Essendon hit by the entire AFL world over tracking Alastair Clarkson, treating Ben Ratten
The AFL world has been gutted by Essendon’s farcical week of presidential change, the ill-fated pursuit of Alastair Clarkson and widespread condemnation of manager Ben Ratten’s handling of the club.
Clarkson’s final push ended when he was announced as North Melbourne’s next coach on a five-year deal.
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even Clarkson shot the bomber at the press conferenceexposing the club’s poor management of the situation.
“Essendon has feelings, and I have a lot of respect for GWS, but this just felt right. I feel comfortable here,” he said.
“I was in a difficult position and I knew it was becoming a circus. I don’t like being the center of attention.
“Because we were so far ahead with North and GWS, the Essendon process was too slow to be taken seriously.
“I listened to them because I really respected them. In my case, due diligence takes much longer than four days.”
Kangaroo legend Ron Joseph went further, saying he wasn’t surprised to see the four-time premiership winning coach pick a club that has played 93 games in a 134-game career.
“Essendon never frightened me,” said Joseph Herald Sun.
“I never thought Kraco would go after Tullamarine for drug money.
“Why would you want Kevin Sheedy to look over your shoulder at that mindless windswept pit where they abandoned the iconic Windy Hill?”
But Clarkson was just one blow in a terrifying week at Essendon.
Former President Paul Brasher’s resignation on Monday sparked speculation coaches Rutten was about to be fired.
He continued to work, but for now, a sword hangs over the head of a coach who still has a contract.
while the player has They said they wanted to stay in Ruttenfootage of defender Nick Hind seemingly ignoring his coach in last week’s 83-point drab to Port Adelaide has raised many questions.
Former coach and Bomber legend James Hurd has been linked to a return to the role.
However, no matter who gets the job, there are some fires that need to be put out.
The Herald Sun reported that Jon Ralph said on Fox Footy on Friday that players had a heated meeting with new president David Barham over the lack of consultations during the week.
“When the Essendon players met with David Barham, they were wild with their criticism of him and the club’s conduct,” Herald Sun reporter John Ralph told Fox.・I told Footy.
“More to the point, they were very strong and passionately supportive of Ben Ratten. They believe he should stay and that he cares about his players.”
Mark Robinson said 3AW Football Barham had a lot of nose out of the joint.
“The cultural side of this football club was all free,” Robinson told 3AW Football.
“Some executives feel abandoned and shut out of the board by David Barham,” he said. go get Clarkson.”
Damien Barratt told AFL Media there were already “serious” problems between the player and the new president.
“David Barham tried to talk this out today first to the club and then to the players separately, but there were a lot of challenges for David Barham at that players’ meeting – they were more disgruntled than ever. and left the club…at my own club.”
But club great Tim Watson, speaking to Seven News, has lashed out at the club, saying he sees no way forward before CEO Xavier Campbell.
“The club is shambolic and, frankly, Essendon fans should be appalled at how this has played out,” said Watson.
“They now have a chance to make changes, including a new coach.
“Considering that club CEO Xavier Campbell has backed Rutten’s retention and strongly backed the outgoing president, it is inconceivable that he will continue in his role.
“By the time the ball bounces in 2023, the Essendon club will be very different.”
Judging by the social media reaction this week, it’s clear that people want change.
Essendon hit by the entire AFL world over tracking Alastair Clarkson, treating Ben Ratten
Source link Essendon hit by the entire AFL world over tracking Alastair Clarkson, treating Ben Ratten