The Soaring

First up this is not a pitch for the job, I hope that is obvious. However as I thought more about the sad plight of our team and what is causing this shocking, recording breaking slump I tried to come up with some solutions.

I know I am no footy coach, AFL level or otherwise, but as a suffering fan it is cathartic.

1. Simplify the game plan
Answer me this - do we have a running, handballing game plan or a kicking, possession based game plan? For the life of me I can’t work it out. I reckon it changes each from the start of one quarter to the next.

During Sunday’s game we started the first and third quarters running and handballing and although at times it looked a bit untidy it seemed to work ok. But as soon as Richmond started to win the ball and counter attack the heads dropped and we stopped running and the opposition began clearing the ball into their forward line at will.

I’m not advocating one style of play over the other. But what I would love to see us do is simplify things and get everyone on the same page. The truth is our players don’t have any confidence. Am I supposed to be handballing or kicking? Do we go around the boundary or direct?

I think a simplified style of play - one which recognises the still improving skill and confidence level of our younger players will do marvels. Right now too many players are second-guessing themselves. Release the shackles and let players play their natural game.

Yes, we need team players and a clear team structure. Give the players some simple things to focus on week in and out. But we are also crying out for some players with flair who have the confidence an ability to take the game on and give us the best chance of kicking a competitve score to win games.

More to come…