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If someone had said to me, before the season got under way that we would be sitting on top on the ladder with only 2 losses I would have had them committed, and calling in the men in white coats. I have to go back to the 60's when every game I expected us to win (against anyone at the time).Expecting them to smash lower teams was a given.Over the years I like most, if not nearly everyone ,those expectations went out the window. One turning point for me was round 6,1992. 51-52? points up at the start of the last quarter against the Bummers, we lost! by a point. I sat dumbfounded, that was nearly as bad as the '87 Prem Final (but that's another story). From about there, I am supporting a team that you just can't trust to win any game. Over the years that has pretty much been the norm. And people wonder why we don't trust them. The faith in the team gets shattered nearly every time we expect a win, only to see our hopes go down the gurgler. Skipping ahead to where we are today. I wouldn't go as far as to say I like the fact, when the game was looking another slack performance, we have dug deep and got out the other side with a win. This based on a strong 2nd half. If we ever manage to play 4 quarters like that, then the belief builds. I'll credit Darren Burgess for getting them to a level that not only can we run out 4 quarters,but in the back of your mind you expect them to come home strong. 'Choco' Williams, I credit as the guy doing the stuff in the background, improving skillset and mindset.(I had hoped we had him a few years prior to now,but it didn't happen). We have basically the same list as the past couple of years. The improvement to some has been noticable. Now hoping he sticks around for a few more years. Between Burgess and Williams the improvement is in the pudding. (would be a kick in guts to lose one or the other right now). Goodwin .... I'm still on the fence. From all reports, he gets along with the players (can't please everyone), but needs a good support team behind him. It's looking like he has got that now. When it all goes pear shaped the coach cops it.We are on top of the ladder,so he gets credit for that. Yze has been groomed to be a head coach,he has served his apprenticeship ,if he doesn't get poached,I would like him to take over when Goodwins' time is up. We had a change at the top. Barlett stepped aside.I didn't see that coming, and a big thanks to him in the time he was at the helm.Wish him well.He got us through a rocky road. Now a 1st female Pres, looks like enjoying her first year guiding us through the finals. *just a word of warning*, DON'T send out finals tickets to members before it's confirmed we are actually playing them in. Thankfully that transformation went by without a hitch.Unlike some past events.A stable board is a strong and stable club.I haven't seen anything to gloat about yet,if we ever win a Grand Final. enjoy, but keep the ego's in check. Big heads are the downfall of any club. Nathan Jones made to 300 games. What a legend! Must say though, not overly gifted as a player.but he deserved the 300 game milestone.Every club needs a "Chunk" in their team. Could have easy walked to another club, and may have been even better in a strong team.The crap he endured is a testament to the man himself. I get peeved off at umps like everyone else, very rarely do I blame an ump for us losing a game. If we are good enough to win then it shouldn't be because of a crap decision. But having watched yesterdays game (QB) that mark awarded to Cameron near goal,that clearly May had his hands on 1st.Was a howler!! Look I know umpires get the gig cause their eyesight isn't the best, and its handy to confirm when there is a reply. but jezzus. Here is something left field that might worth a discussion. That is having a appeal,the Capt (or player?) can appeal,perhaps only 1 allowed per quarter per team. It may hold up the play a bit, although I don't like unnecessary holdups (NFL - stop/starts) Goal reviews can be bad enough,but a dodgy ump call might cost a team a GF win. To offset that stoppage, do away with the stupid nominate your ruckman at boundary throwins,and just get on with throwing the ball back regardless. Keep the nomination in ballups in general play. I will leave it there , I could go on about my thoughts on the players that have improved this year,and some that have been a disappointment (Weideman comes to mind for some reason). Please feel free to discuss your thoughts on our season thus far --- players, coaches etc. Just keep the bickering down a notch or two, opinions matter.