Two-time premiership coach Malcolm Blight has given an insight into just how hard it is to be an AFL coach in his defence of Ken Hinkley.
Blight, who featured at five AFL clubs in a coaching career that spanned from 1981 to 2001, sits among the most successful mentors of the modern era.
But he was also one of the most maligned. He took Geelong to three Grand Finals without winning a flag and was sacked by his final team, St Kilda, in his first year at the helm.
On the topic of Port Adelaide coach Hinkley – who is the most under pressure mentor in the AFL – Blight says those that haven’t experienced the caper can’t make informed calls.
“You know what, you’ve got to be tough to coach. I’ve never really talked about how tough mentally and physically (it is to coach), because it gets you down,” he told Sportsday SA.
“You’ve got to be that bloody strong in the head, mate. You can’t believe how tough it is.
“I will say this. Anyone who hasn’t done it, they can talk about it, they can observe, but until you actually bloody do it, it is the toughest business in the world.”
The former North Melbourne star went on to add that it’s a tougher profession than playing at the top level.
“It is. It’s mentally tough playing too, but at least you can go off and spend the energy, when you’re relying on other people (it’s harder),” Blight explained.
As for this weekend’s game against Sydney, Blight hopes the Power don’t retreat too far into the shell.
Hinkley’s troops are coming off a Showdown where they allowed Adelaide to boot 18 goals, with their back six torn to shreds late.
But Blight urged the club to play in a similar style that saw them defeat Brisbane in Round 1 and ring the attacking flair.
“I’m really looking forward to the game… I’ve just got a feeling if they go with too much team defence, the Swans will cut them apart with their kicking,” he added.
“I want to see them go from the backline, just like what Collingwood are.”