Looking at the score-line it’s obvious we had a lot of wasted opportunity as did Collingwood, but the real worry is the 8 minute blast from the pies at the start of the 3rd quarter. Call it a lapse in concentration after the half time break, but the reality is that we were unprepared.
We were able to steady after that to put on a couple to bring us back within 41 points, with still a lot of work to do. The last quarter was really a highlight for me, to see the players respond and resurge to come within 21 points we clearly won the quarter, which is a great example of what the boys can do at their best. Collingwood were able to respond with a goal which was just enough to keep the game out of our reach.
Deledio deserves a special mention along with Rance, gathering 35 and 34 disposals respectively. The midfield/Half forward role suiting Deledio, he kicked a fantastic goal from outside 50 to really spur the boys on.
Which leads me to Dimma’s comment about closing the gap, the score indicates that our defensive pressure has really improved. Although Collingwood had 13 behinds our defensive pressure was enough to make the Pies go wide and take lower percentage scoring shots and kicks under pressure. As I said in a previous blog, this has been a major area of improvement.
Losing last week to Carlton by 44 points may not be as bad as it seemed (The words honourable loss are a bit cliché but it highlights the point), we were in the game right up to the early parts of the last quarter and seeing how Carlton demolished Brisbane this week it puts that loss into perspective.
Carlton is now being touted as premiership contenders along with Hawthorn. That means these are both teams that we need to hunt down in search of premiership glory, but I still maintain we’ve made good progress in that area.
The next three weeks will also be telling as we take on Melbourne, a team who are down at the moment in form and breaking in a new coach it’s the perfect time to play them. That being said it’s an opportunity we need to take advantage of, though there are no easy victories in the AFL.
Geelong the following week, who we beat in the NAB cup (albeit without some of their stars) will be a real test of our mettle, but belief stemming from the pre-season may be the boost we need and it will be interesting to find out how good the form of Geelong really is.
West Coast will be the hardest game in my opinion they have really hit some good form and probably the most underrated of the premiership contenders. Even playing in Melbourne the Eagles will be tough, a trial by fire so to speak.
Even though it’s too early to tell I can see some real positives and big steps forward this year. I still believe we can make the finals, I know it’s a big call after round 2, but I do have faith.blog comments powered by Disqus
