The Winning Culture
I always analyse what makes teams great. What did the Brisbane Lions, West Coast Eagles and more recently Geelong all have in common?
For the past 15 years we've played a very emotional style of football. We can play really well for a quarter, then bad for three. We celebrate like mad men after one simple goal. Well tonight its all changed. It started to change last season (especially in Hird's farewell game) but now I'm certain we've got a culture that can build to a Premiership in the next 2-3 years.
We played consistent footy. We fell behind, but knew we had the ability to win and kept composed for all 4 quarters and we just kept plugging away and came through. Like great sides do. When we scored we acted like we've done it before. A quick high five and back to the centre.
I got so emotional when Howat went down. Not the incident but the players who stuck up for him after it. That would not have happened 12 months ago.
Richard Tambling
I've tipped him to be the most improved player this year. Last few seasons it was "What can I do to help myself." Now his attitude is "What can I do to help my teammates?". Instead of blazing away or trying the impossible, he handballed to his teammates, was accountable for his opponent but still showed his natural creativity.
Jake King
He might be new to everyone else. But any Tiger fan knows how great he was last year. He's a legend. The type of player you build a club around. He might not be the most skilled player, but his heart, courage, toughness and work ethic is just something to admire. These players are so rare and valuable.
It's been well documented but he has the AFL push ups record and also asked Terry Wallace if he could punch Barry Hall's injured hand before a game.
Chris Newman
Next captain of the club. Enough said.
Depth
I though we had depth all over the ground. We've got 10+ guys who can rotate through the midfield, just like those great sides I mentioned before. We've got a guy who I think will be a Premiership fullback one day and two decent guys in the ruck.
Carlton
You've got some good young players. You've got Chris Judd. But you've got Cameron Cloke in your ruck. That's all I have to say about that. You have no depth. Give it a few years.
Flame disclaimer
I'm not saying we're going to win the Premiership this year. I'm not saying we've got the best players in the league. I don't even know if we'll make the 8. I'm just excited for a team whose culture has been shot for the last 15 years. We've got a solid foundation to build from now. I don't think we've had one of those for a long time. So excuse me if I get a bit ahead of myself.
I always analyse what makes teams great. What did the Brisbane Lions, West Coast Eagles and more recently Geelong all have in common?
For the past 15 years we've played a very emotional style of football. We can play really well for a quarter, then bad for three. We celebrate like mad men after one simple goal. Well tonight its all changed. It started to change last season (especially in Hird's farewell game) but now I'm certain we've got a culture that can build to a Premiership in the next 2-3 years.
We played consistent footy. We fell behind, but knew we had the ability to win and kept composed for all 4 quarters and we just kept plugging away and came through. Like great sides do. When we scored we acted like we've done it before. A quick high five and back to the centre.
I got so emotional when Howat went down. Not the incident but the players who stuck up for him after it. That would not have happened 12 months ago.
Richard Tambling
I've tipped him to be the most improved player this year. Last few seasons it was "What can I do to help myself." Now his attitude is "What can I do to help my teammates?". Instead of blazing away or trying the impossible, he handballed to his teammates, was accountable for his opponent but still showed his natural creativity.
Jake King
He might be new to everyone else. But any Tiger fan knows how great he was last year. He's a legend. The type of player you build a club around. He might not be the most skilled player, but his heart, courage, toughness and work ethic is just something to admire. These players are so rare and valuable.
It's been well documented but he has the AFL push ups record and also asked Terry Wallace if he could punch Barry Hall's injured hand before a game.
Chris Newman
Next captain of the club. Enough said.
Depth
I though we had depth all over the ground. We've got 10+ guys who can rotate through the midfield, just like those great sides I mentioned before. We've got a guy who I think will be a Premiership fullback one day and two decent guys in the ruck.
Carlton
You've got some good young players. You've got Chris Judd. But you've got Cameron Cloke in your ruck. That's all I have to say about that. You have no depth. Give it a few years.
Flame disclaimer
I'm not saying we're going to win the Premiership this year. I'm not saying we've got the best players in the league. I don't even know if we'll make the 8. I'm just excited for a team whose culture has been shot for the last 15 years. We've got a solid foundation to build from now. I don't think we've had one of those for a long time. So excuse me if I get a bit ahead of myself.
