Recent history suggests that the hiring of ex-AFL head coaches for a second or third attempt (or fourth in Ron Barrassi’s case) is fraught with danger.
Only two head coaches, Leigh Matthews and Mick Malthouse, have lifted the premiership cup with a second team since the turn of the century.
However, the more common trend is that second-attempt coaches have seriously struggled.
Terry Wallace, Rodney Eade, and Brett Ratten all had losing records at their second clubs and were sacked as a result - with this trend being very much alive for current head coaches.
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Every current head coach on their second attempt, except for Damien Hardwick, has a losing record.
This includes Michael Voss (49 wins, 45 losses), Brad Scott (27 wins, 33 losses), Alastair Clarkson (11 wins, 47 losses), and Ross Lyon (33 wins, 37 losses).
Conversely, “untried” head coaches have accounted for 20 of the last 24 premierships, and one more will be added this season.
This recent history will fill Demons fans with hope for their new head coach, Steven King.
King arrives at Melbourne with significant assistant coaching experience, having worked with St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast, and Geelong over the last 15 years.
Although the Demons have finished in 14th position the last two seasons, they are primed for a bounce-back season.
Melbourne have added five top-15 draft picks in their last three drafts, with one more to come this year.
This youthful injection, paired with the experience of 14 of their 2021 premiership team players, can send the Demons straight back up the ladder.