Toast We have improved!!

[The Coach]

The key and decisive Ratts quote was:


''We didn't get as much free ball as they did, they had a bit more spread and a little bit more freedom in their disposal - especially through the middle of the ground when they got that quick rebound from marks in our forward 50.''

We need Hendo as a marking target in or around 50m OR, send Bower to replace Watson in our back half and have Watson as our CHF. The kid can take a mark and we all see that he can kick. The only issue is does he have the motor. Even if he does not have enough tank to go the entire game, it could work for a half. Hammer isnt dangerous if he isnt marking AND converting. He aint doin either at the moment but is needed as a back up ruck. Maybe having him as the sub is the go with Hendo, Waite, Watson as marking forwards (with Hendo taking ruck work in the forward half and for a few minutes to spell Knockers), Eddie, Garlett the crumbers and Walker the floater. And maybe give Eddie a run on the ball from time to time and have one of the mids resting forward (Jeff already seems to have license to run as far as the back flanks and is playing that role perfectly, especially when he takes off on a run, and we also have Yarran playing that way but starting from HB, no need to mess with that, its working well).

Agree on Watson. The only reason I can think of for Ratts not switching him down there for either Thorn or Waite v the Maggots, is that he either wanted to give experience and show confidence or he wants to settle him in one role but I myself prefer trying everything to conjure a win. Not sure who you are suggesting for Sub but they have to be versatile and mobile - I think the Richmond kid could be that

 

[40yearBLUE]

Agree on Watson. The only reason I can think of for Ratts not switching him down there for either Thorn or Waite v the Maggots, is that he either wanted to give experience and show confidence or he wants to settle him in one role but I myself prefer trying everything to conjure a win. Not sure who you are suggesting for Sub but they have to be versatile and mobile - I think the Richmond kid could be that

Had thought that Collins ought to start a game so we can see what he offers. We need Hammer to give 206 a spell but not sure we can afford him to not be taking marks or otherwise providing an option. Maybe if Hille is out again Hammer can start as sub and maybe we can get through a half with 206 and a pinch ruck from Hendo if he comes in. Then we can see who is struggling at half time and sub Hammer in for whoever isnt making an impact. I think we should persevere with Walker also. He provided a good option v Richmond and Suns. He was equal with Jeffy on goals before the pies game so it would be a bit tough to drop him after just one unproductive game.

The Watson to CHF is just an idea based on easing him into the team and then to the back line when he has more confidence in his place in the team and where there might be a little less pressure (and the criticism that comes when opponents kick goals on him) and makes use of the obvious and prodigious talents he has in his marking ability and his kicking. He could be kicking them from 60m out. Just a question mark over his endurance at this point but he can be subbed out at half time if he cant run a game out at CHF.

So for me just 2 changes, Bower and Hendo in. But not sure who goes out. Thornton is overly criticized and is doing ok. Hammer is needed until Kruze is ready so that may be another 4 weeks. I also think we need to stick to the 2 smalls 2 talls forward set up so Eddie stays too, again way too harsh to drop him after 1 unproductive game. I love that it is really really hard to find who should be dropped. I also think Army was very stiff. And Ellard but Curnow has taken his place and doesnt look like letting go of it. You sure dont want to be rubbed out these days, you might never get back in. And who would have thought that Hendo would have to earn his spot? I am stoked that he has to, there would not be too many that wouldnt or shouldnt. So the OP is spot on, the list is so much improved for depth its just so obvious.

 

[rp84]

We have consistently beaten respectable teams already. Do I really need to remind you that last year we beat both the Saints and the Cats, the year before we beat the Cats, Pies and Dogs and pushed the saints to a kick after giving them a 5 goal headstart and just ran out of time to overhaul them. No we already do this on a regular basis.

The thing over the past 2 seasons that has kept us out of the top 4 has not been our ability to match it with the other top 4 teams, it has been our inability to always beat bottom 8 teams. This is what we have to fix. Once we consistently win the games we ought to, we will, as we would have in both of the previous 2 seasons, win enough games to guarantee a top 4 finish.

And of course once we do actually finish top 4 we are as worthy a shot at finals success as any other top 4 team. And just as likely to beat any of the other top 4 teams on our day.

