Former Kangaroo David King has implored his former club to get Brett Ratten into the club at all costs – provided the ex-Saints coach wants a job.
Ratten was brutally sacked by St Kilda following a review of the club initiated by president Andrew Bassat. The axing understandably blindsided Ratten, who has avoided the media spotlight since.
The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark reported on Thursday that Carlton had approached Ratten over a potential role in the club’s football department shortly after he was sacked with two years remaining on his contract. The Blues appointed former Cat Tom Lonergan as a development coach on Thursday.
Ratten has also been linked with North Melbourne, given he spent years working with Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn.
The duo won three premierships together. While King acknowledges it’s unclear if Ratten would want to return to football so soon after having his contract terminated, he suggested the Roos should go all out to get their man.
“It’s up to Alastair, isn’t it, if he’d want him there… he’d know him very well,” King said on SEN Breakfast.
“You can never have too many good people at a football club and Brett Ratten’s that… you just pay the (luxury) tax.
“If I was North Melbourne, I’m going over the soft cap, if it’s the difference between getting Brett Ratten and not getting Brett Ratten, then pay the tax.
“You need development for this young list coming through. Right now, the prime focus for the club is to punch development hours into these under 23-year-old players, and Brett Ratten is perfect for that role.”
Essendon is the only club that has declared its willingness to spend over the soft cap.
But given Ratten’s time as coach of the Saints came after 120 games in charge of Carlton, it could be unlikely whether Ratten will return.
He received a six-month payout when he was sacked.
“Why would you go back? If you’re not looking to be a senior coach again, he’s probably not going to get a third opportunity,” King mused.
Meanwhile, the Roos are also looking for a new CEO. Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd is the latest candidate the club is reported to have met with and King says he’s the “favourite” for the role.
Lloyd has been in his role since 2017, overseeing one of the most successful football programs this century.