Ian Martin tragic
Bencher
After week 8 we were 2 wins 6 losses. Statistics were against us making the 8 let alone going further into the finals. 'we're gone' was expressed a number of times, and if I didn't add my agreement I also didn't feel confident about dismissing the negative sentiments.
what are people's thoughts on the achievement of coming 5th? here's some reflections:
1. Des is an excellent coach to get us to here. Sticking with the existing squad for the most part was the right decision and likely helped alot with steadying the ship. Even if some of the team lineup specifics weren't working overall the faith shown in (and the responsibility put on) the top 17 paid off. Only after a platform was laid did some experiments and changes come.
2. The broncos game was a key turning point.
3. Individual decisions/performances:
Bailey at 5/8 didn't pan out. If snake had been there it might have. Very useful backrower/playmaker backup. I understand why des persisted as long as he did with the 'experiment' given the backline stocks and defensive trouble....
Farrar and Robbo switch in the Melbourne game: genius.
Rodney was great, esp. early on.
T-rex is either too young in the head for now or just won't make it in the top grade at any stage. He certainly got a fair go (at least in the backs), and I don't think he's viable in the pigs with the effort he brings right now.
Foran promotion perfectly timed.
JW - Heargraves still a bit green for first grade.
Farrar pickup has been a critical positive step given the backline injuries and defense instabilities at one stage.
4. Orford: Orford's been up and down but overall central to the good end result. If we lost him like bulldogs have lost kimmorely we'd be similarly stuffed for the finals. (Orford + Lyon is our best shot at going on from here as too much depends on Orford when Lyon is not prominent in playmaking.)
5. Other most valuable consistent contributors: Rose, King, Lyon, G Stewart and WATMOUGH (expecting major things from him in the finals). Honourable mention for Robbo filling in at 1.
6. Weirdest game of the year: Tigers game; the more we opened them up in the first half, the more points they scored.
7. Most heartwarming and significant results: Broncos away, Bulldogs at home, Storm away, Titans at home.
Whatever happens from here, a good platform for 2010 has been laid. Hopefully management gives itself an uppercut and gets it **** together, the stewart case is dismissed or not guilty (and hopefully for the right reason), and the mighty eagles don't sabotage themselves next year. Â
what are people's thoughts on the achievement of coming 5th? here's some reflections:
1. Des is an excellent coach to get us to here. Sticking with the existing squad for the most part was the right decision and likely helped alot with steadying the ship. Even if some of the team lineup specifics weren't working overall the faith shown in (and the responsibility put on) the top 17 paid off. Only after a platform was laid did some experiments and changes come.
2. The broncos game was a key turning point.
3. Individual decisions/performances:
Bailey at 5/8 didn't pan out. If snake had been there it might have. Very useful backrower/playmaker backup. I understand why des persisted as long as he did with the 'experiment' given the backline stocks and defensive trouble....
Farrar and Robbo switch in the Melbourne game: genius.
Rodney was great, esp. early on.
T-rex is either too young in the head for now or just won't make it in the top grade at any stage. He certainly got a fair go (at least in the backs), and I don't think he's viable in the pigs with the effort he brings right now.
Foran promotion perfectly timed.
JW - Heargraves still a bit green for first grade.
Farrar pickup has been a critical positive step given the backline injuries and defense instabilities at one stage.
4. Orford: Orford's been up and down but overall central to the good end result. If we lost him like bulldogs have lost kimmorely we'd be similarly stuffed for the finals. (Orford + Lyon is our best shot at going on from here as too much depends on Orford when Lyon is not prominent in playmaking.)
5. Other most valuable consistent contributors: Rose, King, Lyon, G Stewart and WATMOUGH (expecting major things from him in the finals). Honourable mention for Robbo filling in at 1.
6. Weirdest game of the year: Tigers game; the more we opened them up in the first half, the more points they scored.
7. Most heartwarming and significant results: Broncos away, Bulldogs at home, Storm away, Titans at home.
Whatever happens from here, a good platform for 2010 has been laid. Hopefully management gives itself an uppercut and gets it **** together, the stewart case is dismissed or not guilty (and hopefully for the right reason), and the mighty eagles don't sabotage themselves next year. Â