Having now watched the full replay I’ll offer some thoughts.
It was almost like watching a different team at times. Q1 and Q4 was like watching 18 individuals run out on the ground and watch the game unfold with minimal effort, no run and no teamwork. Q2 and Q3 the same players worked, ran hard together and tackled with intensity.
When we stopped running we resorted to predictable play that the tigers picked up easily. And it was the same tactic that killed us last year - get a mark, stop, take time, quick long down the line. No run and carry at all in the bad quarters. Richmond just put more players at the drop of the ball and knocked it around until their numbers won out.
Defensively, I’m begging you Bolts - abandon our zone. Players guarding space doesn’t work for us. Our midfield don’t play defensively enough and the lack of pressure exposes the backline who stand off their opponents too much. We might grow to suit the zone as we improve but for now we absolutely must drop an extra man back for most of the game to stop the easy forward movement by the opposition.
The irony of our forward line is that our tall players look quick, are mobile and cover the ground but our small forwards look strong but move slow. Ed is not a small forward. He lacks the speed to chase and isn’t creative enough to seize the moment and play on. Perhaps we could try swapping him and Garlett?
I thought Charlie was below his best, but he was apparently among our players covering the most ground. So he’s working hard but being ineffective. Hopefully gets back into form after this one.
Finally, we’ll done Walsh. A good showing from the lad in his first game.
It was almost like watching a different team at times. Q1 and Q4 was like watching 18 individuals run out on the ground and watch the game unfold with minimal effort, no run and no teamwork. Q2 and Q3 the same players worked, ran hard together and tackled with intensity.
When we stopped running we resorted to predictable play that the tigers picked up easily. And it was the same tactic that killed us last year - get a mark, stop, take time, quick long down the line. No run and carry at all in the bad quarters. Richmond just put more players at the drop of the ball and knocked it around until their numbers won out.
Defensively, I’m begging you Bolts - abandon our zone. Players guarding space doesn’t work for us. Our midfield don’t play defensively enough and the lack of pressure exposes the backline who stand off their opponents too much. We might grow to suit the zone as we improve but for now we absolutely must drop an extra man back for most of the game to stop the easy forward movement by the opposition.
The irony of our forward line is that our tall players look quick, are mobile and cover the ground but our small forwards look strong but move slow. Ed is not a small forward. He lacks the speed to chase and isn’t creative enough to seize the moment and play on. Perhaps we could try swapping him and Garlett?
I thought Charlie was below his best, but he was apparently among our players covering the most ground. So he’s working hard but being ineffective. Hopefully gets back into form after this one.
Finally, we’ll done Walsh. A good showing from the lad in his first game.