A different kind of win

[Snake]

The most pleasing thing about the win today is the style of the victory.
We’ve had some big wins (54-0 v Eels for example) over the last couple of years but they always seemed to come when everything was going our way and the opposition would have little opportunity to score points due to errors, penalties and field position.

The difference with today’s win is the fact that we finally got in arm wrestle and won a game on the back of our defence as opposed to just having the rub of green all match. Most of our wins over the last three years were always those golden days where everything we touched turned to gold...you rarely get those days in RL and you need to learn to win under pressure and show resilience. We did that today!!! First time in years.

 

[maxta]

The 2 tries they got 1st half
No catch on the full
Dummy half scurry
Apart from that, defence was top notch.
Manly looked way different with AFB/ Tommy back, just like say Souths missing Burgess and Inglis or Melbourne with no Smith and Bromwich....far better side today !!

 

[Harvies elbow]

Yep. There was nothing haphazard about today's win.
It had structure. But not overladen with it.
But the players have confidence in their defence too.
Something that has been sadly lacking in recent times.

 

[Snake]

Defensive decisions on the edge look much better. Very calm and we seem to have defenders come into the frame on tv when the ball goes wide...last couple of years we always looked like we were playing a man short on each edge.

 

[Harvies elbow]

Defensive decisions on the edge look much better. Very calm and we seem to have defenders come into the frame on tv when the ball goes wide...last couple of years we always looked like we were playing a man short on each edge.

And we leaked a lot of points through being wingerless in defence.
That was evident today where as against the tigers it was still a problem at times.
Dessie is getting through.

 

[maxta]

If you want s harsh truth from observation Snake, there has been far better 1 on 1 defence in 2019, regardless of results or scores - this coincides with far less panic inside the red zone with structure looking improved.
I seen Suli twice cave in from 60-70 metres out to expose a sideline bust.....but overall great defence and this gave time for cover.

 

[DUFFMAN]

We won’t win the comp or even make the eight.
But there is a big improvement in the side this season.
Last year the players looked lost, not knowing what their team mate was doing.
The team this season seems to have a lot more trust in each other and seem to know what the others are doing.
I see us finishing outside the eight but moving into it next season with a top four from 2021/22.

 

[BrendonStarr]

We beat the refs today with that performance. Only the rain can beat us this year!

 

[BrendonStarr]

8th worst case scenario, i am leaning towards 5 or 6th at this stage

 

[eaglebuzz]

Our defence this year is the most encouraging sign so far. Knowing we can defend that much pressure and also have the fitness to pile on 42 points is a great sign.

The Barrett era is almost at an end.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

We won against the script! Well done!!​

 

[Uk eagle]

The 8 is a possibility but unlikely I reckon. The squad is lacking in depth. Not sure we can rely on it being dry all winter either! We just have to take the wins and positives when we can and keep building for next year

 

[PONTIAN SEA EAGLE]

What was lovely to see was spreading of the ball out wide on the run rather than flat footed.

 

[Freagle]

Only weak link... Elgey. Do we give him more time, or bring in Hodkinson for his superior passing and kicking? We are not getting Elgey’s running game, which presumably is why he is in the team ahead of other options. Would love to see Cust given a chance, but I guess we wait another year for that. API... not a five eighth I don’t think? Hooker Works very well with Fainu playing longer minutes anyway. Croker maybe?

 

[The McCarrs Creek Eagle]

What a great win, last year my main beef with our performances was our defence, if we can keep the effort up like we did tonight anything is possible... fingers crossed.


.

 

[double hoops]

Some really good signs.

That defensive effort means the mental toughness of the squad is improving.

Not seeing the fitness issues of past years.

Still miles of things to improve upon.

Elgy's was simply horrible at times.

The composure of the team was still lacking when they made half a break, and the lack of finishing was basic stuff and still a fair way off.

It sounds crazy but in all seriousness Manly could have and should have scored 60 today.

Despite the many strange ref calls.

Despite the Warriors having a plenty of ball on Manly's line.

Worry about what you can control. Not what you can't.

 

[HoldenV8]

We beat the refs today with that performance. Only the rain can beat us this year!

That referee (Dave Munro) was as bad as those Frog referees who controlled some of the Ashes Series tests from the 80s and early 90s.

Greg Alexander is dead right, Munro should be dropped from first grade. He is simply not up to standard. Pathetic is the word that comes to mind. I mean, no penalty for violating the scrum clock? Even the Warriors player he was trying to say was injured looked confused like it was "Who, me? You're kidding right" Even Sutton tried to tell him it was a penalty to Manly.

 

[midsteyne]

One thing I noticed was the guys really seemed to like each other, a really cohesive playing group.