Glad we're not playing semifinal football tonight. Simply because we're not ready for it.
Think Ernie's always targeted next year as our year, but smartly signed Griffiths after the halfway window, as most of the club, and us, felt we were a chance, ahead of our time.
The 2 windows worked against us badly. Most sides below us went full tit on improving their commitment, and that last FIFA window just killed us. Probably the major concern there is that the Rufers and Ridentons haven't come on - well not to the stage where Ernie would pick them. Don't know if our Kiwi 'kids' get it. Lots of their Oz counterparts are from working class backgrounds, and really, none of our so- called kids have showed they can hack it at this level. (is that a comfy old middle class Kiwi thing - as none of them look like they want it !)
We have 2 or 3 starting players who aren't quite good enough (now) for the starting eleven in a Final. I think Lia's a hero for this club. Just wish our kids could learn the commitment thing from him. Same with Muscat. They have given this club heaps,.Plus Boxall is a centre back - nothing more - which it why he quite rightly is leaving.
This weekend, the side that wins the 50 50 midfield ball will win their semis. We are a way better side than Melbourne City, but they had it where it counts in a Final - and outmuscled us in midfield - easily.
Has never changed in A League Finals Football. Until we can compete at that torrid level in Finals Football with a true inforcer (2016 version of Lia) then we can't win this Comp.