Colin D'Cops
13 Jul 2010, 21:27
With a heap of rumours and the like being around the place at the moment, I thought it was time to have a say on the present issues. I have been on BigFooty on an inconsistant basis this year, mainly due to schooling and sporting commitments; but I have watched every single match this season (either by replay, delayed or live coverage) and have taken further interest outside of matchday (reading respected journalists statements, listening to SEN every afternoon, etc- most can be dodgy but there is some correct stuff once in a while :p).
The first topic of interest that I will draw on first is the 'Knights' issue. Now I will say before I make any statement, that when appointed I was fully behind the club's decision to appoint him as head coach and trust in the club. People who do not have trust in the club in most matters, should not be classified as a 'true' supporter. Of late, the Bombers have had a very ordinary run. Not only have the players looked at times 'disinterested' and 'careless', Matthew Knights could be thought of doing the same also. I will say that Knights' decision making skills to not change tactics/match-ups at certain stages of the season, or during a particular match; have been questionable (to some others 'careless'). He has the final say whether he likes it or not, and I think his lack of decision making skills during some of our matches have had a negative impact on the club. For example, Dempsey was on Brad Green for the majority of the match last round; that does not make complete sense to me. For one, with the zoning off style of play Dempsey has adopted; I think he is best used either on a second rate HF or let loose on a wing. To be put on a dangerous forward with above average skills & smarts last weekend, was not the smartest of moves.
The second issue with Knights at the moment is his gameplan and directions to the team on matchday. I personally believe his gameplan has the potential to ultimately succeed at AFL level. The attack, run, carry, zone, go when neccesary, etc; is the modern vision of football. He has stated he has worked heavily on the team's attacking tactics throughout his duration at the club, and is attempting to blend in the defensive aspects of our game next (which is the stage he is still in at the moment). Whichever way he went, going into deep detail about our attacking brand first or our defensive gameplans; he was never going to get consistant, positive results. Negatives & inconsistancy was bound to follow. What he has told us though, is that finals was (maybe still is?) a serious possibility and we could do some damage into the finals. I could see early on this season that being a top contender in this competition was going to be a challenge with our current list. I can accept that, but being a little unrealistic/untruthful with us supporters so early on in his career as coach; probably wasn't the smartest of moves. Making unrealistic statements has caused, I believe, most of the media/supporters to respond. The second thing I also wanted to discuss is the prematch talks. I have noticed over the past month or so, that players seemed to be not completely confident or understanding of our gameplan as they should be. Prematch talks should be short, sharp and ultimately; very clear. Big discussions about certain aspects of our gameplan should be resolved before matchday. The communication/relationships between players and coach could be questioned here. For our club to be successful, the players & club should work together like brothers (see Geelong/Saints) and help each other out.
He (Knights) is not the only issue that has been raised over the past few weeks in particular. The list we have, is clearly lacking A Grade players at the moment. That does not mean the possibility of having one or more move up into that bracket next year is unrealistic, but at the moment the leaders around the club are difficult to spot (apart from Jobe). Welsh has looked ordinary at times with his decision making and skills, but the thing I like about him is that he plays with 100% effort the majority of the time. He is not, by any stretch of the imagination; one of our most talented players. But he puts in; many could follow his example (one other possible leader out on the field). All I want to see at this club is the players & coaches put in 100% effort, and THAT IS IT. At the moment, I cannot say I am seeing that. I hope the next few weeks we put in more spirited efforts, and send the competition a message that we are no pushovers!
That's the end of my little say, any responses or questions are very much welcomed. Another version of 'Talking Essendon' will be posted later on in the season. Thanks. :thumbsu:
The first topic of interest that I will draw on first is the 'Knights' issue. Now I will say before I make any statement, that when appointed I was fully behind the club's decision to appoint him as head coach and trust in the club. People who do not have trust in the club in most matters, should not be classified as a 'true' supporter. Of late, the Bombers have had a very ordinary run. Not only have the players looked at times 'disinterested' and 'careless', Matthew Knights could be thought of doing the same also. I will say that Knights' decision making skills to not change tactics/match-ups at certain stages of the season, or during a particular match; have been questionable (to some others 'careless'). He has the final say whether he likes it or not, and I think his lack of decision making skills during some of our matches have had a negative impact on the club. For example, Dempsey was on Brad Green for the majority of the match last round; that does not make complete sense to me. For one, with the zoning off style of play Dempsey has adopted; I think he is best used either on a second rate HF or let loose on a wing. To be put on a dangerous forward with above average skills & smarts last weekend, was not the smartest of moves.
The second issue with Knights at the moment is his gameplan and directions to the team on matchday. I personally believe his gameplan has the potential to ultimately succeed at AFL level. The attack, run, carry, zone, go when neccesary, etc; is the modern vision of football. He has stated he has worked heavily on the team's attacking tactics throughout his duration at the club, and is attempting to blend in the defensive aspects of our game next (which is the stage he is still in at the moment). Whichever way he went, going into deep detail about our attacking brand first or our defensive gameplans; he was never going to get consistant, positive results. Negatives & inconsistancy was bound to follow. What he has told us though, is that finals was (maybe still is?) a serious possibility and we could do some damage into the finals. I could see early on this season that being a top contender in this competition was going to be a challenge with our current list. I can accept that, but being a little unrealistic/untruthful with us supporters so early on in his career as coach; probably wasn't the smartest of moves. Making unrealistic statements has caused, I believe, most of the media/supporters to respond. The second thing I also wanted to discuss is the prematch talks. I have noticed over the past month or so, that players seemed to be not completely confident or understanding of our gameplan as they should be. Prematch talks should be short, sharp and ultimately; very clear. Big discussions about certain aspects of our gameplan should be resolved before matchday. The communication/relationships between players and coach could be questioned here. For our club to be successful, the players & club should work together like brothers (see Geelong/Saints) and help each other out.
He (Knights) is not the only issue that has been raised over the past few weeks in particular. The list we have, is clearly lacking A Grade players at the moment. That does not mean the possibility of having one or more move up into that bracket next year is unrealistic, but at the moment the leaders around the club are difficult to spot (apart from Jobe). Welsh has looked ordinary at times with his decision making and skills, but the thing I like about him is that he plays with 100% effort the majority of the time. He is not, by any stretch of the imagination; one of our most talented players. But he puts in; many could follow his example (one other possible leader out on the field). All I want to see at this club is the players & coaches put in 100% effort, and THAT IS IT. At the moment, I cannot say I am seeing that. I hope the next few weeks we put in more spirited efforts, and send the competition a message that we are no pushovers!
That's the end of my little say, any responses or questions are very much welcomed. Another version of 'Talking Essendon' will be posted later on in the season. Thanks. :thumbsu: