the pearl

...... 6. Miller - all contested stuf 5. Green - all classy stuff 4. Bruce - all commitment 3. CJ - has learned to kick to position 2. PJ- ball of muscle 1. Wheatley - great skills

It concerns me to see Miller's game rated below Green's game by Demonland frontrunners. Miller's performance was all contested stuff - one on one - gutsy, committed, explosive. Green is a great quarterback-style loose man in the back line and he is playing really well. Miller was the match-winner.

One thing that was clearly evident from the Big V / DT clash was the stunning pace exhibited by the best players in the country. Recruiting needs to be based on the player's ability to run fast - great coaches should be able to teach them the rest. Look at the speed shown by goodes, stokes, foley, harvey. burgoynes, etc, etc .... Our best on-ballers get tackled when they're trying to break away from centre or packs or contests. We lack genuine foot speed!

Cooney

Bluetankers would always be a chance to challenge us for early draft picks. Now they've secured memberships, sponsorship ... they've sung the club song a couple of times to teach it to the players, they set about the serious business of tanking the rest of the season. Don't be surprised if the filth join the race with a couple more losses!

...perhaps.

When skill execution is such a problem at the moment, why would anyone consider getting rid of Whelan who can execute AND he makes great decisions. He has super control over the basics and he possesses a touch of magic.

Then what is it about playing for Sandy that is good physiotherapy, Himark?

The guys from the Barassi / Northey era are the ones we need as coaches and assistant coaches if we're really going to have a new, original approach to winning games. Those guys played for each other and won games against all odds regularly. Forget the psychological assessments and the powerpoint presentations. Who can do it?

I think there are a few question marks next to his support staff. Players, who were renowned for their sublime skills in past seasons can't catch, kick out of bounds or handball to the opposition so that they can goal. Mahoney?? I'd prefer Viney or Lyon.

In three games, we've had problems with skills and decision-making. Unfortunately, that's the game! No-one knows how the game plan stands up or what our fitness is like, because we can't keep possession of the ball. Maybe DB's support staff need to be looked at or replaced by ex-Northey demons like Viney, Yeats, Lyon etc who have the qualifications and knowledge to teach and emphasize the skills.