Carlton pasted by Pies (Post Game)

[Lods]

Been thinking about our terrible efforts and many suggest it's a Coach has lost the players issue...

Maybe the 'rift' is between players? And it spreads as people takes sides....?

That wouldn't surprise at all.
When things are going bad and you have a group of fringe players all trying to break into the side there will be many who think they deserve a spot ahead of others.

Now the argument against that is that they should suck it it up and get on with the job, but if you see a bloke getting a string of games and producing little while you get no opportunities it's only natural to be a little resentful.

You start to see hidden motives....Is he a coach favourite?..Are they playing him because they have to justify recruiting him?

Just as an example....
If you were Matthew Watson
You finished off 2014 with a very good game
The coach said how pleased he was that you'd finally developed a bit of self belief
Your setting yourself up for 2015 then.....
The club recruits and talks up a new recruit
He plays the first 5 games and shows very little.
With each game that goes by Watson may be starting to wonder if he's ever going to get an opportunity.
Now the easy solution would be for Watson to kick 7 or 8 goals in the VFL and demand a spot.
....but it doesn't stop individuals from feeling hard done by.
(Note:.. I'm just using Watson as an example...he may be coping quite well with the situation.)

Now imagine you're Marc Murphy
You get kicked from pillar to post each weekend with little support from your team-mates
You're savaged by supporters for your lack of leadership.
Your lack of effort is highlighted in the media.
All the while the former captain is praised all over the place for his continued effort and inspiration.
This despite the fact that your own stats including defensive and pressure stats compare pretty favourably.
Even the best of us would feel a little aggrieved and resentful
(again just an example....BTW I reckon he's carrying a chronic injury)

Inconsistency in the treatment of players is one element that can have a detrimental effect on team dynamics.
Some may be embracing Mick's philosophy and game plan, others may not be so on-board. That can lead to divisions.
In the midst of a "rebuild" some players are probably distracted with no guarantees of a position next year.
Age and interest differences can contribute to a gap in the team. That's natural and understandable but still a factor in bonding within a struggling side.

Now maybe none of that is occurring, but there seems to be an inability for the team to play four quarters as a "team".