http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/100247/default.aspx

Now I'm not advocating recruiting Dean... Mostly because of the questions it'll raise in the media.

But it got me to thinking.

Let's assume for a minute that all coaching appointments in Victoria have been made already for 2011. If Dean, as he says in the article, is looking to take another senior job in the future, he's going to need another place to work for a year.

Would being in the box on match day with Bailey help the club? Or help Bailey in some small way? Much as I love me some DB, I have questioned on a couple of occasions his match-day decisions.

Would it tear at the fabric of a working model too much? Confuse/dilute the message?

My feeling is, if it 'aint broke... But you have to admit it is interesting to consider. On the other hand, Laidley could end up at a Geelong in 2012, and have insights into our side that no other coach enjoys.

Two Dean's join forces--got a good ring about it.One an excellent technician, especially on game day's the other(Bails ) able to do his stuff as head coach from the boundary. With another ex Kanga in Tim Harrington already making a great impact as List Manager- this could be a great mix.

Edited August 12, 201015 yr by jayceebee31

Dean Bailey is just starting to get his act together after 3 hard years, let's give him a chance to go all out before you put extra pressure on him.

Laidley may be a good coach, but i always thought he was about to explode during any media work.

Not sure about him.

Yeah WYL, that was actually the reason I gave it a minute more thought than I would have otherwise.

Had you asked me after round 1, I'd have been wholly against it.

Given that it seems Bailey is as secure in his job as you could imagine, he's actually a sensible candidate for an ex-senior coach as an assistant, should he be open to it.

Like I say, just an idea, and you wouldn't just appoint him without getting Dean's 100% approval. In fact, you'd probably hesitate in floating the idea to him if you were Stynes, or Schwab or whoever.

You're right of course. No reason to change a working recipe.

You're right of course. No reason to change a working recipe.

If Dean needs junkyard I wouldn't like Laidley to be there for 12 months to paper over some of Baileys cracks then when we think we are in for a tilt for the top four in 2012 Laidley has left exposing Baileys flaws. I prefer to find out if Bailey can keep taken the dees forward in the final year of his contract with his hand picked team

Insert throwaway "I have full faith in the FD" line and walks away...

But seriously; if his ability in the box matches his reputation then it is worth a look. It would however be interesting to know what 'went wrong' at Port and whether the duopoly of Laidley and Williams was a factor.

Bailey (and here read Dean and his coaching staff) have shown excellence this year. While there was much rubbishing of Josh Mahoney, whether warranted or not, now that the forward lines functioning well every area of our game has had an extended good run.

It seems they're a good team and while I'm sure there may be some additions over the off seasons, I don't really see why they would so obviously change the dynamics in the box by bringing in a Chief lieutenant - seems Scott West could fill this role without the potential fractures that may occur bringing in Laidley.

Game day is fast improving - the Bennell to the backline move really brought us into the game far more this weekend. Not rocket science but Jamie hasn't played there all 2010.

Edited August 12, 201015 yr by pitchfork

Its tempting to just dismiss out of hand....but

Laidley is reknown for his ability as a match tactician. Is this Bail's forte ? well certainly not his long suit, though he is seemingly getting much better results.

Its a funny question...ought to be obvious but isnt

I personally cant see the advantage of bringing in such a head strong personality as Dean Laidley, just as DB is starting to get his stride up. And even less chance considering Laidley has indicated he wants to be a head coach, so we get him for like two yrs, then he takes off with all our inside goss.... Thumbs down from me...