As was expected the interest was in Robert Harvey. Harvey the AFL legend has joined Carlton as a Development Coach after one of the finest playing careers in AFL history. His first public appearance in navy was always going to provide a great media story. He was joined by Brett Ratten and newly appointed Development and Academy Manager, Darren Harris, at a media conference at Visy Park on Wednesday. It was a symbolic welcome for Harris and Harvey prior to a brief skills session supervised by the two new members of Carlton’s coaching staff.
Harvey handled the new role as would be expected of an AFL legend, taking the questions in his stride and admitting he was looking forward to working with the young players. In particular on the track in skill sessions, something he enjoyed following the media conference. His role at Carlton would seem to be a natural fit for such a decorated player, working with the young players and being a part of their development to become the best they can be.
While the spotlight for the media was certainly on Harvey, Carlton supporters will no doubt have great interest in Darren Harris. Not just the person but the position he has at the Club. Darren is the Development and Academy Manager, heading up the all-important development of the Carlton players. He joins Carlton after a 14-year coaching career that has seen him involved in the AFL with West Coast, the WAFL with West Perth, regional Victorian football with Wodonga and also representative under age football with the NSW/ACT Rams. The former Wodonga player certainly has the knowledge and experience to head up the Development Program.
Both Harvey and Harris are looking forward to their roles at Carlton and believe it is a great time to be involved at the Blues, particularly in the development roles with such an exciting group of young players. Harvey said he was impressed with Carlton’s progress in 2008 and admitted it was different to be at Visy Park in a different role.
“I have been to Visy Park plenty of times in the past but previously it was as an opposition player so it is different to be here as part of the home club and also in a coaching role. Some of the victories Carlton enjoyed last season really showed there is great spirit here and there is an expectation to play finals so part of my role will be to help the players learn to play with expectation,” Harvey told carltonfc.com.au.
Harris is looking forward to working with the players and the coaching staff in the newly created role.
“I know the importance the club places on development and this is a great opportunity. Development is not just about practice, it is about teaching the skills and helping to provide a pathway to success,” Harris said in an exclusive chat with carltonfc.com.au.
Brett Ratten believes this appointment will add to the development program that was introduced this season.
“David Teague and Matthew Lappin have been fantastic in the development roles during 2008 and David will continue in his role, including coaching the Northern Bullants, in 2009. ‘Harves’ will work with David building on the work that was established this year and I am sure the players are looking forward to working with such a great player.
“Darren’s role will bring another dimension to our development program and will strengthen this area to ensure we provide our players with the very best opportunity to continue their individual and team development. The $18 million redevelopment due for completion next October will certainly help this program even more,” Ratten said.
The legend of the game was the highlight but there is no doubt the lesser-light may just be the vital appointment that will ensure the Blues development takes off even more in 2009. Time will tell.
