Opinion Your 2025 expectations

[LukeParkerno1]

Yep this shat me to the core. 4 games clear on top and blokes who were clearly banged up were still forced out there. Grundy was absolutely cooked, Blakey was copping a knock every week, I was calling for Jmac and paps to be rested when they were playing through their skins just before getting injured, attempting to get Gulden his 100% tog bs. We're actually lucky we didn't cop further injuries despite players playing banged up in finals. By that time you could just tell the boys were spent. Dug deep into the well to pull that GWS win where let's be honest we were poor for 3 qtrs, and if we didn't it would've been straight sets.

Even more annoying was that it was all pointing towards an obvious form dip, and instead of resting and going back to what was working all of a sudden we were trying to shoehorn Parker, Mills and Campbell to turn it around despite it being quite clear the dip in form was due to fatigue. Really was poor management, almost as if Horse was so scared of losing momentum that it blinded him. 2022 really was an exceptionally managed year for Chris Scott. The blueprint was literally right there.

Yeah I mean I hate using the Chris Scott example but there was a reason they were unbeatable at the back end they were fresh in 2022. We were as cooked as a well done steak by round 18. You are right about the GWS game we lose that we weren't winning the next week. You play guys more than they should then injuries happen, yes some people will say oh but that's just unlucky, well maybe but when it happens over and over again it's not. Why did it take till a month out to start resting guys..we were never leaving the top 2, who cares if we came first or second in the regular season, as soon as we were 3 to 4 games in front that was the point to rest guys not a month out.

 

[blood_lust]

My main expectation from the coaches & staff is to see a creation of list depth.
This can only happen if 4 or 5 of the players that represented us in one or both GFs are forced to play dominant footy in the reserves throughout the year, much like Francis had to do.
List integrity was lost at our club a few years ago. I remember Roos dropping Malceski & Richards during the year. It was so good for them & the team in the long run. Create a hunger & new edge. Reward the next level with regular senior footy for consistency. Find form in the reserves & not over a 5 week period in the seniors because you are one of the chosen ones.

List integrity is gold. There will always be disgruntled players.
Parker last year is proof.

Parker did 5 weeks in the 2s before coming back in. I’m not following that example?

 

[Bloods86]

Parker did 5 weeks in the 2s before coming back in. I’m not following that example?

He did a month in VFL before getting suspended.

Upon suspension ending he was straight into seniors. Had a good cameo vs North, but otherwise was patchy (Bombers game was good IIRC). Stayed in the 23 though.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Parker did 5 weeks in the 2s before coming back in. I’m not following that example?

Then did a dumb act and got suspended wasn’t 5 weeks upon return

 

[Nuggetz]

Top 4 finish

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Top 4 finish

New gameplan would help there. Hopefully Cox has done that.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Missing top 4 would be a disappointment.

We're bringing back the same side that played some of the most breathtaking footy we've seen in years and dominated the comp for 3 months.

Talks of a transition year are baffling to me. The window is still WIDE open.

Hard to imagine playing better than the first 15 rounds we were what 13-1 with close to 160%? yer thats not going to happen again.

But say it does say we can somehow replicate the first 3 months of 2024 it wouldnt change a thing with this group the doubts will remain and rightly so.

It is what it is when you repeatedly dont show up for the biggest game of the year

 

[Nuggetz]

New gameplan would help there. Hopefully Cox has done that.

Our old gameplan got us 1st & into a GF. We don't need a new gameplan, just a new mindset for GF & tweaks to our current gameplan.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Our old gameplan got us 1st & into a GF. We don't need a new gameplan, just a new mindset for GF & tweaks to our current gameplan.

It also was found out massively when teams didn’t let us slingshot. Mind you actually playing guys like Sheldrick would be handy

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

I want teams to hate playing against us.

I want them to know they are in for a hard punishing game, where we never relent.

I want them to know they will end the game exhausted.

I want them to know their smallest mistakes will be punished on the rebound.

I want them to hate how hard it is to score against us and how desperate our defence is - and how our players and our fans celebrate goals saved more than goals scored.

I want them to crack the shits in the change room afterwards.

And I want us to not give them one iota of motivation. Be cold hard killers.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

My expectations for 2025 are clouded by:

1. The GF debacle

2. The 112 point massacre against Port & Horse’s appalling decision to humiliate Corey Warner by dragging him (a decision I personally don’t think Horse ever recovered from)

No matter how I look at things, both of these events put a hard clamp on my expectations for 2025, because I simply don’t trust our side & feel like we’re capable of season killing shockers at any time.

And yet the change of coach affords me a glimmer of hope.

 

[Bloods86]

My expectations for 2025 are clouded by:

1. The GF debacle

2. The 112 point massacre against Port & Horse’s appalling decision to humiliate Corey Warner by dragging him (a decision I personally don’t think Horse ever recovered from)

No matter how I look at things, both of these events put a hard clamp on my expectations for 2025, because I simply don’t trust our side & feel like we’re capable of season killing shockers at any time.

