AS THE AFL pre-season kicks off without Mick Malthouse in the coach's seat for just the second time in 33 seasons, the coaching record holder is embarking on a new challenge with a familiar sidekick.
Sports scientist David Buttifant and Malthouse are kicking off a program directed at business leaders on November 18 that they say will draw on their sporting experience preparing teams, developing leaders and building resilience to cope with adversity.
The aim of the one-day program to be held at 360 Collins Street is to create an intimate environment where ideas can be exchanged and potential solutions discussed.
Buttifant joined Malthouse at Collingwood and the pair worked in lock step during five Grand Final appearances (including a draw) and one premiership.
Malthouse also took Footscray within 10 points of a Grand Final and won two flags with West Coast during the 90s, but crashed and burned at Carlton only to be sacked after eight rounds in 2015.
He finished his coaching career with 718 games and three premierships next to his name, and Buttifant, who moved to the Blues in 2014, left at the end of this season too.
Malthouse has been keeping a low public profile since his departure, with the experience giving him a further insight into what works and what doesn't, but he hasn't been resting according to Buttifant.
"Coaching is in Mick's DNA," Buttifant told AFL.com.au.
"He is going to coach different types. He is going to coach corporates going on to senior managers."
The pair first began their involvement in such programs with Collingwood in 2006 when the club organised corporates to attend Arizona training camps.
Although for Malthouse the intensity won't be comparable to what he experienced as a senior AFL coach the challenge will exist in spades and he hopes to attract people on November 18 who are up for a challenge.
"It's about coaching behavioural change in people and providing support as well. It will be challenging for Mick and myself but fun as well," Buttifant said.
He said they wanted the program to extend to camps that stretched people physically while teaching them practical skills for the workplace.
Buttifant said he did not rule out the possibility of once again working directly with elite athletes but it "would have to be the right timing and right organisation as well".
His involvement in AFL football will continue in 2016 with presentations to those involved in the AFL Level Four coaching course and the accreditation program for AFL sports scientists being developed.
And as pre-season kicks off without him taking charge, does he feel a pang of regret?
"[I'll] miss the locker room mentality and working with the players but I don't have time to think I wish I was back there. I move forward pretty quickly," Buttifant said.
