Saints Academy and the Future

[bbm]

First post after long time viewing. The next 3 to 5 years will be interesting to say the least in terms of whether we can contend again. I find it a little hard to be optimistic that we could realistically make a grand final within 5 years given the new teams, the ability of the top teams to keep ahead of the pack like Collingwood, Geelong, Hawks etc. And our fairly ordinary recruiting over some of the recent past also effected by low draft picks because of our relative success.

we need some sort of edge I reckon and it's gone a bit quiet on here in relation to the role of the academy, who is leading it etc.

what can we expect from this academy? Can we really make average players better? will they target athletes from other sports and turn them into footballers?

I am not really sure and wonder whether it may just bring us into line with other clubs in terms of player development and not much else.

Anyway that's what I am curious about as I await seeing my first flag as I am 48 and currentlynthink I may be 60 before I see my first.

[mad saint guy]

I think the academy is essentially a dedicated group of coaches who focus on kids. There aren't any amazing new techniques or cutting edge technology it will bring, simply more coaching, advice and focus on development for draftees.

Not to say it isn't valuable. I don't think there is any doubt at all that under Lyon we paid little attention to the development of young players and it is absolutely hurting us now. Through poor recruiting and development we now have a gaping hole in the 22-25 age bracket of players who should have 100 games under their belt and be approaching their prime.

[bobmurray]

as I await seeing my first flag as I am 48 and currentlynthink I may be 60 before I see my first.

I might be in a pine box before you see the Saints win flag No.2.....

[saintly]

as I await seeing my first flag as I am 48 and currentlynthink I may be 60 before I see my first.

I might be in a pine box before you see the Saints win flag No.2.....

and how long has footscray, and melbourne waiting.

[bbm]

In theory with 18 teams we should next make a grand final in about 2019 - that's if we just perform equally in relation to the performance of the other teams (9 years on since last GF).

I know it sounds a bit negative but I really think that the Academy and our ability to make good draft selections on a consistent basis will determine if we can achieve this - maybe we should all be much more open minded about trading one or two of our superstars for higher draft slections - I wouldnt mind - if it starts making the future look brighter..

We may have a couple of quite comeptitive years left with the core group of superstars still performing quite well - but a good 5 to 7 year plan will be the thing that cuts the mustard in my opinion.

Pelchen and Watters seem to really good appointments (they need to be ruthless) and if the Academy is all that it is trumped up to be - then the leader of that - will be just as critical an appointment.

If you want your best chance to win a flag in the shortest possible timeframe we all need to be lot less sentimental - after 46 years of waiting - I'd do almost anything to see a flag and still be young enough to go and get wasted and enjoY!

[Megsie]

Have 3 candidates but all contracted until end of season
For position of "director" could one be Malthouse?
Still has regular contact with Scott Watters!!!!

[plugger66]

Have 3 candidates but all contracted until end of season
For position of "director" could one be Malthouse?
Still has regular contact with Scott Watters!!!!

MM will never be a director of footy at any club.

[saintbrat]

more coaches in the pipeline- to assist skills
get the footballs into their hands
http://www.rsn.net.au/audioplayer/1346029175.mp3

http://www.saints.com.au/news/newsartic ... fault.aspx

[GRAMophone]

Have 3 candidates but all contracted until end of season
For position of "director" could one be Malthouse?
Still has regular contact with Scott Watters!!!!

Funny - I was just thinking the same today. If MM doesn't end up at Carlton this might be a smokey. Just - he's had a year out of the coaching game and seems to be toying with whether the family want the intensity of a senior coaching position.

Chums with Scott. He just seems to be sucking up to the Saints lately?? I'm not a great fan of MM but might be able to tolerate him in this position.

[QuestionOfAccuracy]

Have 3 candidates but all contracted until end of season
For position of "director" could one be Malthouse?
Still has regular contact with Scott Watters!!!!

Funny - I was just thinking the same today. If MM doesn't end up at Carlton this might be a smokey. Just - he's had a year out of the coaching game and seems to be toying with whether the family want the intensity of a senior coaching position.

Chums with Scott. He just seems to be sucking up to the Saints lately?? I'm not a great fan of MM but might be able to tolerate him in this position.

I dislike MM also, but no one can deny that he knows what he is doing when it comes to coaching and development. Not only at Collingwood, but also at West Coast and (to a lesser degree) Footscray.

I think MM would be a great addition to The Academy, as long as he didn't cast a shadow over Scott Watters in the head coaching role. Seeing as Scott and MM are obviously chummy, I think they could forge a good working relationship.

[whiskers3614]

not in our price range!

[chook23]

There was a rumour around Choco Williams was leaving GWS after the re appointment of sheedy...........

thought thre might be a slim chance for our development/Academy.......

but has been appointed at Richmond in a similar role

good get for tiges

[stinger]

In theory with 18 teams we should next make a grand final in about 2019 - that's if we just perform equally in relation to the performance of the other teams (9 years on since last GF).

I know it sounds a bit negative but I really think that the Academy and our ability to make good draft selections on a consistent basis will determine if we can achieve this - maybe we should all be much more open minded about trading one or two of our superstars for higher draft slections - I wouldnt mind - if it starts making the future look brighter..

We may have a couple of quite comeptitive years left with the core group of superstars still performing quite well - but a good 5 to 7 year plan will be the thing that cuts the mustard in my opinion.

Pelchen and Watters seem to really good appointments (they need to be ruthless) and if the Academy is all that it is trumped up to be - then the leader of that - will be just as critical an appointment.

If you want your best chance to win a flag in the shortest possible timeframe we all need to be lot less sentimental - after 46 years of waiting - I'd do almost anything to see a flag and still be young enough to go and get wasted and enjoY!

never too old to get wasted mate, although i haven't been for over 40 years...but...
if we win a flag, i'm getting wasted...for a week.....