2 of the 3 games I got to last season, the other was the mediocre win against the Eagles where Horse told us it was tough to win games of footy in a Hinkley-esque vomit-inducing presser.

If we play a more contested, pressure game and are in the Top 4 for Finals, I'll allow myself some hope, but if we're on top and it's mostly due to intercept/rebound again, I'll just be waiting for the inevitable flame out.

 

[Jewelsbon]

I want teams to hate playing against us.

I want them to know they are in for a hard punishing game, where we never relent.

I want them to know they will end the game exhausted.

I want them to know their smallest mistakes will be punished on the rebound.

I want them to hate how hard it is to score against us and how desperate our defence is - and how our players and our fans celebrate goals saved more than goals scored.

I want them to crack the shits in the change room afterwards.

And I want us to not give them one iota of motivation. Be cold hard killers.

I desperately want these things too Red, but unfortunately, it's going to take a looooong time to feel this is nothing more than a pipe dream, mainly for the reasons DQ noted below.

My expectations for 2025 are clouded by:

1. The GF debacle

2. The 112 point massacre against Port & Horse’s appalling decision to humiliate Corey Warner by dragging him (a decision I personally don’t think Horse ever recovered from)

No matter how I look at things, both of these events put a hard clamp on my expectations for 2025, because I simply don’t trust our side & feel like we’re capable of season killing shockers at any time.

And yet the change of coach affords me a glimmer of hope.

 

[GreyGooseGuy88]

Rd 0 Team

B: Paton Melican Cunningham
HB: Rampe McCartin Blakey
C: McInerney Rowbottom Gulden
HF: Warner Jnr Amartey Campbell
F: Papley Warner Cleary
R: Ladhams Heeney Mills

Inc: Wicks, Sheldrick, Fox, Roberts

Emergency: Florent, Lloyd, Snell, Buller, Mclean, Jodan

 

[Tedeski]

Parker did 5 weeks in the 2s before coming back in. I’m not following that example?

Parker is a prime example actually.
Watch the replay..................I did.
They worked him over the other way. Defensively he was done.
Sorry to upset a few but he couldn't keep up any more.
Don't get excited by the 3 junk time goals.
Brisbane players were celebrating on field by then.

 

[anotherletdown]

Expectations are dangerous...

What I want to see is, a smash 'em up derby in midfield and plans b and c - that both involve tempo changes. Better game sense and smart squad rotation wouldn't hurt either

 

[Big Blood]

Parker is a prime example actually.
Watch the replay..................I did.
They worked him over the other way. Defensively he was done.
Sorry to upset a few but he couldn't keep up any more.
Don't get excited by the 3 junk time goals.
Brisbane players were celebrating on field by then.

I think Swans have a good track record in knowing when to move players. Parker is clearly at the stage where he brings a lot more value to a team like North than us. Rewatching some of last season's games, it was embarrassing to see how slow he was when one out in attack.

He's especially less important when we've someone like Sheldrick in the wings. If Gus stays fit he's going to be a big part of our midfield.

My hope, rather than an expectation, is improvement from the forward talls. 1 goal, 1 contested mark between them in the GF. Even allowing for McDonald's injury and the poor delivery inside they need to bring a lot more.

 

[wolftone57]

You don't make a GF lacking fitness and stamina. Mentally we were way off the mark on the day. Again. And we started slowly which was a problem all year. Fatal combination.

I tend to think endurance was a problem all year. We won games on sheer talent. I didn't say fitness. I said endurance. Most sides have problems sustaining attacks for a whole quarter. We seem to go missing regularly but put in huge efforts over a short period of the game. We play possibly 2-3 quarters of footy and sleep the rest. Need to sustain pressure. I get sick if seeing a wonderful quarter where we kick 6-8 then nothing or one the next. Consistent pressure and endurance are needed. Fes, I agree it is partly psychological.

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[wolftone57]

I thought he was one our most consistent and better performers in the second half of the season. Was super effective in his role on the dangerous quick small forwards. Who takes his role if he doesn't play???

I thought so too and I have not been a fan for several seasons. Last 2 seasons have been his best I think

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[wolftone57]

I agree we should go for a more combative, contested style to be better prepared for grand finals.

Some of the names you've suggested should be looked at potentially being out of the 23.

Some I'd question.

Fox should stay and beef up defence, but McInerney, Florent etc if you expect them to play wing or HB as attacking players, it's not fair to expect them to defend as well as the others. Jmac was underdone, and is our best winger after Gulden. Can always work on strength and tackling though. I think with a couple of mids coming in and Campbell imo to HF, we probably have to cut one of Florent or Lloyd though.

Tmac is also a victim of concussion interruption and problems further afield, but it is easier to blame defenders. Hopefully he has an uninterrupted season, because he can definitely defend.

Cunningham the biggest ??? call. Our best small defender, had a pretty good season, low bar but wasn't in the worst 2/3rds of players in the GF. Not sure he's replaced by a guy delisted by the Saints.

Florent is 58th for metres gained and 5th in our side.

JMac has failed in 2 GF, 7 & 8 Disposals not good. He had a few friends but Lloyd was not one of them. He is averaging 22 in GF.