That is why I am so confident we are so close. We have already proved our best is good enough to match it with the other contenders, we just have to improve our ability to bring our best to the rest to finish the job. Its not a stretch at all if you go study the actual results of the past 2 years and not rely on emotion and fear to cloud your vision.

Do you think the MC sit around wondering if we are good enough? And then fretting that we lost a game to Collingwood so clearly we are not? Please. How bout you jump on. Start by going over the losses we had over the past 2 years and see if you dont agree that we should have won most of them. If you come to the same conclusion that I do, that is, that most of those losses were winnable if we had played to form, you might start to be an optimist too.

Very very close now. So close I can smell what we are cooking.

This is a fair bit of drivel.

Winning two games against top flight opposition in 2010, and 3 games against top flight oppsition in 2009 is not being consistent.

And as you so 'cleverly' point out, we lost a lot of winnable games. Against good teams, and bad teams.

Saying that we should of won games in rating our efforts in hindsight, using potential as they measurable quantity. IT IS FREAKING ILLOGICAL.

In the end, we won the amount of games we did. How good our potential was in those two years didn't win us more games. Or a final.

All I am calling for is some reason to the optimism.

Here is what I think:

1. We look to have improved a lot, albeit we should have beaten Richmond by more (but poor kicking cost us, otherwise we blitzed them), we smashed a bunch of children that would struggle to make finals in the VFL, and we came close to the reining premier. This one is arguably our best game so far, however, they played well below par. I think we played near par, but missing key players. A more reasonable yard stick, would be to see how we play when we see them later in the year.
2. Our recruits are freakin gold. Watson, I hope can stay in the side, playing as the 3rd or 4th defender. He will get better a lot quicker playing AFL every week, so long as he isn't playing as the 2nd defender and being smashed by huge bodies all year. Duigan is going to be very reliable by the end of the year, and Laidler is huge. Love Collins, so hope he gets a full game next week. Looked horrible on Friday though.
3. Curnow. Nuff said.
4. Warnock's play will be one of the determinants of being top 4 this year. Can be immense
5. Injuries: Bower and MK have not played a lot of footy for the best part of 12 months. They will need 10-15 games to find match fitness before finals. We NEED Lucas back too. He is the missing link on a flank and rotating through the middle. We also NEED Hendo back. I hear he has been training as a 2nd ruckman. Could spell the end of Hampson's season, even before MK is back up and running.
6. Brings me to Hammertime. He was been atrocious this year. Needs to lift.
7. Would give my left nut to see Brock play 15 games. Still think he is class. Just need him fit.
8. Jeffy G, will be an elite AFL footballer. Lock to win AA by end of next year. Has improved more than anyone on the last. Not even close.
9. Yarran, finally looks like he is heading in the right direction. Watch him actually remember what the sherrin feels like in his hands, find confidence, and smash the arse off a lot of teams.
10. Juddy will go close to back to back brownlows. Is immense.
11. We CAN make the top 4, if we play out of our skins, and have completely amazing luck with injuries. Without that,
    I think 5th or 6th, with 2 wins in finals would be an outstanding performance.
12. Things that need to improve for this to happen:

• need a key forward to step up, and Hampson to step down.
• need Gibbs to step up.
• need those who are injured to be back and firing by june
• have to consistenly beat top 8 teams to have any confidence going into finals
• cannot, and must not, be smashed by average sides this year.
• Bower (and I mention him again), is ultra important to structure. It allows our third and fourth defenders to have a lot better assignments. Allows them to help as much as possible, and provide good run and carry.
• need to be more proactive with our coaching, and matchups. Our best small defender was dropped, and their small forward (who is his obvious matchup) kicks five.
• unfortunately, dont think there is enough room for Laidler and Duigan together, when we get Bower back. We clearly need a pure small defender playing, then the rest of the back six is Jammo, Bower, JR, Army (or other small defender), Watson and then Duigan or Laidler.

Anyways, enough of that.

Carn the Blue Boys!

 

[40yearBLUE]

This is a fair bit of drivel.

