I don't see any issue with expecting an Ass Coach to have some coaching credentials before being placed into a position of responsibility at AFL. They might be experienced at playing football but the ability to run a lot, kick a leather ball and (maybe) not being a complete thug when your opponent is looking away doesn't guarantee you can teach younger players how it's done.
You have to be able to identify differences in players and then identify approaches, techniques and training methods for those individuals. Being able to throw your head back isn't really a managerial qualification.
What other industry will appoint somebody into a managerial position with zero managerial experience and then give them $250 - $350k per year while they learn on the job?
(If you know of anybody doing that, give me their phone numbers)
We've got a bunch of Ass Coaches now that simply haven't delivered. Granted that may be the Roly effect but equally it could be proof that being an ex-player isn't any guarantee that you can do the job.
Taking on Ass Coaches with zero coaching experience is a pretty big punt. If they work out, great but in the meantime you are soaking up an off field position that could be used for an experienced coach, paying out large sums of money and potentially setting the team back from where they could be.
It seems to me that gambling with other people's money has risks. Using a formal evaluation process based on observed results is the best way to mitigate those risks
