The fact that we haven't improved or made any progress (as a team).

Still cant win against bogey sides, still cant win on bogey grounds.

We currently have 7.5 wins and 7 matches to go. We have games against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide (last and second last) coming up, plus very winnable games against Richmond and West Coast both at the MCG. We could very easily end up with 10.5 or 11.5 wins.

Considering we won 8.5 games last season and that it usually takes 12 wins to get into finals, dare I say that by itself shows improvement.

For the record, if we don't get even one win from either Geelong, Hawthorn or Carlton in coming weeks, I will agree that we won't have made the next step. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean there has been no team improvement.

We currently have 7.5 wins and 7 matches to go. We have games against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide (last and second last) coming up, plus very winnable games against Richmond and West Coast both at the MCG. We could very easily end up with 10.5 or 11.5 wins.

Considering we won 8.5 games last season and that it usually takes 12 wins to get into finals, dare I say that by itself shows improvement.

For the record, if we don't get even one win from either Geelong, Hawthorn or Carlton in coming weeks, I will agree that we won't have made the next step. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean there has been no team improvement.

I'll concede improvement when we stop producing 3 or 4 "shockers" every year. As in West Coast, Hawthorn, North and Doggies losses.

The Filth Looking like Back to Back flags is a major disappointment!!!!

The Filth Looking like Back to Back flags is a major disappointment!!!!

You just have to hate that!

Davey.

We'd be so much better with him in form.

Leadership group this year on and off the field.

The extent to which a number of D'land poster dont understand the implications of having such a young list of footballers.

Agree with the first point, but the second sounds suspiciously like an excuse if I am interpreting it correctly.

I'll concede improvement when we stop producing 3 or 4 "shockers" every year. As in West Coast, Hawthorn, North and Doggies losses.

That's a rediculous ways of assessing improvement.

Every team outside the top 4 has had the occasional shocker game. It's what happens when your an up-n-coming team filled with inexperienced kids.

We have definitely improve this season

Agree with the first point, but the second sounds suspiciously like an excuse if I am interpreting it correctly.

You have interpreted incorrectly.

Its actually a dose of realism. Its clear many dont understand the implications nor the impact of having such a young list (particular supported by an underperforming leadership).

If we can win one of the next 4 and then beat Richmond and Gold Coast then I don't really mind what happens from then on - ie. finals or not. I think it will have been a decent season. However I don't really like our chances of winning one of the next 4.

The biggest disappointment from a player perspective has to be Dunn. He played a great second half to last year but has delivered nothing at all this year. Besides that I think most players have been around where I expected them to be, with a few youngsters coming on well and a few probably not quiet reaching the level I'd love to see them at.

The other big disappointment has been this Scully saga. It's been disappointing that it's drag out so long and with so much speculation. Hopefully we get through to the end of the year without any dramatic and can hold our heads high whatever happens.

The second half against Hawthorn

+1

That's a rediculous ways of assessing improvement.

Every team outside the top 4 has had the occasional shocker game. It's what happens when your an up-n-coming team filled with inexperienced kids.

We have definitely improve this season

Why is it ridiculous? Bailey and the FD are constantly talking up the need for consistency in our performance. We have a very high average winning margin and a very high average losing margin. The high losing margin is a result of the shockers. We have been inconsistent for years - think back to the Daniher years - top four one year bottom four the next. Improvement for us is to put in our best every week.

Our backline has been a bit of a letdown for me. They're starting to get back to where they were last season, but for the most part they have been less impressive. I am wondering if Grimes will be able to force his way back in given the way Strauss and Tapscott are playing. Given the rapid development of Tom MacDonald and Davis at Casey, it may be that Grimes and Garland find themselves being overtaken by players who are bigger and better kicks. On the bright side, the depth we are developing back there is amazing.

I'm also a little bothered by Morton. I have defended him frequently when people have put him in their worst simply because it's what they do, but he has not produced to the level I would have liked. He has had a few good games where he was allowed to run free and play as a midfield linkman, but when he's had to be more accountable he's fallen short. I really hope he gets his head around the way he needs to play, because I still see a great player in him waiting to come out.

While Jurrah has looked lazy at times, the reality is that he is in the same boat that Robbo was for much of his career. He's a third or fourth tall who is being forced to play as a primary target while the youngsters develop. I think he's handling the situation quite well for a player of his experience, and his last few games have been a real improvement. He's also being helped by Martin And Watts improving and taking some of the attention away from him. Another pre-season to build his stamina and I think we'll be prety happy with what we see from him next year.

Definitely that 2nd half against hawthorn was insipid.

Also the queens birthday game.

Being outed by Mitch Robinson as being soft.

Tom Scully saga

Somehow Playing teams into form.

Agree with each of these. Add in the West Coast and Bulldogs games too.

You have interpreted incorrectly.

Its actually a dose of realism. Its clear many dont understand the implications nor the impact of having such a young list (particular supported by an underperforming leadership).

I can definitely relate to realism brought to a club by youngsters - my concern is how the youngsters are developed - they are certainly not the reason for wild up and down swings, as is often wrongly believed. Good leadership (particularly off field) has that responsibility. When you talk about posters, you need to remember that many of them are expressing opinions (rightfully so, and with genuine hopes in mind) but often without the benefit of experience.

Without doubt it is the Scully issue. The 'will-he-stay, will-he-go' saga has clouded our season. Incredibly disappointing.