Winning two games against top flight opposition in 2010, and 3 games against top flight oppsition in 2009 is not being consistent.

And as you so 'cleverly' point out, we lost a lot of winnable games. Against good teams, and bad teams.

Saying that we should of won games in rating our efforts in hindsight, using potential as they measurable quantity. IT IS FREAKING ILLOGICAL.

In the end, we won the amount of games we did. How good our potential was in those two years didn't win us more games. Or a final.

All I am calling for is some reason to the optimism.

Here is what I think:

1. We look to have improved a lot, albeit we should have beaten Richmond by more (but poor kicking cost us, otherwise we blitzed them), we smashed a bunch of children that would struggle to make finals in the VFL, and we came close to the reining premier. This one is arguably our best game so far, however, they played well below par. I think we played near par, but missing key players. A more reasonable yard stick, would be to see how we play when we see them later in the year.
2. Our recruits are freakin gold. Watson, I hope can stay in the side, playing as the 3rd or 4th defender. He will get better a lot quicker playing AFL every week, so long as he isn't playing as the 2nd defender and being smashed by huge bodies all year. Duigan is going to be very reliable by the end of the year, and Laidler is huge. Love Collins, so hope he gets a full game next week. Looked horrible on Friday though.
3. Curnow. Nuff said.
4. Warnock's play will be one of the determinants of being top 4 this year. Can be immense
5. Injuries: Bower and MK have not played a lot of footy for the best part of 12 months. They will need 10-15 games to find match fitness before finals. We NEED Lucas back too. He is the missing link on a flank and rotating through the middle. We also NEED Hendo back. I hear he has been training as a 2nd ruckman. Could spell the end of Hampson's season, even before MK is back up and running.
6. Brings me to Hammertime. He was been atrocious this year. Needs to lift.
7. Would give my left nut to see Brock play 15 games. Still think he is class. Just need him fit.
8. Jeffy G, will be an elite AFL footballer. Lock to win AA by end of next year. Has improved more than anyone on the last. Not even close.
9. Yarran, finally looks like he is heading in the right direction. Watch him actually remember what the sherrin feels like in his hands, find confidence, and smash the arse off a lot of teams.
10. Juddy will go close to back to back brownlows. Is immense.
11. We CAN make the top 4, if we play out of our skins, and have completely amazing luck with injuries. Without that,
    I think 5th or 6th, with 2 wins in finals would be an outstanding performance.
12. Things that need to improve for this to happen:

• need a key forward to step up, and Hampson to step down.
• need Gibbs to step up.
• need those who are injured to be back and firing by june
• have to consistenly beat top 8 teams to have any confidence going into finals
• cannot, and must not, be smashed by average sides this year.
• Bower (and I mention him again), is ultra important to structure. It allows our third and fourth defenders to have a lot better assignments. Allows them to help as much as possible, and provide good run and carry.
• need to be more proactive with our coaching, and matchups. Our best small defender was dropped, and their small forward (who is his obvious matchup) kicks five.
• unfortunately, dont think there is enough room for Laidler and Duigan together, when we get Bower back. We clearly need a pure small defender playing, then the rest of the back six is Jammo, Bower, JR, Army (or other small defender), Watson and then Duigan or Laidler.

Anyways, enough of that.

Carn the Blue Boys!

WOW. Just WOW. Do you even understand just how contradicted you are in your own arguments. First you say I cannot use hindsight as a measure of just who we should have beat over the past 2 years because we didnt, end of story then your very first line is we should have beat Richmond by more, uh HELLO.....do you even understand just how conflicted you are and I havent even started on the rest of the logic I used, I am just gobsmacked at your lack thereof. But we will come to my logic soon enough. I will respond when I collate the stats for you. But ponder for a moment just how monumental that one argument flaw is. I wonder if I should bother to continue just on the basis of it, I feel I would be wasting both our time, mine because it would just be a waste and yours because I doubt, on the basis of just this one inconsistency, that you would be able to grasp it.

 

[40yearBLUE]

So here are the stats I told you I would proffer.

