Pagan calls for AFL tough love at Giants

Two-time North Melbourne premiership coach Denis Pagan is unimpressed with the Giants and says it's all between the ears now at Richmond.

AFL

Former Kangaroos coach Denis Pagan has let fly at "arrogant" GWS. (AAP)

It's time for tough love at GWS, says North Melbourne great Denis Pagan - a master of the concept.

The two-time Kangaroos premiership coach savaged the Giants after their qualifying final loss to Adelaide, saying their attitude smacked of arrogance.

He also praised Richmond after their qualifying final triumph, but warns their mentality will be crucial as they deal with only one game in three weeks.

Pagan's Facebook commentary on the AFL is required reading and he has posted his first piece in nearly a year.

As always, he did not hold back.

"GWS appear arrogant to me - they haven't fired a shot in AFL football, they argue constantly among themselves, with the opposition and frequently dispute the umpire's decisions," Pagan said.

"Sensitive new age coaching hasn't worked with this team, time for some tough love coaching now, it is not a popularity contest, it is about respect and winning.

"I was amazed to see the coach (Leon Cameron) patting the players on the back after the game."

Pagan also likes what Richmond showed last Friday night, with some qualifications.

"Richmond smashed Geelong because their pressure and bodywork was first class, they forced Geelong to over use the ball in close," he said.

"Geelong (are) maybe too slow at the MCG.

"With the Richmond roar behind them they may become an irresistible force, I hope they haven't celebrated too hard although Trent Cotchin spoke superbly post game.

"One game in three weeks is also going to have an effect, it is all between the ears now."

Pagan also was unimpressed with Essendon, calling some of their efforts "feeble" in the elimination final loss to Sydney, while he said Port Adelaide were the better side and wasted opportunities in the agonising extra-time near miss against West Coast.

He added that whatever the tactics, the principles stay the same.

"The winning finals formula in my opinion is about Perfection through Simplicity, your philosophy/game plan should focus on your attack on the ball and the man with the ball, your team psyche should be to beat your opponent first," Pagan said.

"If you are ferocious with your bodywork, tackling, spoiling and harassing it is a great start, how good were Richmond here.

"Emotional control and self discipline has a big say in proceedings also. GWS have issues here!"


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world