Have had some time now to vent, reflect, analyse etc (having followed our great club since 1963, and started going to games since 5 yo):
- we're on the way: thought this even after (what was terrible at times) the Richmond game; can see a tougher mind-set within this group, that's been borne out in the Rich (could have lost that), Coll (couldn't sustain for more than 2 1/2 qtrs), Ess (could have lost that), Adelaide (could have lost that - they looked more polished than us for long periods that day, but we still found a way to win), Syd (have lost that in previous years so many times ), StK (their GF - Kosi plays his best game in 5 years etc, could've lost that but we still pulled it out of the fire). - these guys are starting to get it - more consistent tackling pressure Inside 50 and generally this year - "We're never beaten until the siren" philosophy - consistent team efforts, combined with improved indivs (JGarlett, Jamo, Waite, Robinson starting to play more disciplined; - how good have Scotland, Murphy, and Simpson been, in addition to the Captain; Gibbs has done some great jobs on top-liners too) - Curnow/Duigan/Laidler - Warnock missing wasn't the problem (no matter how ******* frustrating!!!): (what were at times too easy) goals to Varcoe, "Chappie", and Pods (thrashed all night and scrapes one in at the death - oh, well, have seen Buzz and Johnno win games for us that way too) killed us. - Yarran could be the next Michael Long and Gibbs the next Nathan Buckley if they can develop greater mental and physical toughness, and consistency. - More upside than down: start kicking straighter (better tonight); Kreuzer, Bower, Henderson, Curnow to return may make things really interesting.
Cons: - Need two KPP's (was originally one - key defender - but they had to trade JoshK. Henderson to do a Kennedy (we're maybe lacking a trad CHF to help AW, Waite, Jeff as the hit up fwds); definitely need a CHB (have been calling for this for five years - Austin, Hartlett, etc didn't work out; maybe Watson will be the one in time :smile) - Now I see why Selwood gets the wraps: ducks and wriggles to get frees, and the umps fall for it - smart player: is how it's always been, and always will be - the fress are always based on how it looks to the white/red/green/yellow maggots, not often how it actually is. - Essendon* above us
"Here They Come!!!" (v Collingwood; MCG few years back, Davies 3 goals in the last qtr?) "Yeah, stick a banana up yr ****" (member of the Heatley End, to Frank Dunell of Ess, Qldr/bananabender) "Lift! Lift! Lift!" (Carlton End v Fitzroy -Junction Oval early 80's)
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