Mick Malthouse’s AFL coaching career is over with Carlton moving swiftly to show him the door after relations between the two parties became increasingly fractured and ultimately irreparably damaged.
Against the backdrop of a dismal start to the 2015 AFL season, the Blues expedited a decision on the veteran coach’s tenure, stating on Monday that discussions over his future would be brought forward from the end of the season to the bye round in two weeks.
Malthouse hit out at that decision in an explosive radio interview on Tuesday morning, saying he failed to understand what could be learned over the next two games – against Sydney on Friday and Adelaide the week after – and hinting that his fate had already been sealed.
It appears that was indeed the case. During a meeting with Carlton’s chief executive, Steven Trigg, later on Tuesday, Malthouse received his marching orders.
The Carlton Football Club Board has advised Mick Malthouse that his contract as senior coach has been terminated effective immediately.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 26, 2015
The sacking brings to an end a lengthy and highly successful career, with Malthouse confirming his intention to walk away from the game. “This concludes my coaching journey but I will enjoy viewing the game from afar and its progress,” Malthouse said in a statement. “I bear no grudges and I have no regrets. I have achieved some amazing football highs with some wonderful people and endured tough times with great support.”
Carlton president Mark LoGiudice said on the club’s website: “As I communicated to Mick and our members yesterday, the decision on our senior coaching role was to be reviewed, considered and delivered in the week of the bye. However, unfortunately Mick’s obvious public misalignment with the football club has resulted in a loss of trust between the club and coach.
“The board today considered the situation had deteriorated to such an extent that not making a change now would only exacerbate our current position. We must be united in assessing where we presently are and where we want to go. Without unity we simply won’t get there. I must stress that we do not accept 2015 as a write off.”
Carlton sit at the bottom of the AFL ladder, having managed to win just once this season – a run of form constituting the club’s worst start to a campaign since 2007 and one which had intensified the pressure both on Malthouse and the club.
But it was only in recent days that it became apparent Malthouse’s job was in imminent danger. Just last month, LoGiudice was unequivocal that his coach was safe until at least the end of the season.
“Let me end the speculation once and for all. Mick Malthouse will coach the remainder of this season. Full stop. I will say it again. Mick Malthouse will coach the remainder of this season,’’ LoGiudice told the Herald Sun in April.
Carlton’s backflip and Malthouse’s departure leaves the struggling club in a state of flux; Malthouse’s assistant, John Barker, will take over as interim coach while a permanent incumbent is sought. That process will begin in the coming weeks as the club determines the make-up of an independent selection committee.
“I am confident that his strong leadership and respectful relationship with the playing group will ensure he steps into this role seamlessly,” LoGiudice said of Barker. “He will be aided by the experience of Rob Wiley and Dean Laidley, who will continue to fulfil their current roles, along with our other assistant coaches.”
Malthouse is the most experienced coach in VFL/AFL history, having broken the previous record of 714 games held by Collingwood legend Jock McHale four rounds ago.
He started out his coaching career in charge at Footscray before taking over at West Coast, where he won two premierships between 1992 and 1994. A third flag followed in 2010 during his time in charge of Collingwood but he was unable to recreate the magic at Carlton and he leaves the club with a losing record for the first time (20-33-1).
Despite the bitter denouement to the story, LoGiudice was keen to stress the importance of the coach’s contribution to Carlton and the broader football community.
“He is rightly described as a legend of the game,” LoGiudice said. “The role of a senior coach is demanding and uncompromising, one that takes true passion and dedication. Carlton is grateful to have been a part of his coaching legacy.
“This decision was not made easily. AFL football is ultimately about people and relationships. Unfortunately, in this case the relationship regrettably has not worked.”
