Well we won’t win anything sitting where we are.
GM of Football Rob Kerr gives us an update on the changes made to the coaching staff. .. Star student becomes teacher Simon Conway - @SimonConway12 19 September 2017 5:56 PMEssendon’s General Manager of Football Rob Kerr says James Kelly’s coaching potential was evident as soon as he arrived at the Club.
The three-time premiership player has been appointed as a Performance Coach ahead of the 2018 season.
Kelly played 313 games, including the final 40 of his career at Essendon where he was runner-up in the Crichton Medal in 2016.
Rising Star winner Andrew McGrath spoke glowingly of Kelly’s guidance throughout his first year in the AFL.
Kerr said Kelly has displayed a passion for teaching.
“From the moment he arrived you could see James had coaching potential,” he said.
“He’s really happy to put a view forward and does it in a very constructive way.
“During his time at the Club he took individual players under his wing and worked with them on their skills and development, so you could see that he had a bit of an inclination towards coaching.
“When we went through the interview process he presented really well and was particularly strong around the craft side and player development side of the game.
“We’re going to add someone who is really passionate about skill development and has got a thirst for learning himself but also teaching others.”
Kelly’s arrival coincides with the departure of Guy McKenna.
The former Gold Coast Coach and West Coast premiership player has been in charge of the Bombers midfield for the last two seasons.
But he’s accepted a position at Cricket Victoria as Coaching and Talent ID Specialist.
“He brought a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience and needless to say boundless energy and enthusiasm as well,” Kerr said.
“He made a really strong contribution to not only the playing group, but also the Footy Department with his attitude and the morale he instilled.”
After guiding the forward line to its most prolific season since 2011, Hayden Skipworth will take charge of the midfield in 2018.
“Our strategy coaches, in particular Mark Neeld and Rob Harding, will be responsible for developing the strategy for the midfield,” Kerr said.
“Hayden’s role will be coaching the players to execute it and build their skill set to execute it.
“Hayden has been quite passionate about the midfield area and the contested side of the game, so he’s chomping at the bit to get into that position.”
Paul Corrigan will transition from VFL Coach to Performance Coach of the Forwards for the AFL side, while Dan Jordan will take on the coaching reins of the VFL team.
MORE NEWS
Neeld was always very highly regarded in regards to strategy by players like Pendlebury. Harding was poached from Crows who clearly do things well.
Be interesting to see how this works out
We were ordinary this year so the baseline is low for midfield. Stoppages. Etc
Skippy just keeps on keeping on. Kudos.
3 Likes
This has Knights-era written all over it.
Nope
agree. There is no doubt change is needed in the midfield, i just wish we weren’t taking the guy in charge of our functioning forward line to do it that’s all.
I’m still scratching my head that the vic cricket hired McKenna. They might start handballing to the keeper
5 Likes
Always felt like our midfield was in good hands with Goodwin. Thought he was the right age and temperament to take on the head role too. Disappointing that one. Will Diesel W still be doing the in close hands job? Ooerr
Skipworth must actually be very good, he has either survived or been promoted under 3 coaches now or is it 4?
Why does everyone hate Neeld? We must rate him pretty highly, anyone got any real insight or is it just the ‘angry failed Melbourne senior coach’ thing?
2 Likes
Hilarious how many people are unaware of what Mark Neeld does but want him gone.
Remember when Skipworth was apparently only there to babysit the players and teach them to cook?
5 Likes
Seen how skinny gleeson still is? must not cook well then.
1 Like
It’s not that hard to decipher.
The less you know, the louder you yell about things you don’t understand.
4 Likes
So… enough to fill the MCG twice over, but neither to capacity?
Guy McKenna was actually a very gifted cricketer.
1 Like
Must be absolutely cooked with footy ideas then. I’d imagine coaching roles at AFL level pay a fair bit more than what cricket Victoria will pay him.
I assume he knows where all the AFL’s bodies are buried from his time at the GC and the boys club made sure he got another job.
2 Likes
Haha, was wondering the same. Must say I find it amusing how so many people are saying he should go without giving any explanation as to why he should go.
1 Like
That was quick
I saw Warne take a mark at mid on once. Was a nice catch. Can’t remember who it was against.
1 Like
I miss the royal box
7 Likes
Not so loud with that there please, Decks.
1 Like