Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
But right now we're going to go down to the Marvel Stadium field as it stands right now. Mitch Duncan joins us, part of the West Coast Eagles now. Hello to you, mate. Welcome back to SCN. Thanks, guys. Thanks for having me. Before I let JJ loose on you, mate, how are you finding the new role, transitioning from player into the coaching ranks? How have you found it early doors?
It's good. It's definitely a lot different than playing.
Chapter 2: How does Mitch Duncan feel about transitioning from player to coach?
All you're kind of focusing on is probably yourself a little bit more when you're playing. But now there's a lot of other, especially younger guys that you've got to look after and then obviously the planning for your own meeting and the team and things like that. So workloads probably increased, no doubt. But yeah, enjoying the challenge so far.
From the coach's box, do you see the game and the little things that you pick up on that you think to yourself, geez, I wish I knew that as a player?
Yeah, absolutely. Probably you just You respect the fundamentals a lot more, definitely, when you're watching or even just players slipping over and things like that. You're like, geez, what boots is he wearing? But, yeah, you definitely see the game a little bit different as a coach, especially from the coach's box.
Mitchell, Josh Jenkins here. Good luck this afternoon, mate. How have you found, I mean, you don't have to do the athletic part of it, so I guess physically there's not that to worry about. How have you felt, because I've always had great empathy and respect for the clubs that get on a plane every second week and fly across the country.
How have you found that actual part of it, just travelling so much, because at the catch you probably play 12 or 13 games a year in Melbourne or Victoria?
Yeah as a coach sometimes it's nice to get away and you can actually get a fair bit of work done on the plane on the flight so going home tonight you pretty much have the whole game nearly nearly done and dusted so from that point of view it's actually it works in probably our favour a little bit as a player I think it would be a little bit harder there's no doubt about that these guys have
done it for a long time, they've got their routines, but I don't think it makes it any easier sleeping in a hotel for a couple of nights.
We've had a couple of three-night trips early in the year, so I actually don't know how the players really feel, to be honest, but as a coach, it actually probably works in my favour to get a bit of work done so you don't have the kids running around while you're trying to do some work.
You could potentially ask them how they feel, Mitch, if you wouldn't mind. What about some of your young tools? I mean, I guess at the moment, you know, I love, you know, the future of Shanahan and Archer Reid and Duff Titler. You know, I think they've got enormous futures and you guys will be thrilled with what they possess athletically and the talent they've got.
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Chapter 3: What insights does Mitch Duncan gain from the coach's box?
I think they're doing a mountain of work, especially even during the week on their contest and their aerial craft. That's probably where they're going to get the biggest gains. Sometimes they might not have a big impact for the game, but knowing in three or four years it's going to help us immensely, especially with the talent we have down there.
Even Joe being able to go back and impact the game in that way is so important for us at times. But yeah, they're just still working on their craft. You do have to manage them, there's no doubt about that. Especially during the week at times, they might miss the odd game here and there just to keep their workloads in check. And yeah, you don't burn them out by the end of the year.
But it's such a hard position for those keys, especially when they're young. Again, big challenge for us tonight with Wilkie and Silvani, Dougal Howard coming back into the side, maybe Caminiti as well, so... Yeah, they're going to have their work cut out, but they're up for the challenge and compete really hard for us.
Announcement during the week about Elijah Hewitt signing a nice big five-year contract. I guess that's par for the course these days. But in regards to his development, tell us about what you've seen from him. And then the second part to that question is I saw you guys live yesterday at Norwood a couple of weeks ago, and you've got a lot of really athletic types.
You've got a lot of recycled players as well. Can you give us a couple of names for those who might be going to the footy or listening to the game today? Maybe some guys a little bit off Broadway who you didn't know much about but have impressed you in your short time at West Coast.
Yeah, Hughie had a bit of an interrupted pre-season, so he's only kind of just starting to get going now. I'm actually not sure if that's 100% true that he's signed yet, to be honest. But, yeah, he's got immense talent and immense power. So one of those inside midfielders that can break the game open from stoppage, really contested, still kind of working on his tank at the minute.
And I think over the journey that will be one of his biggest ā I suppose RFIs keep improving that. He's only young. He's only in his fourth year.
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Chapter 4: How does travel impact the coaching experience for Mitch Duncan?
You forget about that. He missed his whole first year with a foot injury. So he's still a really young player, and you do forget that being around him so much. You think, geez, these guys should be performing, but they're still so young. So you've got to be a little bit patient and know that they're not going to dominate every game. But, yeah, he's one of them.
I've got a little forward, Tyler Williams. First year this year as well, got immense speed, little forward pocket. I think once he puts on a little bit of size, he's going to be a real weapon for us. Kind of that Bobby Hill type, maybe not as aerial as Bobby, but at the minute he's got the speed and the electricity in his feet is quite remarkable. So looking forward to him growing.
A young back named Luca Grego, he's got great skills, sees the game really well. Still working a little bit on his defensive side, which he's improving every week. But looking forward to him taking his game forward and putting his hand up for selection as well.
Last one, Mitch. Mitch Duncan joins us from the West Coast Eagles. Selection integrity is always a conversation or a talking point when you're trying to find the right balance in between keeping everyone accountable but also making sure veterans are there in the team to help when you've got a young list.
How long are these conversations when you make the decision as a coaching group and selection committee to leave Jamie Cripps out?
Yeah, they're tough. They are tough conversations and good conversations to have. You know, there's obviously the focus of the now, but also the focus of the next couple of years as well. So, yeah, it's a fine balance. We often just offer up our opinions and then the final say is obviously with the head coach.
So, yeah, they're great conversations to have and ones that I'm really enjoying, to be honest. You're never really in these types of conversations as a player. So being able to learn and see how, I suppose, these decisions are made in the end has been really exciting.
Mitch, we appreciate your time, mate. Good luck today and for the back end of the year. We'll talk again soon, mate. Appreciate it.
Thanks, guys. Have a good call.
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