TOPIC:

Hopefully it was just a bad day

I've always thought Armstrong was a terrible communicator. I Didn't hear the 1/4 address, but after going out to listen to the 3/4 time address I Couldn't hear it - Far too softly spoken.

Yeah we looked terrible. East Perth looked far more aggressive and stronger than us.

We were killed in the midfield so the poor old backline was always going to struggle. I too can't see why Coniglio was dropped and number 9 did nothing. 

The West reckon 4500 - I think about 3500 - but either way a great number many of whom who want make the effort again for some time. At least I stoped yelling advice after 1/4 time realising it would have been a waste of time.

Saying all of that - supporters in the Pen shouldn't tell the players that they are f-ing useless on the walk off. It's not there fault - we just haven't got the talent again 

“We just dont have the talent”. Funny isnt it we’ve been saying that for 30+ years. The Ainsworth signing Isn’t going to work. For the money we’ll be paying him you need run and carry with elite disposal. He’s flat footed then flys out a handball to a teammate who’s also flat foot footed. All the whole racking up what looks like impressive numbers with zero impact on the game. I just couldn’t believe how badly we got smashed in the middle. I’ve never seen anything like it. Every centre bounce was a training drill for east Perth. AJ doesn’t have the leap he had at EP. He was an exciting signing for mine but had no impact also. That game was dead last night 3 minutes in. That familiar sinking feeling was there after 3 minutes. 

It's all been said. Very little left for me to add but there were danger signs before the game started. East Perth came out for the Anzac Ceremony all resplendent in their club playing strip. We came out looking very casual in training shirts. Not a good look IMO.
The night was badly timed. There was a huge gap between the end of the ressies and the start of the Ceremony, and then another huge gap between the end of the Ceremony and the start of the main game.
Perth ran out in their usual casual manner as individuals whereas EP ran out as a group with lots of talk and you could see they were reved up and had come to play. In their warm-up there was lots of noise from their playing group. It seemed game over before the first bounce.
We copped what we deserved: a thorough lesson on how to play the game. EP were ruthless and took no prisoners.

As a club, we need to take a long hard look at ourselves, both on and off the field. From the heady days of the 60s and 70s we have come 45 years of a long and continual spiral to the depths of what we are witnessing. It is a long way back and I have doubts that we can ever climb back up.


 

Sacko, my point exactly.
Ainsworth would be a handy player in a good side.
But will never have the impacts of a top line 10 pointer.
Therein lies the need for a football manager that knows what we need and can identify a footballer when he sees one.

Changes for next week: tough, because we were close to full strength v EP and when I go through the reserves list from yesterday, I don't see many names who impress me as likely to step up. Deckchairs on the Titanic, I fear. Two definite changes are Gibba for Hill and Coniglio for Jones. Possibly Bennell for Hug. Bennell kicked 2.3, but played in the ruck??! a fair bit. Avery needs to be told that if he is ever that lazy, selfish and undisciplined again, he gets dropped. I'll give him a pass since he remains, with Clarke, our best young player, but he lost the plot yesterday. 

Hang in there Perth fans. The wafl needs a strong club at Lathlain. I know we've discussed the problems you face in depth. You won the reserves last year. A big crowd. You must be doing something right. 

Ted, you have suggested the essential changes to be made for next week. Gibba needed a run in the ressies but should come into the side. Coniglio should never have been dropped and must come in,. Bennell did well and must come into the forward line. Unusual game from Avery on Sunday, totally out of character but must stay in. His effort was not indicative of his talent.
Clarke is all class. He and Byrner need more support from team mates.
Did Cary get reported? He should be unavailable for a couple of weeks at least. Very undisciplined.
I would like to see some more of More (excuse the pun). I liked what I saw in the ressies.
Smith must go. The most costly 10 points we ever spent. Hobbling around again on Sunday.
I would have Oscar Bird back in the side sooner rather  than later IMO. He is developing and needs to be encouraged.
Preston-Coates impressed me and should be pressing for a chance sometime this season.
The only other one is Harry Quartermaine . Currently on the injured list but will push for the next level once fit and a couple more games under his belt. Seems to have lost some weight and moving very well pre-season. He is a goal kicker.
After that, we a wee bit short and the hope is that several other of those younger players in the ressies will put their hands up for a chance. They are young and we have not yet seen their full potential.

Ted, Obviously I don't see Perth often, I watched the game on the AFL catch up yesterday.

I felt a bit sorry for Avery he seemed to be the little Dutch boy being expected to plug this hole and then that one in what was a bit of a leaky defence. I really like the performance of the Hyphen ruckman, the commentators said he had struggled with injury but on that performance he deserves to be given a regular gig.

Grump not sure the defence was leaky.
When you get smashed in the clearances and the ball comes in constantly and fast, not sure the defence can be blamed.
We were disgraceful.
As for two dads, I am hoping that Moss will run both AJ & two dads in tandem all season.
They have both presented at times when resting forward.
In fact two dads took a couple of marks in the pocket.
Needs to learn to compete against big bodies and not get knocked off the ball.
As does AJ.