My observation's

[Dry Rot]

Re: My observation's

I am typically the most optimistic of supporters but right now I'm shitting like a big, black Alsatian.

Forget last year, the game has changed completely, and with what I've seen so far we handle the new style Anderson-ball worse than anyone.

For at least the first quarter last night, the game seemed to be played with some sort of rolling flood. Awful footy to watch and we got done like a dinner.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: My observation's

Hardly naive. More an understanding of what practice matches are all about.

At this stage it matters little how the game is being played - as for our dysfunctional forward line we are all aware of our limitations, our strengths and weaknesses - surely practice games are the times to experiment with different setups to see if they do/ don't work. We made the Preliminary Final last year with a so-called 'dysfunctional' forward line. If Eade is looking at changing our setup (with an expectation of taking the next step) then surely the time to experiment is in practice matches leading up to the season proper, rather than experimenting during the season itself.

Honestly you need to have some belief in both the coaching staff as to how they are preparing our side for the season.

You're missing the point though. Just about every AFL Coach has conceeded that the game is changing so I'd say that the way it's being played certainly matters. It's a different style and we've seen it right throughout the NAB Cup in probably every single game. I agree that practice matches are handy to experiment, but the thing is we haven't even HAD a forward line. They've pushed up to the wings and we've really had next to nothing up forward - it's been incredibly odd, but again - it's all part of this new rolling zone tactic.

I am still very confident we'll be a good side this year, but I think dismissing particular things like the way we've handled this rolling zone and overall our disposal by foot/hand, isn't the greatest of ideas. Most sides have performed better than us in these two regards already, we haven't appeared to show any improvement from our very first game which IMO isn't good preparation.

[Before I Die]

Re: My observation's

You're missing the point though. Just about every AFL Coach has conceeded that the game is changing so I'd say that the way it's being played certainly matters. It's a different style and we've seen it right throughout the NAB Cup in probably every single game. I agree that practice matches are handy to experiment, but the thing is we haven't even HAD a forward line. They've pushed up to the wings and we've really had next to nothing up forward - it's been incredibly odd, but again - it's all part of this new rolling zone tactic.

I am still very confident we'll be a good side this year, but I think dismissing particular things like the way we've handled this rolling zone and overall our disposal by foot/hand, isn't the greatest of ideas. Most sides have performed better than us in these two regards already, we haven't appeared to show any improvement from our very first game which IMO isn't good preparation.

That's the million dollar question isn't it. Eade has said a number of times that he is preparing the team to get through the early part of the season when we have two trips to Perth and also to address the end of season fade outs we experienced in 2007 and 2008. He hasn't said he is preparing the team to combat the rolling zone, though it is probably safe to assume some work is being done on this. However, it is abundantly clear that he has not been overly concerned about winning pre-season games. So what qualifies as a good preparation? I am going to reserve my judgement till after the Perth trips.

Regarding the forward line, this doesn't worry me. Our current best six forwards are all highly skilled, experienced players (make that 5 of our 6) and I expect them to perform this year. What is perhaps interesting is that it appears the Cam Wight CHF experiment is over and Eade seems content to keep last year's structure in place until one or more of the young KPPs steps up.

[mjp]

Re: My observation's

Please don't let us lose to Freo in round one. Anything but that.

Please.

[Bulldog4life]

Re: My observation's

Hardly naive. More an understanding of what practice matches are all about.

At this stage it matters little how the game is being played - as for our dysfunctional forward line we are all aware of our limitations, our strengths and weaknesses - surely practice games are the times to experiment with different setups to see if they do/ don't work. We made the Preliminary Final last year with a so-called 'dysfunctional' forward line. If Eade is looking at changing our setup (with an expectation of taking the next step) then surely the time to experiment is in practice matches leading up to the season proper, rather than experimenting during the season itself.

Honestly you need to have some belief in both the coaching staff as to how they are preparing our side for the season.

I like your common sense attitude.

[azabob]

Re: My observation's

Please don't let us lose to Freo in round one. Anything but that.

Please.

Just between you and I, I would be hoping just a little bit harder if I was you. I think we will be 0-2 before we get our first win.