article says he was a high school teacher. Lots of successful coaches have come from a teaching background. David parkin, Clarkson, fagan, and thats just off the top of my head.

It might have been Clarkson that has refered to the skills from teaching transfering very well into footy. Instructing and leading young men, making relationships and delivering clear messages. Sounds like a good skillset for a developement coach 👍

17 hours ago, BScotti said:

Has there been any credible recent intel about who we might pick up as assistant coaches?

Most content is incredible @BScotti.

1 hour ago, Benny Dee said:

article says he was a high school teacher. Lots of successful coaches have come from a teaching background. David parkin, Clarkson, fagan, and thats just off the top of my head.

It might have been Clarkson that has refered to the skills from teaching transfering very well into footy. Instructing and leading young men, making relationships and delivering clear messages. Sounds like a good skillset for a developement coach 👍

Mark Neeld a stand out obviously.

Was there not rumour of a new role, such as the one that would replace Alan Richardson, additionally that it might be Jimmy Bartel as the front runner?

Is that still a thing or thrown out?

The players are really pleased Whitford’s been appointed to the head of development role.

I won’t denigrate Choco, he’s been great, but he’s reached his use by date.

Whitford’s a terrific relationship builder (which is probably half the role) and an excellent communicator. He’s earnt his chance.

And by saving a bit of money on this role, it’ll hopefully allow a couple of bigger name appointments around King.

Like to see us grab someone like Phil Davis. Smart operator. Definitely has good insights and recently retired.

As it stands how many vacancies do we have for Senior Assistants?

With the departures of Radford (Strategy & Midfield) and Bassett (Backline) that frees up two vacancies but it looks like Jones (previously Stoppage Coach) might have been promoted as the Senior Assistant for midfield.

Logically it looks like we will bring in one Senior Assistant for either the backline or forwards with Chaplin shifting back/forward accordingly. I think it is good that we have retained Jones and Chaplin as the coaching structure has significantly changed with a new Head Coach, 1 x new Senior Assistant (to be appointed), 1 x Head of Development. We also have the Footy Strategy boss role that sits between Richo (Footy GM) and Guerra (CEO).

My guess would be the vacancy would be someone who has successfully worked in similar systems to what King is looking to implement and possibly someone who King has previously worked with. I also wonder whether the appointment has already been made but not announced yet due to the said person being involved in today's Grand Final.