It's totally understandable that not all AFL coaches are engaging and articulate when fronting the media. They have, after all, been employed first and foremost to improve their respective team and get wins on the board.
That said, with members handing over their hard-earned in today's tough economic climate, it is an important part of the job. Fans deserve to hear from their coach regularly and they should expect them to do so honestly.
I watch nearly all pre-and-post-game press conferences, as well as many of the footy shows that often have coaches appearing as guests. I appreciate a coach that isn't a smart alec, doesn't get unnecessarily prickly, speaks candidly, doesn't spout cliché answers and is articulate and engaging.
So, that said, I've put together my Top 10 performers in the media.
Two coaches that haven't made my list are Ross Lyon (Saints) and Justin Longmuir (Dockers). The former, for mine, is too often condescending and a master of deflection. Refer to his Round 6 post-game presser as evidence. Longmuir, meanwhile, lacks energy, and quite frankly, is boring.
9Matthew Nicks (Crows)
It hasn't all been smooth sailing for Nicks, and some would argue he is lucky to still be in the role, given the Crows' poor results in the early stages of his career. When times were tough, Nicks fronted up and owned it. He didn't deflect, he didn't try and paper over the cracks, and that's what you want you as a supporter. Nicks speaks with conviction and portrays it eloquently.
