The opposition run on

[Baggers]

The 'opposition run on'

Why is it happening so often?
How do we stop it?

No doubt it's a topic of hot discussion amongst our coaching group.
They're struggling to find the answer.

There seems to be a couple of 'schools of thought' at a supporter level....

Some see us as 'very close'. We dominate games for long stretches. If we can just stop these constant periods where the opposition get a bit of run... we'll be there!

Other see us as still a 'fair way away'. A line up that's far from settled. To them it just seems the opposition have to press a button, go up a level, and we have no answer.

Is it a mental/attitude thing? (not coming ready to play, switching off when in a winning position)
Is it a personnel issue (players capable of the shutdown)
Is it a 'fitness issue'? (possibly, but many of these lapses occur in early parts of a game.)
Is it a leadership problem when these runs occur? (Who stands up?)
Is it a coaching issue (moves that don't occur, or don't work)?

(All of the above?)

1. On-field leadership. Too much reliance on too few - too many passengers/lack of discipline.
2. Reactionary game day changes only.
3. Loser in-ground culture resulting from 20 + years of instability = zero killer instinct - fold under pressure/brittle confidence/not enough mongrel.
4. Injuries to key personnel / playing injured & poor performing blokes.
5. Is the game plan designed to suit the list (?) or are we trying to make blokes into things they're not - square peg, round hole syndrome.

Just some thought starters.