The Crows and Power, together with the SANFL came up with the idea for the new coach’s box, which is designed to help the two South Australian-based teams combat opposition tactics, such as zoning and flooding.
The AFL has approved the purpose-built enclosure, but rival clubs are questioning why they weren’t consulted before the new box was given the green light.
On Thursday Craig made no apologies for his club’s use of the behind-the-goals coach’s box, saying it was a “great tick” for South Australian football.
“I thought it was a great innovation by both clubs and the SANFL to say that this (behind the goals) is the best viewing position and the SANFL allowing that to be built. What I will predict is that in the next few years every AFL arena will not only have one of those coach’s box, but one at either end,” Craig said.
“I would put back to the AFL and promote that they build those facilities for coaches because it’s the best viewing position for certain aspects of the game. It’s fantastic.”
The AFL granted Adelaide and Port Adelaide permission to use the new coach’s box on the proviso they would remove the phone line in the enclosure, which was directly linked to the interchange bench and primary coach’s box.
Craig hinted the Crows were likely to use other methods of communication to relay messages between the boxes.
“I don’t know about the landline…you can get them on a (mobile) phone and it’s still communication,” he said.
Teams visiting AAMI Stadium won’t have access to the behind-the-goals box, which is to be used exclusively by the two home teams.
Interstate clubs will be offered seats behind the goals, so they can watch from a similar vantage point.
