First of all in response to those that 'hate' me.... 0% of those people mean anything to me and I lose NO sleep.
In relation to regrets, let it be known first and foremost that I would not if I had my time again gone down any different path than I did. Everything I did was to build the club to grow and develop, improve and play/coach a flag. To this day, I have no dramas with standing by that IF everyone (new recruits and existing Laverton players) had done what was required and continued to listen and learn and had stuck together that a top 2 finish was achievable in 2012. Sadly many want to win and play finals and win a flag but minimal Laverton players want to put in the effort required to get there. So they are happy with 5th and being 'ok'. That is not the way I coach or have ever played and is definitely not what I apply to my everyday life.
That is where the rebellion sat and ultimately all of those players that left and have all come back this season whilst talented as players, lack what it takes to win a flag/top 2/top 3. They can't be told, can't listen to anyone but the supporters around the club that put them up on pedestals as being 'guns'... Most of all they have no respect, not just for me but for anyone. I could go on for hours, but who cares.
As for coaching Laverton, I have no regrets at all, in fact it was the BEST life experience I have had and I am extremely thankful for it. Sorted out what is actually important in life and what is not. Realised that I have spent time away from friends, family and people that in fact deserve my time and effort, not many that simply do not. In saying that I coached some amazing people and the many that left at seasons end (and there were many) are still mates and will be lifelong - they are the ones that matter. As for Grassbag - I think I know who you are and I appreciate your support. Perhaps ease up on them a bit as they are doing it tough...
Choofa as for you, just remember that you were part of the group that lead the charge to replace Dallas at the end of 2009 and were part of the panel of 3 that appointed me to replace him. You were then one of the key drivers (2 and a half years later) to get rid of me and then I am sure are all chummy again with Dallas now that he is the coach. You are one of many living in the past with how footy should be played, how a club should be coached and a victim of simply picking the best players each week (all good and well if you want to be an 'ok' side, but not how you go about winning a flag/top 2/top 3).
I am sure many of you will pick the bits out of this that you have your own agenda with and that is fine and well, but I went to Laverton on the club's briefing of trying to build the club for the future, change the culture and take them further than the coach at the time could. (Note these were the words given to me by the panel of 3 including Choofa - so don't say I am making this up).
At the end of the day, life has moved on and some of us for the better and some of us for the worse... That's life
firstly, no I wasn't part of any group leading a charge to replace dallas , I was part of a 3 member panel asked to judge who the best coaching applicant was, which you were, dallas is a friend of mine, I went to his house and explained to him, before the appointment was made , that in hindsight I wish I had not sat on the panel as it was a hard decision to make against a friend.
Secondly, im the one living in the past?, your response to my question at geelong west regards a game plan was a simple, play on at all costs as we won a premiership at yea with it, and another reply when suggesting to you about starting with a 7 man backline with a particular loose player was , oh im from old school, I always run with a 6 /6 formation, so who does that tell you is living in the past
thirdly yes I was one of the ones who wanted you out, along with 90% of the people at the club that's why I rang you to have a coffee to suggest you resign, but no, you were too busy, you wanted to stay on to make sure you got all your dollars
so don't get on here trying to turn dallas against me and dirtying my name you narcissistic piece of ...., then again you wouldn't realise you are one!
