jim wrote:
Half expected a loss with what we put out there. Didn't expect that 2nd half.
We don't have that inner drive to consistently play with intensity every week. We did it for a few weeks after the bye but the motivation isn't there to keep doing it. External motivation was there, a shot at the 8, but the problem is the players have to care enough.
Reminded me of the Gold Coast game in 2012. Had to win to make the finals and we showed a complete lack of effort. Stamped Ratten's papers, something we have paid for ever since. We need to get to the root of the problem in the club otherwise nothing is fixed. We will continue to waste year after year.
Teague said in post match questions and during this week that they were getting frustrated by first quarter inaccuracy, second quarter still not going their way and then everyone tried too hard and ran to the skinny side of ground etc letting North down the middle (where they love it) and out the back. He reads games pretty well I think, whatever you think of him as a coach, and most of you seem to blame him for everything from CV19 to player injury list. It's definitely subtle things around intent and holding to structures and system. They've definitely improved this year and North was easily the worse game this year, and was it probably in most respects a better game than half of last years games i think. North are not a "bottom of the ladder team" either, that's injuries and personnel changes, they're only just reforming their team in last few weeks, and we are their bunnies of course.
Agree we need to get to the root, but getting to the root of problems means patience and persistence with right method. and that takes a long time with gradual improvement. then one day it there's a non-linear jump and the footy world is surprised, but nobody who saw all the hard work and methodical practice is overly surprised, or gets too carried away. the only time for getting too carried away is the week after winning a premiership. I swear I bumped into Parkin, and most of the team around CBD and Carlton restaurants the week after GF 95, I must have been that carried away.
If they ditch Teague for Clarko I'll will them to lose the first ten games of next year!