On SEN and Foxtel, there's been a LOT of talk about Michael Voss taking a coaching role next year. So much so that I thought it was worth opeining the subject up to the demonland faithful.

Before we get stuck in, it should be noted this is not a Daniher replacement thread. Rather, I am interested to see what people predict will be Michael's decision. Specifically in regards to all 16 clubs, or the handful that you think will be coach-less at some point in 2007.

The key points -

- It is believed he WILL be offered a job for next year, possibly a number of jobs, and not as an assistant.

- Many believe he is the biggest name not tied to a club at this stage.

- Popular opinion is that NO coach can step in having not gotten an apprenticeship under an established coach.

For my part I reckon Liam Pickering put it best when he said the first person he would approach to ask about this would be Tim Watson. He had a HUGE reputation in coaching circles (similar to Voss, maybe even better) before he was hired, and based on his record, many say he will never coach again. Is Voss immune?

Watching Frawley in the media, I am continually stunned at how clever he can be. He's surprisingly verbose and crystallises thoughts succinctly, making them readily understandable for footballers who need things simplified, but can also colour a phrase in such a way that it will carry a resonance to the more educated types, such as board members. More importantly than this, he keeps flooring me by introducing complex theories I've never even heard or thought of, simplifying them and applying them in seconds. Was he a coach who had experience as an assistant? Were he not spoiled at Richmond would he still be approached for jobs/spoken about in the media in the way Wallace was post Bulldogs?

Just for curiosity's sake, I considered Voss at Melbourne, and to be honest I'm not certain it's a great fit, particularly without previous experience.

- Yes, he'd bring elements of the Matthews-style to MFC that have been lacking, but would his faults as a coach be exposed more-so at a financially poor club?

- Would he want to stay for the long haul? Would a 3-year contract accomplish anything? and on the other hand is a 5-year contract too much of a risk?

- Would the list be attractive to a prospective coach in say, 2009 or maybe 2008? Probably. An established midfield that will play their best footy between now and 2011 is tantalising, but there's rebuilding galore to be done in a couple of years. That said, it's not like we're starting again COMPLETELY in the way the Hawks and Blues have done. That in itself may be attractive.

At this ridiculously early stage, I reckon it would be a bad idea to blood a coach at the dees. Especially in the next 5 years. I'd prefer to see a good solid proven coach inherit a good solid proven list. But that's just me.

The biggest problem with "good solid proven" coaches is that they all have jobs already. Even if you take the assistant with the best reputation, you're still essentially punting on a rookie with no experience at the top level.

That said, that would have to be better than plucking somebody from nowhere ala Watson. Voss is being talked about as the next coaching great. Give him some grounding somewhere first. In my opinion you risk wasting the best potential resource if you throw him to the wolves (senior coach) before he's ready. You don't employ someone as a CEO if their only experience is in junior management.

Not unlike blooding a young senior player too early really.

as jason akermanis said he would atleast need 3 years of experience. he is not even an assistant coach anywhere and thats where he needs to start

Assuming that Daniher won't be our coach next year (and that's a pretty good bet), there really aren't a whole lot of options to replace him.

I'm of the belief that it's better the devil you know, however we can't keep holding onto our coach because we're scared of what a change will bring.

Being a great player does not automatically makes you a great coach. I would hate to appoint someone with no experience, especially given the current position we are in. If we were in a rebuilding mode, than maybe, but I would hope that we'll still be looking at winning a flag in the next 2 or 3 seasons, and with that in mind, appoint someone who has had success either as a senior coach, or as an assistant.

I reckon it should be noted that when the time comes for the coaches' game of musical chairs, it's perfectly conceivable that there might be as many as 4 coaches stepping down and possibly looking for other jobs at years end.

Just starting this thread is incredibly premature, almost to the point of absurdity. But since we've established that tone, why not take it a step further... If by years end there are 2 or more coaches stepping down or getting the axe then it may be prudent for the club to ask around. Furthermore I can think of at least 2 assistant coaches that the demons should ABSOLUTELY be hassling, regardless of Neale's contract situation, in Longmire and Harvey.

I'm certainly not advocating hiring a green coach like Lyon or Voss. It's clear enough that that would be a risk not worth taking at this stage. But I certainly think it's worth looking and beginning the preliminary interview process as early as it can be deemed ethical (wouldn't want to under-cut Daniher, particularly mid-season. He's more than earned the club's respect), and there are coaches that are "available" that should be considered, if they haven't been already.

BTW, for those in the know (Beach Road Bazza, I'm looking at you), how close is Mark Williams (of Sandy fame) to being a senior AFL coach? He brings 3 VFL premierships and a good reputation as a nurturer of talent to the table. I know Barry Mitchell is a VFL coach who was heavily into the interview process last year, so there's a precedent.

Fellas, we have to think positive about the team, if we are going to succeed they need all the support they can get. Dont need supporters ASSUMING the coach wont be there, because that just means that youve given up on this team this season already. You might as well just F off.

Before we get stuck in, it should be noted this is not a Daniher replacement thread.

Fellas, we have to think positive about the team, if we are going to succeed they need all the support they can get. Dont need supporters ASSUMING the coach wont be there, because that just means that youve given up on this team this season already. You might as well just F off.

Take it easy BA. As highlighted above, this was never supposed to be about Voss coming to the dees. It was supposed to be about Voss becoming a senior coach. Those that have mentioned Daniher leaving are only throwing up a hypotheitical. You'll find most, if not all the above posters are behind Daniher as long as he's coach of the demons.

I would be happy to have vossy in 3-4 years time after has has understudied at least one senior coach.

If he replaced danners in 08, i would be VERY concerned. He has the makings of a good coach, however it would be a risk to appoint him so quickly due to his rawness.

I thought Mark Bickley would have made a good coach, it seems the media got to him first.

what about Mark Williams of sandringham? 3 premeirships in a row with sandy? id tap it

yea i agree , with mark, what about viney, mark harvey,rocky to add a few