Neil Craig appreciation thread

[rpfc 28,087]

Great bloke, but disagree about some of the plaudits of his coaching. I make two points. Firstly, I don't think we did any better in the second half of the year, which included a loss to GWS. People wanted to convince themselves that the emperor had new clothes, but in reality, it was more of the same and in fact I think in some respects worse match day coaching. Clearly better communication, mind you!

Secondly, Craig backed Neeld all the way and still does. So I find those who bag Neeld and compliment Craig to be absolute hypocrites.

I just know from my research on the Uncontested Possessions vs the Margin that the aver margin was reduced by 31% in Craig's 11 games and the average differential in UPs by 50% - which is just a massive improvement.

Basically went from averaging 182 UPs to 202 UPs while our opposition went from averaging 258 UPs to 238 UPs.

And Craig is lauded for doing things at other clubs because he is a proven coach.

He also doesn't run the bus over Mark Neeld because he is a good bloke.

[DemonBell 8]

When Roos was at the Swans, and Craigy at the Crows, there were a few years when the Crows were the Swans bogey side,so maybe Roos would prefer him on his side rather than at a rival club.

[PJ_12345 1,098]

Great bloke, but disagree about some of the plaudits of his coaching. I make two points. Firstly, I don't think we did any better in the second half of the year, which included a loss to GWS. People wanted to convince themselves that the emperor had new clothes, but in reality, it was more of the same and in fact I think in some respects worse match day coaching. Clearly better communication, mind you!

Secondly, Craig backed Neeld all the way and still does. So I find those who bag Neeld and compliment Craig to be absolute hypocrites.

Still campaigning for the gig Choko?

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

He is an absolute class act as a person, a coach, a football mind.

the players would be far, far better for having had the time they have had with him,

If Roos is a done deal, then I hope Craig gets the Brisbane job. I too have a soft spot for the bloke and just can't see where he would fit in our club with an experienced senior coach at the helm (just being realistic).

Thanks Neil. The caretaker job of a struggling club really is the epitome of being on a hiding to nothing, and I think you did well under the circumstances.

What an amazing performance under the circumstances (not so much on the field i mean, more in terms of how he carried himself etc). Class act from a top bloke. Well said.

Stick around Neil. Good man.

We need great minds.

Let's hope so WY. Seems like he's been a great mentor for the young boys for the most part of this season under the biggest (public) blow torch this club's seen in it's history i would think.

Nathan Jones probably deserves an appreciation thread too, i could not respect the bloke any more, he should be our captain in 2014!

Has to be one of the best efforts i've seen from any MFC player given the circumstances. Class act. Tough hombre'. Can build a great team around this bloke. True professional. If only we could clone 2 or 3 more of the Jones boy's attitude, professionalism and never say die attitude on game day.

I would also like to add the Demon Army into the appreciation mix. Worst year in MFC's history and they stood tall under extreme fire. Well done to all involved!

Edited September 3, 2013 by Rusty Nails

[sue 9,071]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/lions-set-to-interview-neil-craig-20130903-2t3fd.html