Adelaide Football Club’s Board and Management has brought the issue of work/life balance into question by suggesting concerns over the work ethic of Phillip Walsh, the first year Crows coach. By his own admission, Walsh has form for going hard at his job, such was his work intensity and focus whilst assistant coach to Ken Hinkley at Port and indeed John Worsfold at the West Coast Eagles.
As an aside, a friend of mine’s husband lost a workmate recently. As it unfolded, the person died suddenly due to work stresses at 57. That’s terrible and terribly sad. I hope the same scenario never happens again but I would be naïve to think that it won’t. Fortunately for my friend and her husband, it was a lightning bolt moment. Nobody wants to be in that situation.
When I heard that story for the first time I thought 57 should be an age where maybe you can start to eye off your retirement or start a plan to work less and maybe play more golf or lawn bowls as the ageing process traditionally dictates. Every parent I speak to currently, talks about the juggle of working commitments, family commitments, health and downtime. What suits the individual is really to be catered for by the individual and their commitments. Health concerns are often something that aren’t detected until it’s too late. So the balancing act is enshrined in the work/life balance. How do you proceed from here?
I hope that Walsh learns to delegate/empower as he has been instructed. Nobody coaches alone these days. Staff are in place to assist the coach perform hopefully to the optimum. The role of head coach evolves daily, weekly and annually. Hopefully Walsh gets his routines right. We know the significance of the role within the state of South Australia and within the AFL community. Smarter heads have determined change is going to help Walsh. Let’s hope that the changes help effect a better work/life balance. The consequences are as important as the job.
Now to matters football!
The Mighty Hawthorn Power Rangers travelled to Adelaide to take on the Crows at Adelaide Oval. That the Hawk away strip resembled something better suited to Vegas (think Elvis, Manilow, Celine, Siegfried and Roy) didn’t stop the reigning Premiers. Bruest 3, Graham Corners shouting they’re unsociable you cannot touch them…he must be Adelaide’s equivalent of Digger from the Coodabeens! Hawks 29.
Purple trim to the Tiger jumper showed the Tigers keen to end domestic abuse of children. Unfortunately West Coast’s mission at the MCG on Friday night was to end Richmond’s winning streak. The human pogo stick Nic Nat Noo led the charge ably helped by the human Gaff. Eagles credentials improved, a 20pt win set Tigers back.
Port Adelaide headed to the G keen to get 2014 habits back against Carlton. Barker’s Blues had different ideas. Mick’s departure seemed to have freed up the Blues and Cripps, Graham and Menzel are leading the charge. Robbie Gray sparked a Port revival towards half time before ending up in a crunching Gibbs tackle. An allegedly controversial end wasn’t. Blues held on for a morale-boosting and deserved win.
That Tom Scully was a late out of note shows he has earned his stripes, as the Roos went to the Rooty Hill Reserve to play the Giants. Relishing the absence of Mummy and ruck no.2, Todd Goldstein feasted on record 80 hitouts against 3rd gamer Lobb. Nicky Dal made a seamless return to 34 stats. Nahas showed his worth with 4. Giants charged to 3/ 4 time but undermanned, ran out of puff. Roos steadying to 56pt win.
Bevos Bullies hosted Leppas Lions at Etihad, the only game on Saturday night. The Lions were in touch at the half, only 21pts behind before the Bulldogs powered away to an impressive 72pt win. Young Lion Robertson ended in hospital with a suspected broken shoulder and Leppa’s charges simply suffered under the weight of a big injury list. Matty Leuenberger needs to lift. You’re still 203cm son! Stringer 5 Boyd 4.
Despite nearly exorcising their Etihad Demons last week, Melbourne headed down the highway to confront their Cattery Demons. The Dees had received some awful losses there of late. That the Dees could walk off the park 24pt winners was testament to Roos’ ability. Spoiling Boris Enright’s 300th game party won’t go down well with locals. Big Demon Max certainly not Gawn, rucking well. Good job Boris.
Leave a Comment