The West Coast Eagles New Coach.

The West Coast Eagles have finally selected a coach for the coming season. Each potential coach went through an extensive selection process, which included:

1. Three interviews including one that went for three hours.
2. Extensive psychological testing and profiling.
3. A football equivalent to a practical exam – each candidate was asked to outline responses and strategies in response to four different phases of play, which covered different conditions and circumstances.
4. Candidates were shown footage of games and asked to “coach”, reacting quickly as trends in the game changed. This technique was used to test for their ability to “think on their feet”.
5. A written test on each candidate’s views on leadership.
6. Due to the current playing roster consisting of mostly young players, each candidate was assessed on their ability to teach and develop.

After various potential coaches went through this exhaustive process, the Eagles deemed the best person for the job was former player and captain – John Worsfold. Worsfold has agreed to a three -year contract, said to be worth around one million Australian dollars.

But what are his credentials? He debuted for the Eagles on April 18, 1986 (against Carlton). He was a part of the West Coast Eagles for it’s first 12 years. Worsfold went on to play 209 games, including 21 finals. He was selected as team captain in 1991 and continued until 1998. He was captain of both West Coast Eagles’ Premierships in 1992 and 1994.

Worsfold retired at the end of 1998 and took up a role as an assistant coach for Carlton. He was sprung onto then coach David Parkin, and as a result his first season (2000) at the club was low key. However, when Wayne Brittain took over the reins, Worsfold became responsible for the defence area. His philosophy is team and club, which he insisted that his players follow. He encouraged them to give up individual pursuits and rewards for the good of the team, something that he followed as a player. As a result, Worsfold produced a back line that only conceded 80 points per game.

Besides himself, David Parkin, Wayne Brittain and ex Eagles coach, Mick Malthouse, think that Worsfold is ready for a senior position. Worsfold believes that he will not have any trouble handling ex teammates and friends, such as Glen Jakovich, Ashley McIntosh and Chad Morrison. Whether he can remains to be seen.

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John Worsfold Fact File

• Born: 25th September 1968
• Playing Career:
  - South Fremantle (WAFL) debut March 31 1986, played 24 games
  
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