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.
2Chris Fagan (Lions)
Fagan has been in the game a long time, in a variety of roles, and it shows. He's stern at times, but doesn't go over the top. Fagan appears to respect the role of the media and his answers reflect that. He's a good mix of light and shade; he answers in detail but doesn't take himself too seriously and is often good for a laugh. He backs his players to the hilt, but not afraid to call them out when they're underperforming. Fagan is also incredible humble and one of the best at acknowledging the performance of his opposition, be it the entire team or certain players.
