Soft Blues

[pumped]

Just read an article from Brett Ratten and I think it is on the money. http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/ratten-blues-were-soft-91806

He mentions that his players went into a playing safe mode and to me this was very evident being at the ground. Many of our players seemed scared to make mistakes and were slow in reaction time and showed little intuitive ability. All too often there were Carlton forwards free 40-50m ahead of the ball carrier yet the ball was either delivered short or held onto for an extra few seconds before delivering to the long option.By the time the ball reached the long option the forward had lost his advantage.

Ratten questioned if it is an attitude problem that arises when we are expected to win. This would also seem probable. It is mainly when you have something to lose that a person tightens up in sport or life. To me the players in general looked heavy and nervous for much of the game. This also contributed to many slipped tackles, another area we have been red hot in against Geelong and St.Kilda.

On a positive note when we are playing attacking footy we seem to be able to match it with the best. Also given that Ratten has come out with such honest opinions on his side to me shows that he is very motivated towards improving his side from a very deep cause level.

It would seem that the MC are very aware of the core issues with this group and gradually setting up the foundations for a strong future.This was also evidenced with the great debrief for the midfield group after the Collingwood game. So whilst the recent game and others like Collingwood and Essendon are frustrating there is every chance that they are contributing to be the making of the group.

 

[blues4flag]

He mentions that his players went into a playing safe mode and to me this was very evident being at the ground. Many of our players seemed scared to make mistakes and were slow in reaction time and showed little intuitive ability.

This is why I think Gibbs is wasted in defence. Through the midfield and forward of centre, he takes risks which more often than not work to the team's advantage. In defence he is much more hestitant and looks to go the safer option.

 

[blueswaggerback]

Just read an article from Brett Ratten and I think it is on the money. http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/ratten-blues-were-soft-91806

He mentions that his players went into a playing safe mode and to me this was very evident being at the ground. Many of our players seemed scared to make mistakes and were slow in reaction time and showed little intuitive ability. All too often there were Carlton forwards free 40-50m ahead of the ball carrier yet the ball was either delivered short or held onto for an extra few seconds before delivering to the long option.By the time the ball reached the long option the forward had lost his advantage.

Ratten questioned if it is an attitude problem that arises when we are expected to win. This would also seem probable. It is mainly when you have something to lose that a person tightens up in sport or life. To me the players in general looked heavy and nervous for much of the game. This also contributed to many slipped tackles, another area we have been red hot in against Geelong and St.Kilda.

On a positive note when we are playing attacking footy we seem to be able to match it with the best. Also given that Ratten has come out with such honest opinions on his side to me shows that he is very motivated towards improving his side from a very deep cause level.

It would seem that the MC are very aware of the core issues with this group and gradually setting up the foundations for a strong future.This was also evidenced with the great debrief for the midfield group after the Collingwood game. So whilst the recent game and others like Collingwood and Essendon are frustrating there is every chance that they are contributing to be the making of the group.

I think that for the above mentioned issues, it comes back to psychological profiling that clubs are now doing on new draftees. Can you handle the heat in the kitchen, essentially. Courage under fire etc... What makes a champion team/player, is it the easy kicks you get when your ten goals in front in a meaningless home and away match, or is having one kick(maybe your only kick for the day too) after the final siren on the last day in september to win the flag? Need players that FIGHT not flight, thrive in the pressure cooker environment.

 

[BlueTouchPaper]

B4F we're simply stretched with injuries - so much so we brought in JA to play the role that 1AW plays (which JA does quite well with the Ants).

It's a shame for him but at the moment, we have Walker out, White not having the tall KPD support, McLean's mystery injury (and the Shoog missing) forcing Scotto higher up the ground as well as Russell being confined to negating roles. What we lack in run-and-carry type movement I think Ratten is trying to make up for with fast ball movement.

Hopefully our defensive stocks will be replenished soon.

Hopefully we'll see a full complement of

 

[Blue Warrior]

We always seem to thrive on being the underdog and when a bit of press telling us how good we are comes our way and we are favourites we always cough up the game. Best examples are the Essendon losses and this week versus the hawks. It is like we need to prove something when we are underdogs but when favourites we play like we don't care. Youth and injuries can be good fronts for a few issues we have with our side. We have at least 5 players i think that when we are winning plenty of the contested ball play well but when the pressure is on go missing. Judd needed a big body in there to help against the Hawks they had too many strong inside midfielders. Hadley must come back and even give Wiggins a run at least they will use there body to an advantage.

 

[djw1952]

i think that ratten is right, it mainly happens when we play a team that shows aggression. i saw at least 6 players who put up the white flag yesterday. i had a feeling before the game that if hawthorn played unsociable ( see:dirty ) football that carlton would not respond and they didn`t, except for the third quarter. i thought they gave it away early,especially the forwards. they recruited mclean for his toughness, so it`s a pity he wasn`t out there, but the rest should have given back what the hawks were giving out.injuries are just an excuse for not getting stuck in when you have to!!!!!! i think those guys ( with a few exceptions ) let the jumper down badly yesterday !!!

 

[Salaryman]

I agree mental toughness is a vital part of the recipe for success and a crucial element for recruiting. I think the club are well aware of this. Blokes like AJ, Army, Kreuzer, Yarran, Lucas for mine all demonstrate at least multiple elements that make up the construct of mental toughness (e.g. self-efficacy, task focus, perseverance).

For those interested in reading a bit more, or how it is actually measured the following is a good reference.

http://www.aare.edu.au/05pap/mid05310.pdf

 

[Weiterbot23]

I agree mental toughness is a vital part of the recipe for success and a crucial element for recruiting. I think the club are well aware of this. Blokes like AJ, Army, Kreuzer, Yarran, Lucas for mine all demonstrate at least multiple elements that make up the construct of mental toughness (e.g. self-efficacy, task focus, perseverance).

For those interested in reading a bit more, or how it is actually measured the following is a good reference.

http://www.aare.edu.au/05pap/mid05310.pdf

Interesting study!

 

[Salaryman]

Would have been better if they sampled gay players?

 

[zeeCFC]

This thread just got guaranteed 200+ posts

 

[Weiterbot23]

Would have been better if they sampled gay players?

Or even people who break exclusive stories!

Me and Hutchy excell in all 12 measures!