Saints Announcement: Off-field Acquisition

[bigcarl]

I'd be worried if I were:

- Gardiner
- Blake
- Baker
- Koschitzke
- McQualter
- Clarke
- Polo

Most of these guys would be well aware that football is a very competitive field and AFL careers are short.

Most of them have been written off at some stage by posters on this board.

Let's give this bloke the benefit of the doubt. He may well be interested only in coming in and adding to an already successful team.

Presumably he won't be doing anything without the blessings of the board or without consulting the senior coach.

[Legendary]

Geez there's a lot of misunderstanding.

1. Chris Pelchen has not been appointed in any sort of recruiting role at St Kilda. He will have very little to do with specific recruiting decisions.
His position at Hawthorn was List Manager / Head Recruiter and he was in charge of player recruitment and development. However his role at St Kilda appears very different to this.

2. Pelchen somewhat replaces Matthew Drain, but in an expanded role. Matthew Drain looked after long-term list management strategy and player contracts. Pelchen sounds like he will take over the long-term list management responsibility, whilst looking at best practice in a whole range of areas - recruiting, player development, welfare, coaching, player administration, facilities, injury and fitness management etc. Basically planning ahead and ensuring that everything "football" at the Saints is taken care of.
I imagine he will become the main liason between the board and the football department.

3. Pelchen's role sounds like good corporate practice. It is very much a senior position, but a strategic one - i.e. he will not be concerned with anything that is "day-to-day". Hutchison will continue to run the football department day-to-day. Elshaug will continue to be head of recruiting day-to-day. Hudson will continue to be head of development day-to-day. Etc.


It's a great appointment.

Don't make any mistake - this guy is highly rated in footy circles.


He's been at a very successful club for the last 6 years and would have an enormous amount of IP.


He will add a lot to our culture which IMO is the strongest management culture in the AFL and we are now absolutely best-practice when it comes to our football and administrative structures.


The Saints are an incredibly professional football club, and this is another sign of that.

[dcstkfc]

I'd be worried if I were:

- Gardiner
- Blake
- Baker
- Koschitzke
- McQualter
- Clarke
- Polo

Most of these guys would be well aware that football is a very competitive field and AFL careers are short.

Most of them have been written off at some stage by posters on this board.

Let's give this bloke the benefit of the doubt. He may well be interested only in coming in and adding to an already successful team.

Look, I appreciate all that each of these guys have given to the Saints cause. I do not like ridiculing them, or writing them off. But as things stand, all are on the precipice of being de-listed.

[Teflon]

Grants juts declared that Pelchen and Lyon wont work and that he was "the last Football Manager".....to which Caro rubbed her hands glefully and screamed "power struggle....yipee"...

What a fat bullfrog Thomas is.

[SainterK]

I still don't feel better about it, and I am usually optimisitic about things

[Legendary]

The creation/appointment of strategic management positions is a good sign in any organisation.

It signifys that the board and key stakeholders (e.g. senior coach) are thinking long-term and are keen to ensure that success is emulated into the future.

Strategic planning and development of best-practice is the optimum way to ensure that your business/organisation smooths out its success curve, and enjoys stability and longevity.

It locks away gains and provides a solid platform of R&D and knowledge within the organisation that survives irrespective of personnel changes.


Well done St Kilda.

[bigcarl]

h Caro rubbed her hands glefully and screamed "power struggle....yipee".

She'd know all about those from watching her club, the Tiggers, implode regularly. We won't.

[Teflon]

I still don't feel better about it, and I am usually optimisitic about things

I wouldnt jump to negative conclusions straight away.

I heard he had issues at Hawks when they changed his reporting lines and there were issues with him and new boss. Fair enough, plenty dont like their boss.

Pelchen will bring loads of IP from succesful environments and I think its important we keep bringing fresh ideas into our club - these ideas shouldnt threaten Lyon (hes long term for mine) but help to keep him fresh also.

Its also important for a coach, attached to a playing list after 2 failed GF's to have a fresh, objective view in terms of lists and futures - sometimes we as supporters wont like it ......but lockett bought Dal Santo....so there can be silver linings.

[bergsone]

Does he live in seaford?

[SainterK]

I still don't feel better about it, and I am usually optimisitic about things

I wouldnt jump to negative conclusions straight away.

I heard he had issues at Hawks when they changed his reporting lines and there were issues with him and new boss. Fair enough, plenty dont like their boss.

Pelchen will bring loads of IP from succesful environments and I think its important we keep bringing fresh ideas into our club - these ideas shouldnt threaten Lyon (hes long term for mine) but help to keep him fresh also.

