40yearBLUE
Norm Smith Medallist
Yep I agree that it is the clubs aim to get the best possible playing list and each year they turn over players in the hope that the next batch is better than the ones they let go. Most players let go are young yet to make any kind of mark players, not the aged past their prime players, probably by a factor of 10 to one. Players like Anderson, Cachia, Austin, Bentley, Pffeifer as examples. Some get another go most dont. So the club is doing exactly as you expect. I disagree with you that a team with more than a few wishy washy players can do or cant do anything. I think every club has them, some they dont even know they have. Some the players themselves dont know. I will give you an example of how difficult it can be to detect. A few weeks ago I saw an interview with 2E. In it he says in his game preparation he writes something on his wrist about a friend who died (suicide) and it grounded him and that it reminds him that its just a job, that there are more important things in life (I believe Judd has said the same). Just a job? Could that not be construed as wishy washyness? I dont say it is. I say its a perfectly healthy attribute, because it is just a job. And I dont think we can question his application can we? But another player that claimed it was just a job could rightly be analysed as being content to have the job and not care too much if they excel at it. Itss an interesting open ended debate though.I think my post indicated that I believe many players aim is to be an AFL player. BUT the club then has to not only develop these players skillsets but also foster team-spirit and pride in performance and that clubs who do not manage this are unlikely to be premiers. This of course is one of the many roles of the coach, his support staff and the recruiting department (they have to find not just talent but a few quality onfield leaders)
A team with with more than one or two of your wishy washy 'lacking intensity when position not under pressure types' (which to tell you the truth, I think is a little bit of overanalysis and excuse making on your part) is unlikely to be winning any grand final





"Goddess"