Grant Thomas "Hawks Get A Culture Shock"

[LongWait]

There is a certain amount of irony in the article below having been penned by Grant Thomas of all people. Never-the-less it is an interesting read:

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx...wcomments=true

"Can you remember protracted contract talks with a Sydney Swans player?

When was the last time a Sydney Swans player publicly embarrassed his club with unacceptable off-field behaviour?

How did Sydney Swans handle their coach handover against the manner with which Collingwood managed their very similar circumstances?

Why do players improve significantly under the Sydney Swans system against other systems?

Has there been a boardroom challenge lately at the Swans?

The answer to these questions was on public display for all to see during the 2012 Grand Final.

The Sydney Swans "culture" delivered their magnificent premiership win. Not Adam Goodes or Lewis Jetta - who are regarded as outstanding match-breaking players - or Norm Smith medallist Ryan O'Keefe. The victory was delivered by trust, care, selflessness and respect.

Some teams rely on players, Sydney Swans rely on their system.

Some teams focus on strategy and tactics, Sydney Swans focus on attitude and effort.

Some teams develop skills and abilities, Sydney Swans develop culture, respect, integrity and selflessness.

Hawthorn smashed their opponents in every conceivable measurement relied upon to win a game of football - unfortunately Champion Data have not worked out a value rating for culture, trust and belief.

One can dance around the edges as much as you like. It is the elephant in the room and the issue that media shy away from. The facts of the matter are that both Mick Malthouse's and Travis Cloke's selfishness and individual focus has had a significant and detrimental effect on Collingwood's performance this year.

Their behaviour would never have been tolerated or condoned in the Sydney Swans system - in fact it would not have ever eventuated.

Nathan Buckley would do well to understand the system that permeates through every person within the Sydney Swans organisation, from Chairman Richard Colless and General Manager of Football Andrew Ireland through to the entire coaching and playing group.

It is no mystery that most football followers have the utmost respect and admiration for the Sydney Swans irrespective of their passion for their own team.

Why does that happen?

They are humble, respectful, selfless and focus only on the team.They rarely discuss or highlight individuals. Even their stars are team players. They are boringly methodical, painstakingly disciplined, manically focussed.

Their coach John Longmire has seamlessly moved into the senior position without fanfare. He is incredibly understated and his disposition mirrors exactly the desired demeanour of the entire club. He is his own man and has taken this club to greater heights since the "without fuss" transition from former guru Paul Roos. He seems to have an even greater respect from players than Roos - if that is possible - and has more belief in the skills and abilities of his charges as evidenced by the game style. Today's team definitely move the ball quicker, take more risks and play an infinitely more entertaining style. In many ways Longmire's personality and humble style is better suited to the values and behaviour code adopted and lived by the club.

As is the habitual behaviour and "herd-like" mentality of most clubs we can expect to see off-season summits investigating what it was that allowed the Swans to win the premiership.

Identification is one thing - implementation is a completely different task.

It is staggering that clubs still do not "get" the core foundation of success. If they did I am sure individuals would not make the decisions they have made which fly in the face of a team orientated environment.

Football is not about football, it is a reflection of your personality, who you are as a person, what you represent and stand for, out there for all to see.

Its plain to see the values of the Sydney Swans."

[bornadog]

In the last 17 years they have missed finals only 3 times. A club to be admired, that is for sure.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

This is brilliant and represents an accurate assessment of how the Sydney Swans has developed into such a successful club. Both Roos and Longmire deserve the highest praise.

[Remi Moses]

Pretty good article.They've been very stable for the last decade.
Probably the last time they were unstable was the whole Wallace coaching saga.

[bornadog]

This is brilliant and represents an accurate assessment of how the Sydney Swans has developed into such a successful club. Both Roos and Longmire deserve the highest praise.

I think it goes way beyond them.

Not sure if you caught the interview on Foxtel of Tadhg Kennelly on the Mike Sheehan show. Worth watching and gives a great insight on what is expected of players when they they join the club.

[Ghost Dog]

I think it goes way beyond them.

Not sure if you caught the interview on Foxtel of Tadhg Kennelly on the Mike Sheehan show. Worth watching and gives a great insight on what is expected of players when they they join the club.

Didn't see it. Do tell?

[bornadog]

Didn't see it. Do tell?

He spoke about the culture of the club and the induction every player receives when they join etc etc.

[Desipura]

They get an extra 1 million in the salary cap that's why they never get players holding out for more money.

[bornadog]

They get an extra 1 million in the salary cap that's why they never get players holding out for more money.

One thing about the Swans, they don't have super stars (although Goodes has been one), they have a well balanced team and play like a team, so no need to faulk out huge money to an Ablett, Cloke type.

[LostDoggy]

Plugger comes to mind

[LostDoggy]

Barry Hall?

I see us trying to implement the same thing at our club. This is what the Dogs — and especially BMac — have been talking about, being disciplined, team-focused, good people, building a good culture and doing it across the board, from the property steward to the CEO. Sadly, it takes a LONG time, and we're not patient enough as supporters to let them do it. Anyway, my point is, Thomas saying he's staggered that clubs don't “get” it, well, I think the Dogs do finally get it, we're just struggling with the implementation.