Reflecting on what it takes to win finals:
Rock solid defence - every player has a defensive role
Contested ball and clearance wins
A game changer player who does some extraordinary things.
The ability to deliver inside 50 (against other rock solid defensive units)
I think we are not too far away on 1.When we ran hard both ways we looked OK, but this year our half forwards and some midfielders were routinely average at this, which cost us games.
I think we should be at the level on point 2, but we have to enhance clearance from contested ball wins. Too often we are at the contest, but get done in the clearance.
We have Petracca and some cameos for point 3, and would need to have one or two more super-classy players to tick this off.
Point 4 is still a serious concern. We could have Dunstall and Lockett inside 50 and still be rubbish given how poor we delivered the ball in there. It cost both Port and Brisbane the games last weekend, and we are no-where close.
Its not about Only making finals, its about winning them.