teams
6 May 2005, 07:41
http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2005/05/05/1115092629477.html
Good read to start the day off with. See how the week end finishes.
Optimistic Sheedy stirs Bombers
By Jake Niall
May 6, 2005
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy was upbeat.
Photo: Vince Caligiuri
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy has responded to his club's struggles with trademark optimism, singling out each player for specific words of encouragement at a rousing team meeting on Wednesday night.
In a speech to the 44 senior and rookie-list players on Wednesday night, Sheedy spoke of what the club must do to turn its faltering season around and then went through each player, from skipper James Hird to untried rookies, and defined how they could contribute to the resurgence.
In a speech that some observers believe was among the veteran coach's best, Sheedy explained where Essendon stood after six rounds and noted that the club had been in similar difficult situations before and triumphed. Sheedy told his players to "enjoy their footy".
Sheedy also warned the Bombers not to concern themselves with the tumultuous events in Sydney, saying they should focus on their own game rather than the opposition's issues. He told the players there was no way of knowing how the Swans might react to the criticisms of coach Paul Roos and the possible change of captain - a change that was confirmed yesterday when Stuart Maxfield stood down.
Sources said Sheedy was overwhelmingly upbeat, seldom raising his voice. He even had encouraging words for out-of-favour forward Damian Cupido - whom Sheedy had criticised for his sub-standard attitude and performances - saying Cupido had 16 rounds to turn himself around and that the match committee "had every confidence in him".
"No one copped a bake," one source said. "It was a positive twist on the situation we find ourselves in."
The sense of urgency evident in Sheedy's speech was underscored at selection last night when the Bombers made five changes to the team that was comprehensively beaten by the Brisbane Lions last Saturday night. Three changes were compulsory, with Hird (hamstring), Dean Solomon (knee) and Ben Haynes (broken arm) all unavailable due to injury.
Meanwhile, Essendon's opponent, the Swans, are keen to heal the rift that was opened up this week when AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou criticised Sydney for playing unattractive football.
Sydney chief executive Myles Baron-Hay has spoken with Demetriou more than once this week and it is understood that both Sydney and the AFL recognise that, despite some disagreements, each party has a vested interest in getting along.
The Swans believe there is too much at stake for Sydney and the AFL to continue with an antagonistic relationship.
Good read to start the day off with. See how the week end finishes.
Optimistic Sheedy stirs Bombers
By Jake Niall
May 6, 2005
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy was upbeat.
Photo: Vince Caligiuri
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy has responded to his club's struggles with trademark optimism, singling out each player for specific words of encouragement at a rousing team meeting on Wednesday night.
In a speech to the 44 senior and rookie-list players on Wednesday night, Sheedy spoke of what the club must do to turn its faltering season around and then went through each player, from skipper James Hird to untried rookies, and defined how they could contribute to the resurgence.
In a speech that some observers believe was among the veteran coach's best, Sheedy explained where Essendon stood after six rounds and noted that the club had been in similar difficult situations before and triumphed. Sheedy told his players to "enjoy their footy".
Sheedy also warned the Bombers not to concern themselves with the tumultuous events in Sydney, saying they should focus on their own game rather than the opposition's issues. He told the players there was no way of knowing how the Swans might react to the criticisms of coach Paul Roos and the possible change of captain - a change that was confirmed yesterday when Stuart Maxfield stood down.
Sources said Sheedy was overwhelmingly upbeat, seldom raising his voice. He even had encouraging words for out-of-favour forward Damian Cupido - whom Sheedy had criticised for his sub-standard attitude and performances - saying Cupido had 16 rounds to turn himself around and that the match committee "had every confidence in him".
"No one copped a bake," one source said. "It was a positive twist on the situation we find ourselves in."
The sense of urgency evident in Sheedy's speech was underscored at selection last night when the Bombers made five changes to the team that was comprehensively beaten by the Brisbane Lions last Saturday night. Three changes were compulsory, with Hird (hamstring), Dean Solomon (knee) and Ben Haynes (broken arm) all unavailable due to injury.
Meanwhile, Essendon's opponent, the Swans, are keen to heal the rift that was opened up this week when AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou criticised Sydney for playing unattractive football.
Sydney chief executive Myles Baron-Hay has spoken with Demetriou more than once this week and it is understood that both Sydney and the AFL recognise that, despite some disagreements, each party has a vested interest in getting along.
The Swans believe there is too much at stake for Sydney and the AFL to continue with an antagonistic relationship.