Summary
* Thoroughly enjoying the assistant coaching role although the ladder position would say otherwise. Tough year but we're on the right path and got gametime exposure into blokes we wouldn't have if we were pushing for finals.
* Pleased with the output of our players across the board on Friday night and even though we kicked inaccurately we were able to put the Bombers away in the last quarter.
* Why are we performing now? As mentioned already we were close in the first 5 rounds. If we had got across the line it builds momentum. If you don't you eventually get whacked and the Geelong game knocked us around for a bit. Disappointing for 3 weeks against Port, Hawthorn and Sydney but for the Collingwood game we broke things right down and made it fairly simply. Expectation of what we want from them and the predictably is coming greater now. Pushed the Eagles (inaccuracy cost us again) and then won on Friday night.
* Forwards play mostly on instincts. You don't want it too structured in set-plays but want them to work within the set-ups we've coordiated. Expectation of Edwards and Jack are the same as Browny and Richo in that regard. The latter two have embraced that. Richo has been the main goto target for 12 years. We've tried to spread the load and chance things. Their team mindset this year has made Jay's job easier.
* Jack - started on Gumbleton and did well then had a rest on the bench. Kicked 2 goals. A bit of a gap between the 1st and 3rd quarters. A natural footballer. Big future still front of him as far as buidling up his conditioning, power and endurance. Always askes every day how he can get better. Been a successful year for him.
* Cleve - we've been working on adding other tricks than just a mark and kick and minimizing the gaps in games where he kicks 3 (against Geelong) and the quiet ones. As far as training this year he has come forward in miles. Done a lot of work with the development coaches (David Gray?) in his preparation and life outside of footy. Come along way in embracing what needs to be done to become an AFL footballer. Has the talent as shown a couple of times in games and will be a player. Taller blokes take a bit longer. Next year he'll have a major impact.
* Krak - difficult year for him. At times has played some reasonable footy at senior level. Class above at VFl level. Has had off-field issues to deal with. Unless you're in his shoes you wouldn't know what he's going through. Club have been very supportive. Difficult scenario training and playing footy with that over your head. Can't say much more than that. In the midst of our player review at the moment. He's played a 100 games, played some important roles for us and there'll be a push for him to stay but there are of course no guarantees.
* Last game - No tanking. We've just had a medical and got a couple of players who we could put in cotton wool but they are both really keen to play this week and we want them to play. If we were tanking Lids would not have played with his broken hand. We want to put out our best team and the benefits of that have shown up in the last few weeks.
