SS Wests Tigers is now starting to turn

[Gary_Bakerloo]

I am hoping Wests continues to play in the same manner as last night and it was not a game plan just for Melbourne. Last night was the first time I saw a change in playing structure. Using the renewed size of the forward pack we were able to play more direct and dominate the middle third of the field. The kicking game from Farah, Anasta and Marshall was very good and it was the most controlled football I have seen from Wests for some time.

Strangely, the team looked most uncomfortable going wide with passes going to ground and players unsure of receiving passes. Ayshford cost the team two tries last night in attempting to catch a pass not intended for him (Reddy unmarked outside him).

The way they played last night was almost like Potter had said, "you had your way for the first couple of rounds, now try my way…" It will be a slow process to completely change and the team will lapse on occasions into old habits, but if last night's game plan was a peak into how Potter will coach and structure his squad, it looks positive.

 

[happy_tiger]

I think the problem is we are playing to flat out wide Gary Is it due to Reddy's lack of speed ??

 

[barra]

My initial reaction was that if they can defend with that sort of commitment they will win more than they lose. Then if they do, when it comes to the better sides they may be able to keep it up for the full 80.

Then they need to re-tune the attack.

Koro will make a big difference when he comes back. When Tedesco finally takes over at #1 that will also make a big difference. But while I understand Reddy is 'safe', 'reliable' and goes well in with the high balls etc, he is not quick and he and Ayshford are too similar. Together they do not pose enough of a threat in attack.

Sort that out and we start using wingers as a threat again and all of a sudden the chances will come as the defence has to spread.

 

[russelldp]

Agreed- Ayshford, Lawrence, Reddy lack speed and creativity. Add Utai to that list.

Once we start getting the defensive and offensive structures right (and last night night was a start), we will need some 'finishers' out wide.

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

 

[Tigerpete]

No doubts last night was a step in the right direction. I liked what I saw when I watched the game this morning. There was more aggression, the impact of Pettybourne and even the addition of Thompson made a big difference. Blair seemed more effective too. Clearly though we're a work in progress. Tedesco and Buchanan are finding their feet, same with big Ava. Akouala shows promise. Importantly though they took a step in the right direction. The result was disappointing but the performance not.

 

[underdog]

We looked bulldog-esque in parts - It was a breath (Braith? ooooooh maybe!) of Fresh air!

Short passes and cut outs from front and backrowers! BMM! Buchanan!

Matt Bell working the fringes?? Probing for holes? Taking on the line!! Unheard of!

It excited me.
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What didn't excite me was the last 20 minutes. Joel Reddy caught in no-mans land, A bad miss from Tedesco, then Lawrence disappearing and Braith valiantly trying to cover the defensive hole.

WTF is going on with Lawrence in defense, or can one of the experts on here tell me is it actually Lawrences fault, or is the third man in causing issues?

 

[Priest]

I'm glad Potter is starting to make an impact and we are seeing what we've craved for the past few seasons….change, trying something new, different game plans. How often have we seen that style of forward running and hard hitting in recent times. The boys just need to build on that from here, not rest on it

 

[Gary_Bakerloo]

We looked bulldog-esque in parts - It was a breath (Braith? ooooooh maybe!) of Fresh air!

Short passes and cut outs from front and backrowers! BMM! Buchanan!

Matt Bell working the fringes?? Probing for holes? Taking on the line!! Unheard of!

It excited me.
\
\
What didn't excite me was the last 20 minutes. Joel Reddy caught in no-mans land, A bad miss from Tedesco, then Lawrence disappearing and Braith valiantly trying to cover the defensive hole.

WTF is going on with Lawrence in defense, or can one of the experts on here tell me is it actually Lawrences fault, or is the third man in causing issues?

I thought we looked like the Bulldogs too, but the dogs from the 1980's. Remember Potter's line of tutelage starts with Warren Ryan.

The last 20 minutes were unfortunate, but they are the lapses I am referring too. Over time, they will hopefully become less prevalent. The new era for Wests Tigers has begun.

 

[Shooshmeister]

Do we look for Nofo or the other big winger to step up. I hear Nofo has alot of speed and is a good player?Is he worth a crack?

 

[innsaneink]

**I am hoping Wests continues to play in the same manner as last night and it was not a game plan just for Melbourne.** Last night was the first time I saw a change in playing structure. Using the renewed size of the forward pack we were able to play more direct and dominate the middle third of the field. The kicking game from Farah, Anasta and Marshall was very good and it was the most controlled football I have seen from Wests for some time.

Strangely, the team looked most uncomfortable going wide with passes going to ground and players unsure of receiving passes. Ayshford cost the team two tries last night in attempting to catch a pass not intended for him (Reddy unmarked outside him).

The way they played last night was almost like Potter had said, "you had your way for the first couple of rounds, now try my way…" It will be a slow process to completely change and the team will lapse on occasions into old habits, but if last night's game plan was a peak into how Potter will coach and structure his squad, it looks positive.

Pretty sure it was a specific plan for Melb,….slow them down, kicks for touch, numbers in tackles.....all the penaltys we conceded in a way helped us a little, it stopped them from getting much of a roll on. Though that was an incidental aspect I think....dunno how we'll go against something totally opposite to the Storms high structure up against saints who for the last fortnight look like theyve thrown most of their structure out and are playing just what they see....they thowin it around and while all footy fields are the same size, at the SCG I fear we could be doing a lot of chasing in defense on Sunday