I only know our coach by glimpses in media and from a far addressing the team huddle at the MCG. However, the impression I have he's determined,articulate, has football nous, is one tough hombre, and no nonsense but very intense. All excellent attributes for an AFL coach except the intensity because it's adversely impacting and affecting the players like a disease. I realise his predecessor had a criticism leveled at him that he was too familiar with the player group and might not of made the hard decisions when necessary. At the moment the hard love isn't working. The player group are playing scared, like startled kangaroos in the headlights of a 4WD. I believe the intensity of the coach is causing self doubt in the minds of the players, that's why they look unsure , making dubious decisions under pressure, appear to be ball watching than marking an opponent and many times this year without any apparent pressure making errors. At AFL level a nano second is critical and thought processes must be crystal clear.
I think it is time for a little reflection and perspective on what Mark has inherited. there's no doubt the 186 point demolition was a low point but remember it was against a team arguably the best team in the AFL/VFL since WW2 and they where up on the day and went on to win the premiership. (A 101 point loss to a out of form Swans is a far worst result.)Implied by that great football authority(tongue in cheek) Mitch Robinson of bruise free football which the media looking for a headline,ran with. To a degree this is correct but the last coaching regime for reasons unknown didn't embrace the forward press to the extent of other teams and it appeared that we didn't start applying pressure until the ball was virtually in the opposing team's goal square. However I never thought our players couldn't defend but should of definitely soon after the opposition took control of the ball. Mark from firsthand experience in 2010, knows the MFC took Collingwood to a draw and 1 lost and with a little luck could of won both. The Collingwood team in 2012 is no stronger then their 2010 team. The core of our 2010 team is still at Mark's disposal. I believe our problems were more the result of poor tactics than the attitude and skill levels of the player group. With all the forementioned in mind, the supposed rabble won 8 and half games last year which I believe should been a solid base to go forward.
The coach should go into work tomorrow thinking the glass is half full not half empty. Think the player's at his disposal are AFL standard and make them feel that way. Don't complicate matters, players in a fragile state of mind just need to keep to the basics, run to space when we have the ball and man up when we don't. 25 to 24 goal win is better than 6 goal to 20 goal defeat. I believe the 180 degree change to the previous regime has been kill over. A revolution has occurred when only evolution was required. We have thrown the baby out with bath water. Mark please go into work tomorrow and be relaxed and make all sundry know you the days of intensity are over but the focus is no way diminished. There is still time to turn matters around and gain the respect and trust of the players and the broader Melbourne Football Club community.
Please don't think for one moment, I think ill of Mark Neeld because if he's successful,this means the MFC is successful which will make me extremely happy however, the jury is still out.
