I really like the appointment of Rivers. Has varied experience coaching at all levels, AFL, VFL and Ammos.

I think this pathway is underrated when it comes to hiring assistants and even senior coaches, it shouldn't all be about x number of years as an AFL club assistant.

I thought it was interesting that he had that time in the ammos. Thought that he'd been in the AFL coaching system all this time.

While on the topic of the new assistants, can someone who's somewhat 'in the know' please give their views on what distinct qualities they see Matthew Scarlett bringing to our coaching group and the team?

I know a little of the champion player he was and my own superficial understanding is that he was also regarded as a great leader at Geelong during their period as one of the greatest teams of the modern era, but would be interested in some more specifics.

57 minutes ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

I thought it was interesting that he had that time in the ammos. Thought that he'd been in the AFL coaching system all this time.

Was quite relaxed coaching the ammos, which the players liked, as many of them had full time jobs.

2 hours ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

While on the topic of the new assistants, can someone who's somewhat 'in the know' please give their views on what distinct qualities they see Matthew Scarlett bringing to our coaching group and the team?

I know a little of the champion player he was and my own superficial understanding is that he was also regarded as a great leader at Geelong during their period as one of the greatest teams of the modern era, but would be interested in some more specifics.

Scarlett and King are co owners of a pub. Scarlett brings beer pouring skills.

3 hours ago, BKKBooga said:

Scarlett and King are co owners of a pub. Scarlett brings beer pouring skills.

Excellent. Just what Steve (Frothies) May needs to keep at peak performance!

NRL great joins new-look Demons

Melbourne has hired NRL great Ryan Hoffman to a leadership role in what is the latest addition to Steven King's off-field brigade.

Hoffman, who will work with the Demons at least one day per week as a leadership consultant, brings a wealth of experience from the elite level, having spent 16 years in rugby league.

The Storm legend was on track with the Demons on Wednesday morning as King put his players through a brutal session in the heat.

It's understood Hoffman quietly assumed the role three weeks ago.

The 41-year-old had three stints with the Melbourne Storm, as well as spells with the New Zealand Warriors and Wigan Warriors, to tally 359 career league games.

Hoffman also represented Australia in six Tests and featured for New South Wales 14 times in the State of Origin arena.

The addition is one of many off-field changes at the Demons, who have secured Matthew Scarlett, Jared Rivers and Rory Atkins, among others, to form King's new-look coaching strikeforce.

Hoffman's code switch isn't the first of its kind, with his ex-teammate Billy Slater linking up with St Kilda in 2019.

The Storm called on the services of retired Geelong champion Joel Selwood for the 2023 season following his decorated career with the Cats.

Earlier this year, Hawthorn called on the insight of North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten for its Round 13 clash with the Western Bulldogs in a mentoring capacity for Sam Mitchell and his team.

So thats who that is. Lots of random unknowns (to me) hanging out at training.

we sure do love a leadership consultant appointment

Hoffman is both a good human and a natural leader. He also communicates well. Good get.