Saints allow 'Unprecedented Access' to Ch7

[rodgerfox]

I had a whinge recently about the awful lack of legitimate communication and transparency with fans by the club.

This whole amateurish 'cloak and dagger' rubbish that AFL clubs put on in order to make themselves appear mysterious and clever is just insulting - especially given that they then put their hand out to fans at every opportunity for donations.

So credit where it's due, the whole 'unprecedented access' thing that the club put on last Friday night was good.

Although I dare say it's more of a Ch7 initiative than a club one (ie. they want to televise a more interesting product as opposed to the club wanting to engage with supporters more), it still gave some insight into what people are paying for when they buy memberships each year and financially 'support' the club.

The fluffy stuff didn't particularly interest me, but a few things did that I feel are relevant to many of the discussions that we have on here.

- I cringed when Geary addressed the players before the game. I still shudder at Pavlich's infamous pre-game address a few years ago which made him a laughing stock, and pretty much was expecting something similar from Geary. However he spoke well. He was clear, concise and direct with his address.
- His message also gave an insight into a key message that the players obviously get. Very 'role' focussed, and specific in the sense that each of them have a strength, and a reason they're there, and to use it. Wasn't 'rah rah rah', just reminding them of their job, and to use their strengths. Would love to get an insight into what each players' strengths are, or are perceived to be by the club.
- Adam Kingsley stated that he oversees the whole thing in the box. There are the 'line coaches' who look after defence, mid and forward, and he "pretty much oversees the whole thing and makes sure it all comes together" (paraphrasing slightly). He then communicates that down to Richo on the bench. I found this interesting.
- Lethlean seemed very involved, I couldn't understand what he was saying as he was mumbling and whispering - but he seemed quite hands on. Didn't appear to just be observing?

Richo said on AFL360 that he wasn't that comfortable with it all, and that he believes there are things that should stay in-house at a footy club. But the CEO gets on his case about moving with the times and being more open and transparent.



Anyone else take anything from it?

[Mr Magic]

I got the feeling from a few snippets mentioned at the 40= year Members Function that the Good Friday game was an unmitigated disaster for the Club and that they (the Club) needed to get on 'the front foot' with the AFL, Broadcasters, Saints fans and the wider football public to 'undo' any negativity from that opportunity on the 'big stage'.
Hence this 'unprecedented' access last Friday.

It wasn't just the Ch 7 access - all the radio broadcasters had similar access.
All seemed to come away vey happy with what they were offered (in terms of access) and what they were delivered by the Club.
Whoever was responsible for this decision deserves kudos.
IMHO we finished the night (PR wise) much better off than where we were before.

[Impatient Sainter]

I found it cringe worthy watching Richo fumbling around on the bench like he still had a role. There is no doubt Kingsley is running the club come match day and the beneifits were evident immediately. Even the players look much happier with the arrangement.

I would be more than happy having Kingsley replace Richo at seasons end.

[rodgerfox]

I found it cringe worthy watching Richo fumbling around on the bench like he still had a role. There is no doubt Kingsley is running the club come match day and the beneifits were evident immediately. Even the players look much happier with the arrangement.

I would be more than happy having Kingsley replace Richo at seasons end.

Interesting take.

I've been undecided (basically because I have no clue how the inner sanctum actually operates) as to whether Kingsley is the problem - or the solution.

I've been leaning towards him being an issue. I've heard things (not ITK stuff, just hearsay) that players don't like him, and that his strategy is far too rigid and structured and simply doesn't work in practice. I heard that his role was diminished over the break, not increased.

It's interesting that you see it the opposite.

[desertsaint]

richo spending every minute on the bench, with kingsley overseeing all communications, suggests that kingsley's role has increased. and we seem to be better for it.

[Cairnsman]

Totally agree, kudos to the club, they seem to be doing a lot of things right off the field from where this supporter views things.

And yeah agree RF, I thought the Geary team pre game address was excellent, I remember thinking just before he started that I was most likely to cringe and be embarrassed about it all but I was wrong and was really impressed with not only the context of his message but the way he delivered it, measured and reinforcing key execution plans concisely and in a genuine voice, (obviously doesn't feel the need to transcend his inner Teddy Whitten).

Loved Richo's honesty re the CEO requiring him to get with the times, does that demonstrate that Richo responds well to honest feedback?

[Enrico_Misso]

Will they be interviewing Richo in cubicle 3?

[minneapolis]

Did anyone catch a single word that Lethlean said? It was very difficult to hear.

[wally]

We won and did so quite comfortably, it looks easy. If we got had been murdered would have been very different.
I watched it on telly,and after the game in the rooms seemed different to every other team. (I cant put my finger on it
just different)
Was it back in GT's era when they sat in the coach's box and televised it? The opposition box had the tv on and heard it all.

[SaintPav]

It’s free PR and we need all the help we can get.

We really don’t have anything to lose at this stage of the journey.

[SaintPav]

- Adam Kingsley stated that he oversees the whole thing in the box. There are the 'line coaches' who look after defence, mid and forward, and he "pretty much oversees the whole thing and makes sure it all comes together" (paraphrasing slightly). He then communicates that down to Richo on the bench. I found this interesting.

Very interesting.

Sounds like Sexton has been demoted.

So Richo is now the front of house guy/door bitch who does all the interviews like Roos was a few years ago.

Is Richo being squeezed/transitioned out? He sounds superfluous to needs.

Is this now industry practice across the AFL?

[chico2001]

I find the bench "practice" a load of Sh**te. It is for country football. If Richardson cant coach the team "proper" and he is controlled from the box well they might as well get rid of him because all he is turning into is a glorified back slapper as players come on and off the ground. Be interesting to see how it goes this week.

