keogh wrote:
The reason we fell away is we relied too much on contested possession and clearences.
Stood out like dogs balls.
The loss of Hewett was critical.
Best clearence player in the team.
We lack pace around the ground . We are a very one paced team.
There are many parts to a successful team but it’s so crucial to score from turnover.
Part of it is system and coaching.
Part of it is natural ability.
It’s a shame that someone like Cuningham can’t get on the park and when he does he is way too inconsistent.
He is a guy who has genuine pace and is a beautiful kick.
We definitely need a few more like him who are consistent week in week out
Philp is another who has genuine pace .
The reliance on playing to win only one way is the point you make. Good point.
I don't want to lose that contesting part of our game.
Its a quality that we lacked for decades, including imo in the Judd, Stevens, Carrazzo, Murphy, Gibbs era.
The contested brand defines us, our intent and our effort.
I don't think Hewett alone missing is the reason we failed.
When we lost Kennedy, and, played an underdone Cerra, or had Walsh missing too, we lost that edge at the contest: tipping point.
Do you think we would've lost the last game with Hewett and Watch playing, or just one?
We must however find pace on the outside, and agree we need a balance between contested and turnover goals.
I think we swayed too much one way or the other, during the fiorst half season, but at least we showed we can adapt.
Getting the balance right is critical.
Cuningham's game was developing well till he did his ACL vs Druggies, and Philp killed it as an inside - outside mid with express pace in the TAC and his early games.
Pity both long term injured. I don't think they will be cut from the list, but its them or bust atm.
Injuries cruelled us, but we need to move that ball much better than we are, from a turnover.