The competition has been bombarded by large demolitions lately and there are clearly examples of failing club culture around the entire league because of these annihilations. There was obviously division within some football clubs, and instead on focusing on unity, they hastily pulled the trigger and eliminated their own.
That’s what I think, anyway.
It’s a unique experience being on the other end of this chaos. It's very reminiscent of Richmond; it's hard not to make that comparison when we've had over 10 coaches in less than 30 years... with no success at all. The competition should take note from Richmond; the coach is merely a scapegoat. There is always a larger picture that is usually disregarded.
That picture in my opinion, is a gigantic painting with the word ‘Culture’ written all over it. You could develop a ‘winning’ culture such as Geelong & Hawthorn has, or you can delve into the fiery pits of a ‘losing’ culture, such as ours.
Finally I can sense that our culture is changing, I admired our club for the way it handled the Ben Cousins & Daniel Connors hotel incident from last year. It was swift, professional and fair. They’ve shown that unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated, yet at the same time each individual will be given the opportunity to redeem themselves - that is, if the crime isn’t that serious.
The word ‘culture’ is always thrown around in verbal discussion, but what does it mean? When culture is relevant towards sports, I would best describe it as this.
The total knowledge, ideas, beliefs, values and morals set and executed by those involved with the sporting organization, whether it be from an insiders or outsiders perspective.
It’s meaning can be debated, but the basic theory is there. It’s how we all (from the president down to a first year member) feel about our club. For the players it’s how they work with each other, the respect they have for themselves and one another, it’s also how seriously they take their coaches instructions and advice. The coaches, board members and president also have an integral role to play in club culture. It’s all about the integrity that they conduct themselves with, the respect they have for the yellow and black and its proud history. Everybody who is involved with the Richmond Football Club is required to be driven by passion & excellence with the objective of establishing an entity that is revered for it’s integrity and successes. This doesn’t only apply with club officials however, it’s important for all our supporters to act this way too. Instead of proclaiming dud X & spud Z should be delisted, how about we show faith in our current administration and allow them to make those calls, that’s what they’re employed to do, isn’t it? Instead of jumping to rash decisions and asking for everybody’s head, how about we loosen the pressure bolts and give Gary March & Brendon Gale’s brigade the opportunity to find the right path - because I’m confident we have the right people leading the journey.
The fierce passion of our enormous supporter base is a unique attribute that gives us an advantage over the competition. However, if we are to succeed in the long term, eat em’ alive should not apply to our own - only to our opponents.
So that means no more spitting on coaches, leaving dog feces outside Tigerland, waving wooden spoons at players and calling for everybody to get sacked. If the Tigers want to regain respect within the wider football community, we all need to unite and earn it, the hard way.
Eat THEM’ alive!
Con Bouliopoulos
