- Apr 27, 2014
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I agree with some of this , even if the logic is not to my approvalThat's the thing, with 18 teams, it's not easy to be a middle of the road team now. Look at Adelaide, WCE, Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, North. They are middle of the road clubs, ask them how easy it is.
Melbourne and a couple of others have disproven how easy it is to get early picks and still utensil it up.
When Hardwick took over, we were $5 mill in debt, expansion teams were coming into the league, so the drafts were compromised, and our membership was mid 40k. We had to moneyball. And when you look at the players we have bought in for the cost, we've done it better than anyone. And keep in mind, that 9 game streak to get us into finals has never been achieved before. Don't get me wrong, I'm not glugging the Dimma aid, but, the decisions we made to get us here was the correct logic (keeping in mind drafting isn't an exact science).
My take on last season was it was a 60/40 thing. 60% of the failings were gameplay, and for that, Hardwick and the coaches were responsible. That fact those guys were able to adapt gives me some hope, but, if we don't win a final this season, Dimma is cooked in my eyes.
40% was the players. some of their efforts were deplorable (yes Shaun Grigg, i'm looking at you for starters). When players like Thomas, Jackson, King, Petard are starting 22, we'll never be top four, they should of been depth. The fact they were still getting game time was/is an issue.
Port has shown the way forward. Elite running is the future. Pace and polish, that's what we need. I am stoked we are going for kids this draft. We need to invest in kids this season. Next season is the one where we need the tigers to get active in FA.
As for this years final, we were never able to gear up for the finals with the extra loading during the season. Also the fact that flu ripped through the squad that week didn't help
You do realise while the expansion teams were building they were no threat
Get ready to embrace yourself as they are now coming
DH and co you're now officially in your first season