Manly traditionally has played attractive eyes up attacking footy. Some clubs at times have been known for being robotic (Storm) dour (Sharks) violent (old-time Dogs, Souths, Saints) but Manly have pretty much always played a similar style over the years. To work properly it requires first and foremost, the cattle, but also that all the parts and players are in complete sync.
Manly for 70 minutes against the Cows were brilliant. That match was a huge test against a highflying opponent whose class has since been confirmed, and we were thrashing them! Yes the wheel fell off which showed there was still something missing. Best part was that after being rocked by that stunning loss the side re-grouped and dished out a similar thrashing to Storm... again imploding in the final minutes but this time still hanging on for the win.
Covid took our core defenders out of the Saints game and jerseygate ruined the Chooks game, which by then had become a must win. So that loss was definitely a turning point in the season, pretty much ended us.
But the form v Cows and Storm for 70 minutes each showed we had been building something of quality. Even without Turbo. For this reason I really don't understand the sack Hasler brigade. Not that I'm bothered if we bring in a great new coach, but I suspect if Des is gone we'll end up with Cartwright or Hales ... to bring on the good times? Hmmm, maybe not.