Essendon's next coach might have been right under their nose on Anzac Day. Plus the dip-year draft saving a contender, the curse about to haunt a battler for a long time, and much more as the big issues from Round 21 are analysed in this opinion-driven article.
In my opinion, the most intriguing story here is the potential appointment of Scott Pendlebury as Essendon's next coach. The Bulldogs great, Brad Johnson, has made a bold call, suggesting that Pendlebury, a Collingwood champion, is 'ready to go' straight into senior coaching in 2027. This is a fascinating development, as Pendlebury's playing future is uncertain, and he's already an on-field coach for Collingwood. The idea that a player of his caliber could transition directly into coaching is intriguing, and it raises a deeper question about the potential for players to seamlessly move into coaching roles.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential impact on Essendon. If Pendlebury were to take on the role, it would be a significant step for the club. The fact that he's been part of a rebuild, success, and development, and has experience as an assistant coach, makes him a strong candidate. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for a player-turned-coach to struggle with the intricacies of the high-pressure role. It's a delicate balance, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
The article also touches on the 'dip-year draft' phenomenon, where a bad year can eventually turn into a very good year. This is exemplified by Melbourne's 2019 campaign, where they fell from preliminary finalists to a disappointing 17th-place finish, but then ended up with two early picks in a loaded draft, leading to the development of stars like Luke Jackson and Kozzie Pickett. Similarly, Geelong's 2023 season, despite a disappointing start, turned around due to their top-10 pick, which allowed them to acquire players like Connor O'Sullivan and Shaun Mannagh. This is a fascinating insight into the draft process and how a bad year can set a team up for future success.
The 'Curse of the Wizard' is another intriguing angle. North Melbourne fans are struggling to watch Hawthorn games due to the missed draft pick of Nick Watson, who lit up for five goals against them. This curse, reminiscent of baseball's 'Curse of the Bambino', is a fascinating narrative and raises questions about the impact of draft decisions on a team's performance. It's a reminder that sometimes, the right player can make a significant difference, and the wrong decision can haunt a team for years.
The article also delves into the coaching race at Essendon, with legends like James Hird, Mark McVeigh, and caretaker Dean Solomon in the mix. However, Leigh Matthews, a coaching legend, expresses his concerns about the club's hierarchy and the involvement of non-football personnel in the decision-making process. This adds a layer of complexity to the story and highlights the challenges of finding the right coach for a team.
Lastly, the article touches on Fremantle's selection dilemma, where Oscar McDonald's performance against the Bulldogs has left commentators questioning how the Dockers could drop him for Cox. This is a fascinating narrative, as it highlights the fine line between fringe players and potential premiership sides. It's a reminder that sometimes, the right player can make a significant difference, and the wrong decision can have consequences.
