2012

[believe_it]

An interesting observation I saw today was at one center bounce.I drew back and looked at all the players as a group. When the ball went up all of the light blue shirts started moving. None of the purple ones did.It was chalk and cheese. WTF is our midfield static at bounces?

Frankly after having time to digest the game I think our problems now have little to do with injuries. There IS NO gameplan - It was people just doing their best making it up as they went on.

Despite what some posters think we do have talent. There has been poor tactical choices all year. Why would you put Silvagni up forward straight off the bat. Why didn't Sandi and Clarke not spend more time forward where they could use their height advantage. We looked rudderless today compared to the blues.

Harvey should be given another year but remember he has not got a long cv . One final win woopee! Tactically he is rubbish and deep down we all know it. Nothing to suggest he has what it takes . Injuries don't excuse the way we are playing - its horrible to watch- we have gone backwards this year.

 

[mr.11]

You know how Carlton kick the ball to each other and mark it? Let's do that next year.

Spot on....i think this year we have had 2 players over 100 marks!!! We need to control the footy which means hitting targets more....and lift the work rate in players...players need to push hard enough into the spaces and get those marks.

We need a FF....Play Pavlich CHF and leave him there.

As for TRADES....if they want to come to the club....try get a deal done to get them at the club!But let's not's go back to the old days and look for the fast fix when we can draft a player.
I'd love to have Chris Dawes at Freo...big target at FF Ballantyne at his feet!but thats a dream and i know getting a deal done with Collingwood is near impossible.

Can someone tell me if Luke Blackwell is worth drafting for us? AND where would he be in terms of playing for us,would he get a game?

Do we blame injuries...i mean yes we have lost alot of key players during the year...HOWEVER we do have 40 odd players on the list for a reason...those guys that know that won't get a game should be working harder to make sure Mark Harvey notices them.

 

[Nickos66]

Not kicking nearly enough goals either.

There are teams that will have 3 players cracking the 50 goal mark for the year, we don't look like having more than 1 player to crack 30. This stat itself is appalling.

 

[Leslie_Chow]

Not kicking nearly enough goals either.

There are teams that will have 3 players cracking the 50 goal mark for the year, we don't look like having more than 1 player to crack 30. This stat itself is appalling.

It's sad to think the guy who has kicked the most goals for us this year was tagging Judd today

 

[longsuffreosupp]

Spot on....i think this year we have 2 players over 100 marks!!! We need to control the footy which means hitting targets more....and lift the work rate in players...players need to push hard enough into the spaces and get those marks.

We need a FF....Play Pavlich CHF and leave him there.

As for TRADES....if they want to come to the club....try get a deal done to get them at the club!But not's go back to the old days and look for the fast fix when we can draft a player.
I'd love to have Chris Dawes at Freo...big target at FF Ballantyne at his feet!but thats a dream and i know getting a deal done with Collingwood is near impossible.

Can someone tell me if Luke Blackwell is worth drafting for us? AND where would he be in terms of playing for us,would he get a game?

Do we blame injuries...i mean yes we have lost alot of key players during the year...HOWEVER we do have 40 odd players on the list for a reason...those guys that know that won't get a game should be working harder to make sure Mark Harvey notices them.

Carltons marks from leads would have qradrupled us today. It's been a massive downside in our direction going forward. Not only do we need a tall FF, we need some genuine goal kicking forwards that can lead up the ground.

 

[Bradesmaen]

Yeah, it's called 'play uncontested footy looking for the fast break from a pack when we kick it to Sandi/Fyfe'.

Soft football is our gameplan.

Fast break footy? That is something we lack, not play.

 

[Chops_a_must]

Carltons marks from leads would have qradrupled us today. It's been a massive downside in our direction going forward. Not only do we need a tall FF, we need some genuine goal kicking forwards that can lead up the ground.

I've played my entire life as a leading forward or full back.

If a team can't hit a target - you don't lead. Better off in a 50/50 contest than a dead cert turnover.

Hit targets and people will lead. It creates its own movement.

Spectators don't seem to realise that. And Freo fans have crucified every forward (just about) that we've ever had because of this simple fact.

 

[Bradesmaen]

I've played my entire life as a leading forward or full back.

If a team can't hit a target - you don't lead. Better off in a 50/50 contest than a dead cert turnover.

Hit targets and people will lead. It creates its own movement.

Spectators don't seem to realise that. And Freo fans have crucified every forward (just about) that we've ever had because of this simple fact.

Also, even if Pavlich were to be down forward, the same things would be happening and we would be winning less ball in the midfield, making it worse.

 

[Chops_a_must]

Also, even if Pavlich were to be down forward, the same things would be happening and we would be winning less ball in the midfield, making it worse.

Look at all our successful forwards - there is a very good reason why they've been dominant contested marks or scrappers, rather than lead up types.

Tarrant crucified. Prime example. One of the strongest leading forwards in the last 15 years. Medhurst, same thing.

