To be faced with almost an entire matchday squad of current AFL-listed talent in the opposition rooms on an occasion like this is an enormous headache for any coach.
Werribee leader and Shepparton export Michael Barlow did not shy away from this discrepancy in midweek as he looked ahead to a sizeable task.
Speaking to The News during the build-up to the VFL decider, Barlow claimed he was perfectly comfortable with the underdog tag despite his team’s incredible run of results.
He had spoken of “embracing that part-time versus full-time mentality” and reinforcing the special nature of forming an attachment to standalone VFL clubs.
Unfortunately, though only percentage separated the sides after the home-and-away season, a vast experience gap proved the difference at IKON Park Sunday afternoon.
Barlow’s Tigers faded out despite a Herculean effort from forward Shaun Mannagh (27 disposals, 6.2) as Gold Coast notched its first premiership at any level with a 17.10 (112) to 14.9 (93) win.
“You get a very pride-filled reaction, seeing the nature of how they commit to each other in the contest,” Barlow said of his side’s season.
“For (Mannagh) to do that on this stage was unreal for him, he put a lot in but he’s such a great clubman as well.
“Even on the (grand final) day, people in the opposition camp said we just kept coming at them, and I think they left it all out there.
“We just got done by talent in the end.”
Werribee could not have come into the game hotter, having won its past 17 games, including a stirring elimination of the fancied Brisbane Lions, home to J.J. Liston Medallist Jarryd Lyons, in a preliminary final the week prior.
Barlow’s achievements and work ethic did not go without recognition in the face of defeat on the big day, though, scooping the VFL Coach of the Year award.
The award comes off the back of not just the Tigers’ rampant charge to and through the finals but the glowing words publicly spoken by Werribee staff of Barlow’s impact on the club during Grand Final week.
Naturally, though, questions start to form about the idea of a senior coaching gig, and Barlow knows there is a big decision ahead.
“What I do at Werribee is as big a responsibility as being an AFL assistant coach, if not more,” Barlow said.
“(The Werribee job) gives me more balance with a young family, so it’s a bit to weigh up.
“But I’m very indebted and committed to the club; I love it and what it has provided me.”
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