It's the Freo game that sums up Goldy's season. Just hasn't for filled his role in the side this year and when the pressure is mounted onto him as an AA ruckman whom now needs to play like an AA ruckman consistently and willingly, the doubts come back. When expectations are higher than ever, a kick like the one he missed can be a result of catastrophic-overwhelming expectations to perform better than ever. The game he had last week is in stark contrast of the game he had in late 2015 against Freo.
I just think the 2015 season that he had might've had a negative effect on him. He was unbelievable yes but the teammate support wasn't really there. We still didn't take full advantage of his blinder of a season. An example I want to point out was when he was unreal in the second game against *Essendon. The play where he retrieved/snatched the ball skillfully from his opponent and hit BBB on the chest for a easy goal. Goldy's reaction was rather unusual. Lack of emotion/just looked at the ground. Ben Brown thanked him and some of the boys went over (I think) but his reaction was just... weird. I thought he would be more energetic.
The game against the Hawks in 2015 where he was hit recklessly by Lewis. Didn't see much emotion from the boys except from Firrito. If I was his teammate, I would be getting into Lewis in a heartbeat letting him know that he hit him willingly. I'd be furious.
Something is bothering him and I don't know whether it's having a direct effect on his performance.
I'm starting to think a lack of leadership has made things down in the dumps for Goldy.
When you have a great season and don't get a premiership next to your name and don't get much support from teammates because of leadership issues or under performing teammates, it does become a dark situation. A dark place no footballer should ever wander into. You start questioning whether you're still invaluable to the side or whether you're doing something wrong. You start to become lazy/disinterested and it gradually becomes worse. Which it has now.
I hope someone can prove me wrong though.
The infinite dicks Goldy we used to know might still be somewhere inside... hopefully for goodness sake.