Post Game Passion: AFL 2019 Rd 8: Carlton vs. Collingwood

[Baggers]

The competition is fierce, but Cornes would have to be the pits as far as AFL media is concerned.

One of the very real risks in having a deep bottoming out / rebuild is that the "forgetting how to win" prolongs the amnesia and means it takes longer to get that winning feeling back. On the other hand, maybe forgetting how to win is yet another brainless footy cliche, and we lost simply because the opposition has greater depth, greater experience, better composure, and better at getting the momentum back and getting the game back on their terms.

I think both your scenarios are right/valid.

Losing can become ingrained and habitual and difficult to break - especially after years and being virtually accepted by the club for so long/part of the process of the rebuild. You said it well, IMHO. But it can be done, and once broken can only be eradicated by a succession of wins... close and comfortable.

Your second scenario had me thinking of observations from the commentators... that they always felt Rottingwood had 'another gear' and when the chips were down they found that gear and we folded under that increase in pressure from our opponents.

The coaching staff will have their work cut out for them this week. Dealing with the hurt of a close loss to a credible opponent, especially after bringing your best would be deflating but from that hurt can come a mongrel resolve... hopefully we find that against GWS. For a young group to find the 'fed up' button will be a challenge, all they need to know is that, collectively, they actually have what it takes.