Changes in momentum in games can often be traced back to a single event or two. I think we lost the plot a bit after starting the third quarter well...and then Durdin had a couple of shots that missed.
From that point we started to see little things creep in, some flashy plays that didn't quite come off, Harry going for a mark one-handed (not hugely important in the scheme of things, but not a full hearted effort), the intensity at the contest slacking off and Essendon being harder at the ball.
I've seen in other places (not so much on here) some suggestions that the Voss blast at three quarter time was not effective...even a bit over the top. Folks point to the fact that we didn't score goals in the last quarter as a failed response. That's not correct.
Once momentum is lost it's sometimes as hard to turn around as a cruise liner. The first step is to arrest that momentum and break even at the contests. That was achieved successfully throughout that last quarter and in the end that margin was comfortable. Carlton sides over the last decade would rarely have been able to halt that momentum.
The three quarter 'pep talk' was effective. I'm pretty sure there will be some reinforcement through the week...albeit a bit more measured.
Bombers look pretty shattered in the rooms. I think they may have worked themselves up for a big game with the 150 celebrations. The loss may have meant a bit more than usual.
This time last year Kennedy was a goner too. Just signed a 3 year extension.
If you work hard enough, you can turn it around. I'm just not seeing it as yet from Dow. We can't gift him games like Bolton did, you gotta earn them now and he isn't.
Trade him to tigers to play with his brother for a pick. Use that pick and trade it to Geelong (with another pick) and reunite brothers on our end by getting SDK.
Saw an interview with SDK the other day. He kind of put the kibosh on a brotherly reunion. He's happy as a pig in mud at Geelong. Loves the place, and said that Tom was equally as happy with us.
The pick-up of Hayes rather than a tall in the MSD is probably a further indication that Dow may be on the move.
I think we may try to package up Dow with a pick or two to try and attract a quality KPD. Dow does have currency. We play him just to give a sight to other sides. He's not that bad. He does have a bit of currency...but other teams see that he's behind a few of his current midfield teammates. To another side lacking a quality midfield he may be worth chasing.
But the way Voss spoke at a recent after match presser suggests he may not be part of his long term plans.
'bit of a dick' The meaning is metaphorical, and is distinct from being an "utter dick" a "complete dick" and variations of the same.
"Being a dick" (utter, complete, etc) is to have a tiny thread of logic to your words or actions, while completely missing the point, being socially autistic, probably causing offence and maybe causing physical harm to an innocent.
Being a "bit of a dick" is therefore to meet the above criteria, but to be too personally insignificant to really cause more than a flicker of annoyance or a moment of disdain. Something like being head-butted by an angry chicken. Everyone agreed the traffic warden was being a bit of a dick for ticketing the ambulance as the paramedics gave first aid by the roadside.
Not sure the pressure will build now that Dutton has announced that the Liberals see no need to tack to the centre. He says they'll stay where they are and wait for the electorate to swing back towards them. Way to learn lessons from an electoral defeat! They're doing a reverse George Costanza: it's you, not us.
This was hardly unexpected though. It's like the old days watching Mark Philippoussis serving. When he missed with a 220 kmh bomb, you just knew the 2nd serve was going to be a 240 kmh missile. Always double down. That seems to be the mantra on the right wing.
But the thing, is it's quite logical to just sit back and wait. They don't have to stand for anything for the next 18 months or so. No one will really care what they're about or what their message is. All the focus will be on the government. As we get closer to the next election they will have to make some calls on points of difference... but they have the luxury of waiting to determine where and when to attack. There's no guarantee that Dutton will still be leader at that stage.
Was anyone really fussed about Labor in opposition. It was more about the failings of the Government and Morrison's judgement in particular that drew all the focus.
One of the paradoxes of politics is that, while folks prefer the party they favour to be in power, they find it less enjoyable as casual watchers. It's much more fun to watch the party you dislike 'under the pump'. It can be uncomfortable to watch the party you support under similar pressure.
The party in power is often in defensive mode as decisions it makes, or promises not kept, alienate increasing sections of the community. Parties do get a honeymoon early on, and that's when they need to go hard with the tough decisions. Hopefully by the time the next election comes around they're in a position to hand out a few sweeteners.
