By Jon D
Matthew Knights was on a hiding to nothing from the outset.

So to the delight of many supporters the Matthew Knights era at Essendon is finally over. After weeks of speculation and the spectre of an impending review, Essendon moved with alarming alacrity and speed to end the Knights stewardship.

No doubt many in the outer will be delighted with this result, but they shouldn’t be. No one has come through this with much dignity, save for maybe Matthew himself. Essendon is increasingly taking on the appearance of a government in it’s death throes, frozen by indecision and backtracking., knifing it’s leader for the sake of saving face.

But it had to be done. The Knight’s game plan had not evolved from its inception and the defense leaked goals like the board leaked information. Players never looked settled and there is only so long members were willing to wait. However, this need not be the end of it. A full revolution is still needed and the review must continue.

Firstly, players must not be allowed to act petulantly and “not play for the coach”. You play for the club, period, otherwise please leave.

Secondly the board needs to look at its leaks. It is badly losing the PR battle and needs to tighten up and present a cohesive and cogent public face. Loose lips sink ships. Also, extending a non-performing coach’s contract midstream smacks of incompetence. There was no need to jump the gun, the board blinked when Voss became available, they must not blink again.

Thirdly, a proper evaluation of the list has to occur without rancour. Players who are not up to it must be moved on. The club has for too long looked to top up as it went when wholesale changes are needed. Not the best time when the Suns and Sheedy are waiting in the wings to swoop, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I am sure no supporters need reminding of the somewhat prophetic words of Damien Hardwick.

Lastly, members, supporters and coterie need to start to support the club. Bad decisions have been made, but they are in the past. Sheedy is in the past and Hird is making millions of dollars in the corporate sector. Essendon supporters are beginning to look like petulant teenagers who have had their Facebook account suspended. Time to harden up and stick fat with the club. Otherwise you are not really a supporter at all.

By all reports Matthew Knights seemed like a good bloke who found himself in the unenviable position of replacing a living legend. Whoever comes next will only succeed if the club unites behind them and embarks on a proper process of rebuilding.

Otherwise, there could be an alarming sense of déjà vu in three years time.