Two weeks ago we didn't look like winning another game for the season so it is quite a turnaround in form. Mostly through hard work, teamwork and having dip I reckon (not forgetting the rain helped as well against the dumb over-possessive Swans). Even given that I still think we will struggle for the rest of the year. Our skills and decision making overall are still not up to scratch and we still give away far too many easy goals to the opposition through dumb turnovers
. Fortunately (or unfortunately if you're thinking draft picks) the majority of the comp are mediocre as well (as bad as we've been we are still only % from 7th
). Most of these sides need their best 22 playing regularly otherwise they struggle (see pies and hawks). If they are able to get their better players on the park they will move up the ladder and down if not. So where we finish is anyone's guess.
On the next three game, the Dogs match will be a mental test as we may even go into the match as slight favourites (although the dogs are a better side this year) . These are the games we have lost in the past and spoilt wins like the Sydney one. Although Port and the Eagles are better skilled teams overall than us, Port is injury ravaged in the midfield at the minute and WCE have no quality tall forwards or defenders. So normally I would say it would be a major turn-up if we won either game but now is probably a good time to play them at their home grounds when you think about it.
With our next coach, they want to the job or they don't. I think now after not buckling to sack Danny, a perspective coach would see us as an attractive proposition. A fairly decent base to build on with a pretty good core group with some promising youngsters and a need to clear out those obviously not up to it and draft quality kids in their place.