Analysis What came first - the Speed or the Uncontested?

[felsty]

I have been thinking about our game plan - heavy in the uncontested ball and utilising the entire ground, as seen in our games on the larger expanses of the MCG and Launceston - but I have myself wondering..

Is our uncontested ball game a concious approach to mimic the retention games of a Hawthorn and part of our general strategy, or is the need for speed identified by Richo the cause of all our uncontested ball and the real focus of our strategy?

Also feel free to discuss what you think we are missing from our current strategy - I think Richo identified it on the couch when he said we are still leaking too many goals.. our offensive game seems to be good and our attitude encourages others to take the game on and take risks. Once we firm up our defence and get a real team press on I think thats when Ill be sure that we are in complete control of our game day approach..

 

[plugger66]

I reckon you have fot it in one. Uncontested footy is the way to go. Obviously you need contested footy as well but you need uncontested and quick ball movement. We need to add some outside run and carry and some pace and skill and we are close to having a very good list. We also need on better ball user in the backline who can also run with the ball like Johanssen.

 

[Noidenous]

I don't really rate the offensive side of our game yet, despite the marked increase in scoring. That's the result of a stronger defensive tactic creating clear cut chances coming back through the middle or switching the play quickly.

Until we're hitting targets I50 that aren't 20m off their opponent, kicking more set shots than not, finding a way to get Bruce free of the double-team, and eliminating crucial turnovers from our attempts at entry -- I'm not entirely convinced.

Oddly enough, I don't really rate our defense either. Our tactic works against the opposition's or it doesn't. Seems to be the bottom line.

Give it time and eventually the mids will settle down a bit when delivering to leads/contests. Until then, it's uncontested all the way.