I know you are not trolling and and am happy to to converse with you in the same spirit.
This is where I am at a loss, the poor execution and decision making has me scratching my head.
As you may be aware I went to several training sessions last year and stuffed if I know why some players buckle under game pressure. I don't believe that it is game style as watching other teams (mostly free to air), I really can't see much difference in game style apart from execution and skills.
Don't get me wrong, I have criticised Buckley often for team selection (I am a huge fan of Shaz since the first time I saw him play) and not try something out of left field on game day with players in different positions (I loved Sheedy when he was coaching). At the same time, I don't know whether players are carrying injuries into a game or if players aren't selected because of injury. It is not as if the club is completely honest about injuries.
Recruiting has been poor in the first few years and again, I don't know how much influence the coach has in this.
Was listening to Tim Watson (yeah I know not the best) and was surprised to hear him say that things like team selection and recruiting is not solely a coach decision which surprised me as surely he should have the final say. Not sure how much truth there is to it.
I am almost resigned to the fact that Buckley will not be coaching next year but what I am not going to agree with is lot of the criticism that has been directed at him on many occasions, unfairly and quite vitriolic.
I will commend Buckley for the finally stopping cheap goals over the top (albeit 3 years too late), i haven't seen that the last couple of weeks so there has certainly been a change in our defensive structure.
My issue with him is he is so steadfast with his approach over the last few years and not willing to try things, we finally caught a glimpse of him trying something new against GWS, switching Reid forward (pre-meditated) and even throwing Darcy in the ruck in the Final quarter (spontaneous, which i loved), and although Reid didn't set the world on fire it free'd up Darcy, and equaled his career best marks again.
I would love to be a fly on the wall in selection because at times it just makes zero sense to me. (don't get me started on why Gary Pert is on the selection committee)
Playing Cox over White on Anzac Day when it was going to be wet.
Fasolo at CHF this week.
The non Selection of Schaz, even though i think he may be a late inclusion.
Just really odd.
Blair has been deplorable this year, has 1 good game at VFL level and comes straight back into the senior side, has 10 touches and kicks 2, but was playing much higher up the ground so his possession count is a glaringly obvious black mark against his game last week (on top of that ridiculous free kick that allowed GWS the inside 50 and subsequent winning goal). Holds his spot, while Callum Brown tears up the VFL, gets the stock standard, well done young fella.. we'll name you as an emergency just like Daicos. That's not good enough imo.
We are 1 of 3 clubs not to play any debutantes 19 or younger this year. Adelaide were one of those 3 clubs and they have named Jordan Galluci to debut as well as ex Perth Wildcat Hugh Greenwood to play his first Senior AFL game.
Fact is we are 2 and 6, teams don't play finals from that position. It's counterproductive to play Goldsack (as much as i love him) and Blair, when you have Scharenberg and Brown/Daicos in the reserves.
Buckley is a part of the issue in my eyes, but he's not alone in shouldering the blame. We need a ruthless review at the end of this season from top to bottom.
Our list management to allow a depth chart of KPP stock below.
DEFENCE
Reid
Schade
Dunn
FORWARD
Moore
Cox
White
Now we have addressed it slightly in the last draft picking up McClarty/Lynch/McCarthy, only McClarty looks to be a player at this stage.
This should have been addressed 2-3 seasons ago, and the coach has a very active role in this. Usually the process is, Coach says i want this type of player.. Recruiter then goes out and gets the best available or advises otherwise.
I would really like to see less Collingwood people in power positions at the club, i think this mentality of looking after our own is crippling our club. They see everything through Black and White tinted glasses.
We are so far from being a finals contender, so whether Buckley can't devise a game plan that suits our playing group, or whether he doesn't motivate our players or inspire them, or it's just that the planets haven't cosmically aligned for Bucks to have success with the club he has dedicated much of his life to, i really hope he has the testicular fortitude to step forward and say.. This hasn't and isn't working, i'm stepping aside instead of getting a begrudging tap on the shoulder from Eddie and Pert.
Ultimately the Buck stops with the Coach (pardon the pun)
It's sad to see a club legend fail, but he isn't the first and won't be the last. I do think clubs will be a little gun shy on recruiting high profile former players in the wake of Voss, Hird and Bucks.