ID :
207357
Thu, 09/15/2011 - 13:48
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/207357
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AFL Dockers sack coach Mark Harvey
SYDNEY (AAP) - Fremantle have sacked coach Mark Harvey, effective immediately.
Harvey, who has been coach of the AFL team since taking over from Chris Connolly near the end of 2007, still had one year left on his contract.
Although the Dockers lost their last seven games of the 2011 season to crash out of finals contention, it was thought Harvey's job was safe due to the glut of injuries that led to the drop in form.
But in a statement Fremantle sent out on Thursday evening, chief executive Steve Rosich said: "It was an extremely difficult decision to make but, after lengthy consideration, it is a decision that we believe is in the best interests of the long-term future of the Fremantle Football Club.
"We are very grateful for everything that Mark has done during his six years at the club and wish Mark all the best for the future, both personally and professionally."
The club refused to make any further comment on the sacking, saying all would be revealed in a media conference on Friday.
But the Dockers hinted they may have already lined up a new coach.
"The club will hold a media conference in due course to announce Fremantle's new coach," the club said in the statement.
Experienced coaches Rodney Eade (Western Bulldogs) and Neil Craig (Adelaide) are on the market after being sacked this year, while current Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, who will step down as Magpies coach at the end of the season, may also be available.
Either way, Harvey's axing came as a major shock.
Harvey, who notched 206 games with Essendon before serving a lengthy coaching apprenticeship under Kevin Sheedy at the Bombers, led the Dockers to the semi-finals last season.
Hopes of another finals appearance in 2011 were scuppered by a devastating injury toll that saw the club struggle to even field a fit side by the end of the year.
But the Dockers' hierarchy seemed optimistic the club would still be a force in future years due to their glut of exciting young talent and star veterans like Aaron Sandilands, Matthew Pavlich and Luke McPharlin.
An early theory behind Harvey's demise was possible tensions between him and the club's medical department.
On numerous times this season, Harvey rushed back players that may have been underdone.
Midfielder Michael Barlow (leg), Nick Suban (leg) and Sandilands (toe) required more time on the sidelines after being rushed back from their respective injuries, while veteran Adam McPhee failed to fire after being rushed back from a knee injury.
Harvey, who has been coach of the AFL team since taking over from Chris Connolly near the end of 2007, still had one year left on his contract.
Although the Dockers lost their last seven games of the 2011 season to crash out of finals contention, it was thought Harvey's job was safe due to the glut of injuries that led to the drop in form.
But in a statement Fremantle sent out on Thursday evening, chief executive Steve Rosich said: "It was an extremely difficult decision to make but, after lengthy consideration, it is a decision that we believe is in the best interests of the long-term future of the Fremantle Football Club.
"We are very grateful for everything that Mark has done during his six years at the club and wish Mark all the best for the future, both personally and professionally."
The club refused to make any further comment on the sacking, saying all would be revealed in a media conference on Friday.
But the Dockers hinted they may have already lined up a new coach.
"The club will hold a media conference in due course to announce Fremantle's new coach," the club said in the statement.
Experienced coaches Rodney Eade (Western Bulldogs) and Neil Craig (Adelaide) are on the market after being sacked this year, while current Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, who will step down as Magpies coach at the end of the season, may also be available.
Either way, Harvey's axing came as a major shock.
Harvey, who notched 206 games with Essendon before serving a lengthy coaching apprenticeship under Kevin Sheedy at the Bombers, led the Dockers to the semi-finals last season.
Hopes of another finals appearance in 2011 were scuppered by a devastating injury toll that saw the club struggle to even field a fit side by the end of the year.
But the Dockers' hierarchy seemed optimistic the club would still be a force in future years due to their glut of exciting young talent and star veterans like Aaron Sandilands, Matthew Pavlich and Luke McPharlin.
An early theory behind Harvey's demise was possible tensions between him and the club's medical department.
On numerous times this season, Harvey rushed back players that may have been underdone.
Midfielder Michael Barlow (leg), Nick Suban (leg) and Sandilands (toe) required more time on the sidelines after being rushed back from their respective injuries, while veteran Adam McPhee failed to fire after being rushed back from a knee injury.