I think, the Gus is playing pre-season Match Sim he will be a starter in Round **** All. He looked sensational breaking away from the ruck contest and dodging tackles. It will be good to have a whole season just of him, touch wood

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[Bloodz2005]

record shows we have the god given talent to make top 4 & push deep into Sept.
If we are talking “tweaks” to our game plan 1st area for me is to have a centre bounce set up that doesnt get constantly beaten which puts pressure on our defence from the outset, whether it be Gus or TA or whoever,we need someone in hard & fast to shoot the ball out to Heeney,Chad,Errol etc these guys need to be 2nd / 3rd in our chain not our 1st, place the opposition under pressure instantly,

Definitely up for managing players during the season, it 100% showed towards the end of last season,

 

[JackHiscoxWasFast]

I want teams to hate playing against us.

I want them to know they are in for a hard punishing game, where we never relent.

I want them to know they will end the game exhausted.

I want them to know their smallest mistakes will be punished on the rebound.

I want them to hate how hard it is to score against us and how desperate our defence is - and how our players and our fans celebrate goals saved more than goals scored.

I want them to crack the shits in the change room afterwards.

And I want us to not give them one iota of motivation. Be cold hard killers.

Love this !

I want every game to define them.

I like strong tacklers.

 

[zyzzbruh]

record shows we have the god given talent to make top 4 & push deep into Sept.
If we are talking “tweaks” to our game plan 1st area for me is to have a centre bounce set up that doesnt get constantly beaten which puts pressure on our defence from the outset, whether it be Gus or TA or whoever,we need someone in hard & fast to shoot the ball out to Heeney,Chad,Errol etc these guys need to be 2nd / 3rd in our chain not our 1st, place the opposition under pressure instantly,

Definitely up for managing players during the season, it 100% showed towards the end of last season,

It's a double edged sword, because although we were losing the midfield battle most oppo teams were so incompetent in their attack that it played into our hands being the best rebound team. I have no doubt that if we actually manage to improve our midfield, our rebound scores will dry up a bit, and those out of the middle plays don't tend to be as clean in regards to hitting up forwards in space. You risk going too far the other direction and becoming a Melbourne who have contested inside beasts but can't manage a winning score. Even Brisbane suffered this a bit at times where they too have had many qtrs where Neale and Dunkley dominated so much yet they looked rubbish trying to put on a score, hence their topsy turvy and at time flaky season - imo they only got the chocolates because the dominoes fell their way at the right time, GWS should've got the job done on them. There's a reason why we were 4 games clear atop with everyone scratching their heads as to how that happens without great midfield numbers.

I still think we need to stick to our current gameplan for the most part but with the addition of someone like Sheldrick who can help on the defensive side of midfield stoppages. That way we become less leaky and more well rounded without overly committing one way or the other. I still think in todays game focussing more on rebound is the way to go.

 

[Callipygian]

It's a double edged sword, because although we were losing the midfield battle most oppo teams were so incompetent in their attack that it played into our hands being the best rebound team. I have no doubt that if we actually manage to improve our midfield, our rebound scores will dry up a bit, and those out of the middle plays don't tend to be as clean in regards to hitting up forwards in space. You risk going too far the other direction and becoming a Melbourne who have contested inside beasts but can't manage a winning score. Even Brisbane suffered this a bit at times where they too have had many qtrs where Neale and Dunkley dominated so much yet they looked rubbish trying to put on a score, hence their topsy turvy and at time flaky season - imo they only got the chocolates because the dominoes fell their way at the right time, GWS should've got the job done on them. There's a reason why we were 4 games clear atop with everyone scratching their heads as to how that happens without great midfield numbers.

I still think we need to stick to our current gameplan for the most part but with the addition of someone like Sheldrick who can help on the defensive side of midfield stoppages. That way we become less leaky and more well rounded without overly committing one way or the other. I still think in todays game focussing more on rebound is the way to go.

Really interesting post. I like.

 

[Nuggetz]

It's a double edged sword, because although we were losing the midfield battle most oppo teams were so incompetent in their attack that it played into our hands being the best rebound team. I have no doubt that if we actually manage to improve our midfield, our rebound scores will dry up a bit, and those out of the middle plays don't tend to be as clean in regards to hitting up forwards in space. You risk going too far the other direction and becoming a Melbourne who have contested inside beasts but can't manage a winning score. Even Brisbane suffered this a bit at times where they too have had many qtrs where Neale and Dunkley dominated so much yet they looked rubbish trying to put on a score, hence their topsy turvy and at time flaky season - imo they only got the chocolates because the dominoes fell their way at the right time, GWS should've got the job done on them. There's a reason why we were 4 games clear atop with everyone scratching their heads as to how that happens without great midfield numbers.

I still think we need to stick to our current gameplan for the most part but with the addition of someone like Sheldrick who can help on the defensive side of midfield stoppages. That way we become less leaky and more well rounded without overly committing one way or the other. I still think in todays game focussing more on rebound is the way to go.

Mills should help heaps with this area too.