Its also important for a coach, attached to a playing list after 2 failed GF's to have a fresh, objective view in terms of lists and futures - sometimes we as supporters wont like it ......but lockett bought Dal Santo....so there can be silver linings.

Thanks Tef, it does make sense when you put it like that...

I guess I am a little protective of this list, and our coach, because I wanted to see them acheive the ulitimate for all their hard work and dedication.

[Sobraz]

......but lockett bought Dal Santo....so there can be silver linings.

Barry Hall trade..

Plugger was Austin Jones I think..

[SaintPav]

The creation/appointment of strategic management positions is a good sign in any organisation.

It signifys that the board and key stakeholders (e.g. senior coach) are thinking long-term and are keen to ensure that success is emulated into the future.

Strategic planning and development of best-practice is the optimum way to ensure that your business/organisation smooths out its success curve, and enjoys stability and longevity.

It locks away gains and provides a solid platform of R&D and knowledge within the organisation that survives irrespective of personnel changes.


Well done St Kilda.

No offence, but that sounds like weazel MBA corporate speak. I just hope that they are all on the same page around who is boss and who reports to who.

[Armoooo]

Ross Lyon is the leader of the St Kilda Football Club.

I don't know much about Chris Pelchan but I hope he understands he sits below Ross Lyon on the food chain, maybe not the corporate ladder, but definitely the food chain.

[Verdun66]

Anyone notice that the last two years after shattering GF losses Lyon and the football dept (such as it was) had to line up in Trade Week, and then get on with the various drafts.

Think our minds weren't really on it properly. How could it be? The Luke Ball debacle comes to mind.

Sounds like a good appointment to have Ross doing what he should be doing, and not heading our trade week negotiations and on-going strategies. He must have been incredibly tired and no doubt found the whole thing very trying.

Fair enough to get in someone to sit above all that.

[plugger66]

Pelchen left Hawthorn as he wanted a role like this and Hawthorn didn't want to give him one.

Pelchen will be Ross' boss.

Pelchen will have his fingers in a lot pie across all areas of the club and the rebuild will now begin at the end of the season.

I don't love all the picks he has made at the Hawks - early rd DP including Thorpe Dowler and Muston have been deadset shockers - but has made some very good late picks, Shiels and Savage again proving him as a good long term planner - but seemingly recruiting won't be his role.


I welcome change.

Welcome Chris.

Pelchen was sacked from Hawthorn make no mistake about that. But that doesnt make his appointment wrong. He has a different role at the saints and this may suit his style. Time will tell.

[Dr Spaceman]

Pelchen left Hawthorn as he wanted a role like this and Hawthorn didn't want to give him one.

Pelchen will be Ross' boss.

Pelchen will have his fingers in a lot pie across all areas of the club and the rebuild will now begin at the end of the season.

I don't love all the picks he has made at the Hawks - early rd DP including Thorpe Dowler and Muston have been deadset shockers - but has made some very good late picks, Shiels and Savage again proving him as a good long term planner - but seemingly recruiting won't be his role.


I welcome change.

Welcome Chris.

Pelchen was sacked from Hawthorn make no mistake about that. But that doesnt make his appointment wrong. He has a different role at the saints and this may suit his style. Time will tell.

None of us on here know anything about the roles these guys will play.

Pelchen's job does not appear, from the outside, to be one of recruiting. Regardless, I very much doubt any new appointment will have the power to get rid of a player that the coach wants retained.

For instance I'd say Lenny is just as safe as he was before this appointment. He'll only be gone if either Lenny himself wants to go, or Ross want him gone.

[Johnny Member]

Interesting if true. He botched plenty of high picks at the Hawks however they delivered a flag. I guess what I have just said is contradictory...

as long as the 'governances' are put in place and no position is done 'alone'

I trust the Boss and his ability to man-manage and to figure out where he steps in and when he steps back and let the man who is hired for a job do his job.

Lyon wouldn't 'man manage' the Footy Manager would he? Isn't he Lyon's boss?


I've never really understood the concept of Footy Managers and List Managers and where the actual coach fits in to it all!

Surely he's the one that runs the show, and decides who plays and who stays?

[saintspremiers]

I still don't feel better about it, and I am usually optimisitic about things

I wouldnt jump to negative conclusions straight away.

I heard he had issues at Hawks when they changed his reporting lines and there were issues with him and new boss. Fair enough, plenty dont like their boss.

