Guaging the atmosphere among the handful of supporters is easy - disappointment and varying levels of depression, the players are harder to read. It seems to me that there is a level of suppressed anger and frustration but at the same time a preparedness to work through it.
With this in mind I decided to pay particular attention to Jobe who seems to epitomise our form at present. I’m pleased to report that he is up and about and was showing a leadership role, especially in the four on four handball drills. The man has a point to prove and I’m confident he will.
Mark Harvey was working with the defenders on the small oval. If you were unfortunate enough to go to the VFL game at Port Melbourne you probably observed that when a mark was taken deep in the backline everyone tended to rush forward and get manned up. The emphasis today was trying to get some overlap, a first handball, then a 45 degree foot pass to advantage. “Don’t always search for the kick, search for the overlap with the handball. The first handball decision gets you going.”
Skills were somewhat moderate “too many missing easy f…ing kicks” Morgan was singled out for criticism after doing a high, nothing kick forward “That’s the second kick you’ve f…cking kicked up in the air - turnover.”
Hartley tried to settle things down after some “■■■■, absolute ■■■■” skills: “Guys don’t get anxious, stay calm.” This was good advice.
Ridley and Ambrose looked on as they did some moderate running around the oval while several other players, sore not injured, did some running around the main oval.
So there you have it - a team that has had three interstate trips and played three games in thirteen days. Injuries and “resting” players has meant that probably even the coach doesn’t know who his best 22 are but be of good cheer. The plan is for the team to go better in the second half of the season as the players spend more time together and begin to jell.
Remember too that the VFL on Saturday gets you the opportunity to see a “Fridge” and a “Freezer” in the same team so chill out and enjoy Sheed’s Farmers’ Match when the hayseeds come to town.
What is the point of coming good in the 2nd part of the year if you can’t make finals?
Every other team that’s trying to contend would have exactly the same approach - so unless our rate of improvement is greater than the other teams, then all we are doing is treading water.
We are rapidly becoming the ‘sick note’ club. Always ready with an excuse.
Thank you ,for report Jackie training. even though over season you’re appreciated,reports greatly. we no good. but training good , no midfield we have.
Thanks Jackie, I think the frustration amongst the players is a good sign. Not wanting to accept losing, expecting better is a good thing.
I wasn’t expecting to win last week or this week for that matter. I think it is fair to start having “normal” expectations of our club the following week onwards.
Up to this week we have performed well when reasonably fresh. We won’t be too fresh this week after a Perth trip and a 6 day break and 4 games in 18 days. I think it will be more reasonable to expect us to play like a match hardened side after this stint.
I dont mind the rush hour podcast.
Generally dont watch any footy media after a loss, so havent really done since our Anzac day win.They did talk about it during the game last week.