It takes a lot to impress a coach who was involved in a premiership campaign as recently as two years ago, but Leigh Tudor’s arrival at North Melbourne has provided him with a new-found enthusiasm.
One of the most respected assistant coaches in the game, Tudor has only been at the club for two weeks after a three-year stint at the Swans, but is already seeing good signs.
“Working with the first to four year players, they are already really keen to take their football to the next level, and now being here in Utah and meeting the older guys, they are really keen to put their best forward and take the club to bigger and better places,” Tudor told NMFC.com.au.
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Tudor started out his playing career at the Kangaroos, but is better known for his successful stints as an assistant coach at Sydney and before that the Saints. He also spent time at Geelong, both as a coach and a player.
Keeping an eye on his original home from afar, he’s been able to track the development of its playing list.
“The club’s done a great job in getting a lot of games into the younger guys. They are starting to get that experience and once you get to your 80 games you are going to start to play your best footy, so I’m looking forward to seeing the group grow.
“It’s really good on the ball movement side. I really like the way they go about their stoppage work; really aggressive at the stoppages, some big strong players who can actually make good decisions and use the ball well, so there’s a lot to like.”
Despite his success at the Swans, Tudor says he was ready for a move back to Melbourne. The opportunity to work closely with Brad Scott, as well as former team-mate Darren Crocker was another motivating factor.
His transition has also allowed him to reunite with Nick Dal Santo, a player he had much to do with in his time on the coaching staff at Moorabbin.
“I really like the way Dal’s (Dal Santo) really balanced not just as a footballer but as a person. He’ll come in every Monday, win, lose or draw and be the same person. He’s a really honest person. He’s going to be fantastic for the guys.”
Tudor recently signed with the club for the next three seasons.
