DesEnglish wrote:
I’ve seen nothing in the first 5 rounds to suggest that we’re better prepared than we were last year.
When was the last time we out coached the opposition, or even made a change mid game that had some impact?
To be fair, we hadn't lost a game for 7 months before Thursday night.
You tend not to tinker too much when you're winning. As for in-game changes, Charlie went behind the ball late against Geelong. Docherty into the midfield rotation late in games. Hollands and Carroll into the midfield against North.
Injuries have limited our ability to change it up as we're consistently plugging holes. Although I was critical Cripps spent too much time in the middle on Thursday when it obviously wasn't working.
But I agree we could be more inventive in our pre-game planning. I saw Voss interviewed before Thursday's game. He was asked if he had a strategy for Keays going to Saad. His reply was along the lines of everyone needs to beat their opponent.
I don't agree with that philosophy. That's giving Adelaide what they want. I'd tell Saad to go to another Adelaide forward and create a 1 on 2. That will release a defender to play loose. Force the Crows coaches to make a decision. Be proactive.
I disagreed with Cerra and Kennedy playing half back. Cincotta deserved a game and he is better versed with our defensive structures. I'd give Durdin and Motlop small stints in the centre square. Get some fast feet and unpredictability in there. So I'm probably more disappointed with our lack of creativity and list faith being shown at selection/MC.
But it's early days. Hopefully we're back on the winners list this week and we see a bit more creativity.