What is the "COACHING INFLUENCE" Level?

[mjp]

I always read the threads that talk about the input (or otherwise) of assistant coaches with a lot of interest.

There was a lot of negativity last year about the assistants - especially Spangher and Webb as the 'new boys'...equally this year there has been a lot of positive commentary about Lade as the new SA and Smith in particular about his role at training.

So...what level of influence do you thing the assistants have on the outcomes of the group?

[GVGjr]

A massive influence from what I can see, they drive standards and identity what players need to work on. FWIW both Spangher and Webb get amongst the boys and drive the standards. I've also been impressed with 3 development coaches and even Edge from the VFL side
I'm hoping that Spangher really gets our forward line performing better now that he has some depth and quality to work with.

[hujsh]

It feels like King is a nice change as normally IIRC we're a bit of an assistant coach development club. Rarely getting experience from elsewhere but more bringing people in and giving them experience in different roles.

That's fine as being part of an attractive employer but hopefully the balance is corrected a bit more now and we continue to mix in fresh faces with older heads as I think the assistants play a huge role in the performance of the team

[Mofra]

Hawthorn assistants during their glory years: Bevo, Cameron, Fagan
Geelong assistants during their glory years: Ken Hinkley, Brendan McCartney, Brenton Sanderson
Richmond assistant coaches during their premiership run: Mark Williams, J Leppitch, Craig McRae

Correlation =/= causation, but clubs who have been able to win multiple premierships seem to have assistant coaching squads made up of highly sought after people which suggests that head coaches just can't get the job done without quality assistants.

[Go_Dogs]

I don’t have enough insight to really answer the poll, but I assume assistant coaches are very much responsible for ensuring players are able to execute the game plan that Bevo would set. More hands dirty and very important.

[Bulldog Joe]

It feels like King is a nice change as normally IIRC we're a bit of an assistant coach development club. Rarely getting experience from elsewhere but more bringing people in and giving them experience in different roles.

That's fine as being part of an attractive employer but hopefully the balance is corrected a bit more now and we continue to mix in fresh faces with older heads as I think the assistants play a huge role in the performance of the team

I assume you mean Lade.

Yes, it is good to be on the other end of attracting a highly credentialled assistant from elsewhere.

[hujsh]

I assume you mean Lade.

Yes, it is good to be on the other end of attracting a highly credentialled assistant from elsewhere.

Damn, must be tall discrimination on my part

[bornadog]

The head coach needs his assistants both on game day and non game day. On game day, the assistants can feed Bevo information about players how they are performing in their role. With the pace of the game, it would be hard to see everything that is going on, especially when the ball is moving fast. On non game days, training and off field discussions with players is a vital role that one coach and one assistant like the old days is too much work.

The coach these days is more a manager of people and systems and delegation, communication is very important.

[Bulldog Joe]

Damn, must be tall discrimination on my part

Just blame auto-correct of the brain.

[jeemak]

I question how much influence the assistants have in driving strategy, methods and tactics versus how much they're just there to execute Bevo's views on those elements enthusiastically/ effectively.

Won't ever really know, of course, but have a feeling from some anecdotal accounts it might be the latter which is OK I guess.....but may not always get the best results.

[Mavericks]

I question how much influence the assistants have in driving strategy, methods and tactics versus how much they're just there to execute Bevo's views on those elements enthusiastically/ effectively.

Won't ever really know, of course, but have a feeling from some anecdotal accounts it might be the latter which is OK I guess.....but may not always get the best results.

I would agree, especially last year. I have a feeling this year Lade maybe having input on strategy and tactics.