The importance of the coach

Okay, this might sound like "Next contestant Bourbon Man! Specialty: the Bleeding Obvious" but hear me out! I watched the replay of Parra v Warriors this evening and found Andy Raymond's comments interesting. He reminded us that Nathan Hindmarsh - who currently runs second in total offloads behind Bronson Harrison - that Hindy always had the offload game in him but he's concentrated on defense.This is an undoubted truth, however, one needs to ask why his game has become so much more attacking so rapidly. Michael Hagan trumpeted his intentions to revert Hindy into the potent 'edge of the ruck' attacking backrower he once was when he took over the reigns three seasons ago. Result? Hindy broke the tackles-in-a-game record under Hagan's watch but couldn't hand a pacifier to a baby.All of a sudden, Hindy is creating offloads in every second hit-up and remains a defensive stronghold. Why is this? I would argue that our esteemed coach DA has instilled an attitude not seen at Parra for at least a decade. Every player seems intent on playing his defensive role and Hindy isn't required to make 'last-ditch' tackles to save his side. During our highly succesful campaigns in 2005 and 2007 under BS and Hagan respectively, it was apparent that without Hindy's workload, we struggled to contain whomever we played.Nowadays, it is apparent that Hindy can make only 30-40 tackles and we perform well; similarly, our defense holds. I credit our coach Daniel Anderson in determining the attitude and style that allows our beloved talisman to show his ability in attack whist not resulting in detriment to our 'against'.One can see the professionalism and determination at St George under grumpy old Wayne and watching the Newcastle Knights running around tonight - despite the fact it looked like The Rainbow Serpent swallowed Brian Smith and regurgitated him all over the Knights' jerseys - coaches DO play a major role in the individual attitudes of the players and thus the results of the footy team.I'm happy that Newcastle didn't make that obvious change last week as while I'd have cleaned up at the TAB on my $20 on the Knights, it would have done nothing for our final aspirations. I'm exceptionally pleased with what DA has achieved at the footy club so far and, despite the results in season 2009, am looking forward to watching a highly professional and successful footy club in the years to come.Hear, Hear Daniel Anderson - and quality footy coaches in general!!

I was about to post an almost identical blog, although referencing didn't players Bourbon so I'll just tack on here instead.

As you all know, I'm unabashed fans of boths Kris Keating and Feleti Mateo. I see KK as our long-term 7 and I've been in raptures over Mateo since I first saw him play Jersey Flegg. So I'm struggling somewhat with both players being missing from this side.

THAT SAID, you only have to see the performances of both Todd Lowrie and Jeff Robson on the weekend to know that these are two players who are playing for their lives. They clearly have a belief that if they bust their gut and do as the coach expects of them, they're going to get rewarded and keep getting picked. You can say the same thing about Ben Smith and even Kris Inu. Oh, and Jeremy Latimore too. Ando hasn't been afraid to drop players when they haven't performed, and he's stuck by players when we're winning even when all logic says it's the wrong thing to do.

And from my perspective what that is creating is a performance-based, winning culture. There is none of this bullshit we had last year with Michael Hagan, when week after week we were told 'We're not far off the pace' and players who were mediocre were continually retained in the side. Anderson has dropped his stars, he has not included his stars. What he has been in absolutely consistent in telling players when he expects more out of them and rewarding them when they deliver to his expectations.

I'm sure players who thought they 'weren't far off the pace' have suddenly had a massive awakening this year, and they now know what is required to win week-in, week-out at NRL level. This is why I said earlier, I'm really keen to see what Ando can do with a player like Weller because he's doing so much with players with less natural talent.

Any long-time readers of this site, will know that I have argued for a long-time that the club needed to employ a sports psychologist because the player's attitude and outlook just wan't right. Well it appears that we don't need this anymore, because Anderson quite simply appears to be a master psychologist.

So while I hold my belief that while we would be a better 17 with Mateo and Keating in the side, I do trust that Anderson is making the right decisions that will in the end make us a better club. And when Mateo or Keating do come into the side, I expect either one to tear it up because they are going to be truly ready to go.

"The eels instructed there best player to stand down lol just like they asked him to lose the options but it'll cost you a 100 k a year.
Im with Wiz the business decision is take the coin first as he knows he holds all the leverage being the best…"

Replies

Tayls August 17, 2009 at 10:51pm

I am really intrigued in how the whole season has come together for the eels. With the poor form, Finch departing, the current run of performances. I wonder how this has all come about- like was it a master plan conceived prior to the season, one which needed time to implement and come to fruition? if so its absolutely brilliant and is working faultlessly.
Or is it merely a combination of several uncorrelated factors all coming into play together? i am inclined to think this is more likely.

