Wow we're there are some disparate views among us lot! My obligatory sweeping comment is everyone should calm down, I think we've shown modest improvement (yes I'm aware we have played two ordinary teams).
I have privately been hugely critical of Neeld over the past month. Sure he might have come from one of the best systems in the league, and learnt from one of the best masters, but all that means is that he knows how to set up a training drill. He obviously struggles on game day and talent identification.
He's playing people out of position and Watts is a perfect example of that. He needs to move forward to the forward flank with a licence to push up the ground. With Clarke and Dawes back it will give him the opportunity to collect off half back and use his supposed speed through the middle and deliver inside 50; also kick 2 goals each week. Also move Grimes off the wing and have him as a key defender. A couple of efforts in that second half were a lot better than we've been getting from others, I also remember he used to provide a bit of rebound a couple of years ago.
Byrnes has been a lot better than some of you blokes seem to want to admit. He seems to get his hands on the ball and deliver with reasonable efficiency, get him on the wing.
Pederson and Gillies have to go, what a lemon. Same should be said for Rodan if he doesn't step up soon. Having Magner racking up more than 30 possession and plenty of hard ball gets for Casey week after week is ridiculous. I'm guessing they didn't get him up early because his skills are lacking. Who cares? Get him with his head over the ball and knock it out to some one on the spread, also adds a big physical presence and doesn't force N Jones to shoulder the burden each week.
Trengove had NO pre-season, obviously that's going to have a huge impact on his speed. Put him on an intense conditioning program for 4 weeks, play him at Casey and bring him back for the second half of the year with the bit between his teeth.
While I'm rambling, McDonald has gone backwards. He needs to be sent down for a couple.
Stability is important here. This is what it is. Throwing our hands in the air and baying for blood will solve nothing. With Viney and Toumpas coming through over the next 3 years we have something to look forward to. It will take patience, but you're all supposedly supporters so how about you start supporting!
