Sunday was a game where we forgot to play the first two quarters. If we had played the football that we played in the second half right from the first siren, it would have been a very different story.
I was incredibly happy with the boys endeavour from half time and their ability to not give in and drop their heads.
In saying that, the home ground advantage let them dominate the first half partly due to local ground knowledge and how to play it which was made worse by our slow and timid start.
The majority of their goals were scored from stoppages in their forward 50. It is critical as a team that when deep in defence we are not caught ball watching and anticipate not only the ball drop but our opponents movements. We must position ourselves between our opponent and their goal and be in a position to tackle immediately should the ball go to them.
Our goal kicking was straight and our movement into our forward line was more often than not pretty good.
Special mentions go with Will Garbs, Dan Osborn, Hugo Lynch, Lucas McCrae, Nick Quinlan & Charlie Wilson who put their bodies on the line numerous times with incredibly important tackles, shepherds & smothers.
Another area that can easily be improved between now and next week is our voice. I sound like a broken record but it is such a simple thing that can assist your team mates and intimidate the opposition.
We had a few passengers on Sunday compared to the preceding week. That message is simple. When 21 play and have an influence we win and win well. When 15 play we struggle.
The best way to get yourself involved in the game is to attack the footy and the pack, get your head over the football or lay a big important tackle or shepherd.
If you are finding yourself struggling to get into the game next week or for the rest of the year, come to the bench or let Craig or I know and we will try and find a way to get you involved.
Looking forward to Wednesday.
Angus Graham
