Neil Craig

[Guest Jack Donaghy]

I haven't heard an indication either way really.

Mike Sheahan seemed to think it was likely in the Herald Sun, but it was hardly definite.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/demons-raid-magpies-nest/story-e6frf9jf-1226139306807

And it's set to be a double act at the Demons with former Adelaide coach Neil Craig likely to be Neeld's senior assistant.

In comparison, Caroline Wilson didn't seem to think it would happen.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/neeld-to-coach-demons-20110916-1ke3i.html

It's understood Neil Craig and Rodney Eade have been ruled out of being a senior assistant to Neeld, should the Demons opt to fill that role.

Although hardly gospel, as that article also included this little gem...

It's understood the Magpies are keen for Neeld to remain with the side through the rest of their finals campaign.

That clearly wasn't the case according to Malthouse just now on SEN, who said he made it clear to Neeld on Monday that if he were to take a job he would move on immediately.

As soon as he takes another job as coach, he becomes that coach, and it's not appropriate for the coach of MFC to be sitting in the Collingwood box on gameday.

Fair attitude, I think.

So... anyone know what's happening?

[Gorgoroth 13,153]

Cameron Schwab on SEN has said they have spoken to Neil as well as others, so he is no certainty, but in the picture.

[Demon Disciple 12,412]

HS went one way, so the AGE decided to hedge their bets and go the other, just in case they were right and the HS was wrong.

Neither one of MS or CW would know what is happening in terms of our footy department. That became glaringly obvious when MS stated that Ross Lyon was more likely than not to head to the Dees, and when Caro produced the gem that the filth wanted to keep Neeld on until after their campaign, which has turned out to be so far from the truth a blind man could see a likelier outcome.

What this past week has shown, is that you should not trust a word said, unless it has officially come from the club

[McQueen 17,867]

Wouldn't Neeld be the bloke who has the final say who senior assistant will be?

Is the role assistant or director of coaching that Craig is in the frame for?

[Mono 455]

Wouldn't Neeld be the bloke who has the final say who senior assistant will be?

Is the role assistant or director of coaching that Craig is in the frame for?

Perhaps Football Manager, a la Balme, Daniher et al (presumably replacing Connolly?).

[bush demon 2,126]

Craig to Melbourne, acc. to Demonology.

[pantaloons 2,019]

And from today's Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/neeld-talks-tough-on-demons-plans-20110917-1kf7g.html

"The Demons have yet to make a decision on Neeld's support staff, although Viney, formerly the club's development coach, could continue to have a senior role alongside Neeld after impressing in five matches as a caretaker. However, Viney's son, Jack, will join the club in the 2012 draft, meaning there could be a conflict.

The role of fellow assistants, including Scott West, Brian Royal, Mark Williams and Josh Mahoney, remains unclear.

Schwab said Melbourne had yet to determine whether they would look to secure a senior assistant for Neeld in the mould of a Mark Thompson.

The Demons have spoken with former Adelaide coach Neil Craig. It's understood Craig would have joined Melbourne had West Coast assistant Scott Burns won the Demons role."

[mrtwister 652]

I don't think Neeld needs a senior assistant like Bomber Thompson. He's only at the Dons because Hird hasn't coached s**t before this year. Neeld has had training wheels on for a while now.

If Craig comes it will be doing what he's best at - Sports Science.

[simma02 53]

We MUST sign this man. He would be an invaluable asset to the Melbourne Football Club!

[watts up jack4 0]

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

[DeeSpencer 26,117]

Why would Craig have joined for Burns but not Neeld? Does he have a relationship with Burns or a negative one with Neeld. If it means Neeld was more inclined to pick his own staff where as Burns was happy to have Craig appointed for him then I think thats a good thing.

[east gippsland demon 7]

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

If this is true i am stoked. And this is why i get on demonland , to get slithers of info like that . Hope its not BS!

[Diablo Deemon 220]

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

Lets hope he gets on board from a sports science perspective he is rated one of the best in the business.

Structure is his cornerstone something we often lack especially under pressure.

What we are witnessing is a concerted and deliberate investment in our footy department

which has been long overdue.

Investing money into the footy department is the best thing to happen all year.

