Sun-down not the end

Brett Ratten must now realise that the Blues’ unexpected loss to the Gold Coast Suns was not the signal for his demise at Princes Park. The very speed with which his replacement has been accomplished suggests that the deal with Malthouse was in place, at least in principle if not in fact, for a considerable period.

 

For other recently ‘replaced’ coaches, the situation has seemed less . . . organised. Dean Bailey comes to mind. Perhaps Matthew Primus.

 

There was certainly the same whiff of conspiracy around Matthew Knights’ demise at Essendon.

 

Does it matter? Some of us continue to believe that a contract is to be honoured. Not paid out, but honoured.

 

In the end, the question for those involved comes down to ends and means. Do the ends justify the means? And can you sleep with your conscience?