Daniel Merrett says Brisbane Lions need a new coach that drives high standards
RETIRED Lion Daniel Merrett says Brisbane’s new coach must drive high standards and reckons favoured candidate Chris Fagan sound like a good fit.
Lions
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lions. Followed categories will be added to My News.
RETIRED Lion Daniel Merrett says Brisbane’s new coach must be strong on relationships and drive high standards and reckons favoured candidate Chris Fagan sound like a good fit.
The Lions will know in the comings days if Adelaide’s David Noble will join the club as head of football.
From there they can begin to interview a shortlist of coaching candidates that includes Fagan, Brett Ratten, John Barker and Adam Kingsley.
CLUB LEGEND: LIONS MUST NAIL NEW COACH: BLACK
WANTED MEN: LIONS MOVE IN ON FAGAN, NOBLE
It is understood the AFL have pushed for Fagan and although he must still go through the selection process and present well, the job is his to lose.
Merrett did not have detailed knowledge of the short-listed candidates but was aware that Hawthorn’s football manager Fagan was a heavy favourite and said the more he learnt about him the more he thought he would be a good fit for the Lions.
“At first it sounded a little left field but I’ve only heard good things about him and being Clarko’s right-hand man is a huge tick,’’ he said.
Merrett played under four coaches in his 200 game AFL career after being drafted with pick 30 in 2002.
He was coached by four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews for six years, spent five years under Michael Voss and played three games under interim coach Mark Harvey in 2013.
He spent the final three years under former teammate Justin Leppitsch.
He has formed his views on what is needed from observing the strengths and weaknesses on his four coaches.
He also believes certain traits are needed to get the best out of a Lions outfit that has considerable young talent that desperately needs to be developed.
His priority was someone who could instil greater discipline and professionalism into the playing group.
“We need someone who runs a tight ship ... who is strong on high standards and habits,’’ he said.
He also thought a coach who had strong personal skills and was a great communicator was a necessity to get the entire football side and staff working to a common goal.
“A coach is pretty much a manager who relies on relationships with people – firstly his assistant coaches to coach well and secondly with his players to believe in what he’s selling and play for him,’’ he said.
“From the skipper to number 47, you need the group to believe in your message and the coach has to believe that the group can play the way he wants them to.’’
Originally published as Daniel Merrett says Brisbane Lions need a new coach that drives high standards
Midfielder leaving Lions’ den
Desperate for more games in the AFL, a fringe midfielder has left the Brisbane Lions to join the Melbourne Demons.
Harry who Dees need: Who is the kid central to Lions’ trade plans?
Two fringe Lions loom as the key to Brisbane pulling off a bumper trade and draft combination. CALLUM DICK looks at why Harry Sharp’s request to join Melbourne will benefit the premiers.