Former Herald Sun chief football writer Mike Sheahan believes St Kilda’s Alan Richardson has escaped some scrutiny this season because of the “good bloke card”.
The Saints have had a disappointing 2018, sitting 15th on the ladder, after entering the year with finals aspirations.
St Kilda has constantly backed Richardson as their coach, despite the poor results, but Sheahan wasn’t as kind in his assessment.
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“He is contracted but that has never mattered historically,” Sheahan told SEN Breakfast.
“I think Richo is very lucky that we have had the Nathan Buckley and Damien Hardwick situations, where two blokes who looked to be on death row have survived because their clubs seem to have patience with them.
“The other thing he has got in his favour, and despite what anyone says, this works, is the good bloke card.
“People like Richo, they don’t want to go for him. I’ve always been a massive believer in the good bloke card.
“I think it worked for Bucks in a lot of ways.
“I think he has escaped a lot of scrutiny.
“I know going into 2017, there was no question that St Kilda was at least Melbourne’s equal and in some people’s eyes, the Saints were marginally ahead.
“They’re a long way off Melbourne at the moment.”
Listen to Mike Sheahan’s chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below