Get this:
Nearly 3/4 way into the season...
Manly ranking 7th in attack
3rd in defence
3rd in defence!!! (admittedly conceding only 1 point fewer than Panthers and Wahs, yet… 3rd!)
This is unlikely to be a fluke. In fact, clearly a plan of the coaching staff. For years we’ve all said defence is the main thing we need to improve, although there’s been different theories about how to do that.
Could this be why DCE is leaving? He was told we’ll only be offering a reduced deal, in part because we want him to play a far simpler, safer style so that we can play a pressure game. Less ad lib risky brilliance. As Manly’s greatest ever star (maybe in his own mind?) this was a big insult, hence, “Seeya”.*
Regardless – if Manly can keep working on this high possession, low error rate formula, we’ve still got enough firepower to beat the best. And that style is so much better for my heart rate!!
*mere guesswork/conspiracy theory by me 😊