However one thing I have noticed is that DA is certainly looking far more professional at the games. I'm not sure if this has been addressed before in the forums but, he has gone from wearing an eel hat and fleece jumper/jacket, to suit and product formed newly trimmed hair. This certainly is congruent with a more professional approach..
- Bourbon Man > Tayls August 17, 2009 at 11:05pm
  
  Good pick up Tayls. I agree that DA's dress in recent weeks mirrors the more professional approach by the players. That said, I know why Brett Finch was 'released'.
  
  Obviously 'one keeps Mum' but you should all ask yourselves why Brett Finch - who was on a $300k per season deal - decided to leave, forfeiting his money, because "the coach didn't believe in him"!! I'm currently working in employment law and I can tell you from experience that, when an individual is sacked unfairly - particularly when on big money - they fight like buggery for their rights AND money!! Apparently, we don't have to pay out Brett Finch. Hmm.....
  
  Note Lote's current fight in the courts. For those that know - what Lote did - not ideal, yet not 'illegal'!
  
  I'll leave it at that!
  
  P.S. Phil, if you delete the above, I won't blame you!
Dan_Ref August 17, 2009 at 10:54pm

great read.

i agree mate, ando has brought out the best in hindmarsh and has got players like lowrie, cayless and joe to share a huge workload in defence.

he has us playing great footy atm. the start of the season was just a "deleting hagan's crap from the system" period, but now that he has got us going the way he planned we are the form team in the NRL.

IN ANDO WE TRUST.
Tim August 17, 2009 at 10:58pm

I'm liking the change in Hindy. Despite his constant efforts of 50+ tackles a game, and amazing scrambling plays, we saw him get dropped from the NSW side when in fact, he should have gone close to captain this year. Lets hope the new Hindy, under Anderson, can show the selectors that he is still one of the best second rowers in the game and get that NSW spot he rightfully deserves. No way is G Stewart better than Hindy, deadset.
1Eyed Eel August 17, 2009 at 11:45pm

I was about to post an almost identical blog, although referencing didn't players Bourbon so I'll just tack on here instead.

As you all know, I'm unabashed fans of boths Kris Keating and Feleti Mateo. I see KK as our long-term 7 and I've been in raptures over Mateo since I first saw him play Jersey Flegg. So I'm struggling somewhat with both players being missing from this side.

THAT SAID, you only have to see the performances of both Todd Lowrie and Jeff Robson on the weekend to know that these are two players who are playing for their lives. They clearly have a belief that if they bust their gut and do as the coach expects of them, they're going to get rewarded and keep getting picked. You can say the same thing about Ben Smith and even Kris Inu. Oh, and Jeremy Latimore too. Ando hasn't been afraid to drop players when they haven't performed, and he's stuck by players when we're winning even when all logic says it's the wrong thing to do.

And from my perspective what that is creating is a performance-based, winning culture. There is none of this bullshit we had last year with Michael Hagan, when week after week we were told 'We're not far off the pace' and players who were mediocre were continually retained in the side. Anderson has dropped his stars, he has not included his stars. What he has been in absolutely consistent in telling players when he expects more out of them and rewarding them when they deliver to his expectations.

I'm sure players who thought they 'weren't far off the pace' have suddenly had a massive awakening this year, and they now know what is required to win week-in, week-out at NRL level. This is why I said earlier, I'm really keen to see what Ando can do with a player like Weller because he's doing so much with players with less natural talent.

Any long-time readers of this site, will know that I have argued for a long-time that the club needed to employ a sports psychologist because the player's attitude and outlook just wan't right. Well it appears that we don't need this anymore, because Anderson quite simply appears to be a master psychologist.

So while I hold my belief that while we would be a better 17 with Mateo and Keating in the side, I do trust that Anderson is making the right decisions that will in the end make us a better club. And when Mateo or Keating do come into the side, I expect either one to tear it up because they are going to be truly ready to go.
- Bourbon Man > 1Eyed Eel August 17, 2009 at 11:55pm
  
  I entirely agree Phil. Personally, I'm looking forward to tomorrow afternoon because we'll have the 'official squad' and I think that whatever the make-up, we'll gain a further insight into the mindset of our coach.
  
  No matter what, I trust the man who engages with his 25 every day more so than the lounge chair critics lurking on on-line forums.
Dan August 18, 2009 at 9:18am

Great thread guys, even the responses are very insightful.

Could we have gained a more 'appropriate' coach? (For lack of a better word.)

I always knew going with Ando would be the correct decision, and he would prove himself over time, but the way he has transformed this side's mentality in such a short period of time amazes me.

This reply was deleted.

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