Pelchen will bring loads of IP from succesful environments and I think its important we keep bringing fresh ideas into our club - these ideas shouldnt threaten Lyon (hes long term for mine) but help to keep him fresh also.

Its also important for a coach, attached to a playing list after 2 failed GF's to have a fresh, objective view in terms of lists and futures - sometimes we as supporters wont like it ......but lockett bought Dal Santo....so there can be silver linings.

Thanks Tef, it does make sense when you put it like that...

I guess I am a little protective of this list, and our coach, because I wanted to see them acheive the ulitimate for all their hard work and dedication.

But you are living in the past.

The past failed, albiet slightly.

Lyon knows he needs the team to move on and change, and is giving it his best shot, but against the behomth that is Collingfilth, you need a lot of ammo at your disposal.

The way I see it, Lyon and his current team simply aren't capable of doing it and need extra assistance.

Nothing bad about that eh??

[stinger]

......but lockett bought Dal Santo....so there can be silver linings.

you mean barry hall, don't you..???....we got sfa for plugger....

[stinger]

......but lockett bought Dal Santo....so there can be silver linings.

Barry Hall trade..

Plugger was Austin Jones I think..

...no ...smith....

[Johnny Member]

Pelchen left Hawthorn as he wanted a role like this and Hawthorn didn't want to give him one.

Pelchen will be Ross' boss.

Pelchen will have his fingers in a lot pie across all areas of the club and the rebuild will now begin at the end of the season.

I don't love all the picks he has made at the Hawks - early rd DP including Thorpe Dowler and Muston have been deadset shockers - but has made some very good late picks, Shiels and Savage again proving him as a good long term planner - but seemingly recruiting won't be his role.


I welcome change.

Welcome Chris.

Pelchen was sacked from Hawthorn make no mistake about that. But that doesnt make his appointment wrong. He has a different role at the saints and this may suit his style. Time will tell.

None of us on here know anything about the roles these guys will play.

Pelchen's job does not appear, from the outside, to be one of recruiting. Regardless, I very much doubt any new appointment will have the power to get rid of a player that the coach wants retained.

For instance I'd say Lenny is just as safe as he was before this appointment. He'll only be gone if either Lenny himself wants to go, or Ross want him gone.

This is what I don't get.


What did Drain do? Did Drain 'get' Lovett? Did Lyon say no to Cousins - even though he'd only just flown over there and given him a Saints jumper?
Did Lyon 'get' Tom Walsh, and then not play him for 2 years? Or did Drain virtually trade pick no. 16 for him (his words) without Lyon agreeing?

What does Chris Pelchen know about coaching a coach?


I don't really get it all to be honest. The head coach is the boss, and surely must make the calls on his list.
The only think I can see a Football Manager doing is all the shitty stuff like making sure we don't lose footies at training and that everyone has cut their fingernails and signed the team sheet every week!

I don't really like the concept of the Footy Manager being the coach's boss - and in reality I don't think it actually how it works.


Hypothetical....who signed off on Lovett? Lyon's boss surely? On Lyon's recomendation? So what does the List Manager do, and the recruiting guy? Who do they take orders from?

And if Lyon has the final say (which I can't fathom that he wouldn't) then why does he need a boss?


I don't get it!

[stkildathunda]

Chris Pelchen is the best out there at long term strategic plans and no doubt thats why he has been brought into the club... That means out with the old and in with the new. Anyone that cant hit a target by foot could be on the chopping bloke.


Head Of Football sounds a bit like 'Director of Football' that you see in soccer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Director_of_football

[InkerSaint]

Grants juts declared that Pelchen and Lyon wont work and that he was "the last Football Manager".....to which Caro rubbed her hands glefully and screamed "power struggle....yipee"...

One suspects the Alex Ferguson 'fanboi' is "projecting".

[Johnny Member]

Chris Pelchen is the best out there at long term strategic plans and no doubt thats why he has been brought into the club...

But when you bring in a coach, they have a plan. That's why they get hired.

They present their plan for the future, their plan for the list, the way they believe footy should be played, and so on.

It's their vision that they bring to the club. It's their vision, and their job to make it happen.

It must be the ultimate in professional insults for a bloke who's never coached or played to be put ahead of him and instruct him where to take the team.


And if it's not a direct line of report - then what's the point of it?


If he knows his stuff, then sure get him to the club - but I'd have him reporting to the head coach.

If the club don't like the coach's style or vision - then get rid of him. Get someone else.

[Thinline]

Ross can't do everything, especially with a new gaggle of assistants under his wing.

Good call bringing in an extra.

All organisations HAVE to evolve.