Re: Post Game Passion: AFL 2021 Rd 2: Carlton vs Collingwood
Reply #61 –
I mentioned before the game that I was confident we had them covered, man for man. I also said I was concerned more about the battle between coaching boxes.
We were pretty soundly beaten in the coaching box. Just look at how they started the game - well prepared - came out fired up, ready for action, confident and bold. We were reactionary, much like our coaching at present. Much like our coaching last year.
As for my confidence with having them covered man for man, I didn't factor in:
Willo being a shadow of the bold, aggressive kid we saw a while back who'd take the game on.
Crippa playing without confidence and consequently dropping easy marks and fumbling too often.
Ed fumbling too often.
Murphy fumbling... though you couldn't question his effort and having some good moments (sound familiar? Sound like the entire side? We are becoming the Cameo Kings - we play some really pretty footy at times, brilliant stuff, teasing stuff).
Casboult clearly underdone, lacking confidence, 2nd guessing himself - a liability.
Setterfield a shadow of himself which is a pity because his hands and vision are an incredible asset.
Zachery looks much better around the ball/midfield than small forward.
Comments from coaching that our focus before the game was on our game - well, I was speechless hearing this. If I may indulge for a moment... one of the very first things I learned in the military is that when you're engaged in combat... KNOW YOUR ENEMY, and always expect their very best, then plan accordingly. To not do so spanks of arrogance, and invites trouble.
Boldness is needed at the selection table, where we've been too coy & conservative. We too often reward ordinary efforts or worse with games based on, I assume, reputation and prayer!
The TT and his coaching group look a little like Thomas The Tank Engine and crew at the present... in fact, we seem to have picked up from where we left off at the end of last year.
Let's see if we have what it takes to change course from Cameo Kings, pretty and nice to something resembling a smart, confident ruthless group who can crush an opposition, after addressing and dismantling their strengths, and this is up to the coaching group in no small way... it's called, preparation. The next few weeks will tell, because, if you look over there with his arm in the air you'll see Ross Lyon... wanting to help the club he barracked for (and still does, I am sure) as a kid.