & Costa at Geelong, Malthouse at Collingwood.
Once your team ethos is established, you need to be strong to maintain it. Zero tolerance to those who do not buy into it, and embrace and encourage those who accept it.
I understand your point but don't agree.
Ratten I believe is strong character but I have doubts on him as a strong 'leader'. I just don't believe he has that characteristic. I see him as a great development or specialist coach.
I said at the time he was appointed that it is a great risk to appoint a new coach with limited experience to a young list! It rarely if ever works.
They are both learning on the spot and simple mistakes can cause a lot of damage and confusion.
Imagine what a Mathews, Malthouse, Roos, Williams, Clarkson may of done with our young list?It is fine to have zero tolerance but if the 'group' doesn't support the direction it will fall apart very quickly.
Let me be clear I like Ratten and think he has a lot of positives but when you are in a team with high expectations in the top level of your sport you must strive for the best! Not make the best of what you have got.
What about Pagan? His reputation at the time was at least the equal of three of those names on your list. IMO sacking a coach who gets us in the top four would be madness.