Application for the Saints coaching position
We all know how much Andrew loved his footy and for the last 20 years we've shared the highs and lows of the AFC and to a lesser extent The Bloods (thank god for 2015). For me the journey was made so much better with the astute game day analysis and humorous observations of Andrew Eckert. Win, lose or draw it was a pleasure to be in the company of a rare cross breed, the Mick Malthouse / Titus O'Reilly hybrid.
But I have one deep regret....
He asked me to QC this job application for the role of Senior Coach of the St. Kilda Football Club in 2006 and I failed him miserably. He addressed his application for the St. Kilda FC coaching role to Managing Director Rod Buttress, the guys name was Butterss, he took offence and Andy the job to Ross Lyon.
It was, for Andrew and St. Kilda, a sliding doors moment. Ross Bloody Lyon FFS.
There was a dynasty in the offing. Would Andrew have wasted the talent of Riewoldt, Hayes, Milne, Del Santo, Goddard, Gardiner, Fisher, Montagna, Zac Dawson (sorry Andrew!) .......NO WAY !
What was Rod Butterss thinking ???
How could this application be denied on account of a typo
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Saint Kilda Football Club
Coach selection committee
RE: Application for the Saints coaching position,
To Mr. Rod Buttress and others,
My name is Andrew Eckert and I currently coach the Year 4/5 football team at Black Forest Primary School, Adelaide. I would like to be considered for the vacant Head Coaching position at the Saint Kilda Football Club.
Coaching Philosophies
I encourage an all out attacking style of football which instills great confidence in the team members and the team as a whole. If every player in your team believes they are the equal or better of any opposition team member then they will seek out every opportunity to test and show this belief. Everyone desires to be positively involved for their footy team. They also want to see and feel the rewards hard work directly relates to measurable objectives within the team structure. This has been a cornerstone of my coaching career since 2003. I believe Rodney Eade has also adopted my philosophy to great effect this year.
Commonly used adages include:
• Have a go (Primary school development program)
• Don’t die not knowing (Dermot Barry)
• Don’t do nothing stand there (Kevin Ryan)
• An individual lives and dies by the outcome of the team (Andrew Eckert)
• The ox is slow but the earth is patient (as used in The High Road to China)
• Give me the boy at 7 and I will show you the man. (as used in the 7 up series by Michael Apted)
Coaching career
• Coached both men’s and women’s volleyball teams sometimes at the same time
• Most parents of the Black Forest year 2/3 and then 4/5 football team were fairly supportive of what I was trying to achieve.
• The Black Forest year 2/3 football team won 12 of 14 games. We deliberately lost the two games to reinforce team rules and encourage all players to contribute.
• The Black Forest year 4/5 football team won all 14 regular season games and the 5 Lightning Carnival games making them undefeated. We scored 1436 points and had only 265 points scored against us. ( A clear indication my coaching philosophies work)
• Assistant coach to Mark Donald at the Goodwood Saints Football Club under 10’s. We won the Lightning carnival, the only relevant measure of the season since the SANFL has banned Ladders and Finals for under 10’s.
• I have been asked to coach the Black Forest year 6/7 team next year.
• I have been approached to consider applying for the year 4/5 West Adelaide combined schools team next year by someone of importance.
Sporting career
• Played Tennis for 20 years including junior matches against Mark Woodforde and John Fitzgerald
• Played Tennis for Millswood Lawn Tennis club to Division 2 standard.
• Captained the Millswood div 5 & 6 team to two premierships in 4 years.
• On the Millswood Lawn Tennis Clubs team selection panel.
• Have played Squash, basketball, badminton, golf, volleyball, cricket, cycling, baseball, racquetball, darts and many board games competitively.
• Went to a training session at the West Torrens Eagles and met Steven Stretch.
• Regularly ride my bike to work and for recreation.
Football Career
• Year 7 for Lockleys Demonstration School
• Year 10, 11, 12 for Immanuel College (not just playing the games I also attended up to three training sessions a year)
• 1982-1985 for Immanuel Old Scholars (attended many training and recovery sessions as organized by the club)
My relevant qualifications include:
• Matriculated in 1979
• Certificate iv in:
o Workplace training and assessment
o Continuous Improvement
o Manage workplace information systems
o Promote a learning environment
Relevant experiences:
• I count Stephen and Mark Williams, Geoff Morris, Ralph Sewer, Ron Fuller, Ian Borchard, Brenton Honor, Rodger and Gavin Luders, Matt Davoren, David Watson, Rodger Winter, Max Parker, Clay Sampson, Craig Dewhirst, Greg Blight (who assures me he is Malcolm’s brother) as close personal friends and invite you to contact them at your convenience as referees.
• Many friends have supported the underachieving Saints for a long time.
• My 10 year old son plays for the Goodwood Saints.
• I have a good understanding of OHS&W workplace requirements.
• I am the Black Forest School delegate to the South Australian School Football Association, which is aligned to the SANFL.
• I have been involved in School football rule reviews.
• I have listened to Stan Alves on the radio.
Additional areas of importance
• I am only 44 (in October) so I could coach for many years and even pull on the boots if the injury list got particularly long.
• Currently work in the support and welfare area of a dynamic industry.
• Involved in worlds leading practice in area of expertise.
• Would accept a clause to be “payed out” before the conclusion of my contract if services were deemed to be inadequate after an independent review. I would also happily accept a non disclosure clause. These are important attributes given the coaching record of the Saints
• Can use Microsoft Access database.
• As per the 7 up series adage I would recruit very young, possibly as young as 6 years old.
• I am taller than Neil Craig and have less gray hair.
• I am funnier, in a humour sense, than Mick Malthouse and can make less sense than Kevin Sheedy if required.
• I do not carry the baggage of association with the last few years of under achieving.
• My 10 year old son is showing promise for the Goodwood Saints under 10’s. He won the Clubs Best and Fairest this year.
• Peter Oag, my current assistant coach would be available some days and evenings to assist in my task, aiding my smooth transition from yr 4/5 footy to AFL.
Clearly I have not presented all my appropriate attributes at this time but look forward to presenting them at interview in the near future.
Yours Sincerely
Andrew Eckert
P.S. please don’t call too early as I like to sleep as late as I can most days
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Oh how our hearts ache
Sally, Harry and Rach stay strong.
Rest in peace big fella we will miss you
Love The Pretty Family