McRae slams 'naive' theory over Pendlebury call, defends Grundy exchange - AFL
afl.com.au
When a coach publicly defends controversial player decisions, it's a masterclass in organizational loyalty signaling — and why leaders can't afford to let narrative vacuums fill with outside theories.
Principal-Agent ProblemInformation AsymmetrySignaling TheoryOrganizational Loyalty
Theory Briefing
- Craig McRae called outside criticism of the Pendlebury call 'naive,' signaling how leaders reframe dissent to protect internal authority.
- The Grundy exchange defense reveals principal-agent tension — coaches must justify roster decisions to fans who lack inside information.
- Public pushback from McRae acts as a loyalty signal to the playing group, reinforcing trust within the club's hierarchy.