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bomberclifford
22 Jun 2008, 13:40
Ok, I've had enough.

Enough of the play him, drop them, sack whoever. Enough of the talk of draft picks, both past and future and enough of the bleating about the PAFC of old. Time has not been kind to some of the older members' memories. Having started following Port as a young kid in the early 70s, I clearly recall that we had some shocking years, shocking games, bad losses and pathetic capitulations.

What we did back then that is different to now was to come out fighting — both figuratively and literally. This is what is needed now..

Not the dumb tactics encouraged by Dermie in that game against the Bombers, but the sort of footy we saw in the Showdown earlier this year and the second Sydney game. Tough and uncompromising.

I also believe, quite strongly, that THE most important goal for the remainder of the year is to mark down the following games as win at all costs, do or die, last man standing efforts.

Round 16: Showdown @ AAMI
It is absolutely unacceptable for our biggest rival to go one up against us on the tally. We also need to have an impact on their season and beating them will do that. Thrashing them will do that even better. This is also our home game and we, the supporters, need to be there in droves.

Round 19: v Carlton @ TD
They humiliated us at our home ground and effectively ended our season. Time to take back some pride. I'd even go so far as putting Chad in defence to put him close to Fev, let the sparks fly.

Round 20: v Collingwood @ AAMI
Our one, true, Victorian rival. They think they were "one kick from a Premiership" in 2007. Let's make sure they don't even get that close this season by denting their top 4 aspirations. And again, a Friday night home game [finally!], we need to get a monster crowd there. Don't just go yourself but drag others along.

Round 22: v Kangaroos @ MCG
While we play the Roos at home in a couple of weeks time, this game for me is the one to focus on. It'll be the first time we've played a real* game at the MCG since the '07 GF and we need to lay some demons to rest. Beating a finals contender, who have had the wood over us in the past, in our last game of the year, away from home but at the "home of Football" sends a strong message to the rest of the competition; underestimate Port at your peril.


We can lose all the other games as far as I'm concerned but these four will define the success of our club in coming years.

There, I've vented my spleen and feel slightly better.



* I think we played Collingwood there in the Pre-season but not sure of the game's 'status'.

Loyal2Port
22 Jun 2008, 13:58
I agree with your thoughts, but if they go extreme with youth then we will not be able to achieve this no matter the endeavour. Also I really dont want to bring these kids in farmer etc and throw them into the deep end.

A showdown win akin to 2006 would be great - the crows season was effectively over after that day.

TheFridge
22 Jun 2008, 22:25
Great post on all fronts, Bomber:thumbsu:

The rest is this season is about re-setting the standards and establishing what the team stand for. It is not about "playing kids" for the sake of enabling rubbish positive spin and it is not about what draft pick we "earn".

hereselmo1
23 Jun 2008, 00:02
Great post on all fronts, Bomber:thumbsu:

The rest is this season is about re-setting the standards and establishing what the team stand for. It is not about "playing kids" for the sake of enabling rubbish positive spin and it is not about what draft pick we "earn".

Couldnt agree more, in order to do this though some "name" players will need to be dropped to make a statement and this will necessitate playing kids anyway, especially if players are sent off for surgery.

PJ Power
23 Jun 2008, 00:31
Couldnt agree more, in order to do this though some "name" players will need to be dropped to make a statement and this will necessitate playing kids anyway, especially if players are sent off for surgery.

I think that's the point.

As you say, it isn't about playing the kids for the sake of it, but rather making sure that no player is given a free ride because of last year's form.

There are some players who we probably need to see a bit more of to guide decision making at the end of the year.

Otherwise it is about returning to the standards and ethos that defined us at our best.

bomberclifford
28 Jun 2008, 11:31
Great post on all fronts, Bomber:thumbsu:

The rest is this season is about re-setting the standards and establishing what the team stand for. It is not about "playing kids" for the sake of enabling rubbish positive spin and it is not about what draft pick we "earn".

Thanks Fridge.

I completely agree with you. I also think that it's the supporter base that needs to think about setting standards. I've always watched in admiration at the supporters of Richmond, they turn out in droves each and every year regardless of the team's performance on field. It's time our members/supporters started to do the same.

PowerKop
28 Jun 2008, 11:55
Great post. I actually think Choco is playing it safe with Boak and Cornes and wants them right for the Showdown. We must win against the Crows, no matter what it takes.

Porthos
28 Jun 2008, 12:33
I also think that it's the supporter base that needs to think about setting standards. I've always watched in admiration at the supporters of Richmond, they turn out in droves each and every year regardless of the team's performance on field.The standard that they set is that they turn out in droves regardless of the team's performance on the field.

RussellEbertHandball
28 Jun 2008, 14:32
Well said bomber. :thumbsu:I could just imagine the real Bomber Clifford say something to that effect, although maybe a bit more colourful.

elsler
29 Jun 2008, 00:10
and there was your answer tonight

marcus
29 Jun 2008, 09:26
good thread, totally agree with OP :thumbsu:

bomberclifford
30 Aug 2008, 17:49
Well two out of four is not exactly a good result but I enjoyed the win against the Crows and this one against the Roos.

Winning like that at the MCG will be cathartic for the playing group.