Why So Different??

[Vivian]

You guys are one trick ponies.  You got it wrong, is a far cry from thinking things through and analysing anything.

I'll give you a clue.

Chris Judd had no issues giving his all.

Why does anyone else? Why is he different?

Forget Malthouse,  this isn't about him.  Or you can pretend it is and that we didn't let a 29 point lead slip to a 3 point lead and you can also ignore that our first 6 goals were scores from port Adelaide's errors. 

Now the game plan is a factor and currently going flat stick seems to be the way to play.  Port are showing that unless you are super fit this won't always work.

What if they reduce rotations further? Will it be more open? Or more contested?

Think about it.  I'm pleased and worried about a difference in commitment.  it's encouraging to see, but worrying that it can return as soon as the emotional highs start to peeter out.

Agree with Thry. We need to have a look at the ladder and remind ourselves that we are really bad. To put it down to a single factor, in the context of a footy club with so many variables, is naive at best. Gameplans are overrated, and nor are players automatons. They are supposed to be professional footballers, so I find it doubful that a few kind or mean words from the head coach could so significantly influence performance without a lot of other factors in play.

I enjoyed the win alot. But we beat 10th place, and a team that is travelling badly to boot, at home, by 4 points, with frankly the rub of the green with umpiring and a bit of luck.

Malthouse clearly was not getting the best out the players, and his departure has been welcomed. There are a great many things that need to be addressed though, on top of a head coach replacement. Specifically, a 'take the game on' style of constant run and carry will not work and must be matched by team defence and tempo control. Flat out attack is easily defended against as PA are learning this year. So we can enjoy a bit of respite now, and watching some spring return is a good thing. But the club has a massive amount of work to do and should be under no illusions about the need for improvement in all areas.

I might add that the best coaches get their teams into a position where the coach no longer matters. Clarkson doesn't have to do much anymore on matchday, as he has half a team of captains out there. Likewise Geelong at their recent peak, and Brisbane in the early 2000s. Carlton right now have a lack of steel that defaults to players not being able to set their own direction very well. Its something to work on, and build, but it has more to do with the character and quality of players than whoever is coaching.

Lots of moving parts indeed.