Flat

[Snake]

We have been flat and very clunky but there has been a decided change in our tactics. Instead of trying to just strip teams for numbers we now have Turbo and others coming back against the grain and trying to have more unders balls. I think it was in response to the Melbourne loss givenm that the stripping for numbers didnt work every time in that game to get on the outside. So we are now using the alternative and yes we are not quite as good at that strategy. What it does like the Turbo try in the first half last night though is it puts doubt into the opposition - that they need to hold their line for a split second more before sliding off. That will hopefully mean that they get that split second more when they try to strip for numbers. Maybe something we should have started trying 10 weeks ago - but I gather we didn't think the Storm defence in that loss would be so resilient. But yes that is the noticeable change and the reason we have been clunky the last few games. I expect next week we will still use a few unders plays out wide but we will go back to the stripping numbers strategy more and yes hope that split second extra gives us the space we need.

Agree re the change of tactics but don't think turning the ball back inside instead of out accounts for the clunky attack (if anything, this is when we've looked the sharpest as Foran runs the play perfectly). When you don't make inroads with the ball (i.e. run hard, skittle defenders and get a quick play-the-ball), your attack suffers because you are moving the ball against a set defensive line. That, IMO, is why we've been clunky. Our lack of intensity has meant the defence is ready for whatever we are throwing at them and the play is breaking down as a result. When we play with intensity, move the opposition around and play off the back of ruck speed, we can let the ball sing without the pressure of the defence bearing down on us.

I think you're 100% right about the inside balls creating enough doubt in the mind of defenders to make the 'out ball' more dangerous come finals time. Also, i'd like to see Tom roam on the right a little more in the finals (off Daly) and again show the opposition something a little different they might not be prepared for.

 

[pjayz]

I think the errors have been their Achilles heel for a fair chunk of the season,even when TomT plays.Plenty said after the close Storm loss that if they had cut out their errors,they probably win that game but I’m not too sure they can eradicate those issues because it’s part and parcel with their expansive way of playing.

However, many of those errors were not due to expansive play, Aloiai, Garrick etc.

No doubt we push things at times (Marty as an example), but I think we can rein in the simple errors; at least I hope so.

 

[Supreme Leader]

Pros on last 2 weeks - no reported players, no major injuries, able to turn on the switch when needed. Cons - too many errors in first 20 mins, some players around the edge very quiet in first 20-30 mins ie Schuster. Yes I agree it may well be the game plan to stand flat hence some of the forward passes or passes hitting opposition players. Given all the above we are really in a good place and can adapt. Can't really say that about the other contenders because most them played worse than us and got injuries and reported players.

Best thing is we are in the 4. given start to season most would agree the best we could of hoped for was top 8. So no matter what happens next, the season has been a success!

 

[Kevinward777]

Call me crazy, but we have got the scum. We have got the comp wrapped up if we continue to believe. And I wouldn't want anybody else driving this time into the finals than Des.

At least the whole Barrett got us to sixth and Des has done no better argument has been flushed down the sh1tter. It's been crickets on that front.

 

[Eagles4Life]

At least the whole Barrett got us to sixth and Des has done no better argument has been flushed down the sh1tter. It's been crickets on that front.

Who is this Barrett you speak of @Kevinward777 ? His time with us is best forgotten, and never spoken of again. Barrett is not a has been Manly coach. He's more accurately defined as a never was.

 

[Mac Man]

If we hold onto the ball and defend like we can we win. Amazing season considering where we were at the start. Snake your input this year has kept many of us level headed. Thanks

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Honestly , I feel a little better reading @Snake post.

If he’s right we are up to our balls in this finals series.

 

[eaglebuzz]

My biggest worry about next week is that the Storm will be fresher than us. But hopefully, we will be in better form.

 

[Brisbane Tragic]

Agree re the change of tactics but don't think turning the ball back inside instead of out accounts for the clunky attack (if anything, this is when we've looked the sharpest as Foran runs the play perfectly). When you don't make inroads with the ball (i.e. run hard, skittle defenders and get a quick play-the-ball), your attack suffers because you are moving the ball against a set defensive line. That, IMO, is why we've been clunky. Our lack of intensity has meant the defence is ready for whatever we are throwing at them and the play is breaking down as a result. When we play with intensity, move the opposition around and play off the back of ruck speed, we can let the ball sing without the pressure of the defence bearing down on us.

