Carlton star Dale Thomas has spoken of his disappointment following the sacking of Mick Malthouse after he followed the veteran coach from Collingwood to the Blues in 2014.
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Thomas has a close relationship with Malthouse and said whilst he was saddened by the veteran mentor’s sacking, he told Nova radio it was part of the “business” of the sport.
“It’s probably a tricky one for me obviously because I do have a close relationship with Mick,” Thomas is quoted as saying by AAP.
“The emotions you feel as a friend, if you then portray them and put them out into the public arena (it can be seen) as your football view as well and media outlets will try to find cracks.
“As a friend I felt sorry for Mick yesterday as he certainly wanted to coach out the season, and I think he wanted to be a part of anything he could to try and rectify the situation.
“He didn’t want to go out on the bottom – not only in a literal sense with the footy club sitting last.
” … I was a little bit disappointed for Mick, but I fully understand that’s the business we are in.”
“You can’t dwell on these things for too long as we have to roll up and put in a better performance Friday night.”
The Blues parted ways with Malthouse following the veteran’s explosive radio interview on Tuesday morning in which he aimed barbs at the Carlton board and chief executive Steven Trigg.
“It is out of my hands,” Malthouse is quoted as saying by ABC.
“The board make the decision and that’s final.
“Boards crack under pressure, and the first to go is the coach. It relieves a little pressure and they get to puff their chests out.”
Malthouse released a statement via the AFL, saying he would not actively seek another senior coaching role.
It brings a decorated career to a close, with Malthouse having coached an AFL record 718 games across four clubs, winning three premierships with West Coast (1992, 1994) and Collingwood (2010).
Blues assistant John Barker will replace Malthouse on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2015 season.
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