last qtr charge falls short again

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

Somebody needs to remove "Champions" and "The Mighty Ducks" from the Whitten Oval Dvd library. Yeah it's amazing to win against the odds lads, but sheesh lets just concentrate on winning.

[LostDoggy]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

I keep hearing the same thing - that somehow we have changed our game plan and it is obviously not working! How come the media know it, and we seem to know it, but the coaching staff don't? I am disappointed and frustrated to see the boys falling short like this. Surely it is time to make some tough decisions with the team, make the changes, and perhaps get them back to playing more attacking footy. Some might say that other teams have worked us out - perhaps that's true, but I much prefer to watch a fast and attacking dogs side than the one that come to play for 3 quarters at the moment.

[Mantis]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

I keep hearing the same thing - that somehow we have changed our game plan and it is obviously not working! How come the media know it, and we seem to know it, but the coaching staff don't? I am disappointed and frustrated to see the boys falling short like this. Surely it is time to make some tough decisions with the team, make the changes, and perhaps get them back to playing more attacking footy. Some might say that other teams have worked us out - perhaps that's true, but I much prefer to watch a fast and attacking dogs side than the one that come to play for 3 quarters at the moment.

What do the coaching staff have to change in order for us to start playing the type of footy you would like to see?

[LostDoggy]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

Unfortunately due to our mental state at the moment, dropping two or three big names might only have the reverse effect — force players into their shell and more afraid of committing skill errors.

If we do drop somebody, it should be for effort, not for form. What I like about Stack and Addison is that they're trying. I'd be looking to drop Gia, Hahn (sorry Mitchy, you know I love ya!) Higgins (I know he's injured, but he should know his spot isn't just waiting for him), Hill. These are the players that are taking a stroll across the centre whilst blokes like Hudson are running their guts out. Or Lake, who is playing both sides of the field at the moment, not because it's his job (because it's not) but because that's what the team needs.

[Bornadog]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

What do the coaching staff have to change in order for us to start playing the type of footy you would like to see?

An interesting point brought up last night on Foxtels "On The Couch". From the time Lake went forward at the 10 minute mark of the third quarter we kicked 10 goals to Collingwoods 7. All this shows is that we are lacking in the half forward line. Lake filled that gap for us.

We are really missing Murphy's form of the past when he basically controlled that area and help feed the forward line. We seem to come out of the backline and look up and there is no one to kick to, then we get pressured and try and kick long to only turn it over.

[Curly5]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

Maybe in the mid-season break, they could abbreviate the family holiday and do a review, Geelong-style, where they are all brutally honest about each other's strengths and weaknesses, and set out what's required and expected of each person in the second half of the season, before it's too late. Coaches included. Line in the sand stuff, pledging to back each other come what may, etc. It's now or never for a lot of these guys.

[Mantis]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

Maybe in the mid-season break, they could abbreviate the family holiday and do a review, Geelong-style, where they are all brutally honest about each other's strengths and weaknesses, and set out what's required and expected of each person in the second half of the season, before it's too late. Coaches included. Line in the sand stuff, pledging to back each other come what may, etc. It's now or never for a lot of these guys.

I am pretty sure that part of each weeks review each player stands in front of the group and discusses their performance on the game just past.

I am not sure how many 'home truths' are brought forward in this process, but it certainly would be the forum to do so.

[LostDoggy]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

was watching Footy Classified last night and they all mentioned giving Lake more time up forward. It's been proven to work, and it gives us another tall target apart from Hall, who i think we kick to far too much. Our unpredictabililty up forward is basically gone, especially with Johnson, Aker, Murphy, Higgins all injured.

This would leave our main backmen as Williams, Morris, Hargrave, and possibly Everitt if Rocket ever gives him another go. If we ever want Williams to be the key defender we want him to be, then at some stage we're going to have to play him on of the big guns. His body finally looks right (fingers crossed), so give him a chance. Granted, i would probably try this after the Brisbane game but it's something we're gonna have to do eventually.

On the plus side, Grant is finally starting to show why he was a top 5 pick, and Ward got through his retrurn at Willy reserves quite well (BOG i think).

[ledge]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

A person I work with plays for Werribee and his younger brother plays at Willy, he said Wardy got 34 touches and only played 60% of the game, absolutely murdered them.

In saying that it was Frankston but we have promoted players from VFL reserves before, and its not like he is a new player.

[LostDoggy]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

Glad he got back ok, but i highly doubt we'll play him against Brisbane. Odds are he'll be back after the break (hopefully Murphy and Johnno will to).

[Mofra]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

Yup - match fitness will be an issue. Needs some serious gametime at VFL level to prove he can run out a game. Nice to know he can find the football though.

[LostDoggy]

Re: last qtr charge falls short again

What do the coaching staff have to change in order for us to start playing the type of footy you would like to see?

Mantis, if I am reading your inference about my post correctly, I agree upon reading it again, you are right - maybe its not all about the game plan. I do not consider myself to be an expert on the footy like many on this forum, but it just seems we have gone more defensive, and are not playing our attacking, fast running, free flowing game as much. I have mentioned in another post that injuries are hurting us (see Murphy in particular) and it seems our confidence is shot as well. I didn't mean my post to be as negative as it seems. I'm a glass half full person, so I am trying to see the positives whilst being disappointed in our form so far this year. Like everyone, I long to see my beloved dogs play in a grannie, and win the flag