Phil Gould has expressed his confusion over Manly’s surprising victory, following the dismissal of coach Anthony Seibold. Under the guidance of Kieran Foran, Manly transformed from a team without a win this season to an impressive squad, triumphing over the Dolphins with a commanding 52-18 win away from home.
During an appearance on Nine’s 100% Footy, Paul Gallen remarked that the clash represented a "free hit" for Manly, highlighting the dolphins’ poorly executed defensive strategies which were termed "absolute horrendous" and "woeful." Nonetheless, the Dolphins’ lacklustre performance became secondary to Manly’s resurgence.
Gould cautioned that the upcoming match would pose a greater challenge for Foran, as he would now have a week to prepare the team for a showdown against a determined Dragons side. He noted that while Foran had ample time to prepare for the last game, the next would be a different affair.
The league analyst pointed out the stark difference in performance between Seibold’s team and the one that took the field under Foran. "This shift highlights how crucial mental preparation and strength is in sports," he stated. He expressed bewilderment over the sudden turnaround, as the same players who had been booed and demoralised just a week prior now displayed a newfound determination. In post-match interviews, the players articulated a sense of urgency to win, prompting Gould to question why that urgency wasn’t present earlier in the season.
Despite his astonishment at the players’ renewed commitment, Gould acknowledged that if Manly maintains this momentum, the board may have no option but to appoint Foran as head coach permanently. He emphasised, "When you play like that, the sky’s the limit," suggesting that if the team continues to perform at this level, it would be foolish for the club not to secure Foran’s role as head coach.
Overall, Gould’s insights capture the dramatic impact of coaching changes on player performance, illustrating the often-overlooked psychological aspects that can influence outcomes in sport.