Post Match. Lions pip Pies - all comments

[rocketronnie]

Apologies for the cross-posting:

I see it this way.

Some key players got beaten on the night, and that forced changes that didn't work to our advantage. In the forward line, Patfull beat Cloke (as he has done before). And Anthony beat himself, again, by trying for contested marks rather than presenting for the footy (i.e. leading).

But more important was the backline. Heater got towelled, I think by Justin Sherman. And Reid was beaten all ends up by Jonathan Brown. Fair play; that was always a big ask for the young man, and if he's going to be our long-term centre half-back he needs to play on the best forwards.

But what that meant was that Presti - who was beating Fevola - had to move onto Brown. Once that happened we were in a bit of strife, because we don't have anyone other than Presti really capable of going with Fev, who is too quick on the lead and strong in the air. Maxwell isn't a great one-on-one player and though Presti at least contained Brown, Fev got off the chain.

Moreover, having to mind Fev robbed Maxwell of his ability to rebound off half-back. With Heater also being beaten, this essential part of our game was shut down. Harry O'Brien was very good - he saved us from getting a real hiding in the last quarter - but I doubt he would have done any better on Fevola.

Finally I'd like to the point to the fact that we had just 49 tackles tonight, well down on previous weeks - and Dane Swan and Alan Toovey had 19 of those tackles between them! The phrase "too much left to too few" comes to mind here - most of our boys just didn't work hard enough when they didn't have it.

The fact is, players play the game. The Lions won in key areas tonight, but they won it out on the ground, not in the stands.

Good analysis - I thought we lost it at the selection table. Leroy the Anvil should have played ahead of Reid who was always going to killed by Brown. And moving Presti though necessary at the time was always going to unleash Fevola. I also thought the Dawes/Anthony selection was a blue - my view is you can't play then both as Anthony basically wants to be Dawes and also seems to be unable to beat good class defenders. I would have preferred Lockyer in instead or a younger smaller option. We miss Medhurst's class and pressure, the sooner he's fit the better.

Overall we met a team that includes, over the modern era, some of the better players going around. On Saturday night they jelled and showed why they were instrumental in three premierships in a row. I'm not that upset by this loss, backing up after Geelong was always going to be a challenge. We are 7/3 and should continue to accumulate enough wins to finish top four. Spitting the dummy and carrying on like a tantrumning two year old is just so unnecessary.

[Piesnchess]

The eddieland crowd, the vestige of positivity, the eccense of "she"ll be right mate, no probs at all" After that inept display against a third rate Lions outfit. ?? You lot remind me of the steward on the Titanic, who told some poor soul " No need to worry, we just brushed an iceberg,must have broken the propellor, we will be on our way shortly though. Can i get you a cup of tea " ?

[jackcass]

Problem was the midfield tonight. Black, Power and Rich single handedly smacked our midfield. Ball was the only one who looked like winning a stoppage. Pendlebury was OK. Swan was used more across half back to generate run in the absence of Heath SHaw having any influence.



The 3 talls up forward did not work...and it will not work as long as there are 2 ruckmen as well. There was large chunks of the game where both ruckmen were also on the field.

If Davis and Medhurst are there, atleats you have some defensive pressure. But without them, it meant Didak and Thomas had to go forward...and they were perhaps our best midfielders to 3 quarter time. SO it was a bit loss to our midfield which was getting smacked.


Jolly dissapointed me. He is getting smacked in the ruck and his pressure is lazy.



Thomas, Macaffer, Presti, Pendlebury and Ball were good. Everyone else quite poor. Jonno is slipping a bit. May need a rest to regain his touch. He strikes me as the type who comes back well from a lay off...but can't string it together over 2 months.


Reid playing was a mistake. I called it all week that Reid would get smashed by Brown...and he did. Presti was forced to move over to Brown, and when he did Fev dominated.


Pretty dissapointing....but ultimately every side this year is having down patches. Even Geelong and Saints have had a few bad games. Doggies and Carlton are up and down.


