It's not really hard to ascertain what Byso meant in this thread. I can't see the debate to it?
In my eyes, he's saying that as Canteen Worker proclaimed, a coaches job is to sustain a positive attitude with his players throughout "a year" - make sure they are mentally right for each game. Manly began 2005 like lightning, then yes, Monnasgate happenned, and it was obvious the players were a little dissolussioned. Dunley said the team was flat. In my opinion (and as we had minimal injury), Des failed to mitigate the obvious risk of attitude around player contract negatiation. They should have been (including Monnas) focused on the goal at hand - a premiership.
Since 2006 has started, the team has improved (as Byso clearly states), but there are obvious deficiencies (as there are in any team) with us as well - goal line defence / team selection.
In MY opinion, we have improved across the park. Admin / players / coaching staff / team selections etc etc. I think it's obvious to everyone that I am very happy of late with the way things are happenning at Manly. 3rd - 6th. So what? Like Corso has said - equal 3rd regardless. Wherever we finish, I am happy (win / lose or draw this weekend).
And here I go, and keep this for your records...
I think Des is the coach that has the ability to take us to premierships. He is obviously learning, and as far as I can tell, is getting better and better.
Who would have thought 2006 would bring a win over Panthers in all three grades - a feat that hasn't happened in almost a decade or more? Who would have thought we would have beaten The Bulldogs at home for the 1st time since 1996? Who would have thought that we would rack up more points in one 1/2 of football, than we have done in 12 years against The Bulldogs at their home ground, while they were almost at full strength? Who would have thought that we could potentially have 5 internationals in our 1 team - Stewart / Bell / Orford / Kite / Matai?
To be honest - I'm wrapped with this season...and I'm lapping the success right up...