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.

If we go back to a leadership group it will be interesting to see who's in it ( and not )

I think Hoffman is a rather astute addition.

In many respects leadership has nothing particular to AFL. It's a mindset. Some lead, some follow. All required. Leadership sets the tone and culture. It's possible this has needed a makeover 🤔🙄

Looking forward to season 26

I wanted to get some opinions on assistant coaches 2026 and forward.

I don’t think Kingy had the longest time to organise assistants in general with that probably being a bit up in the air and rushed.

Considering we are traveling somewhat well, but it’s still a long season to go, do you think the current assistants stay in 2027?

I am aware we have a couple part time assistants also, will they become full or will they get in different full timers?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

16 hours ago, GawnOfTheDead said:

I wanted to get some opinions on assistant coaches 2026 and forward.

I don’t think Kingy had the longest time to organise assistants in general with that probably being a bit up in the air and rushed.

Considering we are traveling somewhat well, but it’s still a long season to go, do you think the current assistants stay in 2027?

I am aware we have a couple part time assistants also, will they become full or will they get in different full timers?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach. Imagine how much better the forward line would work if we didn't have a back man coaching them. We'd kick a lot straighter also.

On Saturday the fwds kicked 16 goals 8 behinds with 2 of those rushed so how much straighter do you want.

2 minutes ago, BangBnagBang said:

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach. Imagine how much better the forward line would work if we didn't have a back man coaching them. We'd kick a lot straighter also.

19 hours ago, GawnOfTheDead said:

I wanted to get some opinions on assistant coaches 2026 and forward.

I don’t think Kingy had the longest time to organise assistants in general with that probably being a bit up in the air and rushed.

Considering we are traveling somewhat well, but it’s still a long season to go, do you think the current assistants stay in 2027?

I am aware we have a couple part time assistants also, will they become full or will they get in different full timers?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

It took a fair bit of convincing to keep Chaplin for 2026. I'm sure working under a coach with a very different skillset to Goody has to be good for his development. He is definitely in the next 5 or so for a senior coaching role, I just hope he doesn't feel he needs some experience in a different environment to solidify that.

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by Dannyz

2 hours ago, BangBnagBang said:

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach. Imagine how much better the forward line would work if we didn't have a back man coaching them. We'd kick a lot straighter also.

This is a myth.

2 hours ago, BangBnagBang said:

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach. Imagine how much better the forward line would work if we didn't have a back man coaching them. We'd kick a lot straighter also.

I'd say half the forward line coaches in the league didn't actually play forward.

4 hours ago, BangBnagBang said:

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach. Imagine how much better the forward line would work if we didn't have a back man coaching them. We'd kick a lot straighter also.

We’ve been the most accurate team in the league for set shots this year

I wonder if Bang Bang is being facetious? We kicked 12 straight from set shots over the weekend did we not?

4 hours ago, BangBnagBang said:

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach.

No we don't. I can't be bothered going through it again, but have a look at the top 8 teams and see where their forwards coach came from. (Or any of their coaches for that matter.)

The myth that you need a forwards coach for the forwards is just that - a defender has MUCH more exposure to different forwards and forward line systems across a career.

2 hours ago, layzie said:

I'd say half the forward line coaches in the league didn't actually play forward.

A lot more than half.

2 hours ago, Adam The God said:

This is a myth.

Pretty sure they are taking the [censored]

1 minute ago, ANG13 said:

Pretty sure they are taking the [censored]

Yeah, I did wonder upon reflection.

5 hours ago, BangBnagBang said:

We need to get an assistant who actually played forward to be the forward coach. Imagine how much better the forward line would work if we didn't have a back man coaching them. We'd kick a lot straighter also.

Kingy was the forwards coach last year at the number 1 rated forward line.

He's going allright