2022, what a ride. Now, all eyes on 'the now' and this Saturday night's game. But first a humble musing.
When you’re a passionate, committed supporter of the BlueBaggers, as most of us here are, it actually hurts to see the performances of the past two weeks. Especially against the backdrop and promise of an 8-2 start. Not to mention narratives from the club stating goals of earning the competition’s respect, finals and that the second half of the year would be better than the first half. I wasn’t at all surprised with our Crowmuncher or BrisVegas efforts… I just couldn’t see how we’d get something different with the same approach and weakened personnel on the paddock (particularly, to be specific, no Hewett and Kennedy).
Personally, I thought the first stated goal, earning the competition’s respect, after the huge, much needed changes, should have been the single focus; the not-negotiable; the expectation. We’ve a painful history of poor finishes to the season, and this one is no different… at this stage. Over promising then under delivering opens a lot of wounds at our club.
No matter how hard you try, the mistakes of the past will revisit if not thoroughly acknowledged, addressed and acted upon. And last year we certainly did that. No more easy/quick fixes (sweeping under the carpet stuff). Boldness, honesty, thoroughness and commitment to best practice excellence delivered a much better Board, President and CEO. Quality people who understand sustained success, and what is required, now hold the reins.
Reality: Our on-field success, though, is a work-in-progress… we’re building foundations and the coaching group is getting a good look at our list, and themselves.
I’ve no doubt that the hard work of our pre-season, many new, experienced and strong coaching voices injected much needed direction, enthusiasm and passion into our talented group. But it’s made for a longer season than most, though needed.
However, our on-field past still leaves baggage, apparent for all to see in our back half of the season… once a little fatigue from a long season set in – we resorted to type, particularly in our last two games. There are scars from sustained failure being dealt with (above the shoulders stuff) and these scars have retarded leadership and discipline, also plain to see since the bye.
Then… and to compound the issues of baggage, is the inability to establish continuity with the on-field group. Yep, the inordinate injury list.
Then… the playing list, plenty of talent but a few non-hackers and injury prone folks who couldn’t be relied upon – not their fault, that’s who they are.
Change. Only a perception from the cheap seats, but it hasn’t looked like our blokes are actually engaged/enjoying playing on game day. We must do something for these next two games that engenders enjoyment, challenge and embraces boldness… a bit more freedom? How to move the balance away from chore/fear/minimizing damage/opponent to a united, excited desire and wanting of the challenge; wanting your opponent to bring their best so you can show your ruthlessness, that you’re not to be messed with.
And this boldness also has to include coaches and selection. Bring in Pitto, Kemp, Stocks and Hayes… and give them big jobs and encourage them to grasp responsibility and dare. Challenge them. Show faith in them.
There has been much to love about this year, particularly the development of TDK, Boyd, Kennedy, Motlop, Young, Newman, LOB, Gov as a defender, Cottrell, Charlie’s dynamic return, Doc: an inspirational story, Small Durds, the impact of Hewett and potential CFC B&F form of Saad. But the year aint done and yes, right now, we’re in the sh1tter but I believe we have the people to change that, in style, this Saturday night.
When you’re a passionate, committed supporter of the BlueBaggers, as most of us here are, it actually hurts to see the performances of the past two weeks. Especially against the backdrop and promise of an 8-2 start. Not to mention narratives from the club stating goals of earning the competition’s respect, finals and that the second half of the year would be better than the first half. I wasn’t at all surprised with our Crowmuncher or BrisVegas efforts… I just couldn’t see how we’d get something different with the same approach and weakened personnel on the paddock (particularly, to be specific, no Hewett and Kennedy).
Personally, I thought the first stated goal, earning the competition’s respect, after the huge, much needed changes, should have been the single focus; the not-negotiable; the expectation. We’ve a painful history of poor finishes to the season, and this one is no different… at this stage. Over promising then under delivering opens a lot of wounds at our club.
No matter how hard you try, the mistakes of the past will revisit if not thoroughly acknowledged, addressed and acted upon. And last year we certainly did that. No more easy/quick fixes (sweeping under the carpet stuff). Boldness, honesty, thoroughness and commitment to best practice excellence delivered a much better Board, President and CEO. Quality people who understand sustained success, and what is required, now hold the reins.
Reality: Our on-field success, though, is a work-in-progress… we’re building foundations and the coaching group is getting a good look at our list, and themselves.
I’ve no doubt that the hard work of our pre-season, many new, experienced and strong coaching voices injected much needed direction, enthusiasm and passion into our talented group. But it’s made for a longer season than most, though needed.
However, our on-field past still leaves baggage, apparent for all to see in our back half of the season… once a little fatigue from a long season set in – we resorted to type, particularly in our last two games. There are scars from sustained failure being dealt with (above the shoulders stuff) and these scars have retarded leadership and discipline, also plain to see since the bye.
Then… and to compound the issues of baggage, is the inability to establish continuity with the on-field group. Yep, the inordinate injury list.
Then… the playing list, plenty of talent but a few non-hackers and injury prone folks who couldn’t be relied upon – not their fault, that’s who they are.
Change. Only a perception from the cheap seats, but it hasn’t looked like our blokes are actually engaged/enjoying playing on game day. We must do something for these next two games that engenders enjoyment, challenge and embraces boldness… a bit more freedom? How to move the balance away from chore/fear/minimizing damage/opponent to a united, excited desire and wanting of the challenge; wanting your opponent to bring their best so you can show your ruthlessness, that you’re not to be messed with.
And this boldness also has to include coaches and selection. Bring in Pitto, Kemp, Stocks and Hayes… and give them big jobs and encourage them to grasp responsibility and dare. Challenge them. Show faith in them.
There has been much to love about this year, particularly the development of TDK, Boyd, Kennedy, Motlop, Young, Newman, LOB, Gov as a defender, Cottrell, Charlie’s dynamic return, Doc: an inspirational story, Small Durds, the impact of Hewett and potential CFC B&F form of Saad. But the year aint done and yes, right now, we’re in the sh1tter but I believe we have the people to change that, in style, this Saturday night.
Only our ruthless best, from Board to bootstudders will get us no. 17