07-04-2015, 02:12 PM
A reality check tonight.
while I'm yet to watch much of the game, having only caught the last bit (broken internet in switzerland, how can it be!), it showed that we have the same deficiencies we have known about for a long time. And that's fine. Let's be under no illusions.
Skills under pressure and decision making are the difference between the good sides and the likes of us and the other also rans, bulldogs included. We know that new players have to be brought in, and that improvement will come gradually and slowly. Our younger players get to play and develop, and some criticism of first year players is hardly fair.
The AFL is a big step up, and it has become more so in recent years. Its demands require a few years of development and it is rare that a 19 year old can have much of an impact for more than just a few games. The gradual improvement of buckly, docherty and bell for example demonstrates how long it takes. All are becoming good footballers most of all by better decision making and skills under pressure, and reducing mistakes. Cripps will have his down games too over the next couple of years too, regardless of injuries.
A plus, despite the loss, is that the tackles were up, and we restricted scoring against too rather than getting holes punched in us. Suggests that we are maintaining structure much better, indicating commitment and better understanding of responsibilities.
while I'm yet to watch much of the game, having only caught the last bit (broken internet in switzerland, how can it be!), it showed that we have the same deficiencies we have known about for a long time. And that's fine. Let's be under no illusions.
Skills under pressure and decision making are the difference between the good sides and the likes of us and the other also rans, bulldogs included. We know that new players have to be brought in, and that improvement will come gradually and slowly. Our younger players get to play and develop, and some criticism of first year players is hardly fair.
The AFL is a big step up, and it has become more so in recent years. Its demands require a few years of development and it is rare that a 19 year old can have much of an impact for more than just a few games. The gradual improvement of buckly, docherty and bell for example demonstrates how long it takes. All are becoming good footballers most of all by better decision making and skills under pressure, and reducing mistakes. Cripps will have his down games too over the next couple of years too, regardless of injuries.
A plus, despite the loss, is that the tackles were up, and we restricted scoring against too rather than getting holes punched in us. Suggests that we are maintaining structure much better, indicating commitment and better understanding of responsibilities.