Collingwood are a perfect example of how you can be made to look really good with a compromised draw. Get your tail up and confidence then fall over when the big boys get a hold of you.
I wonder where we would have been if we got the kick start that they did.
Confidence is a wonderful thing.
I know it's not AFL, but I've seen this first hand in our local footy comp.
2013, team finishes with 2 wins, finishes in the nether region of division 2.
2014, team relegated to a lower division for grading. Wins all grading games by 60 points +. Team promoted to division 2 for season, with their tails up blitzs the first half of the season and sets up a finals appearance, and ultimately a flag.
2015, promoted to division 1 for grading. Smacked left right and centre in grading - 100+ point losses. Demoted to division 2 for season. Confidence shattered, struggling through the year.
It's bloody amazing what a win or two does for your mental attitude.