Good times ahead for Roos: Crocker - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Good times ahead for Roos: Crocker

By Justin Chadwick 14/08/2009 07:25:34 PM Comments (0)

North Melbourne caretaker coach Darren Crocker is confident the 'Roos are destined for greater things - even though he may not be the man chosen to lead them into the 2010 AFL season.

Crocker, who took over the reins when Dean Laidley stepped aside in June, is desperate to stay on in the role beyond this season and was interviewed for the job on Thursday.

However, the Kangaroos are expected to offer the gig to Hawthorn assistant Damien Hardwick, while Brad Scott is also in contention after making the short list.

The Kangaroos have won just one of seven matches during Crocker's reign but the 1996 North Melbourne premiership player refused to believe he had been dealt a harsh hand.

"I don't see it as a raw deal," Crocker said of the caretaker's position.

"There's only 16 senior coaches at any one time and fortunately for myself I'm one of those 16 and have been for the last seven weeks.

"It's not a raw deal, it's a great opportunity and that's the way I've seen it all the way through.

"No matter what happens in the future I know I'm going to be a hell of a lot better for this experience."

Crocker said whoever landed the senior gig would be handed a list brimming with potential.

"We are still in a very much developmental stage but ... I think it's going to be exciting for whoever takes over the playing group," he said.

"I think there's some good times ahead.

"We've got a new facility that's just about to be finished.

"As a club we've reached over 30,000 members two years in a row now and there's an emergence of some really exciting players coming through."

Crocker said he was pleased his interview was now out of the way so he could concentrate on the final three games of the season, starting with Saturday's clash with West Coast at Subiaco Oval.

"All my focus is straight back onto the game and again what I can do to help the group over the next three weeks," he said.

"I've really enjoyed the role and it hasn't thrown up too many things from left field that I hadn't expected.

"Obviously having done a fairly lengthy apprenticeship I was aware of what the role took in so I've just really enjoyed it.

"I've got another three weeks to go in the chair and we'll see where it goes from there."

The Roos tasted their first win under Crocker last week with a 62-point triumph over Melbourne while the Eagles are riding high following consecutive wins over Essendon and Western Bulldogs.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news