redback wrote:
Sugarcane wrote:
I don't think you can say the players haven't tried, we have not been belted in any game and have been competitive is the vast majority
The effort has been there and while Bryce's comments seemed odd when you look at the ladder I think this is what he was referring to
I think there are some players who just don't have the mental fortitude which translates to sustained effort and hardness and belief, and there's not much Mick can do about this it would appear
I think Mick has acted swiftly, declaring changes will be made and actually telling individuals this before the season is out. He's not mucking about
He's been in this caper long enough to see what players have that inner drive and which ones don't
Remember Mick has said all along it is not about wins and losses. It's the process. Whether you buy into Mick I suppose depends on whether you buy into his theory about 'process'. Personally I do because I think sometimes you have to take a step or two back before you can go forward. He is implementing a new game style, trying to make the players more defensively focused, and all the while trying to figure out which players have some ticker. He has managed to get a more even, sustained effort by the side at large , but that hasn't meant a marked improvement in win loss terms, but maybe that is because while the effort is there the game style hasn't as yet been bedded down to the extent it just comes naturally and the players are mastering it. Remember when we have won flags in the past, it is rare teams click and all players are on the same page and all players have the 'right stuff' and it all gels together effortlessly. Mick is trying to build a side to get to that level but it takes time. Time to master the game plan. Time to find out who has the right attitude and who doesn't. Time to replenish an aging midfield.
I also think the players lack that true inner belief that is needed to beat the top sides. We have been competitive against the top sides but just fall away , don't go the distance. Mick keeps talking about this, about how the best sides are more consistent. This group of players have failed to stick it out against the best this year and also in the last five years. Over the journey this list has won very few games against the top sides. Doesnt this tell you this list lacks that inner belief? That's what it tells me.
Tells me the leadership is not up to the standard required, and the list is also falling short.
I think there's been a misunderstanding re how Mick will get the best out of this list. He is not a miracle working witch doctor who can get into the minds of soft footballers and make them all tougher and make them all believe they are champions. We have shrinks for this who clearly cannot wave such a wand. It's folly to think Mick is a psychological miracle worker. But what he will do is bring 30 odd years experience and an understanding of what is needed, and a game plan hopefully that is still up to date. I have no doubt he will sort out the boys from the men and knows what sort of players we need. His comment in the NAB Cup after Bryce played a good game on ball that "he is a big bodied midfielder, the type of player we need" told me he is fully aware of one of our list deficiencies.
The biggest query I have is whether his game plan is appropriate and relevant these days, but even there I have faith in him because unlike some older coaches he has shown time and again he can evolve, and is not so stubborn as to see the game plan needs tweaking.
sugar mick was hired to coach and discipline this mental but talented lot.
Quoting win/lose and process is a cop out for an experienced coach.
If you can coach and teach it doesn't take you one year to get the basic message of no compromise through to your players.
He has passed blame and publically criticized everyone and everything every chance he gets.
He makes mention of Gibbs been needed in the middle then plays him in defence in a negating role.
He drops Yarran then with no impact in the twos he gets another go, as sub again.
He berates his captain in public which is a pathetic lesson to teach.
He belittles Waite in public for been selfish when he is one of the few to show aggression. For god sake teach him a lesson but do it in private.
He mentions Menzel is the type of player that will benefit from playing in the seniors then drops him after one quarter and leaves him in the ressies.
What process is he after?
Of course you can win and still develop players.
We play our ball extractors in the forward line and tag all the opposition midfielders, how are we supposed to create meaningful extractions?
The only players that have truly played better this year than any other previously is Touhey and maybe Henderson but that’s because of natural progression.
I have not enjoyed watching this team all year but then again there is always next year.
Well he has disciplined them in that their efforts are more even and consistent now
I think he's got the message through but the game plan takes time to master as I said and also I think the willingness to apply yourself 100% of the time like Syd for example comes from belief. This team hasn't got that yet as they haven't beaten top sides and as I said this list has never done that so that to me points to a flaw in the list. So we need an overhaul
Re passing the blame I think this list has had it easy too long now and so I don't mind Mick having a go at them. You want them to grow a pair right?? Criticizing Waite seemed to work
Re Bryce I have mentioned this before I think Mick has decided its time to bring a new midfield wave through. He said pre season Judd would spend less time in the centre so this signposted this new direction. Lucas and Cachia get blooded on ball. And Gibbs, Simpson, Walker are deployed down back perhaps to shore up a poor defense and modern footy is about sling shotting from defense so you need quality ball users down back
You say you can develop and still win. Well, as I said sometimes you need to take a couple steps back to go forward.
Look, I don't know for sure what Micks plan is but I can see what he might be doing. These theories of mine make sense to me.
Maybe not to you and that's fine everyone is different.
One thing I will say is I thought we were unlucky not to get wins against Haw and Ess. Win those games and belief is developed and the season maybe turns out differently.
Look I think Mick deserves some respect given his record and it's not even the end of his first year a year when due to salary cap restraints he was unable to change the list when he took over. The list has been shown to lack character and depth and a new game plan takes time to master so really I think it's way too early to jump on Mick.
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