Let's not kid ourselves, the Hawks weren't full strength. WC nearly beat them in Tassie last week.

Once again we selected a physically weaker squad and paid the price.

Full strength? I'd give them Birchall, Croad and Ladson, the replacements for the rest are pretty even so they haven't lost anything replacing them with kids.

The Hawks had all the stars playing.

Full strength? I'd give them Birchall, Croad and Ladson, the replacements for the rest are pretty even so they haven't lost anything replacing them with kids.

The Hawks had all the stars playing.

Con:

I am pretty sure dannyboy has written in another thread that over time Ratts will need to be evaluated whether he is to be the young coach who is learning and can take us to the flag or whether he has limitations and may only take us so far and I whole-heartedly agree with this opinion. Now I believe Brett has done a lot of good work since he was made senior coach and our team play is to be applauded but selection decisions are adding some BIG crosses to his ledger I’m afraid. And I am sorry to say that even without the benefit of hindsight, the selection of Bentley was unwarranted and premature and many could see that as soon as the team sheets was released.

Risky selections should and will attract criticism and bring about plenty of detractors and there is a pattern of selection decisions that seem to indicate that Ratts and the MC are being too gung-ho and risky with there selection decisions and relying on chance instead of realistic assessment to make hardnosed decisions. This has been disappointing. And whilst it is not Brett alone who makes these calls, the buck stops with him.

Against the scum, they chose to keep Garlett in the side when it was clear the week previous that a rest was required. Also, no tall replaced Jamison and as expected Waite was dragged back deep and we lost his drive. Could’ve been prevented at the selection table.

Against the swans, there were indications the previous week that Robbo was tapering off sharply and needed to go back to the Ants. His performance, unfortunately was like Bentley’s, we essentially played a man down.

And then, the Bentley inclusion. Other proven players were available and arguably performed better than Greg did and were overlooked for a player who has known limitations up against a pressure side like the hawks. Lots knew it was a bad call Thursday and this sadly was vindicated.

I am still proud of the boys and it was fantastic to see them go the way they did on Saturday but I am almost angry about the Bentley selection and what it may have cost us. I have faith in Brett’s coaching and believe he could be a premiership coach but he needs to re-evaluate his selection thinking and process because I would go as far as suggesting it has cost us at least 2 wins this year

We need to work on not being so stationary especially around packs. The hawks had two or three zipping past and through around the packs

Our players seems to stand then look and handball of to another player who is standing still. You got to be zipping around and on the move as it keeps the opposition on there toes to.

Pros:

A very very good contest against a tough side.

MC giving new players an opportunity, OK it doesn't always work.

Cons:

Hawthorn's young reserves are awesome e.g. Dowler (much improved), Ellis, the likes of Thorp and Schoenmakers in the Magoos.

Restructuring our forward line seems as far away as ever. However we're slowly preparing for the post Fevola era. Looking forward to Hampson, Austin, Kreuzer, Yazza, Garlett, Bliney patrolling our forward line with Fevola a deadly forward pocket.

Unfortunately, Bilney is not a Carlton listed player. We should pay him to play dead for the rest of the year. I really think he's got the goods to perform at AFL level. Garlett has the talent, but still has question marks.

No, they displayed a lack of understanding of what's required to establish and perfect the structures they expect.....just like your post has.
Our players are coming from miles behind. The set ups and structures required take years of practice and implementation to perfect. Meanwhile, our team which finished bottom 2 for the majority of the past 6 years ran the reigning premiers to within 4 points. We had more scoring shots, more inside 50s and in reality, were unlucky to lose the game. That doesn't happen by accident.
It occurred because the coach that recieved a paragraph of "cons" has the most exciting young team in the AFL playing strong, consistent, competitive footy.

Some of the ill informed rants in this thread are mind numbing.

Pros:

My HTPC was awesome for recording the game.



Cons:

Not a game I want to rewatch.