This has nothing to do with "rash decisions' IMHO.
We are conducting a review. Now is the perfect time to gather the information, assess the findings, make decisions and move forward.
FWIW, I believe the team is finally structuring up well. I take little notice of last weeks result. As I said elsewhere, we'd reached our tipping point with personnel and went into the game with no weapons. We had a strategy of hitting up small forwards which required us to create space but it also exposed us going the other way. Having a tall forward gives our team a reference point to structure up. The small forwards know where the ball is going and the defenders know how to set up behind the ball. When you have a scatter gun approach, if you lose possession, you are totally exposed on transition. We missed our targets and we paid the price.
But what were the options? A full defensive flood to try for a nil all draw? We went in with a strategy which was worth the effort, it didn't work, we learn from it and move on.
We saw the enormous value of having 2 forward targets on Friday.
My concerns with Teague have been-
Playing mature mids from day 1. Bolton played the kids and gave them exposure and Teague reversed that. Did it provide value by creating more of a "must win" culture or did it limit/harm the development of our kids? Hopefully the review will provide answers.
Having a full offensive strategy with little regard to defence. We have been disorganised behind the ball until the last 6 weeks. No connection between the lines and scant communication. Bludgers were tolerated and most importantly, there appeared minimal effort to address it. What's worse, our 2 captains were afforded roles that allowed them to be the least accountable.
How is that an acceptable situation?
During media interviews players were asked about halting 5 goal runs. Responses included Teague telling the players not to go back into their shells and to keep attacking.
Teams need more than one gear and having 2+ years coaching the team is more than sufficient time. As I've mentioned elsewhere, a sound game plan includes teaching all phases of the game and how each correlates and impacts the other. You cant teach one phase and expect to sprinkle the others over the top down the track.
So the review has a lot to assess. FWIW, I'm leaning away from Clarkson and Lyon. I'm not sure Clarko will be coming for the right reasons. He seems uncertain of what he wants to do next year. If you're not 100%, you're not what we're looking for. Similar to Lyon.
I think Pyke could be a decent option but that's up to others to decide. You'd love to sit in on an interview with him to see what he's learnt and what he believes could offer. Tactically and culturally.
I'm not averse to Teague continuing but answers need to be forthcoming. We've looked well organised the past 6 weeks. Why did it take so long, what contributed to the changes and are they sustainable?
What were the impediments to our progression? Are they personnel, facilities, lack of resources (Assistant coaches, fitness staff, board/administrative)
Were they resistance or stubbornness from the coach/coaches or a lack of strategic IQ?
If we are finally up to speed with current strategies and tactics, can we ride the wave and progress or will be regress once the review outcomes are revealed and contracts are renewed?
A lot of important decisions to be made and I'm glad we'll be armed with some external views to help make those decisions.
Personally, I'm leaning toward Teague staying with a mentor to oversee our program. Not someone chosen by Teague but someone decided by the club.
Someone who reports to the administration or the board on a regular basis. Whether it be a Clarkson or even a Leppitsch or Leigh Matthews would be interested, I'm unsure. Someone who ensures the coaches are receiving the support they need, to ensure all aspects of the football department are functioning cohesively and the coaches are strategically staying with the front runners. It Teague and co cant function and flourish under those conditions, see ya later.