[Redleg 41,820]

I am a Craig fan and would be happy if he was involved with us next year.

[H_T 3,049]

Why would Craig have joined for Burns but not Neeld?

What makes you say this ?

[Kento80 83]

I don't think Neeld needs a senior assistant like Bomber Thompson. He's only at the Dons because Hird hasn't coached s**t before this year. Neeld has had training wheels on for a while now.

If Craig comes it will be doing what he's best at - Sports Science.

I agree completely mrtwister. And I would kind of imagine that Neeld himself probably is of the opinion that he doesn't need a senior assistant too. I have no issue however with the idea of him as just a sports science guy. From what every one says this is his forte.

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

Love to hear that WUJ

[Kit Walker 225]

I think that the idea of a first-time coach having an assistant with years of AFL senior experience is an exceptional one.

The issue is not a matter of confidence, it's giving the new coach all the tools they need to succeed. And having someone with Neil Craig's background and reputation - as a sounding board if nothing else - can't do anything but assist. The availability of advice, even if it isn't in the end taken, is invaluable.

I would be much more confident of the Neeld appointment if Craig joins him.

[Canplay 635]

Clint Stanaway (channel 9) has tweeted tonight that Craig is coming to dees.

[The Red Fox 216]

Encouraging that we're bringing in staff from some of the AFL's more professionally run powerhouse clubs (Coll, Adel) - bodes well for positive cultural change at the Dees.

[DeeSpencer 26,117]

What makes you say this ?

It's been reported that Craig would sign on with Burns as soon as Burns joined, where as that was out the door when Neeld started.

This whole thing is just going off rumours and if we interview Craig and then Neeld wants to hire him then thats a great result.

[H_T 3,049]

It's been reported that Craig would sign on with Burns as soon as Burns joined, where as that was out the door when Neeld started.

This whole thing is just going off rumours and if we interview Craig and then Neeld wants to hire him then thats a great result.

I think you'll find they will get along well.

[Sir Why You Little 37,257]

It's up to Mark Neeld IMO at this point....maybe he wants Craig maybe he doesn't.

Just looking at Craig's coaching record, there are some things that don't add up for me.

That said if he joins the club i will back the decision.

[H_T 3,049]

I heard Schwab state on SEN on the weekend that they would be providing the right tools and surrounding diverse expertise to allow the coach to simply coach. CS indicated this is something they've probably recognised that they haven't done well and look to address. ie. They may have been concerned with other aspects that could have been delegated better.

I also heard Dermott ask CS if appointing Neeld was a "safe appointment", of which CS responded, "no, I wouldn't say that, I think it's a considered appointment.."

[Demon Dynasty 17,114]

I don't think Neeld needs a senior assistant like Bomber Thompson. He's only at the Dons because Hird hasn't coached s**t before this year. Neeld has had training wheels on for a while now.

If Craig comes it will be doing what he's best at - Sports Science.

I don't think Neeldy needs him either. However, as to whether he would like him as part of the team and see him as a big asset and a key part of whatever team he eventually puts together, who knows.

I think that the idea of a first-time coach having an assistant with years of AFL senior experience is an exceptional one.

The issue is not a matter of confidence, it's giving the new coach all the tools they need to succeed. And having someone with Neil Craig's background and reputation - as a sounding board if nothing else - can't do anything but assist. The availability of advice, even if it isn't in the end taken, is invaluable.

I would be much more confident of the Neeld appointment if Craig joins him.

Wise words.

I'm becoming more confident in the Neeld appointment day by day. But the extra grunt, if we can fund it, would be invaluable in the sense that it may take some of the load off of Neeldy and allow him to fast track certain aspects of his training/development programs etc....and just might fast track the on field success a little earlier than if we didn't appoint a valuable senior assistant, such as Craig. A big emphasis on 'might' however. You would never really know if one option was better than the other, unless you ran the same coaching teams (1 with, and 1 without a senior assistant/mentor) together in a parrarell time continuum lol.

[Guest bonjohn]

We MUST sign this man. He would be an invaluable asset to the Melbourne Football Club!

just as he was to Adelaide? this guy sells snake oil better than Wallace.