So hopefully this is just our turn...and we bounce back quick. From here we can either fall apart together or re-galvanise. It's been a huge 2 months for us....so I think we are looking forward to the split round.

But we need 2 wins heading into the split round.

Still haven't written off the 3 tall forward option but I agree that there isn't room for 3 talls and a resting ruckman in one forwrd line in modern footy. Not seeing the game live it's hard to tell if all 4 were in the one forward line at the one time from the limited tv view, but you'd like to think that the resting ruckman would only ever go forward if one of the three talls was rotated off for a rest.

[Pied Piper]

The eddieland crowd, the vestige of positivity, the eccense of "she"ll be right mate, no probs at all" After that inept display against a third rate Lions outfit. ?? You lot remind me of the steward on the Titanic, who told some poor soul " No need to worry, we just brushed an iceberg,must have broken the propellor, we will be on our way shortly though. Can i get you a cup of tea " ?

OH FFS, QUIT WITH THIS EDDIELAND CRAP ALREADY. I don't give a flying fart in a fan factory about Eddie, and contrary to you and jack_spain's assertions I do actually care a damn lot that we lost the damn game. I care about the club. I care about winning a premiership, and I care that some lessons are taken out of the match. Does that satisfy you? **** you completely, both of you, for suggesting otherwise.

Just because some of us can actually try to dissect what happened in a relatively measured way, and don't immediately seek to apportion all blame immediately to the coach, president and CEO's door, as opposed to the players out on the ground, doesn't mean we don't care. I don't have any agenda to push and I'm sick of you turds suggesting otherwise. It's actually not personal but I'm sick to damn death of this damn phony war you guys want to wage after every loss. **** you.

I have now officially spat the dummy.

[Kingswood]

[Piesnchess]

[Pied Piper]

Yes Piesnchess, it's the generalisation that is shitting me to tears. The generalisation that anyone who isn't hitched to your dumb-arse bandwagon is automatically living in Eddieland. Your mentality is "you're with us or against us". Well, forgive me if I look hypersensitive; your post came directly after mine, or at least one in which I was quoted by a poster who was in fact quite reasonably critical of how we approached the game. Who exactly were you referring to? And no, I don't see any humour in your post, or in jack_spain's efforts, just more belittling of those mythical "Eddieland supporters". Actually we're Collingwood supporters, thanks a lot, just like you (I still believe you are, albeit a very jaundiced one). Cut the crap and show a bit of respect. You'll get a lot more in return.

[Piesnchess]

Yes Piesnchess, it's the generalisation that is shitting me to tears. The generalisation that anyone who isn't hitched to your dumb-arse bandwagon is automatically living in Eddieland. Your mentality is "you're with us or against us". Well, forgive me if I look hypersensitive; your post came directly after mine, or at least one in which I was quoted by a poster who was in fact quite reasonably critical of how we approached the game. Who exactly were you referring to? And no, I don't see any humour in your post, or in jack_spain's efforts, just more belittling of those mythical "Eddieland supporters". Actually we're Collingwood supporters, thanks a lot, just like you (I still believe you are, albeit a very jaundiced one). Cut the crap and show a bit of respect. You'll get a lot more in return.

My post had nothing to do with your post,but think what you want. You talk about respect,thats a joke, that works both ways you know, those who have opinions contrary to eddie and MMs fave posters, are howled down and derided, told they are disloyal and all this crap. Yes, respect is a two way street, I dont take kindly being called disloyal by certain elements on here, just because i have the audacity to question the status quo, and the gameplan, and MMs mistakes. Come and speak to me when you have barracked for the Pies for over fifty years, thru thick and thin, with ten grand final losses and one win on the big day. Yeah, i will show respect, but if i have opinions i am entiltled to them, without being lumbered in with some ludicrous dummy spit that was way over the top. As i say, respect is a two way street PP, not just your way or the highway.

