I'm still struggling to work out our team this season. We are 11-6 and virtually sitting equal 2nd, a result at this stage of the season everyone should be thrilled about. However I think for the majority of the season we have been the same if not worse at times then the previous 4 seasons,and fans seem almost just as frustrated with selections and performances. We have pulled 5 games out in the last 5 minutes. That is remarkable. That is 10 points that makes or breaks your season. They are the 8-10 points that went down the drain between 2006-2009 in all those frustrating 2 point losses. What im asking is are we heading for a massive fall/collapse, or are we maturing as a group and finally learning how to compete week in week out and be a tough footy side?
I kept saying between 2006-2009 it wasn't a fluke that we kept losing the close ones. Because we didn't want it bad enough and were not organised enough in those last 20 minutes. Well this season at the very least I think the group is very determined. I think it shows a lot of character to pull out games in the last 5 to 10 minutes continually. Even a bit of belief and confidence. Our defence, even though off the boil tonight has certainly picked up and that is a good sign of attitude within the ranks
On the flip side of the coin I think we have been the luckiest team in the competition this season. And doesn't that feel good. Between 2006 and 2009 we couldn't buy a close win or a 50/50 call. I have said at times it is better to be lucky then good and we have won 9 games by 1-12 this season, where as I think Souths have lost 6 games by 1-6\. Winning penalty counts 9-2, last weeks forward pass to Zillman pulled back incorrectly, the forward pass when the Dogs would of scored to make it 18-12\. Finally this stuff is going our way, however we can't keep relying on.
Just trying to work out where our team is. If we keep playing like this are we close to another hiding like we copped against Souths, or a limp effort in the finals. Or are we showing the strong mentality to win when playing below our best, grinding games out. I struggle to believe we are the 2nd best team in the comp?? But very happy to be there and credit has to be given for that regardless of the nature of the performances, its a results business.
I kept saying between 2006-2009 it wasn't a fluke that we kept losing the close ones. Because we didn't want it bad enough and were not organised enough in those last 20 minutes. Well this season at the very least I think the group is very determined. I think it shows a lot of character to pull out games in the last 5 to 10 minutes continually. Even a bit of belief and confidence. Our defence, even though off the boil tonight has certainly picked up and that is a good sign of attitude within the ranks
On the flip side of the coin I think we have been the luckiest team in the competition this season. And doesn't that feel good. Between 2006 and 2009 we couldn't buy a close win or a 50/50 call. I have said at times it is better to be lucky then good and we have won 9 games by 1-12 this season, where as I think Souths have lost 6 games by 1-6\. Winning penalty counts 9-2, last weeks forward pass to Zillman pulled back incorrectly, the forward pass when the Dogs would of scored to make it 18-12\. Finally this stuff is going our way, however we can't keep relying on.
Just trying to work out where our team is. If we keep playing like this are we close to another hiding like we copped against Souths, or a limp effort in the finals. Or are we showing the strong mentality to win when playing below our best, grinding games out. I struggle to believe we are the 2nd best team in the comp?? But very happy to be there and credit has to be given for that regardless of the nature of the performances, its a results business.