I'm starting to slide off the TW bandwagon and he will have to change his game plan quickly if he is to win me over before D-day. The zoning is just not working for our players and we do not have the skills or confidence to execute it. During every game this year teams have threaded their way through it nigh effortlessly.
The problem with emplying the zone this year is that it has lost its defensive impact because every team is expected it, have prepared for it and know how to break it down. Teams that are new to the strategy and/or lack the skills to utilize the zone during set ups are being made to look rediculous.
I said it at the start of the year that the Hawks would drop back because the rolling zone was no longer a 'new' or surprize defensive strategy which opposition teams are unprepared for. I wasn't predicting the injury concerns they are having but I feel my point remains the same for them, and more importantly, for us who have attempted to replicate the strategy.
Similiarly Richos move up the field was such a success not only because of his personal ability but also because teams were unprepared for the move. We were able to exploit defenders and midfielders who tried to nullify the big man. Now though teams are turning the tables and having players run off him.
TW needs to be original and adapt quickly. Man-on-man is no revolutionary strategy but it is the matchup that gave us the most success at the end of the last year and allowed us to see which players were good enough individually.
I want to see our players creating more space for one another. Evry team in the league will know know how to beat us - put plenty of players around the ball and pressure the ball, stick to your man and swamp carrier. We will then turn over the ball and game over.
We need to work for each other and while TW has been coach we have been weak in this area to say the least. We need to not only tackle but to shepherd and block. I just don't see enough enough of it particularly around stoppages and when our forwards are on the lead. If we can block the tagger so that Lids, Foley etc can run on to the ball then all of a sudden we will give our forwards half a chance.
Quick movement is the only way to beat the flooding/zoning that has washed over the competition lately and unless TW can change his strategies quickly, harden up the side, employ strategies to relieve the pressure and therefore improve our skills and instill confidence back into the side then he just taking up space to the end of the season IMHO.
Depending on how optomistically you wish to look at the senerio but if he turns things around I will be happy to see finals and if he fails I will be happy to get a series of high draft picks. Bringing in a new coach midseason would only cause problems fiancially and may win too many games
Let TW see out the year but that game plan needs to change quickly!
Stripes
