Are we soft?

[dumesny1]

Last year we were one of the best tackling sides. This year we are ranked 16 in tackles. What has happened to that toughness at the ball that has given us so much success in the past couple of years?

 

[labrooy]

A fair enough question and one I can't answer. I watched St Kilda for the first time today and saw them play the way Collingwood did the last two years. Hard running, hard tackling and tough. Our boys have done that for about 3 1/2 quarters in three games this year. The rest of the time they seem to have no idea.

Is it the coach? Are some players starting to believe they are better than they really are? Who knows, but what is obvious is that as a team they are not willing to do the hard yards. I am confident they will get over it and start performing soon but I hope they don't leave it too late.

 

[Monster Joe]

I'm not sure if you're old enough to remember it, but this year is beginning to remind me of the 1982 season (finished tenth with only four wins after losing the previous three grand finals). I know we're only three games in, but we're definitely looking shaky. Despite what MM says, losing two grand finals in a row must take something out of you.

That said, maybe we shouldn't read too much into the loss against Brisbane. We have a very poor record against them overall, and I honestly didn't expect to win that match (especially at the 'Gabba). The next three matches should give us a big indication of the mindset of the players. From what I've seen so far, they look a bit flat mentally, as if they're not putting in 100%. Hopefully that will change...

 

[Nardz]

I can't say hardness has ever been one of our traits?

good tackling yes, but we've never been one of the harder more intimidating sides in the competition. What got us winning games was our free flowing, running game. I've always thought we're a bit soft. We've never been a physical match for brisbane.

 

[Tim56]

Are we soft?

Yes. You have a few decent players, but too many total duds, such as Lokan, Walker, Rhyce etc.

 

[Lestat]

Originally posted by Tim56
Yes. You have a few decent players, but too many total duds, such as Lokan, Walker, Rhyce etc.

Lokan is not a dud. Second year player, and I'm very happy with his return so far.

Seems pretty versatile, can play a tagging role (has done well on McLoud and Judd), can play off the HBF, and as seen on Thursday can also be used as a pinch hitter up forward.

Walker....looks like a dud, but is still young...I'll give him a few more years yet before making judgement.

As for Shaw......the guys a dud and must be delisted.

And O'Bree as well....could be the most disapointing player that we have on our list.

 

[shuveradda]

We Have a Few Tough Players but The Rest i think have big Heads and think they are to good to go in and Get The Friggin ball, Namely Lonie, Cole, Shaw.

 

[the ranter]

Originally posted by shuveradda
We Have a Few Tough Players but The Rest i think have big Heads and think they are to good to go in and Get The Friggin ball, Namely Lonie, Cole, Shaw.

and Lokan.

 

[shuveradda]

I don't beleive lokan is as soft as those players mentioned, as seen agaisnt brsbane last thursday, he wasnt soft at all, though i do beleive he cracks under pressure.

 

[dumesny1]

Originally posted by Tim56
Yes. You have a few decent players, but too many total duds, such as Lokan, Walker, Rhyce etc.

So there's no duds in your team then?

 

[dunno4]

Originally posted by Monster Joe
I'm not sure if you're old enough to remember it, but this year is beginning to remind me of the 1982 season (finished tenth with only four wins after losing the previous three grand finals). I know we're only three games in, but we're definitely looking shaky. Despite what MM says, losing two grand finals in a row must take something out of you.

That said, maybe we shouldn't read too much into the loss against Brisbane. We have a very poor record against them overall, and I honestly didn't expect to win that match (especially at the 'Gabba). The next three matches should give us a big indication of the mindset of the players. From what I've seen so far, they look a bit flat mentally, as if they're not putting in 100%. Hopefully that will change...

Totally agree. Feels very much the same.

 

[cwood_rules]

think they have quite a few duds like shaw, walker, cole..also havent been impressed with their recruiting lately....were getting more duds then anything....