Ill start with some very ordinary free goals gidted to the pies by the umpires. In a 6 point game when we were on top that was important. Particularly when we dont get them back for holds.
Now going back to the teams and the systems or lack thereof. We are relying on a lot of overlap run and handball. It worked for a quarter and then the pies setup differently. Their system gives team space to hang themselves unless each disposal is perfect. We got through enoigh to keep playing that way but they were effectively able to build pressure on the ball carrier as time went on because we kept running it through the corridor and couldnt get the release kick forward.
This results in the dump kicks, and lack of ability to see free targets up field.
The pies systems in the centre are interesting. The rucks actually dont attempt to win the tap. They play to halve it and then dictate where the ball lamds ofd either ruck. They also position themselves so that the ball will land to our advantage inside the contest and theirs outside. This results in more repeat stoppages, and lack of ability to break through. You find space at the back, where their high half forwards run back to pressure the clearance. Results in more ball going their way more often.
Fundamentally they are a better drilled and smarter football team. That being said the amount of illegal holding, shepherds that they get away with is outrageous including simply dumping the ball out of a tackle.
Realistically they could have put us away with netter kicking. We could have pinched it bbut when the scores are level harry takes a good strong mark in front of moore and inexplicably kicks it across the top of fifty to no one in particular. Pies rebound. Repeat forward stoppage and the eventual setup to get daicos clear and kick the winning goal.
Its a shame, they ran that play earlier and it worked then for a snap goal. We need to get smarter in a hurry.
I think you guys dont realise just how much management types in the public sector seem to be more like dictators who like to surround themselves with "yes" people.
I want what I want, and make the numbers work would have been the guidance.
Im a little concerned with Ollie Hollands lack of development. Not sure whether he is star struck and head got too big but been underwhelming. Ginbey, McVee, Wilmot and many others are hitting some PBs but Ollie has stagnated and even gone backwards.
Needs to regain touch and confidence.
Second year blues or potentially just shouldering a much bigger load than last year.
Maybe we should change his number back....
Personally, i think these things are just a function of opposition knowing more about him and matching up accordingly.
Theyve not been travelling well this season, and despite our defensive woes, we have been scoring heavily, and dominating play but have shot ourselves in the foot a lot. I think we are favourites for good reason, and will start favourites most weeks, unless we start playing like Brisbane where we dont even look like winning.
Geelong never really looked likely to lose on Saturday, but you cant say we were ever out of the game and we lost it more than they won it IMHO.
Im just spewing this one is overlapping Good Friday for the Orthodox Christians. Expect a lower crowd as a consequence (or they can be heathens like me and skip the good friday service).
They rebound, we see a half back leave his man to pressure the ball carrier. Separation about 40 metres, so in effect the "presssure" is non existant and then its a short kixck to a team mate whos now free.
This hekps teams go coast to coast a lot against us, and i think that players need to pick their moments better on when to stay on their man or leave to pressure the ball carrier.
A long kick to a contest or making them run it, is more desirable. Leave your man later when you can get back or theyve run into trouble.
We lost this one in the first quarter. Yes it was crucial but copping 4 goals in a row staright after was worse. We conceded every time they went forward.
Its like blaming the 50 against harry for losing which gave geelong a free goal. Thats not why you lose when you kick so poorly early. Put the scoreboard pressure on and see the difference.
We are drifting out in the betting - I wonder if someone knows something......
the betting odds are an indication only of what the public think. More people are backing in Geelong but that doesn't mean much. They've been a dominant side of the comp for along time and many pundits arent convinces about us.
Seen a video doing the rounds on socials about Jim Park. Didn't realise he was killed in action during world war 2, after having played128 games. Served with a team mate Jim askew.
