That's all in the past. More importantly I'd like to know your thoughts on where the current team and coaching setup is heading TC.
Certain people need a reminder of what and why things happened in the past as they are unfairly judging an individual.
To me the current team is stuck in a bad situation, not enough size and power in the forwards with pockets of potential here and there.(not enough depth to play hard with power over long periods)
DCE needs to straighten and simplify his game but will find it hard to do so with the lack of power in our game. Puts in 100% with high tackle counts draining him, hurting him and also taking away his sharpness.
DCE feels the pressure of a lack of field position so tries too hard to get us out of the rut. Other times DCE takes a back seat to try and pick his moments better but they don't arrive all that often, compounded by the fact Manly now lack the quality options to create the big play as we have had in previous years, so it gets noticed more when he tries to sit back.
Combine the above with the history between DCE and Stewart, it might be better now relationship wise but i doubt it is at a level which is highly collaborative stifling ideas and creativity.
Brett's legs are not doing much these days, looks very stiff when he runs, experience and improving his all round game has helped Manly but it can only go so far---he is not a natural ballplayer or kicker of the ball looks very awkward in both departments if you ask me.
Barrett is trying to create a team culture with all the new players on board, trying to respect the experienced players in the club while also weighing up who and when they should move on---the direction of the club is more in the transitioning stages than it is developing a premiership winning team at the moment.
Personally speaking i still feel if we had the forward punch Lyon and Matai would still be effective as they would be doing less of the grinding hard work have better field position and space.(yes they need to be moved on but can work with them for the next year or two to remain competitive) Brett worries me though with his stiffness, while at other times he looks sharp---we already have a replacement for Brett but without Brett a big part of our culture and leadership is gone.
Barrett has some very tough decisions to be made along with increasing our power game, for now we are just in a holding pattern trying to remain competitive while bringing in the transition.
Rip the bandage off and we will feel serious pain and dwell at the spoon of the table quick smart, slowly transition and it might take longer than 5 years to get into the position to win another GF---the coach "needs the full support of the club" behind him in a genuine sense.
