Good teams find a way, we were not even competitive after quarter time. Tired and we are not even midway through the season? About 4 or 5 of our blokes haven't had a kick for weeks now, don't know how they got tired...running through the banner? It was all about effort and lack of..as soon as the Swans locked down on Cripps and Walsh we stopped and lost interest when it got hard. The SCG isn't a big ground but requires contested players who can get their own ball, break tackles and scrap for loose balls. Sure we have injuries but good teams ie Collingwood last season find a way to win and be competitive. We were the lazy, non competitive bruise free Blues last night and I thought those days were over...
@rocky Agreed, that was however our worst performance by far. Like you I didn't expect to beat them given how good they are travelling and how many injuries we have. I did think we had a reasonable side on paper and in the first qtr we looked every bit a good side. Once they turned the pressure up we went to water. I expected a better effort than that. On face value, the only one who tried for 4 qtrs was Pitto. I felt the rest were atrocious for 3.5 qtrs. Once again too many (1/2 dozen) out there provided the same effort and contribution as a witch's hat wearing a CFC jumper. Oh and those calling for Pitto to be dropped, he showed why TDK still has L Plates on and needs a licenced driver sitting next to him.
Doesnt help when some of your blokes cant get the ball, wont lay a tackle and bail out of contests either.....those are non negotiables. Can accept losing on lack of talent caused by injuries but losing by lack of effort isnt on.
Agree. Seriously though, can we hire an NRL tackling coach? I'm sick of blokes walking through our tackles.
If anyone thinks another a journey out to Ed's place will do the trick. Nuh. These issues go much deeper. And it aint the players.
Coaches, footy dept and MC need a rocket ...and an audit of the game plan. Nothing about us has looked convincing and authoritative this year. Moments of brilliance ...when the opposition relax a little, or haven't gotten going yet.
I won't cop that, the first 20 mins was scintillating. That loss was 110% on the players (especially the leaders).
If Im being honest, I expected to lose against the mob who will be Premiers this year. The disappointing bit was it looked there was a lack of effort. They were so clinical, their defenders just punch the ball clear, not fancy intercepts, no sagging off, just proper accountable, dour defending. Our midfield got taken to the cleaners after halfway through the first qtr. Vossys presser should be interesting. Other than Pitto, I wouldnt give any one else a vote.
