(Ron Steiner is an occasional BPL contributor)

The colourful conclusions to the nation's two premier football codes revealed a liberal splash of reds, whites, blacks and blues. But the most powerful and brightest colour to shine through is eminent grey.

Mick Malthouse and Wayne Bennett have a combined senior coaching experience of nearly 60 years, and are clearly still at the top of their game.

With Kevin Sheedy's re-emergence through GWS and Rod Macqueen picking up the gauntlet with Melbourne's fledgling rugby team, the Melbourne Rebels, the value of experience over expiry date has been further reinforced.

"Eminence grise", the French term for "grey eminence", is enjoying a "renaissance" in business, too, exposing the folly of farewelling 55-year-old executives to make way for the bolder and brighter youth. Business doyen Don Argus is reputed to have said recently that his best business years have been in his 60s.

It is equally folly to suggest that age is automatically akin to wisdom and success - foolishness is not a captive of any age group. Talent - their own and collectively and individually that of their team - and timing, of course, play a crucial part in success, but extended occupation suggests that trends and truths emerge.

These successful examples of people continuing to grow and obsessed with improving provide fascinating and powerful role models for us all. Their success relies just as much on resilience and renewal.

Resilience is much more than physical. Mark Thompson's recent interviews reveal more than a sprinkling of physical exhaustion or weariness as a theme throughout. It is the ability to withstand the strains of being the leader in such a high-profile, professional and passion laden environment. Surely coaching Collingwood must carry extra weight ... and extra joy when victory occurs.

It also comes from the strength of their "trusted advisers" - family and friends, who are able to speak the real truth and help to face the brutal facts. These few have no other agenda other than what is in the true best interests of their friend/loved one.

Realistically, the resilience needs to be matched by renewal - it is impossible to stay at the helm without taking stock from time to time. It has been said that a number years ago Wayne Bennett sought counsel from a trusted friend who was very blunt in suggesting his need to change, to revitalise, to reinvent himself.

Without this counsel, infectious decay occurs. Would that some of our political leaders were able to accept such guidance.

All this is not to decry the power, the prospects and the potential of young coaches. Rather it is more to acknowledge and to celebrate the benefits of wisdom and "eminence" that come from experience ... and the lesson for the rest of us to be prepared to listen and learn!