So WP is the game plan we want to execute sound and its a player issue only?
Based on what was explained and the vision shown, it is more than sound. It is similar to what other teams are doing but for what ever reason our blokes can't, don't or won't execute it.
It is interesting I've read with interest people yet again bag Batchelor, but he was of the 3 key backs last night (Astbury
, & Chaplin
the other 2) the only one who tried to execute the plan when the ball was in the back D50. Yes he stuffed up but at least he was doing what he was supposed to be doing.
Trust me "happy handball" in the defensive 50, wasn't the plan. But Astbury in particular seemed hellbent on handballing to any stationery target he could find.
Not sure if anyone noticed in the 3rd Houli had the ball near the goal square, most players had moved to the souther stand side. There were a couple of blokes down the line members side. Batchelor told Houli to go to the southern stand side and based on what we were told prematch, he should have done but no he went to members side with a nothing kick and created a turnover and Batchelor had to leave his man to try and fix the problem created.
Meant he ended up out of position, copped a barrage of abuse from the crowd for not manning up. Only reason he wasn't locking down his opponent was because he was trying to fix someone else's mess. It looks bad but he's not to blame but he cops the abuse.
Is it a player only issue? No but last night IMESHO it was without doubt more a player issue than a coaching one
However, the question remains is the message getting through? Do they understand it? If they don't understand it then you have to further question the players.
Why?
Because I am not a footballer but I understood the plan and some of it is so basic I don't understand why some of them struggle with it so much.
Just my take