Our most important weapon has been nullified!

[Tommo]

It isn't our Forward line, it is our half back line.
Our Forward line has improved over last year even without Farmer. Our Midfield is still the same, so-so.
During our streak last year the thing that won us so many games was our defense. In particular it was the ability to repel opposition attacks and move the ball quickly from our half back line to the forward line.
In every game this year I have noticed that, the opposition very very quickly get back, as soon as we get the ball in defense. they set up a zone one kick ahead of the play, and put as much pressure on the ball carrier as they can.
This has slowed or stopped our transition from defense to attack. The eagles are the only team that has had the ability or fitness to do it for a whole game.

The question is how do we get this weapon back?
If CC and co can't come up with a way of transitioning from defense to attack quickly, or doing it without turning it over the team is in serious trouble. The fact is we cannot hope to win enough ball in the middle every week to be a force.

 

[dominguez]

West Coast handball a lot coming off half back because they push up together and have a variety of options. It's a shame that some of our players don't run nearly as hard as Bell, Hasleby, Macca, and dare I say it Gilmore do. Some Fremantle players only run if they are confident they are going to get the ball.

 

[Tommo]

Our method of moving the ball from the half back line seems to rely on a few fast long kicking individuals, or accurate kicking individuals. The coaching staff need to find a way improving in this area. Make the tactic more resilient, because they can't rely on certain players always playing. As you say we need to start moving the ball forward with numbers.