[piedys]

Okay. Before i start my weekly tantrum and hurl all the friggin' toys out of the cot, i do wish to point out that i attended the game with 14 other people, and thought it to be perhaps the worst game i've ever seen live.
Not so much as a spectacle, but structurely. I just couldn't watch, week after week, a ground of deserted forward 50s, with 36 players clogging one end of a ground. It was just ugly, and i don't know how you people can shell out money to watch that week after week, and for that you have my total admiration. It's not the game i fell in love with when i was young.
It has de-evolved into a tactical shit-fest hijacked by idiotic rules, and inept umpiring.

But i digress, back to my rant... okay let's talk about accountability.
For most of the game i witnessed Brisbane hunting in packs with 2-3 players on the out-skirts of the contest. You know when dud Travis Johnstone has the ball with nobody near him, and all the time in the world, that we have a serious problem with bludging midfielders.
Many times they had 3 players all unattended in the centre, not giving a second thought about our "elite" on-ballers. And many a times i just watch those same players run into space and get the ball, with no arsehole anywhere near them, and score some nice easy forward entries.
I wondered how long it would be until they simply overtook us, and by half time it was only a matter of when, and not if. And when it happened, i was was probably the least surprised person at the ground.

Also, get off Reid's fu*cking case. I was happy with his effort on the best centre half forward of this century to date, until shit-for-brains in the coaches box decided he wasn't doing a such a bang-up job after all.
Nice move Einstein. From there, that no-talent shit Fevola pulled his usual tricks out of his arse, and well, you know the rest.

And being at the game, i couldn't quite see what happened at the other end of ground with decisions against Maxwell, and Browns push on Reid ignored. But i wouldn't be surprised if those sluts of umpires ultimately cost us the game either. I'll have to record game off Fox during the week.

If i don't see Tarks or Barham in that 22 next week, i will spit blood.

Beaten by 2 cripples, a cocky coach, a bunch of average players with little experience, a team decimated with injury, a team of recycled nobodies, a team which has lost it's last 5 games.

Yes, how the fu*ck did this happen?

I woke up expecting to be able to be calm and rational and reflect upon the game objectively (or as objectively as I can with one eye).

But...

2. Why do we insist on keeping the ball in play by slapping it back in when approaching the boundary. I recall JA doing so in a F50, keeping the ball in play as he crossed the boundary line by slapping it to a Lions player. Why risk hitting it to an opponent while putting yourself out of the contest?

Ah no... it was is OUR F-50, it was hit back to 3 lions, and where the fu*ck were their bludging opponents to pressure them? Unsighted.

Tonight, we were up against a top eight caliber team, absolutely desperate to win after 5 losses and criticism of their star player. This was always a danger game. In the end, we were ahead for 90% of the night, but were pipped at the post. Ah well, that's footy, it happens....

Yeah it happens. Usually to us. 3rd loss this year where we controlled most of the match, only to piss it against the wall. Why?

We were below our best, and didn't quite get up, disappointing, but hardly faith-shaking stuff for those with a bit of fortitude. The soft supporters who start flinging abuse after the loss of a quarter, and fall apart after the loss of any game, on the other hand...

Well maybe they can see the writing on the wall, due to the bird brains in the coaches box and selection table?

I had a horrible sleep last night ...The last time I felt so gutted after a loss was when Richmond rolled us late in '07.

Funny that - i asked myself the same question and arrived at the same conclusion! Only just behind that flogging we copped from lions at MCG in 07 when tin-arse Brennan had 17 scoring shots against us.

Overall we met a team that includes, over the modern era, some of the better players going around. On Saturday night they jelled and showed why they were instrumental in three premierships in a row. I'm not that upset by this loss, backing up after Geelong was always going to be a challenge. We are 7/3 and should continue to accumulate enough wins to finish top four. Spitting the dummy and carrying on like a tantruming two year old is just so unnecessary.

The only unnecessary thing was losing to a bunch of hacks like Staker & co. Even if w'ed won, it would have felt like a loss. We needed to kick 20 goals last night and failed. They were missing Chargirl, Merrett, Brennan and Drummond. However, i still rate Black as the silkiest footballer in the country.

