In episode six of Inside Melbourne, Peter Jackson joins us as we break down the disappointing loss against Hawthorn (3:30), dealing with expectation at the club (8:30), how the players took the loss (10:00) and going into the Anzac Eve with the right mentality (13.30). We then discuss the recent financial decisions of the club with the exit of the gaming industry (17:30), state governments plans for football (22:30), looking for a new home (23:30) and his favourite player (27:00). We also go Inside Richmond as special guest Matthew Richardson joins us to preview the Anzac Eve clash (31:00).
CHIEF executive Peter Jackson says he’s offended by criticism towards coach Simon Goodwin.
Jackson came out strongly during an interview with Inside Melbourne and said the second-year senior coach was already impacting the club.
“Simon’s settled into this role and at the end of last year, he was lauded for what he had achieved and what he’s getting out of the players,” he said.
“To have that reaction after three quarters of football is offensive.
“I think Simon is a very good coach and he will proven to be.”
Jackson acknowledged the team “trashed our brand” against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, after the red and blue suffered a 67-point loss.
“It’s not what we stand for as a footy club,” he said.
“We came from a pretty dark place a long time ago, as far as on-field performance was concerned and we’ve been trying to build a brand of football that will stand-up.
“We all think inside the club that it’s not acceptable, but that’s the thing that hurt me the most – I’ve got no idea where it came from and I don’t think anyone really does.
“You use the word aberration – it could be. It’s only an aberration if we rebound next week.”
But Jackson said it was wrong to suggest the club was hopeless.
“You can’t take that view. Apart from one kick close to the end of the siren, we would’ve walked into that game three-zip and equal top of the ladder,” he said.
“I know there are ifs, buts and maybes, but the reality is that we’re not playing bad footy.
“We’ve got a good football team, talent wise. It’s more about what happens Tuesday night than being disappointed and thinking we’re never going to improve.”
Jackson said he understood why Melbourne supporters were frustrated.
“I also know where we are internally as a club and I also know what it takes to rebuild a football club,” he said.
“I’m very confident about this year, let alone future years. It’s a round four and we had a shocker.”