Author(s): Mick Malthouse & David Buttifant

Sport

Mick Malthouse was appointed as coach at the Collingwood Football Club at the beginning of 2000, a position he held until after the Grand Final of 2011. In the decade that he and David Buttifant, head of conditioning, were at the club, the duo shared in each other's achievements - including football's ultimate prize - and supported one another through tragedy and other life-changing events. This uniquely talented team reveal the secrets of preparing football sides, and athletes in general, for success. Mick and David chronicle the defining moments in their professional and personal lives, the discoveries made in those moments and the lessons learnt. Here, they pass these lessons on to you. Mick and David's insights are complemented by those of players, coaches, philosophers, politicians and poets who strive not just for improved performance, but that mysterious spiritual quality that transforms a collection of good individuals into a champion team. If you have an open mind and heart and are interested in success, or in simply improving yourself in any endeavour, The Ox is Slow but the Earth is Patient is that important first step.