Modra (remarkable first 5m but a ridiculous player 1 on 1 and scrapper), Pavlich, Farmer, Mayne, Ballantyne. The pattern is obvious.

How would someone like Riewoldt go in our team? He'd be lucky to get 2-3 shots on goal a game.

It has been the exact same rubbish since 95.

Mayne, our strongest player on the lead has given up the ghost because of it. Makes me sick that Freo fans miss the target, just like our kicks to forwards.

 

[Bradesmaen]

It hasn't been the same. Originally yes, but in the last few years our midfield kicking has improved. This year has been a disappointment, but I suggest you go back and watch a DVD of last year and the year before to see how good it was.

Like usual, people are quick to yell out ridiculous adjectives of "Fremantled" etc after a poor performance or two, rather than look at the entire outlook.

 

[Clay Davis]

Fast break footy? That is something we lack, not play.

It is something we try to play. We never, ever switch. We try to kick it down the line to packs and hope to break from that pack.

 

[Bradesmaen]

That is not fast break football in its true sense.

 

[Clay Davis]

That is not fast break football in its true sense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman

Make a case, you peasant. All you do is disagree with poster who upset you.

 

[Bradesmaen]

Fast break football in AFL is breaking the zone open. No kicking to contests, basically spotting up a loose target who hits another loose player because the oppositions zone fell down. Something we haven't done well because we can't get a kick out working. Last year we did it well, but last year we could kick out better. If you'd take a look at stats of playing on from a mark, I'm sure we'd be down the bottom in the AFL as we are just so stagnant.


Also Clay, no need for the name calling. I'm allowed to disagree with anyone I want.

 

[BananaOnTheRun]

just did a quick comparison of the assistant coaches of the top five teams and how they compare to us.

fremantle - 4 assistant coaches
collingwood - 7
geelong - 6
hawks - 8
carlton - 5, including a senior assistant coach
westcoast - 4, including a senior assistant coach

obviously something we'll need to look at.

 

[Clay Davis]

Fast break football in AFL is breaking the zone open. No kicking to contests, basically spotting up a loose target who hits another loose player because the oppositions zone fell down. Something we haven't done well because we can't get a kick out working. Last year we did it well, but last year we could kick out better. If you'd take a look at stats of playing on from a mark, I'm sure we'd be down the bottom in the AFL as we are just so stagnant.

You are essentially agreeing with me. Our game plan to beat the zone is to kick to the tall target down the line and break the game open with run from there after the contest or from the mark. There's nothing that says fast break involves uncontested marks - simply that you have extra players goal side.

Whenever there is a contest, all of our players have spread looking for the next possession. It makes it easy for the opposition, as they can crowd the player with the ball and take it off him.

 

[Bradesmaen]

You are essentially agreeing with me. Our game plan to beat the zone is to kick to the tall target down the line and break the game open with run from there after the contest or from the mark. There's nothing that says fast break involves uncontested marks - simply that you have extra players goal side.

Whenever there is a contest, all of our players have spread looking for the next possession. It makes it easy for the opposition, as they can crowd the player with the ball and take it off him.

I partially agree with you in that fast break is breaking open the zone, but you don't play it by kicking to a tall target. And we aren't doing that anyway because we are taking too long to kick to a tall target down the line, which is generally miss directed to a 2 on 1 against us.

Also, fast break generally means uncontested marks. Thats how it becomes fast, otherwise the chances to play on are diminished. Uncontested football is always the fastest way of moving it up the ground.

 

[Clay Davis]

I partially agree with you in that fast break is breaking open the zone, but you don't play it by kicking to a tall target. And we aren't doing that anyway because we are taking too long to kick to a tall target down the line, which is generally miss directed to a 2 on 1 against us.

Also, fast break generally means uncontested marks. Thats how it becomes fast, otherwise the chances to play on are diminished. Uncontested football is always the fastest way of moving it up the ground.

Yes, but there are occasions where you have possession of the ball, and can't move it quickly from there.

What we try to do is create the fast break play from a contest. Kicking down the line is how we do it - kick it to Sandilands, Fyfe, Clarke, and try to run hard ahead of that contest to create the break.

It's frustrating. Everyone can see what we're trying to do, and clubs just pick us off. A switch, a run through the middle of the ground, something different that gets us going, would be fantastic.

Not a single shred of any idea of how to create scores other than running hard forward of contests.

 

[Bradesmaen]

Yes, it worked effectively last year but not so much this year as our best gatherers from that situation (Barlow and Mundy) were not available for such a long period of time. All you have to do is look at Mora's goal last year and see how effective it can be with Mundy at the foot of the ball.

It is not just an indictment on the coach, but also on the players that they are not providing any other options for the player with the ball. It was done last year too, so you cannot say that Chris Scott leaving had anything to do with it either.

