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The Great 2016/17 Coaching Saga

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Posted April 10, 2017 08:28 · last edited April 10, 2017 08:30

aitkenmike wrote:

valeo wrote:

Ryan wrote:

This game is pretty important for mine, one of the problems is that the team hasn't been motivated for whatever reason, if they can get the team up for a game that doesn't matter then I will be happier with them next year.

For me the real issue, and the issue we've had for a while now, is that whenever the pressure is on we buckle under it. When there is no pressure, we usually knock it around quite well. I expect us to play well in the last game.

Exhibit A: Western Sydney game.

This feels a bit negative so I am happy to be talked out of this, but I think the good teams have another level they can go to.  We match up pretty well when they give us a bit of time and space.  But when they put the heat on us, our support play, movement into space, pace and ball skill are all collectively a bit below the best in possession.  If they are quick and close us and we are struggling to outpace them to get into space we're always going to be under pressure unless you have very good ball skills.  No problem with Krishna and Kosta, but Finkler, Vince and A Rod collectively can get put under the blow torch.

Similarly, in transition our defensive midfield struggles just enough for pace to be a problem and our FBs and DMs have been prone to get caught out.

There were signs on Saturday that our FBs were much quicker to drop and at least one DM stayed at home - and the coaches were talking about having worked on that.  But after half time when Sydney lifted their game we again struggled to stay with their pace and accuracy in transition.  Not sure if we just didn't adjust quick enough, or there are real differences in pace there.

I thought Sydney have a big team, and they are, but when they wanted to they were at least as quick as us and, through midfield, quicker moving the ball, and on the ball.  But I have to think that on Saturday they mostly coasted, till Arnold gave them a roast at half time.  And once they had the lead they coasted a fair bit again.

We've played two of three teams in the last games that had nothing much to play for.  I'm a bit concerned if we think we're good enough and the squad doesn't need to be improved.  But having Finkler play as well as he did on Saturday and Mc G back fit makes a big difference.  Buy a very good DM and things get very interesting.

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Unknown editor edited April 10, 2017 08:30
aitkenmike wrote:
valeo wrote:
Ryan wrote:

This game is pretty important for mine, one of the problems is that the team hasn't been motivated for whatever reason, if they can get the team up for a game that doesn't matter then I will be happier with them next year.

For me the real issue, and the issue we've had for a while now, is that whenever the pressure is on we buckle under it. When there is no pressure, we usually knock it around quite well. I expect us to play well in the last game.

Exhibit A: Western Sydney game.

This feels a bit negative so I am happy to be talked out of this, but I think the good teams have another level they can go to.  We match up pretty well when they give us a bit of time and space.  But when they put the heat on us, our support play, movement into space, pace and ball skill are all collectively a bit below the best in possession.  If they are quick and close us and we are struggling to outpace them to get into space we're always going to be under pressure unless you have very good ball skills.  No problem with Krishna and Kosta, but Finkler, Vince and A Rod collectively can get put under the blow torch.

Similarly, in transition our defensive midfield struggles just enough for pace to be a problem and our FBs and DMs have been prone to get caught out.

There were signs on Saturday that our FBs were much quicker to drop and at least one DM stayed at home - and the coaches were talking about having worked on that.  But after half time when Sydney lifted their game we again struggled to stay with their pace and accuracy in transition.  Not sure if we just didn't adjust quick enough, or there are real differences in pace there.

I thought Sydney have a big team, and they do, but when they wanted to they were at least as quick as us and, through midfield, quicker moving the ball, and on the ball.  But I have to think that on Saturday they mostly coasted, till Arnold gave them a roast at half time.  And once they had the lead they coasted a fair bit again.

We've played two of three teams in the last games that had nothing much to play for.  I'm a bit concerned if we think we're good enough and the squad doesn't need to be improved.  But having Finkler play as well as he did on Saturday and Mc G back fit makes a big difference.  Buy a very good DM and things get very interesting.