Bluey44 wrote:
Some good points made on this page.
I think we clearly made the right decision to move on, but let's not get carried away.
Mick wasn't the right person for the job. That's clear now, but a lot can change over 3 years.
Mick has a record of developing some great young talent - that's undeniable. But it didn't work out with our list. Maybe he was too old, maybe he was too deep into self preservation mode, maybe there were differences with Shane Rogers than we're not privy to, or maybe Mick just hasn't had to deal with a rebuild on the scale of Carlton before.
I'm still not convinced that all the blame lies with Mick. Some of these players clearly have developed a tendency to switch the intensity on and off when they feel like it. I think Barker's approach has obviously had a refreshing effect on the players, but there definitely needs to be some questions asked of the senior and midrange players when it comes to trade period.
I like the tempo we are playing under Barker so far.
I could be wrong, but there seems to be signs of a style developing that's mid way between Ratts and Mick.
However I hope the coaching selection panel is a bit more measured in their approach than some of the posters on here. Port is playing very average footy - they are a team with top 4 potential playing like a bunch of mediocre also-rans. Albeit they are probably missing a couple of key pieces to their list which might be holding them back. We are a team with some good talent but a lot of holes, capable of knocking on the door of the 8, but we are still only one win away from the wooden spoon.
Good win for Barker, but there's a long way to go.
If we lose Gibbs this week, and Ablett comes back, it could be a lot tougher than people think.
Yep, micky has done it all before
it's not mickys fault at all
yep not all poor mickys fault at it’s the players who pick and choose when to play
yep it's not the freedom they have been given to play
yep it's not the forward structures that have been missing for three years
yep it's not the multi tagging roles that have been relinquished
yep it's not the younger players that are allowed to develop their skills
yep it’s not the older players allowed to play their instinctive games
yep it’s not micky fault we can finally post a competitive score
yep it's the boards fault for hiring the alleged best coach to bring success to the club not micky himself
yep it's not the insipid game plan that we were forced to endure for over two years
yep it’s not the self indulgent arrogant and selfishness that has brought us to the state we find ourselves in after three years
yep it's not him surrounding himself with of his own under achievers
yep it's our lack of depth, youthful talent, recruiting and drafting that has suddenly emerged once micky became scarce
yep it's not even mickys fault that northern are finally playing a different, exciting and exuberant brand of footy that showcases their talents
yep, it's not mickys fault at all

You make a strong point.
I have to go with you.
We have shown potential which didn't exist with MM.
Critics contend that MMs game plan was antiquated as was the old arrogant fool. I'm sue Bluey44 doesn't know a lot of the inside issues that came with Mick. Like previous regimes we find out after the fact. What I've heard about MM...well I was wrong about him. What a prick of a pretender.