This thought occurred to me this week after a couple of really flat performances.
A few years ago it was common for top teams to go off the boil for a few weeks in the lead up to the finals. This was often put down to the players being put through a heavy load of training so that they would be primed for action in September. I seem to recall both Adelaide teams that won flags went through a flat spot close to the end of the season.
Noting that Goodwin was very much involved in the success I wonder if it might be a reason for the apparent lack of energy displayed, particularly in the last 2.5 weeks.
In addition, Goodwin keeps repeating that it only matters where you finish after R23, maybe the coaches expected a drop off. Although its noted that if they did they have cut it very fine ?.
Anyway, it was just a thought. Have any regular trackwatchers noted any heavier than usual loads?