i think six years of team building is hardly what ricki has had
first year was short notice, then started to get up a head of steam over the next two years before Serepisos dropped the free lunch. This year is first year back at "normal" recruitment and he has a legacy of some players he had to sign under Terry when the cash was short, plus is having his first year with significant injury concerns.
I am wondering if our abysmal performance last week had something to do with three midfielders who knew their future at the 'Nix was being questioned. The comment was made that Welnix had a discussion with Ricki on attacking footy and that Ricki agrees with their intentions regarding football style. There is clearly some focus on the midfield regarding that. Perhaps they knew about this before the game.
Regardless, they sure as heck didn't look like they were playing for their places, Smith excepted, who always at least works hard.
Hopefully they are over it for this weekend and the diving payback is more motivation.