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Here It Is: Coaching, Leadership and Life

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Paul Roos is a leader, a legend, an AFL icon. As a first-rate player, premiership-winning coach and in-demand commentator, Roos has achieved extraordinary success over more than thirty years in footy.

He started playing in 1982, when footballers and coaches were part-time and it was survival of the fittest. In the mid-90s, as Roos was nearing the end of his 356-game career and the competition was becoming fully professional, he wondered if there were better ways to nurture talent and empower players to build a champion team.

When he hung up his footy boots in 1998, Roos penned a list of 25 key coaching points that he hoped one day to put into practice.

In 2002, he was appointed head coach of the Sydney Swans. In 2005, he led the Swans to their historic drought-breaking premiership by following his own coaching and leadership philosophy.

In this candid book, Roos not only reveals his 25 coaching tips but also, for the first time, shares his original premiership blueprint with its foundation of positivity and unity.

Roos describes how he took his plan and the lessons learned at the Swans to rebuild the Melbourne Demons, a club that was on its knees when he was appointed coach in 2013. He shares his insights about keeping perspective, motivating people and the importance of building strong relationships.

Part sporting memoir, part leadership game plan, this book is a masterclass from one of the all-time greats.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2017

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Paul Roos

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Alison Orue.
85 reviews
August 5, 2024
Paul Roos’s Here It Is: Coaching, Leadership, and Life offers a riveting and insightful exploration into the world of sports coaching and leadership, seen through the lens of one of Australian football's most esteemed figures. This book is more than a manual for aspiring coaches; it’s a reflective journey into the principles that drive successful leadership and personal growth.

As a former AFL star and celebrated coach, Paul Roos brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table. His tenure with the Sydney Swans, where he led the team to its first premiership in 72 years, serves as the backdrop for many of the book's insights. Roos uses this rich reservoir of experiences to provide readers with a candid and practical guide to the complexities of coaching and leadership.

The book is structured around Roos’s personal and professional experiences, blending anecdotes from his playing days with his coaching career. This dual perspective enriches the narrative, offering readers a comprehensive view of what it takes to excel in high-stakes environments. Roos’s storytelling is engaging and relatable, making complex leadership concepts accessible through real-life examples and personal reflections.

One of the standout features of Here It Is is its emphasis on the human aspects of coaching and leadership. Roos delves into the importance of building strong relationships, fostering a positive team culture, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges. His insights into the psychological and emotional facets of leadership provide a refreshing perspective, highlighting that effective coaching is as much about understanding people as it is about strategy and technique.

Roos’s writing is straightforward and practical, offering actionable advice that readers can apply both within and beyond the sports arena. He addresses common challenges faced by leaders and coaches, such as managing expectations, dealing with failure, and motivating teams. His recommendations are grounded in experience and are delivered with a blend of humility and authority, making the book a valuable resource for anyone in a leadership role.

While Here It Is is heavily focused on sports, its principles are applicable to a wide range of leadership contexts. Roos’s discussions on communication, empathy, and the importance of integrity resonate well with readers from various backgrounds. The book’s lessons extend beyond the football field, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in business, education, and other fields.

The book does have its moments of technical jargon related to AFL, which might be less engaging for readers unfamiliar with the sport. However, Roos’s ability to translate these insights into broader leadership principles helps bridge the gap, making the content accessible to a general audience.

In conclusion, Here It Is: Coaching, Leadership, and Life by Paul Roos is a compelling and insightful read for anyone interested in leadership, coaching, and personal development. Roos’s blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating the complexities of leading others. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a seasoned leader, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of effective leadership, this book offers valuable lessons and inspiration.
336 reviews10 followers
March 5, 2018
Roosy, you're a legend. This book is a must for anyone who loves Aussie Rules, that strange indigenous game loved by Australians, particularly those from the Southern States, like my home State of Victoria, where I grew up kicking a football as soon as I could walk and developed a life long passion for the game. However, as well as those who administer or coach Aussie Rules teams and any other team sport, there is a lot in this book for the business manager who is trying to weld a team together, who will support each other member of the team. Some of it seems rather basic when you think about it. After a bad loss, if you want to get the players to improve their game and win the next match, abusing and punishing them with extra training is not the way to go, in fact it is probably a formula for them to play worse. After all, isn't training is supposed to be a pleasant experience and a means of improving your game and team skills. But I am sure that everyone who has played junior footy has been on the end of an abusive spray from the coach as well as more laps or press ups as punishment. I highly commend this book as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Steve Nation.
118 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2021
A highly insightful read.

I'm new to coaching AFL juniors (just finished two seasons of u10's and u11s).

I've been looking for all the help I can get. I loved how Paul Roos sets out both a genuine culture that seeks the good of all players, as well as how each player can grow individually and into a team that moves towards success.

Highly recommended (and not just for coaches - I got a lot out of it for life in general)
Profile Image for Alex Jutte.
15 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2018
Absolutely superb. Every AFL fan should read this book. After reading this book, you will see football in a new light. You will see why some coaches are bad, why some teams are bad, but also why some teams and coaches are simply light years ahead.
Profile Image for Andrew Tweedie.
64 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2019
An interesting insight to the world of AFL. As only a recent convert to the sport most of the players mentioned in the book I had little or no knowledge of which detracted somewhat. However, Paul Roos is without doubt an excellent coach and mentor to those who came under his guidance.
Profile Image for Shaun Bunting.
Author 5 books2 followers
October 5, 2018
The guy was the arch enemy for every West Coast supporter around 2004-06. This insightful read gives another perspective on the 'Bloods' football team. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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