Dr.SHERRIN wrote:
The powers that be recognise that the message isn't getting through. Personally I think Ratts is very good coach - but not all the players are responding to their roles and that of life as an AFL footballer. There's half a dozen who can't be coached (in one ear and out the other) or are getting information overload. That's probably harsh - but they're struggling.
There's been some confronting moments, primarily addressed through Leading Teams that hasn't gone over well with some of the coaches and some of the players. Leadership is a big problem. It doesn't come from too many areas and is limited across the board. There's been a push of late to get a senior coach in to help Ratten...so assistants are on edge. A real lack of 25-30 year old age bracket who have leadership qualities. Really need a few more to grow up. Expect a big play for a senior player with oodles of leadership qualities in the off-season. Wheels already in motion. As much as Ratts needs help - Judd needs more help.
Doc - and others in the know or with more smarts than me - how do you go about fixing the issue of players who can't be coached/struggle with information overload/need to grow up? I've no doubt we have a few of those on our side based on recent performances, but what do you do?
I guess it's a bit of chicken and egg thing - do you change the players because they can't/won't be coached, or do you change the coach to someone who the players will respond to? Or do you just wait for them to grow up and hope they change their attitude?
I hate to go back to the young team argument, but maybe "immature team" is more appropriate - perhaps our blokes just need another year to drop the FIGJAM attitude some of them have?