2009 we finished 7th. Sides we beat that finished above us during the year were: Coll, Dogs, Cats, Lions (twice) and as I mentioned only just got beat by the Saints and considered by all that we were both unlucky and would have been worthy winners,

Sides that finished below us that beat us: Ess (twice), Syd, Hawks, Freo. If we won just 3 of those 5 games we would have finished 3rd. Think about that for a moment. If we had of beaten teams that couldnt win more than 6 or 8 games for the year we would have finished 3rd!!

By any measure beating 4 of the 6 teams that finished ahead of us and almost beating the Saints leaving only Adelaide of those that finished above us that we were not competetive agains and then to lose to 4 teams one of them (Freo) twice that finished well below us is the rest of the argument that these are the games that we on form should have won.

I am not going to bother to do 2010 but suffice to say the story is the same. If you cannot see this logic then there is not point in us continuing this conversation.

There is absolutely no (none, zip, nada, etc) doubt in my mind that our issue over the past 2 seasons has been our application against sides we are actually better than but because we did not beat them as we should have, then people like you can then go on to argue that we didnt beat them so therefore we were not better than them. We were clearly better than them but failed for whatever reason to account for them because we lacked the application and discipline necessary of a top 4 team. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of our team directly against or when compared to teams that actually did finish top 4, but all to do with them being able to put bottom sides away and our lack thereof.

 

[40yearBLUE]

By the way, I have absolutely no argument to the points you make about the individual players. None. They are all spot on. But I would have thought that my points would have been self evident to almost any logical analysis.

 

[Blueseyes]

Hey guys i don't know if anyone has pointed this bit of play out, but i feel like at a major part of the game Scotland got smothered kicking into our forward line(at this point we were 15 pts down) and collingwood straight away rebounded, went down the other end and Dawes marked and goaled. Thought we did a really good job and for me that was probably the killer. Not blaming Scotland just pointing out what i thought was one of the big turning points.
Also Curnow showing that he can do it against the big boys is a really positive thing for me and im looking forward to the rest of his and our season!!

 

[Diamond Jim 72]

The title of this post after a loss is "We have improved". Like losing is good enough. Will we ever be premiers with this attitude? Heck, Malthouse was more disappointed than Ratten & he won. We should not be pleased with being second as I suspect we are at the moment.
Perhaps Malthouse's attitude is why they are the reigning day & night premiers.

For the last five years I've been hearing we're going to make the grand final in the next year or two. Remember last years motto "Look what we're cooking"?
This year they said we''ll win 2 grand finals in the next 5 years.

When is it ever going to be THIS year????

Are we just waiting for it to happen or are we going to make it happen???

I hate the attitude of I'll do it tomorrow. Well you know what, tomorrow never comes as it's always today.

As much as Ratten is a champion & loves the club and is doing the best he can, as coach he needs to change the attitude & expectations of the club or else it will always be next year.

 

[Stig O'Hara]

As much as Ratten is a champion & loves the club and is doing the best he can, as coach he needs to change the attitude & expectations of the club or else it will always be next year.

Yep, no flag this year - Sack Ratten. No win this week - Sack Ratten.

Rattens fault we stopped getting beaten by 16 goals everyweek.

Rattens fault we lost 2 finals by an ants penis.

11 blokes with under 50 games last week.

Club has gone backwards since he took over.

 

[ESKIE]

Yep, no flag this year - Sack Ratten. No win this week - Sack Ratten.

Rattens fault we stopped getting beaten by 16 goals everyweek.

Rattens fault we lost 2 finals by an ants penis.

11 blokes with under 50 games last week.

Club has gone backwards since he took over.

This

 

[Dramoth]

Yep, no flag this year - Sack Ratten. No win this week - Sack Ratten.

Rattens fault we stopped getting beaten by 16 goals everyweek.

Rattens fault we lost 2 finals by an ants penis.

11 blokes with under 50 games last week.

Club has gone backwards since he took over.

wut wait... I see what you did there

 

[Diamond Jim 72]

I'm not saying sack Ratten. I'm just asking for a change of attitude. His press conference after the Collingwood match is proof that he is promoting the type of attitude that concerns me. An attitude change needs to come from the top & it is his responsibility.
BTW - We did not improve from 2009 to 2010. I certainly hope we are not peaking.