TWO-time premiership coach Malcolm Blight has given an insight into just how hard it is to be an AFL coach in his defence of Ken Hinkley.<\/p>\n
Blight, who featured at five AFL clubs in a coaching career that spanned from 1981 to 2001, sits among the most successful mentors of the modern era.<\/p>\n
But he was also one of the most maligned. He took Geelong to three grand finals without winning a flag and was sacked by his final team, St Kilda, in his first year at the helm.<\/p>\n
On the topic of Port Adelaide coach Hinkley – who is the most under pressure mentor in the AFL – Blight said those that haven\u2019t experienced the caper can\u2019t make informed calls.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what, you\u2019ve got to be tough to coach. I\u2019ve never really talked about how tough mentally and physically [it is to coach], because it gets you down,\u201d he told Sportsday SA.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got to be that bloody strong in the head, mate. You can\u2019t believe how tough it is.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will say this. Anyone who hasn\u2019t done it, they can talk about it, they can observe, but until you actually bloody do it, it is the toughest business in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former North Melbourne star went on to add that it\u2019s a tougher profession than playing at the top level.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is. It\u2019s mentally tough playing too, but at least you can go off and spend the energy, when you\u2019re relying on other people [it\u2019s harder],\u201d Blight said.<\/p>\n
As for last weekend\u2019s game against Sydney, Blight hoped the Power wouldn\u2019t retreat too far into the shell.<\/p>\n
Hinkley\u2019s troops are coming off a showdown where they allowed Adelaide to boot 18 goals, with their back six torn to shreds late.<\/p>\n
But Blight urged the club to play in a similar style that saw them defeat Brisbane in round one and ring the attacking flair.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to the game\u2026 I\u2019ve just got a feeling if they go with too much team defence, the Swans will cut them apart with their kicking,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to see them go from the backline, just like what Collingwood are.\u201d<\/p>\n