[takeaway]

I find the bench "practice" a load of Sh**te. It is for country football. If Richardson cant coach the team "proper" and he is controlled from the box well they might as well get rid of him because all he is turning into is a glorified back slapper as players come on and off the ground. Be interesting to see how it goes this week.

Better let the Hawks know that Clarko is no good either

[Leo.J]

From what I understand, most of the work as far as coaches are concerned is done during the week.

So the fact that Richo is sitting on the bench and Kingsley in the box imo doesn’t necessarily mean one has been demoted and one promoted like some are assuming.

There’s a chance that Lethlean has identified the various coaches match day strengths and assigned them accordingly.

Richo being on the bench is far from a demotion imo. Being able to communicate with every player that is coming on and off ground is a good position for a coach to be in. There’d only be a handfull of players that he wouldn’t have potential access to during the game. And especially when a game plan or specific roles need to be reiterated or explained.

Most, if not all of the potential moves and match ups would have been planned during the week, the line coaches would most probably pull the trigger on those moves, with Kingsley apparently being in charge of transition which you would assume either means transition of ball movement between zones or player movement or both. Not sure what transition coach means.

[mr six o'clock]

Simon lethlean looked like tony montana in the change rooms !

[saintspremiers]

richo spending every minute on the bench, with kingsley overseeing all communications, suggests that kingsley's role has increased. and we seem to be better for it.

Agree.

Hopefully Richo is being managed out of the club, slowly but surely.

[Scollop]

Simon lethlean looked like tony montana in the change rooms !

Choot dat piss of chit

Sorry no reference to Simon or his role, just reciting a famous line from the film

[chico2001]

I find the bench "practice" a load of Sh**te. It is for country football. If Richardson cant coach the team "proper" and he is controlled from the box well they might as well get rid of him because all he is turning into is a glorified back slapper as players come on and off the ground. Be interesting to see how it goes this week.

Better let the Hawks know that Clarko is no good either

Better check that "Clarko" has been on the bench all game most of the year and also if Scott Burns is controlling "Clarko" from the box while you are there. Do a good job of it and compare Richardsons and "Clarko's" coaching records as well and you can let St KIlda know if Richardson is any good as well.

[takeaway]

I find the bench "practice" a load of Sh**te. It is for country football. If Richardson cant coach the team "proper" and he is controlled from the box well they might as well get rid of him because all he is turning into is a glorified back slapper as players come on and off the ground. Be interesting to see how it goes this week.

Better let the Hawks know that Clarko is no good either

Better check that "Clarko" has been on the bench all game most of the year and also if Scott Burns is controlling "Clarko" from the box while you are there. Do a good job of it and compare Richardsons and "Clarko's" coaching records as well and you can let St KIlda know if Richardson is any good as well.

I can't check that. I haven't hacked the communication line between the box and Richo to know that Richo is being "controlled" from the box. You must have. Well done. I'm pretty sure Richo would still have the say on most moves, etc during the game that were not pre planned. He is not "controlled", the same way "Clarko" would not be "controlled". Communication both ways.
Not saying Richo on the bench is definitely a reason for improvement, but why not try it? "Clarko", and a few other coaches, seem to be doing it, and Richo really only started the bench visit half way through the year. I have no problem with it.

[Yorkeys]

The experiment with a sort of big bash style commentary where actual play is a backdrop to anecdotes, sideline interviews and historical recollections I think I would find difficult to enjoy if applied to footy consistently, seems to devalue what's happening in play a bit. I can see potential conflicts when players or coaches find it personally intrusive or embarrassing. Coming off exhausted and being either constrained or imposed on by media chaps/chapettes in one's face might not be all that much fun or help concentration and frank exchanges. Richo the ex Tiger seemed very respectful and empathetic to the Saints team and staff but I can see less nice / more crass commentators causing difficulties. What would a real time interview with AR have been like in the 22 minute mark of the first quarter against Sydney. Wouldn't mind hearing that Richmond guy's huddle jokes though.

[chico2001]

I find the bench "practice" a load of Sh**te. It is for country football. If Richardson cant coach the team "proper" and he is controlled from the box well they might as well get rid of him because all he is turning into is a glorified back slapper as players come on and off the ground. Be interesting to see how it goes this week.

Better let the Hawks know that Clarko is no good either

Better check that "Clarko" has been on the bench all game most of the year and also if Scott Burns is controlling "Clarko" from the box while you are there. Do a good job of it and compare Richardsons and "Clarko's" coaching records as well and you can let St KIlda know if Richardson is any good as well.

I can't check that. I haven't hacked the communication line between the box and Richo to know that Richo is being "controlled" from the box. You must have. Well done. I'm pretty sure Richo would still have the say on most moves, etc during the game that were not pre planned. He is not "controlled", the same way "Clarko" would not be "controlled". Communication both ways.
Not saying Richo on the bench is definitely a reason for improvement, but why not try it? "Clarko", and a few other coaches, seem to be doing it, and Richo really only started the bench visit half way through the year. I have no problem with it.

I was following the lead from another poster who quoted Kingsley as controlling things from the box.I have no issue with Richardson trying it out. I have heard nothing to say that it adds value though. A successful coach can try these things but when a coach has a poor win/loss record I dont think it looks like the coach has full control of the side from the bench regardless of posters saying that all the planning has been done during the week and the coaches then just watch the game like the rest of us. I still think he is a glorified backslapper whilst on the bench. The Scotts mainly coach from the box, and sometimes go down to the bench for short periods. Quite a few dont do it at all

[chico2001]

Agree Yorkeys...

[rodgerfox]

Aren't results what give th biggest insight?