I think it's a double edge sword because some elete players follow a good coach whilst others look at the roster & the $.
Better Coach or Better Players
Great Question - Thanks for asking Cobar. I fully support your solution - get the best roster and work on pathways
I think Jack Gibson summed it up perfectly when he said
"To win a championship, you've got to have a nucleus of five or six real tough, hard competitors. To win anything, the team's got to think tough and that infiltrates into the individual. You've got to have a tough leader.“
So in my mind our initial investment has to be:
A (as in singular) strong and hard Captain. (Sorry Cobar - that rules backs out - at least all the ones with combs in their shorts). I don't care what position he plays really; however, given our current situation I would pick them from the piggies so they can lead by example. I'm thinking a Ray Price type of captain. In the middle he should be supported by an Igor Randall and a Blocker type with a bit of Max Krillich, Billy Smith and Keith Barnes in the support roles. You can build off that type of nucleus and have a competitive combination.
Jack also said
"Talent is secondary to whether players are confident.“
I agree, so what makes up the rest of the team is players hungry and wanting to play for their mates. So spend big $ on the core five or six and let the confidence grow in the rest of the team. Sure pick talent but develop the pathways as long terms projects to replace that nucleus and fill the supporting roles with confident players. Why are Melbourne successful - long term stable nucleus with groomed replacements and a bunch of handy player that they rotate in and out.
The next investment probably doesn't cost much - but getting the front office to function is critical. If our CEO and chair are good at selling merchandise and raising money let them crack on; but, ffs put a gag order on them. What we don't know though is if the leaks are part of the strategic plan to shape recruitment or incompetence. It would be great to be on the inside!
Finally when you have a confident team with good drills then you can finesse the plan. Until you have a developed side a Siebold or similar is a waste. Until then I think we need a hard but motivational coach; mmm anyone seen one of those recently?
I trust that the leaks and turmoil are a distraction for what is happening behind the scenes and we have an announcement in the near future of a two or three hard piggies to build off
Cheers n Beers
Jolls