Harvey stops short of declaring himself keen on vacant Pies coach job
Robert Harvey has stopped short of throwing his hat into the ring for the vacant Collingwood coaching job, but did not declare himself out of the running for the full-time role.
The legendary St Kilda midfielder will be in charge for his first game this weekend as the Pies’ caretaker coach, after Nathan Buckley left the role following Collingwood’s upset Queen’s Birthday win over Melbourne.
Robert Harvey will coach the Pies against Fremantle on Saturday.Credit:Getty Images
Harvey joined Collingwood as midfield coach in 2012 after assistant roles at Carlton and St Kilda, having retired from playing in 2008. Asked if he would put his hand up for the role permanently, Harvey played a straight bat, but didn’t say he wasn’t interested.
“To be honest I just see it as a great opportunity for me and I see my role as trying to get the best out of – and try to get some momentum out of – these players,” Harvey said.
“They’re a great group. To be honest I haven’t thought too much about it. I see it as a nine-week block to do my best to hopefully get some good footy played by our boys, that they enjoy it [and] our fans like what they see and that’s the way I see it.
“The rest of it in time looks after itself. I just don’t see it that way, I just see it as an opportunity for growth for me.”
David Teague and Rhyce Shaw are two recent examples of caretaker coaches who have taken the position permanently. Harvey said he did not need clarity from Pies footy boss Graham Wright about whether he was in the running for the role.
“I don’t think I need that. Wrighty has been so upfront with me to make my role really clear. I am grateful for that,” Harvey said.
“Anything I need to know I am sure he will tell me.
“At the moment my role is really clear, I know what I need to do.”
Harvey has missed out on senior coaching roles before.
Collingwood play Fremantle on Saturday. Harvey indicated Taylor Adams and Brodie Grundy were well in the frame to return to the side after injuries.
MORE TO COME
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article