by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
In the middle of the trade period, Western Bulldog coach Brendan McCartney tendered his resignation. Although club president Peter Gordon denied there was a rift between coach and players, he did cite communication issues as the reason. He said that the club had "lost their direction in 2014" with some deterioration in the second half of the season after progress during McCartney's first two seasons in charge. He denied that the club had been close to sacking McCartney in September but did admit his position was under review after a tepid finish to the season. Gordon also said that Bulldogs' Captain Ryan Griffen's shock trade request played a part in the coach's departure.
Gordon said he had spoken with McCartney and asked him his thoughts to which McCartney responded by saying he was unsure and wanted feedback from others at the club. While there was some support for McCartney, there was also some negative feedback, not the least of which was Ryan Griffen expressing players' concerns regarding McCartney's approach. Gordon said the club had to "make a judgment .. and a change."
McCartney was appointed coach in 2011, just edging out favorite son Leon Cameron who is now coaching GWS.
Source: theguardian.com, abc.net.au
Article last changed on Sunday, October 26, 2014 - 8:09 PM EDT
