smithy wrote:
billc3 wrote:
Slightly less tall, not enough pace... Against a team which will run and scramble, it will be interesting to see our game plan
Go Blues
If it's the same old plan of moving the ball wide and slowly by foot, with a sideways or backwards pass for every forward one then Bolton needs to f### off now.
This is doing untold damage to our players. It's laborious, uninspiring and most times results in a turnover and goal to the opposition.
We are like those old English WW1 Generals that use to try the same tactics that failed the previous 500 times, stubborn pigheaded and unable to adapt.
We look good when we play a simple direct running game whenever we can, the injuries are but a small reason why we only score 60/70 points a game. You've got roughly 20 seconds to get the ball into the forward 50-60 when you take possession or your odds of scoring drop rapidly. Not only that because our defenders over commit to our press too frequently we are actually vulnerable when the ball gets into our forward 50 slowly and the opposition can set up to hit us on the counter.
Locking the ball in our forward 50 for repeat entries is not altogether a desirable plan, not only can we not do it that well; it results in more goals against than for.
The game plan as it is being implemented at the moment is not working and we all know that.
Unfortunately, we are not really in a position to make any changes week to week BUT this week we have injected some pace into the team so I am hoping that pace will actually be used.
I like to compare footy selection to cricket selection. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case.
Putting pace into the team and then not using it is like putting an extra spinner in the team for a Sydney test and then not giving him a bowl.
Collingwood uses the corridor and runs the ball forward and handballs forward maintaining possession at all costs while swarming the opposition player with the ball. We know that. They know we have been playing a super defensive chippy chippy style as described above and they will be prepared for that.
We have enough players in the team with pace. Instead of using that pace to chase Collingwood players down the paddock while they run the footy towards the goals, maybe we should use it to run the ball towards the goals ourselves, to run to space, to make a lead and then to have someone honour it?
I am not of the opinion that our players are traumatised or have lasting damage created by the present situation. Maybe some supporters are traumatised, I know I am getting close but all it will take to snap the players out of a downer is a decent act or a win.
I hate where we are and I can't bring myself to stay awake all night to watch what I think will be an ordinary game but I believe it will turn around if we can hang on to Cripps and a couple of the other kids. Curnow's signing was a massive fillip for the club. If anybody doubts the players belief in what is happening, a five year commitment by a potential superstar should convince the doubters.
Getting back to this week, I would like to see some run and stun early. Bucks and his boys will be prepared for the usual stodge. Unfortunately, Kreuzer will not be up to Grundy so that makes the rest of it more difficult.
I an only hope the extra spinner gets a few overs or we might as well have left him out of the team.