I come to the same conclusion, from a slightly different angle. I can accept that we almost certainly don't have the most talented list, or the most depth, or very many A-list players. What bothers me most, though, is how often other teams beat us through much greater desire, intensity and work rate.
We know that Brad has a core team of perhaps 14 or 15 players, and that they are almost certain that they will never be dropped. He expects that their game can be fine tuned so that they play to their potential. It's a great idea in principal, as it means we have our 'best team on paper' on the park, but I don't think it's working. I want our players to know that, if they've had a poor game, they're playing for their place in the side. If that doesn't motivate them to play with real intensity, then I simply don't think they should be playing in the senior team.
I no longer care if the player that replaces them isn't as good a player, or doesn't have their potential, or isn't part of Brad's long term plan for the team. I no longer care that if, on paper, the team is weakened. If the replacement player will play with intensity and passion, and play their role in the team, let's bring them in. The player they've replaced can play in the reserves until they can demonstrate form and appetite.
I don't know whether our third quarter against Richmond was brilliant because finally everything clicked, or because we were playing against witches hats. We're likely to make the finals, but on current form, we're as likely as not to get an embarrassing thrashing in the first week, again. And I can't think of any reason why, with the same approach, we would necessarily be any better next year or the year after.
If this means that, by the end of the season, maybe a third of the team, or maybe more, have had a stint in the reserves, well, so be it. And I'd have no problem if they include some of our players with the biggest reputations. I don't even mind if it means that we don't make the finals this year. I want the team to develop the sort of hard-edged, focused and professional culture that the best teams have. I don't believe we have that culture, at this rate I don't think we'll get that sort of culture in the foreseeable future, and I can't see us being successful without that sort of culture.
Now putting on my best flame ******ant suit
