Given the large turnover of players, new coaching staff, a young side and list, and this year being a development year after coming second last in 2009, how did you rate our preseason?
Pros -
CoachesHardwick seems to be the type of coach we need with the state of our list and club. He is a non frills educator who is extremely hands on with development and extremely hands off when it comes to spin. He has assembled a group of similarly minded assistants of equal enthusiasm who are collectively working towards the same goal regardless of the potential grumblings.
Hardwick has a clear and simple game plan which the players are responding to and learning. They seem to genuinely like him and understand him which has not always been the case with previous regimes. He is firm on players equally and ensures they train hard and like they intend to play. He is not scared to pull up players during a drill regardless of their prestige in the group.
The biggest positive from the coaches for mine is the acquisition of more recruiters, development and gym specialists. How the club has possible dreamed that they could compete against the only clubs without the sufficient staff especially when attempting to rebuild, is astonishing.
AdministrationBenny Gale.
We finally seemed unified and strong across the board. We have a joint focus which is driven by the board as much as the coach and we are determined to be a success regardless of the pain we need to endure to get there. Their has been the unwavering message coming out of Punt Road this pre-season - 'NO SHORT CUTS' - which has been music to my ears.
RecruitsFinally, at least it appears, we have introduced a crop of young players with the potential to step up.
Martin is a find. At the moment Melbourne must be worried they have made the wrong decision overlooking Martin. He appears to be our version of Daniel Rich and already has the body of a seasoned player. Even better he has clean disposal, fire to win his own ball and determination to succeed. Couple that with a healthy no bs attitude and eagerness to be involved in the physical nature of the game and I'll say he is a perfect inclusion.
Roberts is the 'diamond in the rough' for me this year. He has the skills, poise and time to damage opposition. Roberts also has the pace and unpredictability to make him a cult figure at Punt Road very quickly.
Nason is another potential cult figure. He seems too slight for AFL football but is deceptively strong and hard at it. Most importantly he relishes the contest, loves to tackle and has beautiful foot-skills. I'm hoping he continues to improve and becomes the star we all hope he can develop into.
Farmer has won me over with his hard at it attitude which surprised me given his size. We could come out clearly on top from the Schulz trade.
Astbury, Taylor, Dea and even Tompson have shown enough glimpses of ability to make me believe they could all be talented players for the yellow and black in the future.
The SupportersWhile we are still are ways off last years membership total, the Tigers faithful have still come to the support of their club. This is an amazing feat especially considering the state of the list, the obvious struggles we will face this season and the lack of media publicity we have experienced. We are an amazingly resistant and passionate collection of people given out lack of success over the journey.
Cons Having to wait...We have been waiting for success for years and rebuilding for what seems like an eternity only to be told we need to once again. This preseason we have been sold the message that we are 'transforming' but we all know this means 'prepare for pain'. I understand the need, I understand the goal and I understand the focus, I just find it hard to understand why we as a club have been put into this position yet again.
I am disappointed that we need to have players such as Polak in our team. I believe he should be extremely proud of himself to come back to the level he was previously at but unfortunately that level was never high to begin with.
I am disappointed that Polo and Hislop have not come on. I am saddened that Gus seems to be going backwards. I am angered that King, McMahon and even Tuck are still clogging up the list. I am upset that Foley is still injured.
Other that this I am happy that we seem to be laying the correct foundations through good recruiting and even better player education. Time will tell of course but at least we have made the required changes and are make the right noises.
That is my take on the preseason
Stripes