momo_amp_medo
Well-known member
Yep … and you can tell pretty much in first few minutes of the match when the forwards are on sleeping pills. And yesterday was that again in evidence.Not wanting to start a Madden Brooks debate however today clearly showed that the forwards need to dominate for any half to be able to play. Brooks is not the sole problem as made out by some & Madden is not the silver bullet. The key to winning games for us is Hastings. The "Half forward" position he plays is revolutionary, he organizes both defence & attack & allows the 2 5/8s to play football. I cant think of any other 1/2 who could play that position as well as he does. We need to lock him up now. While our forwards are average, we saw last week how Hastings had them motoring & Madden & Douhie had room to play off the back of that. We found our groove & style of play with Hasting playing the "Half forward " position. As shown yesterday, we cant compete when we have to play the style that every other club plays. Its not Brooks or Maddens strength to organise & direct a game. Both are running 5/8s. Dont think things will improve until Hastings is back.
I can count on one hand the number of times this year that our forwards dominate the ruck, effective tackle, speedy play the ball and gain meters.
So that needs to improve if we want go anywhere next year. Plus some enthusiasm and energy please.
We are short of a quality second rower and fullback.