And for the record, i don't think we've beaten the Bulldogs twice in a season since 1993, and frankly can't see that changing next week.

[RudeBoy]

No need to eat our own fellas. It was a loss...it happens...let's review it rationally and then move on.

IMO, we lost this game at the selection table. Our forward line was far too top heavy and we needed more speed in our midfield. In addition, we lacked another strong bodied defender. A number of points were confirmed from this game.

1. It should be clear now that the triumvirate of Cloke, Dawes and Anthony does not work. Sadly, Anthony must go, until he learns how to lead strongly.

2. Wood is still a year or so away (if ever) from being an AFL ruckman. Until Josh is available (and maybe even after that), Leroy should be used as our back up ruck, as he also provides options in defence or up forward.

3. O'Bree needs to retire.

4. I'm not convinced there's a spot for McCaffer, given his lack of leg speed. I'm not sure what role he actually plays, other than a spare parts man. With Ball, Pendles, Beams and Sidey all similar paced players, we can't afford another mid without genuine leg speed imo.

5. Our team will be greatly improved when/if we get Leon, Medhurst, and hopefully Dick back in the side.

6. I'm still unconvinced of our boundary line approach to goal, but I guess it's rated 7/10. That rating however, probably won't win us a flag.

[Kingswood]

Agreed with all you said except for Maccaffer

[Lazza]

pathetic, this is just the start of a run of pathetic loses, I said it last week.

How we played won't be Suprised if we lose the next 3 games

I posted here during last week that we'd have a slump but was as usual hosed down. Very worried about next week now. The Dogs will be bloody desperate, and we are just NOT playing well or with any kind of cohesion. Lost all confidence and form. Need to lift urgently across the ground but not too sure we can at the moment. Some players are just going through the motions for whatever reason.............

[Lazza]

No need to eat our own fellas. It was a loss...it happens...let's review it rationally and then move on.

IMO, we lost this game at the selection table. Our forward line was far too top heavy and we needed more speed in our midfield. In addition, we lacked another strong bodied defender. A number of points were confirmed from this game.

1. It should be clear now that the triumvirate of Cloke, Dawes and Anthony does not work. Sadly, Anthony must go, until he learns how to lead strongly.

2. Wood is still a year or so away (if ever) from being an AFL ruckman. Until Josh is available (and maybe even after that), Leroy should be used as our back up ruck, as he also provides options in defence or up forward.

3. O'Bree needs to retire.

4. I'm not convinced there's a spot for McCaffer, given his lack of leg speed. I'm not sure what role he actually plays, other than a spare parts man. With Ball, Pendles, Beams and Sidey all similar paced players, we can't afford another mid without genuine leg speed imo.

5. Our team will be greatly improved when/if we get Leon, Medhurst, and hopefully Dick back in the side.

And Fraser, possibly Goldsack's desperation and Barham with his pace.

6. I'm still unconvinced of our boundary line approach to goal, but I guess it's rated 7/10. That rating however, probably won't win us a flag.

Not this year. I STILL say we will peak in the 2012-2014 period.

[rocketronnie]

...I dont take kindly being called disloyal by certain elements on here, just because i have the audacity to question the status quo, and the gameplan, and MMs mistakes. Come and speak to me when you have barracked for the Pies for over fifty years, thru thick and thin, with ten grand final losses and one win on the big day. ..

Which just goes to show that you can read Shakespeare to a chimp every day for fifty years and at the end of it, he'll still be a chimp.

[MACDAICOS]

* Good teams don't lose 2 games in a row.

* Good teams don't cough up 20 point leads.

* Good teams beat teams who have 6 regular players out injured.

Two days on I still don't know what to think about our second half Saturday night.

Has the Premiership favourites curse struck again? Or are we going down False Hope road (again)

The split round week off can't come quick enough for a few of our boys.

A week is a long time in football but 2 weeks is even longer.

It's going to be a long week.