I went to GIO Stadium today.
Few things I noticed…
1. We were very poorly disciplined in the ruck. Ruined our own momentum on more than a few occasions with head highs or holding on too long.
2. For decent passages in that game we were all over them and they were gasping for air but then we’d let them off the hook Ala point 1.
3. Latu and Bula do not straighten our attack as much as I thought they may do. Both of them run on an angle I’d describe as shit….(55-60 degrees) it kills a lot of half chances.
4. Our pigs matched this very good Raiders pack. They really muscled up and had a go. I was proud of them and most Raiders sitting around me were very complimentary of them.
5. We have no idea whatsoever in attack and I mean we have NO FKING IDEA 🤣. We literally throw as much shit at the wall as possible and hope some sticks. There’s no plan, no shape no organisation. No one is leading at all it’s just suck it and see and individual brilliance took advantage on a couple of occasions. Our tactical kicking sucks and again is just ad lib trash.The Raiders had clear plans and you could see their halves directing everything. They executed a bit clumsily but you could certainly see what they were trying to do.
6. Our boys are tough. They play for each other and don’t give in. If we can foster this seize mentality further, they’ll be hard to beat as even though they are running around like headless chooks, they worry the hell out of defences as they just keep coming at you.
7. Ethan Strange is going to be one serious player. I’ve been a fan for a while and talked him up a lot last year but bloody hell, seeing him live is something else. Amazing stamina and determination. Tough as hell….that hit Skelton put on him shook the stadium and he bounced up laughing. Always on the ball and always moving across in cover. Great player.
8. The Viking Clap followed up by the Green Machine is a great advantage to that club. The stadium is pumped and the atmosphere electric. It must be an amazing feeling running out to that.
9. Canberra really celebrated their minor premiership well. They deserved the accolade and most of the crowd stuck around for the presentation of old JJ.
10. The Tigers players all went to the small supporters bay at the southern end after the game and thanked them. It was good to see.