 

[The Night Shift]

just did a quick comparison of the assistant coaches of the top five teams and how they compare to us.

Fremantle - 4 assistant coaches
collingwood - 7
geelong - 6
hawks - 8
carlton - 5, including a senior assistant coach
westcoast - 4, including a senior assistant coach

obviously something we'll need to look at.

Gameplan, matchday tactics are non existent from Freo.
It has to be a priority that this is addressed. Get quality into the footy department.

We cannot afford not just to do nothing. Club must be pro-active and aggressive in head hunting the right people.

Maybe time for a new Captain.. Freshen things up ....

 

[BananaOnTheRun]

Gameplan, matchday tactics are non existent from Freo.
I has to be a priority that this is addressed. Get quality into the footy department.

We cannot afford not just to do nothing. Club must be pro-active and aggressive in head hunting the right people.

Maybe time for a new Captain.. Freshen things up ....

harvey's been left to do too much. there's only so much the human brain can be aware of, let alone implement successfully. i agree we need a change. i don't think pav is a our captain any more, as wonderful a servant as he has been. let him play without the responsibility and give the mantle to a new generation.

 

[Memories]

At the moment our biggest problem is going forward, we get there and go to shit, we need that go to target in Pavlich.

Seriously, when you have fans like this thinking the problem is "going forward" you must wonder if they even watch the game. The problems as I see them in order of importance.

1) Little aggression. Instead of seeking violent contact Freo players run away from it if it comes close, or they don't run to a contest, hoping the Freo player getting triple teamed will handball it to them instead.

2) Too weak, too dumb. How many broken tackles were there? How many players opt to try and round the opposing player up instead of hip and shouldering them or tackling them hard into the grass? They might as well be witches hats with arms on them.

3) Midfielders. We lack ball winners, and our rising star ball winner has been ousted from the coup by the coaches. Our draft pick in Pitt last year is supposed to bring what to the team exactly? Another ibbotson? Can't wait those 5 years to get another Ibbotson, oooo I'm excited.

4) Attitude. I see maybe 10 Freo players who seem to be wanting to play football. The other 12 look like they aren't enjoying being out there. When the other team gets 3 goals ahead, these 12 look even more disinterested. "Oh can't wait to get back home in my spa and play some PS3" .

 

[theGav56]

Seriously, when you have fans like this thinking the problem is "going forward" you must wonder if they even watch the game. The problems as I see them in order of importance.

1) Little aggression. Instead of seeking violent contact Freo players run away from it if it comes close, or they don't run to a contest, hoping the Freo player getting triple teamed will handball it to them instead.

2) Too weak, too dumb. How many broken tackles were there? How many players opt to try and round the opposing player up instead of hip and shouldering them or tackling them hard into the grass? They might as well be witches hats with arms on them.

3) Midfielders. We lack ball winners, and our rising star ball winner has been ousted from the coup by the coaches. Our draft pick in Pitt last year is supposed to bring what to the team exactly? Another ibbotson? Can't wait those 5 years to get another Ibbotson, oooo I'm excited.

4) Attitude. I see maybe 10 Freo players who seem to be wanting to play football. The other 12 look like they aren't enjoying being out there. When the other team gets 3 goals ahead, these 12 look even more disinterested. "Oh can't wait to get back home in my spa and play some PS3" .

Aren't they all symptoms of coaching issues?

By that, I mean, doesn't the club need to address some pretty significant coaching deficiencies? At the moment we can't get a decent forward set-up, win stoppages, defend small forwards etc.

 

[The Night Shift]

Aren't they all symptoms of coaching issues?

They all indicate something ain't right in the footy department.

 

[believe_it]

I think it was last year of connolly (could be wrong) I remember we would get the ball out between wing and half forward and kick across the ground back and forth but couldn't find a target due to our slow movement.Now we can barely get it out of our backline . If we do switch it is far to slow and often our accuracy is bad. This has gotten much worse simply due to pressure put on us.

The forward pressure being applied to us either makes us turn the ball over or makes us take an eternity to start moving the ball forward. Our early success last year was mainly derived from US applying the pressure- now we dont do it.
When we do get it forward we always seem to go wide down the boundary line- just what a defence wants. Why would we want to go wide with our appalling accuracy in front of goal?

If you are going to use tall forward you still have to move the ball faster than we are. Also the main thing about having tall forward is they have to be eerr...Tall. We are talking Cloke , Brown ,Franklin tall. Mayne , Mcphee, Silvagni and even Pavlich aren't tall. The only talls we could have are Bradley(treated like shit by harvey), Clarke , Griffin and Sandi. However for them to be damaging we would have to kick it somewhere in their vicinity which seems to be beyond us at the moment.

I have changed my mind about having Pav forward because he would be ineffective just as he was when he was our only forward option. He should patrol the centre square area and not be an inside midfield where he has become a Priddis. That is a Priddis of a few years ago because he has become a really effective player.