Scarlett Fever
12 Jun 2007, 02:01
There is no doubt that we have been impressive the last 6 weeks or so but now it is test time for the Catters. Here is why:
1) During Bomber T's reign we have been in this position before. We have had long winning streaks, we have been at the top of the ladder and we have been favourites with the bookies. Each time we have come crashing down.
2) We beat Adelaide in a tough and close game but in reality Adelaide were unlucky and everything fell our way. In modern times with rotating benches it is difficult to quantify the impact there injuries (particularly to Goodwin) had on the outcome. The overwhelming point is we are getting heaps of praise from the press that may be just starting to become a bit illusionary. A few cracks in our armour were opened on the weekend but they are getting glossed over by the win. This is fine and will happen because it is a pretty tough competition. Take into account our excellent run with injuries and the problem is we may start to think we are better than we are.
Just because we have fallen from such heights before doesn't necessarily mean we will fall again. If we are going to achieve the ultimate success then we have to confront higher expectations and all the crap that goes with it. This time is now and this is why it is such a test. We now have to move out of familiar territory and conquer new heights.
By far the most important game we will have between now and September is the game after this winning streak comes to an end. This is when our mental state will be truly tested. Until then I intend to keep on enjoying the ride!
Go Cats
1) During Bomber T's reign we have been in this position before. We have had long winning streaks, we have been at the top of the ladder and we have been favourites with the bookies. Each time we have come crashing down.
2) We beat Adelaide in a tough and close game but in reality Adelaide were unlucky and everything fell our way. In modern times with rotating benches it is difficult to quantify the impact there injuries (particularly to Goodwin) had on the outcome. The overwhelming point is we are getting heaps of praise from the press that may be just starting to become a bit illusionary. A few cracks in our armour were opened on the weekend but they are getting glossed over by the win. This is fine and will happen because it is a pretty tough competition. Take into account our excellent run with injuries and the problem is we may start to think we are better than we are.
Just because we have fallen from such heights before doesn't necessarily mean we will fall again. If we are going to achieve the ultimate success then we have to confront higher expectations and all the crap that goes with it. This time is now and this is why it is such a test. We now have to move out of familiar territory and conquer new heights.
By far the most important game we will have between now and September is the game after this winning streak comes to an end. This is when our mental state will be truly tested. Until then I intend to keep on enjoying the ride!
Go Cats