Scrutiny Is A Result Of Footy Dishonesty | Thebigtip

There are three qualities you need to possess if you're considering playing AFL footy or taking up a coaching role within a club. Firstly, you must be skilled in your preferred field. Second, work well with others. Though the first two are quite important, nothing is more defining for an AFL personality than the ability to give the media the run around.

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse appeared on Thursday night's 'The Footy Show' in what was touted a tell-all interview. However, as Malthouse has done so well in his long and illustrious coaching career, he put a nice spin in every answer he threw back at a determined Sam Newman who, and it must be said, did his very best to get a clear and concise answer out of Malthouse concerning his intentions in 2012.

In what was a riveting back-and-forth half an hour, we were led to believe that Malthouse would: be staying as coach, be staying in a development role, he doesn't want to coach next year, he does want to coach next year, the playing group would prefer he stay on as coach and he will consider mentoring Nathan Buckley next season. Essentially, we are no closer to a defining answer than we were at the start of the interview.

The result of the chat is no surprise, as it is very rare that we, as football fans and journos alike, are given a direct answer to the questions put on the table.

Melbourne star Tom Scully still hasn't given any indication regarding the offer put forward by Greater Western Sydney other than saying he hasn't signed anything as of yet. Though Scully is not required to make a decision as soon as he is provided with an offer from another club, the very least he can do is come out for the media and fans, stating clearly that he will not be making a decision regarding his footballing future until the end of the season.

The media often come under scrutiny for putting players and coaches under pressure to make decisions, but our speculation is a direct result of not being honestly told what is what.

It was only two years ago that current Essendon coach James Hird said he would not be coaching AFL any time soon. The same can be said for Michael Voss and look where they both are now.

The relationship between the media and football personalities is very similar to that of a failing marriage; there's a lack of honesty and trust. There is no reason why players and coaches can't be honest when addressing the media while still keeping some things to themselves.

All we want is a bit of honesty. If the media were given direct answers to questions put on the table, there wouldn't be as much scrutiny and speculation floating around. If there is no room for speculation, there is no way that the media can put their own twists on stories whilst maintaining credibility.