Dimma in the latest video newsletter doing a midseason review. See you email for the link to the video.
* At the start of the season if you gave us a 6-6 record we would've been reasonably happy with that given the tough draw we've had. However as a coach, the closer you get towards the top the more you look at the games you let slip. He was disappointed we let go the Eagles and Geelong games which were games he felt we could've won. The Freo game was another where IHO we had control of the game for large periods but could'nt get across the line.
* Last 4-week block - wins over Hawthorn, St Kilda, loss to Freo as mentioned, and a win over GWS. Normally going 3-1 in any block would be good but we were very disappointed about dropping the Freo game. We didn't play at the standard we set for ourselves; they went lower and harder for longer.
* The Bye came at a good time. Teams at around rounds 11-12 were starting to fatigue. Especially in the conditions we had to play in in the last two weeks. We have a number of indicators we monitor closely and they were right on the edge of our player fatigue levels. So we are really happy to have the bye when we did.
* Players got 4 days off over the bye to freshen up. To mentally freshen up is just as if not more the key component than physically freshening up which the boys no doubt will have.
* Coaches over the break did a thorough two-day midseason review. Looked at what we're doing well as well as areas we need to improve and we identified a number of those. One of those areas which people would have noticed is our efficiency or lack of in our forward 50. Something we will work on in the remaining 10 games and especially in the next 4-week block of games. To rectify the problem where we have inside 50 dominance but that dominance not reflecting on the scoreboard.
* Dimma also over the break caught up with our recruiting department. Did a bit of list management as well as caught up with other departments around the Club. Tick a few things off and see how we are tracking for the remaining 10 games.
* Adelaide game - The Crows despite the disappointing loss for them last week are one of the form sides of the comp. They are a clearance machine; a contested possession dominant side; large contested possession side. It'll be a tough battle in-close so we to get the ball outside which we do well and get the ball moving our way.
* Next 4-week block - a season maker or breaker. Need to solidify our position or it's season over. Despite the pundits saying our draw opens up now, we know from this season that if you are off 5% you'll get beaten. The improvement will come from our key forwards who have been competitive but haven't hit their straps yet or being at the level we'd like. Dimma still feels our back-six can improve with more experience playing together - Griffiths, Grimes (who is back this week) and Morris. Look to those guys to see us improve.
* A good thing is seeing players at Coburg step-up - Elton was outstanding on the weekend and others stood up as well.
* Wish us luck against Adelaide and hopefully we'll get the result.