Hot August day looms for Essendon coach John Worsfold with future on the agenda
John Worsfold will front the media on Wednesday with his future top of the agenda. It’s little wonder when his side was playing for a finals berth yet was pummelled by more than 100 points, writes Mark Robinson.
Essendon
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John Worsfold will tomorrow take questions at his weekly press conference.
It will be tense, from one side of the camera at least.
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He will be asked about mindset and response after the Bulldogs humiliation and absolutely will be asked about his future.
Suddenly, perhaps unfairly, but certainly a reality, the discussion is about whether Worsfold will be sacked at season's end.
It won't distress Worsfold, though.
He was probably calm watching When A Stranger Calls, one of the classic horror movies.
In it, the babysitter is asked if she's checked the children.
Worsfold will be asked if he's checked the players.
They might still be shell shocked after having 21 consecutive goals kicked against them by the Bulldogs, but Worsfold will exude confidence that it can be turned around against the Dockers on Saturday night
He will have similar confidence about himself.
Unquestionably, if he can't generate wins to secure a finals spot pressure will be heaped on him as much as it will be on chief executive Xavier Campbell, football director Sean Wellman and the rest of the board who are empowered to make decisions on what's best for the football club.
It is an unusual situation ahead of Round 22, almost a stay of proceedings.
The Bombers are seventh and could finish 10th. If they win their two games, they could finish sixth.
If they win a final, it is a successful season.
But supporter faith in Worsfold and the team is low after their past six quarters, and if it does turn out to be 10th, and notwithstanding the injury toll, Campbell and Wellman will face a daunting prospect trying to convince the fan base a new coach is not needed.
The Bombers have denied there's unrest or factions between the club and members of influential coterie groups.
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Yes, there is unrest because those members, as all fans, are frustrated, but talk of political upheaval with coteries is yesteryear politicking and not happening.
Because if the tough decision is needed to be made, Campbell and Wellman will make it.
Clearly, the bloodletting has began after another inconsistent season.
On Tuesday, it was announced highly-rated physical performance manager Justin Crow will depart at season’s end.
He was there for nine years, including through the drugs saga, which makes him a very curious figure with a story to tell.
“In my time at Essendon I am proud of how we steered this group of players through challenging times, the investment we have made into the women’s football program and also the growth and development of those players who have shared this journey with me,'' he said.
Rob Harding, the opposition and team offence coach, and assistant coach Paul Corrigan will also not be at the Bombers next year.
They have poached premiership player Blake Caracella from Richmond and he will be one of the highest paid assistants in the competition next year.
Perhaps Essendon is considering an option of keeping Worsfold _ a thoroughly decent and well-respected person at the club in the post-drugs saga _ and shuffling in and out his lieutenants.
It's probably unlikely.
If there was a change, the favoured option internally would likely be Ben Rutten, another recruit from Richmond.
Well, if you can't beat them why not join them — or at least snaffle their ideas.
As for the coach, he knows the equation.
The fan base is restless and will be furious if the last two games of the season resemble anything like what was on display last weekend.
Whether it's right or wrong, they want to see passion and emotion from the coach down.
They're not the only club who has a coaching conundrum.
The fans and players want David Teague, although it did appear on Tuesday skipper Patrick Cripps had curtailed his previously rapid enthusiasm.
At St Kilda, Brett Ratten appears to be the logical appointment.
That leaves departed North Melbourne coach Brad Scott in limbo, but it’s more and more likely a role at AFL headquarters will surface for him.
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