2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

[Greystache]

Re: 2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

I still believe B-Mac is working to a multi-year plan (which the "sack the coach" crew seem to disagree on) and I'm hoping that gives players like Wood license to find a bit more easy ball rather than concentrating almost exclusively on contested ball.

Agreed. I was baffled that all but the most negative of people would think that the contested ball and "crack in" mantra is all that we were going to pin our hopes on. We needed to make a fundamental change to our approach to the game to fit with our new coach's plans, every player being able to win their own ball and cope with physically strong teams is simply the basis of his game plan. This is in stark contrast to the all out attack and play on at all costs style we'd been playing for the last 6-7 years. McCartney's first year as coach was dedicated to changing this approach, which when factored with a list that was extremely young and physically under developed made for a tough year. We were very competitive with even the best sides but tired as the game went on.

Having put a year into developing the fundamental basis of his game style, I expect to see further development of our ball movement patterns, forward structure, and foot skills, and I have seen these areas being worked on heavily at training.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Re: 2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

Agreed. I was baffled that all but the most negative of people would think that the contested ball and "crack in" mantra is all that we were going to pin our hopes on. We needed to make a fundamental change to our approach to the game to fit with our new coach's plans, every player being able to win their own ball and cope with physically strong teams is simply the basis of his game plan. This is in stark contrast to the all out attack and play on at all costs style we'd been playing for the last 6-7 years. McCartney's first year as coach was dedicated to changing this approach, which when factored with a list that was extremely young and physically under developed made for a tough year. We were very competitive with even the best sides but tired as the game went on.

Having put a year into developing the fundamental basis of his game style, I expect to see further development of our ball movement patterns, forward structure, and foot skills, and I have seen these areas being worked on heavily at training.

Getting better and more experienced players on the ground such as Morris, Cooney and Williams would help. We are still to develop two key forwards as a priority to becoming a more formidable unit. The move of Murphy to the forward line will add a touch of class. I agree with your sentiments on BMcC with the new approach which should eventually bear fruit.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: 2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

Getting better and more experienced players on the ground such as Morris, Cooney and Williams would help. We are still to develop two key forwards as a priority to becoming a more formidable unit. The move of Murphy to the forward line will add a touch of class. I agree with your sentiments on BMcC with the new approach which should eventually bear fruit.

This is true. One thing to have a Coach dictate a move, but you need players who can carry out those instructions for a full 4 quarters. Expect less leniency from the fans regarding the coach this season.

[Remi Moses]

Re: 2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

This is true. One thing to have a Coach dictate a move, but you need players who can carry out those instructions for a full 4 quarters. Expect less leniency from the fans regarding the coach this season.

Don't think the club are going to improve rapidly.
Need more competitiveness, if we get mauled l expect McCartney to cop some flak.
If supporters think otherwise in regards to wins, they 're kidding.

[F'scary]

Re: 2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

Agreed. I was baffled that all but the most negative of people would think that the contested ball and "crack in" mantra is all that we were going to pin our hopes on. We needed to make a fundamental change to our approach to the game to fit with our new coach's plans, every player being able to win their own ball and cope with physically strong teams is simply the basis of his game plan. This is in stark contrast to the all out attack and play on at all costs style we'd been playing for the last 6-7 years. McCartney's first year as coach was dedicated to changing this approach, which when factored with a list that was extremely young and physically under developed made for a tough year. We were very competitive with even the best sides but tired as the game went on.

Having put a year into developing the fundamental basis of his game style, I expect to see further development of our ball movement patterns, forward structure, and foot skills, and I have seen these areas being worked on heavily at training.

I have been very impressed by everything Macca has done with one exception: on field tactics & strategies in 2012. But I accept it was the first year and it was the bottoming-of-the -cycle year into the bargin. I am looking forward to 2013 to see what he does and have expectations that some good stuff will flow.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2013 - New Year, new tactics please.

I am confident the list additions will add depth and strength to allow us to see out the season better.

If there was one thing I'd like to see it would be better skill by foot. It killed us going forward (and killed our forwards) and with turnovers conceding goals. Look out for L Jones to improve a lot with better delivery (and hopefully he is fitter to engage in repeat efforts in tackling and leading).

If there was two, three and four things, I'd like to see it would be Higgins, Grant and Wood live up to there talent. At times last year Wood looked a million bucks, but most of the time he looked bereft of confidence in contests and his decision making and foot skills were shocking. Higgins keeps getting called silky but I haven't seen good foot skills from him for a few years, he was far better when he started than what he is now, and he appears slow. And Grant...well total wildcard but has to be last chance saloon for him.

A lot of finger crossing next year. Murphy forward is essential (if his body can take it). Have high hopes for Kobe and his buddy Clay.