It was interesting watching the players and coaches respond today to what was happening on the field.
St Kilda played a 5 man forward line in the first half and the space seemed to work well for them. Savage was also very influential as their 7th defender.
After half time it went back to 6 man forward lines apiece and our backs were forced to play more of a man on man defence because the ball was coming in under little pressure, especially when Gorringe was in the ruck.

Interestingly in the last quarter we played an 8 or 9 man defence at the centre bounces with 2 of our defenders coming in off the back of the square without a lot of success. The most interesting aspect was watching the interaction of the players. There was some "robust" conversations between a number of the players and at times, there was total confusion.
At one stage one of the players (I can't recall who) was pushed back as a 9th defender and Simpson told him to push out to the wing and pick up a player who was on his own. Walker, who was standing at half back yelled out to the player to overrule Simpson. He player stood there thinking WTF is going on.
Walker then proceeded to run in off the back of the square before the umpire bounced the ball and gave away a penalty.
Bolton talks about equilibrium. There wasn't a lot of that out there today. More a lack of direction and leadership.

The most enjoyment for me was watching Sam Docherty. He is just an absolute gun. Tough, courageous, smart. Simmo rightly gets plenty of plaudits but Docherty is just as influential, but he also plays on an opponent which makes him twice as valuable IMO. He is our real leader IMO and the other unofficial leader which may surprise most is Levi Casboult.
He loves dishing out a bit of pain and the players seem to love the physical presence he offers.

I think you'll find that Curnow copped a concussion that went unnoticed. Two hits in the first left him dazed

I don't have different topics. I just have anger with a situation that sees the club I love being disemboweled.

I don't have the desire to post about Kreuzer, ruckmen problems, speed, midfield depth etc.

I think the entire club from the coach down had their eye on the bye too early. The one week at a time philosophy went out the window.

Keep it coming Tap. Maintain the Rage!

Flags won by the Lions in the last 15 years: 3
Flags won by the Blues in the last 15 years: 0

Wooden Spoons won by the Lions in the last 15 years: 0
Wooden Spoons won by the Blues in the last 15 years: 4

&&&& the Lions & &&&& the Hawks & every other club l say.

Admit I was a tad flat post game.
Can anyone articulate why we started out with the chipping stlye?
Was it a coach directive..over confidence from players..or just areaction to the saints style from the get go.
It was not the same style that I have been loving to watch at any rate. Pretty disappointing.
I think credit is due to the saints for their energy and determination considering their losses.
I found myself mentally calculating who was out. Phillips murph and charlie curnow would have maybe changed things.
Gorringe ... Still very much a development player. Seems in the light of everitt to me. (Meh!)
Hoping it was across the board exhaustion from the efforts of the past few weeks re most of the team.
I reckon we can come back and give GWS a scare if the above missing 3 are back.
Bondi...you were right..I was wrong re walks. So disappointed..but there it is.
I think its time for KJ or Jack to come in.

A ruck version of Cloke. Just not enough resilience to go with the smarts. Does he play like a 32 year old, 2 then miss 2 to keep his body right?

5 in a row at Etihad, takes it's toll on any team. Still an unlikely 3 from 5 not too bad.

I think the entire club from the coach down had their eye on the bye too early. The one week at a time philosophy went out the window.

Etihad is a harder playing surface, an awful ground. They'll welcome the chance to have a good run at the G. Will need more speed.

I didn't want to raise this as an issue or excuse.........but I'm so glad others have!!!!! I have no doubt it took it's toll.