I think you're 100% right about the inside balls creating enough doubt in the mind of defenders to make the 'out ball' more dangerous come finals time. Also, i'd like to see Tom roam on the right a little more in the finals (off Daly) and again show the opposition something a little different they might not be prepared for.

Keppie made a difference last night with go forward and Aloiai will make a huge difference next week.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I’m really looking forward to the Storm game. We are a huge chance.

 

[pjayz]

My biggest worry about next week is that the Storm will be fresher than us. But hopefully, we will be in better form.

I'd be keeping it fresh and light at training. I'd focus on the very basics and nothing else. Let them have a real breather, and a bit of fun. Have Keiran and DCE lead things at training, switching the players on towards the end of the week.

 

[skull61]

My main concern is that some of the younger guys look a bit tired last few games

 

[Technical Coach]

Seeing a bit of anxiety around the forum about our performances the last two weeks against pretty ordinary opposition.

I’m not worried in the slightest.

we’ve lacked energy because we’ve known we are safe for a while now and coming up against two sides that we were expected to flog, there was always going to be complacency. It’s not a conscious phenomena...it’s just what happens. You can talk about getting up and bringing the energy till the cows come home but the subconscious mind can’t be tricked.

I never thought we’d lose last week or this week and it’s no different for the players. You can’t manufacture the desperation if your gut says you don’t need it.

it’ll be there next week against Melbourne; mark my words. Not saying we’ll win but we’ll be way better in terms of line speed, aggression and overall intent. There is nothing wrong with our ‘game’ itself, just gotta up the energy and we’ll be in the mix.

Agree to a point but there is worrying signs Manly are not adapting to teams snuffing out our lateral plays that helped Manly generate good go forward for most of the year and not balancing that style of play with direct punch.

Manly are generating more errors, more under plays and Schuster looks disinterested and annoyed by the channel he is playing and limited involvement---cutting back inside runs and pressured no look pass plays is pretty much all he offers in attack at the moment---especially since Jake has returned.

Our attack looks too franatic, tense and lacking patience in the early stages, DCE was poor yesterday in my opinion at crucial stages. DCE in the past was trigger happy with the short side flat face balls when lacking ideas, now he is trigger happy with the early wide ball(i've been worried about intercepts for a while now because it is too telegraphed)

I'm sure the attitude will improve against Melb though.

 

[StuBoot]

My main concern is that some of the younger guys look a bit tired last few games

That's why grabbing fourth spot was so important I think.
Schu, Guac, Harper etc weren't in Des' top 17 at the start of the year.
They'll be playing the biggest game of their careers on Friday so with it not being sudden death hopefully helps.

 

[KaZa]

I'm more worried about the errors were making. I don't mind errors were we play expansive but some of the basic errors we cannot afford against storm. It cost us against them also. Cheap turn overs. We need to keep it right at the beginning and play safer.

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Best thing is we are in the 4. given start to season most would agree the best we could of hoped for was top 8. So no matter what happens next, the season has been a success!

100%. Anything from now on is just a bonus but even if we go out with 2 straight defeats the season has still been a success.

Keppie made a difference last night with go forward and Aloiai will make a huge difference next week.

I think he kept Aloiai out because he just came back off suspension. Didn't need him sitting out another week had he stuffed up against the cows.

I'd be keeping it fresh and light at training. I'd focus on the very basics and nothing else. Let them have a real breather, and a bit of fun. Have Keiran and DCE lead things at training, switching the players on towards the end of the week.

Never going to happen. Have you heard Ennis and his stories about Des come finals? Especially against the storm....

He recounts how meticulous and intense Des was leading into a final down in Melbourne. How the week was perfect in its prep and how every player was primed and ready to go come kick off.

 

[Eagle 1]

A

Spot on.
After we competed with the Storm but came up empty the intent was on display v Parra.
Knowing fourth spot was on the cards and they believed they could get there the early onslaught was impressive.
Granted Parra was in a bit of a hole but it was a statement performance.

We’ll be up for it.

We’re always going to have errors in us due to the way we play but at least we won’t die wondering.

Apparently, we finished no1 in errors, and for obvious reasons, we play an expansive attacking game do more with the ball and have many set plays. We just need to temper ourselves a bit against Melb. For the first 20min to 30min, Wait for a bit of fatigue to creep in, then as Greg Alexander says...then, turn the SWITCH ON !!!