Legendary Richmond player Kevin Bartlett has given the appointment of Matthew Knights as Essendon coach a glowing endorsement.
As a five-time premiership player with the Tigers, Bartlett knows a thing or two about winning games of football and he believes Knights has what it takes to get the Bombers back on track.
""As coach, I think he's going to be a terrific success and I am a huge fan of Matthew,"" Bartlett said.
""He is a fantastic competitor, single minded about his footy, he has a great footy brain.
""He is a young man who loves the game with a passion and I think he'll prove to be a mighty choice (as coach) for the Bombers.""
Bartlett - who gave Knights his first game when he coached Richmond - said the new Essendon coach would bring with him a freshness and enthusiasm that would become infectious.
""He's done a terrific apprenticeship as a senior coach in South Australia and here in Victoria, he's worked closely with Kevin Sheedy over the last 12 months and has a fantastic playing career with almost 300 games behind him,"" Bartlett said.
""I think he'll be a great teacher of young players because he actually came through as a very young player himself. He came through the under 19's, then reserves and into the seniors all in one year which is extremely hard to do.
""He was a young boy who had to work his way up so he would understand the feelings of young kids and the aspirations of young kids. I think he will be fantastic teacher and motivator for young boys coming through.""
Bartlett said Knights, at just 36 years of age, will inject new and fresh ideas.
""What we have seen in this modern game with coaches like Alistair Clarkson and Ross Lyon it's all about list management, developing kids and talent coming through the draft because they are so young,"" he said
""Matthew has always been consistent and that was one of his great qualities he had as a player he was always consistently good. He was always working hard to improve his game always trying to be better, always seeking advice.""
