Hellish Inferno

Should preface all this criticism by saying it's only been one game so far, which we still won. If these issues remain for the next few rounds then I'll be much more concerned

Yeah it makes you wonder what they actually do at training all week. Just go through the motions? Frustrating when you see other teams do what we can't, but should be able to

Yep, that's what this thread is about. All the other stuff is important, but isn't as relevant to what I'm talking about. But fair point that it won't take just one, but all to perform their role.

He's a freak, but is he a leader that can organise and direct others? That's what I'm on about. I don't think he can...yet...

First up, fairly content with the result today and think there's plenty of upside to come. Although it was not perfect by any means. But during the game I wondered, who actually is our midfield 'leader'? We have a number of top players and arguably the best ruckman in the league, but as the commentators pointed out, we didn't have an answer to the way Freo setup at stoppages and exploited our midfield. We didn't have a leader that realised this and organised the troops. We have too many players that get in each others way and do their own thing. When I think of most teams I can name a clear midfield leader. Freo has Fyfe for example. Who is ours, or has the potential to be? Viney perhaps. But does he have a strong enough footy IQ to simultaneously organise the play and be the bull he is? Petracca and Oliver are great players but unfortunately don't seem up to that. Gawn probably should be. But I get the impression he doesn't always grasp when things need to change and when to take charge. The backline is our strongest and is partly so due to the leadership and organisation provided by May and Lever. I wish our midfield (and forwardline) operated the same way.

Just watched the "video of the week" on the Demonland homepage and have to say, although we scored a goal, gee it epitomises so many of our problems, particularly f50 entry and forwardline craft Starts with Jones anticipating the play well and runs forward for a Trac handball. The first good thing up until ANB scores the goal. Vanders follows Jones, fails to shepherd and in facts gets so close that Jones is probably unsure if he's an opponent, so kicks long inside f50 when they could have run it through the middle. By kicking long to Fritsch as a target, Jones has kicked it over the head of many*, including TMac who is caught out of position. His opponent reads the play better, backs back and fortuitously two Bulldogs players spoil each other. * I can see how this play might work, if we had a gorilla forward, forget the loose defensive man often inside our f50, and if our smaller forwards actually get to the drop of the ball. But then, the ball spills and a Bulldogs defender runs onto it (Spargo trailing) and gets a bad bounce off his chest into the arms of ANB who slots the goal. Meanwhile Fritsch catches the Bulldog player high not lucky to not get a free called against. If we rely on getting lucky, freakish goals like this every game, we're toast

Example of poor defensive structure, lack of accountability, organisation and leadership. Why so many players manning free space just 10 metres behind the mark? You can see English running towards goal left of the screen Outnumbered at fall of the ball. Bruce literally stopped and walked to not get in the way. 4 players trailing on edge of the frame...fmd How can this type of thing happen for professionals that train as much as they do. Selfish, undisciplined and stupid. Really hope this game wasn't a sign of things to come.

The club could partner up with some kind of organisation to generate funds, create interest and added value in terms of community benefit to outweigh any challenges with building on public parkland or removing trees. Would be a good sell. I heard that Apple stores have a good track record. Or what about Brewmanity through Neita, if we develop a home training base with a micro-brewery business on the side. Gotta find a way to replace that gaming revenue...

Has Albert Park been discussed before?

3 spots for photoshopping. BB, Pickett and ...?

To track watchers, thank you, but I have a question. Would you say that we appear to be training "systems" in drills? In other words, are the coaches teaching specific positioning and player movement in certain scenarios. The best teams are the ones that are well drilled and play a recognisable system that the players "get" and can execute. I hope Yze brings some great knowledge from the Hawks, but equally he has a way of teaching that drills in a system. I often get the feeling our players are just running around like u12's and have vague instructions like "create space" or "block for your teammate". The problem is our midfield often get in each others way. So many times we play good teams where the players know when and where to go. It's concerning to hear of too many handballs to players who aren't really clear and therefore requires extra evasion to get clear. Or maybe we're just so great at defence?! Given how professional the league is these days, and the staff, time and technology available, I imagine they would already be doing this. The problem is I don't really see it in games

Part of the next dynasty?

I'd be very worried if someone was putting on a polo shirt inside out... Just mirrored due to being a selfie - someone from the club should have flipped horizontally in photoshop

Pretty sure it's just to indicate opposite teams for drills with a handful of players i.e. 4 v 3 etc Don't want to see the red top though, as usually an indicator of 'no contact' due to player niggle or injury

Haha yep definitely a major issue that needs a fix, hopefull this goes a long way towards it! If only they had a few extra cms and kgs, but footy IQ is a must

I hope he got the sack

Is the building completely new, or was it a renovation? Looks not too shabby. Clearly the facilities not the "best in the comp" but good to get an upgrade. Tom Sparrow mentions there's new equipment so that can only be a good thing

Haha yeah no worries, to be honest my reply is the same no matter if you were being ironic or serious

Don't go Burgo!!

A thriving school with many distinguished alumni

Bombers had picks 6,7 and 8. Dogs wanted two 1st round picks for Dunkley and Bombers apparently were offering pick 7 and future 2nd round. Not sure why the Bombers didn't trade down pick 8 for picks including a late 1st rounder. Surely that would have got it over the line and been fairer for all parties

Yes don't worry, I have faith! Let's see if any late trade goes down too?? Also looks like we need to revisit the draft thread to see who's available thereabouts

Wow if true we can't stink it up next year

If we grab him reckon we're a Top 4 chance. He's not afraid to get in amongst it. After all, he has experience at the sharp end of things...