In a dramatic shift that has stunned the AFL world, Robert Harvey, the former head coach of the Collingwood Magpies, has officially joined the St Kilda Football Club as an Assistant Head Coach. Harvey, who led Collingwood through a challenging period as head coach, brings a wealth of experience to St Kilda, where he will work under new head coach Brett Ratten.
However, in a surprising twist, Harvey also made headlines by sending a pointed message to Collingwood’s current head coach, Craig McRae, about the future of the rivalry between the two clubs and his vision for the league moving forward.
Robert Harvey’s New Chapter with St Kilda
Harvey’s decision to join St Kilda comes after a tumultuous end to his tenure at Collingwood, where he served as the interim head coach following Nathan Buckley’s departure. While his time at the helm didn’t result in long-term success, Harvey is well respected for his football IQ, leadership, and dedication to the game. Now, after a short break from head coaching, Harvey is set to bring his experience to the Saints, with a specific focus on player development and game strategy.
“I’m thrilled to join the St Kilda Football Club and to be working alongside Brett Ratten,” Harvey said in his announcement. “This club has a passionate fan base and a rich history, and I’m excited to contribute to building something special here. My role is to support Brett and the coaching staff in developing the young talent we have and ensuring we’re competitive week in and week out.”
With St Kilda aiming to bounce back from a season of underperformance, Harvey’s arrival is expected to have an immediate impact. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with his previous experience in high-pressure coaching environments, makes him an invaluable asset to the Saints as they look to regain relevance in the AFL.
The Message to Craig McRae and the Future of AFL Rivalries
In a press conference following his announcement, Harvey also addressed his past with Collingwood and sent a message to his former coaching counterpart, Craig McRae, who has led the Magpies since Harvey’s departure.
“I’ve always respected Craig, but I also believe that rivalries are what make the game special,” Harvey stated. “The battle between St Kilda and Collingwood is a massive one in the AFL, and I’m looking forward to what’s next for both clubs. Craig and I have shared plenty of challenges and experiences, and I have no doubt that he will continue to do great things with the Pies, but now my focus is on the Saints. We’re building something here, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for St Kilda, especially when we face Collingwood down the track.”
Harvey’s comments underline the intensity of the AFL’s historic rivalries, and many analysts believe his words may be a statement of intent. His experience coaching against McRae’s Collingwood will likely add extra spice to their future encounters, as Harvey looks to elevate St Kilda to the level of the competition’s top teams.
The rivalry between St Kilda and Collingwood is one of the most well-known in AFL history, dating back to their fierce battles in finals and regular season clashes. With Harvey now on the other side of the fence, the upcoming contests between these two teams could take on new significance, especially with both sides in a transitional phase, rebuilding for sustained success.
A Vision for St Kilda’s Future
While Harvey’s comments about the rivalry were certainly a point of interest, his larger vision for St Kilda was even more compelling. The Saints have been in a rebuilding phase for several years, but under Harvey’s guidance, they aim to accelerate their growth, focusing on a balanced approach to development, tactics, and team culture.
“There’s a lot of young talent here at St Kilda, and it’s about making sure that talent is nurtured and given the right environment to succeed,” Harvey said. “I’ve always been a big believer in creating a competitive environment where players are held accountable, but also supported and encouraged to push their limits. It’s not about one or two players; it’s about building a team that can consistently compete at the highest level.”
Harvey will be working closely with Brett Ratten to enhance the Saints’ midfield and forward structures, areas that have been inconsistent in recent seasons. The Saints have some exciting young prospects, and Harvey’s wealth of knowledge on developing players at the elite level will be invaluable as they work to accelerate their progress.
What Does This Mean for Collingwood?
With Harvey now in St Kilda’s coaching fold, all eyes will be on how Collingwood responds, especially with Craig McRae leading the Magpies after Harvey’s departure. McRae has already made a significant impact in his first years at Collingwood, guiding the team through a successful season despite several injury setbacks. However, as both teams continue their respective journeys of rebuilding and retooling, their matchups on the field are sure to carry an extra edge with Harvey’s departure from Collingwood.
Harvey’s role as assistant coach of St Kilda may not be as high-profile as his head coaching gig at Collingwood, but his presence will undoubtedly raise the stakes for future clashes between the two teams. Will St Kilda be able to prove they’ve made the right choice in bringing him aboard? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the rivalry between St Kilda and Collingwood is far from over, and now, it’s only going to get more intense.
Conclusion: A New Rivalry on the Horizon?
With Robert Harvey now joining St Kilda and sending a bold message to Craig McRae, the AFL landscape is in for some dramatic shifts. The intensity of the Collingwood-St Kilda rivalry is poised to reach new heights, and Harvey’s strategic insights will only make the competition fiercer.
St Kilda’s investment in Harvey signals their commitment to becoming a force in the AFL once again, while Collingwood, under McRae, will have to keep pace with a team that knows them all too well. For now, the AFL is bracing for an electrifying new chapter in its storied rivalries — and with Harvey in the mix, it promises to be anything but ordinary.