Virgin Blue wrote:
Tackle count has gone something like 80, 50, 40.
Judd and Wiggins were about the only 2 who could hold their heads up high, although Wiggins' great work as a leading HF is dinted somewhat by his inability to kick the simplest of set shots. He needs to see a shrink.
Simpson's Herald Sun scores this year are damning. Where was his run? And why dish it off to him - he is a shocking kick these days and the last guy I'd give it to to have a shot on the run from 50m. What were you thinking Cloke? And how Betts is considered among our best when he had 9 touches and half the magic as other weeks is beyond me. Why wasn't he thrown on-ball for a bit? We needed the terrier in the middle?
The lads believed their own hype. Even though we were 20 odd pts up early, it never felt secure. I feared this could happen.
In hindsight, decision to not bring in a defender was costly. I don't think Setanta would have done a job on a Lloyd, but he would have allowed Waite play his normal role. We missed Waite's rebound and his ability to be the extra man up in defense.
MC also made a blunder (again in hindsight) by playing the rookies for one too many weeks. Robbo and Garlett gave us nothing last night. Joseph battled hard but was toweled in the 2d half nearer to their goal. We all knew the day would come where the rookies would give us zilch, and we'd lose that day. Well that day was last night. A Scotland could have been handy at the death when you needed the hard bodies and expeience. Bower froze for the second week running. Rabbit caught in headlights when it mattered most. Is he a KPP? Doesn't look like it. Doesn't look strong enough, let alone confident enough. So what is he? A HBF?
We might be coming but we have a long way to go. Saints are a million miles ahead of us. Probably a few years ahead of us, in terms of maturity and hardness.
Disgraceful effort by the Blues, and Ratten has a big task trying to find out which of these lads are fair dinkum about putting in week in week out.
Rookies never give you zilch... rookies give you their all.
For the problem you have to look elsewhere.....
Especially the lines between the centre and half back.