First impressions - we overachieved.
I was very concerned early on about our lack of forward experience, with Fa'aoso gone before we even began.
But the players we used pleasantly surprised me. Despite missing Gifty nearly all year, we were leading the comp for the last 6 weeks of regular season.
Then, while the wheels weren't falling off there was definitely something a bit suss in the suspension. I don't think it was the 'player issues' so much as simply a long season taking a toll on players that aren't used to 1st grade week in week out.
Losing Ballin & Buhrer & Hodges (hurt in 1st 5 minutes against Souths) pretty much cruelled us, when we were a legitimate premiership hope only a few weeks ago.
Dogs are a very limited side, but it was still an outstanding effort for our patched up team to almost steal the win and make it to the GF qualifier.Our drastically re-modelled line-up just didn't have the defensive cohesion to keep the Dogs out in the 1st half.
I can understand fans being disappointed we didn't go on to be premiers this year. I certainly am. I am anytime we aren't premiers.
But looking back, we only missed the minor premiership by a whisker, and it was an enjoyable season because our team was a very serious contender the whole way through. Plus, players like Lui, JSL and Starling (and Hodges) will be improved for the experience.
As for the off-field, I don't really care, but I'm sure it will be done and dusted before next year kicks off.
I was very concerned early on about our lack of forward experience, with Fa'aoso gone before we even began.
But the players we used pleasantly surprised me. Despite missing Gifty nearly all year, we were leading the comp for the last 6 weeks of regular season.
Then, while the wheels weren't falling off there was definitely something a bit suss in the suspension. I don't think it was the 'player issues' so much as simply a long season taking a toll on players that aren't used to 1st grade week in week out.
Losing Ballin & Buhrer & Hodges (hurt in 1st 5 minutes against Souths) pretty much cruelled us, when we were a legitimate premiership hope only a few weeks ago.
Dogs are a very limited side, but it was still an outstanding effort for our patched up team to almost steal the win and make it to the GF qualifier.Our drastically re-modelled line-up just didn't have the defensive cohesion to keep the Dogs out in the 1st half.
I can understand fans being disappointed we didn't go on to be premiers this year. I certainly am. I am anytime we aren't premiers.
But looking back, we only missed the minor premiership by a whisker, and it was an enjoyable season because our team was a very serious contender the whole way through. Plus, players like Lui, JSL and Starling (and Hodges) will be improved for the experience.
As for the off-field, I don't really care, but I'm sure it will be done and dusted before next year kicks off.