If memory serves, before the grand final Peter Bell was talking about the internal divisions at Freo under Chris Connelly. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember the subtext being that Connelly was too lenient with some of the players, and it caused a fair bit of angst amongst your more self-motivated, toe-the-line types.
There is always going to be a range with how much slack you allow for individual differences. Connelly - with his teaching background - always struck me as someone who understood that people have different backgrounds and approach situations differently. I like to think that is a good way to go about things. But it must be remembered that a more lenient approach also caused problems.
It seems to me that most footy clubs are run similarly these days, and the method proceeds on the following premises:
i. Group dynamics matter;
ii. Players respond better when they 'buy-in' to a program they help create;
iii. Peer pressure is a better disciplinary tool than top-down sanctions;
iv. Every stuff up is an opportunity to reinforce the group dynamic and define 'minimum standards' and
v. Outcomes must be behaviourally measurable.
Everyone wants the club to get behind Josh to help turn him into the best player he can be. However, the way the club treats Josh doesn't just affect Josh - it affects the other players too. In Lyon's eyes, every moment is a teaching moment, and the other players are also learning by the way the club treats Josh. The lesson, in this case, is that the individual is important, but in this caper the team always comes first.
On a personal level, there may be very good explanations for what Josh did. But he did the wrong thing by the team (certainly in not at least communicating his absence). He let the team down on that one, and that can't pass without comment by the coach. I thought Lyon's press conference was excellent.
I understand - and think it admirable - the inclination to spring to Josh's defence, and equally I understand the frustration with Josh making what, at least on it's face, seems like a pretty immature way to handle a situation. I'm sure club are doing the best they can with Josh. I'm sure they care about him as a person, and he is of value to the club for his ability. Both of those things are pretty good motivators.
These days there are many more of the toe-the-line types at footy clubs than ever before. but there are good examples of 'square pegs' like Stevie J, Dane Swan, and in our case, Michael Walters, learning how to operate in a pretty regimented system. Hopefully clubs will get better incorporating such differences while not affecting the dynamic of the majority of players who thrive in such a system.
