Geoff Toovey has convinced me. His effort in taking this team to an unlucky grand final loss has been outstanding.
There will always be room for improvement, but I don't buy the 'played dumb' or 'poor-use-of-bench' comments.
Take into account how many respected judges didn't pick us to make the finals at all. Take into account the number of largely unheralded new faces. Take into account the injuries and suspension we suffered. Take into account the 'rub of the green' (to put it as politely as possible) that went against us so often.
Through it all, our team consistently played with tremendous spirit, toughness and skill. That doesn't happen with a mediocre coach.
End-of-era? Please. With Toovey in charge, I see nothing but further improvement ahead. In fact my early tip is ... Manly for minor premiers in 2014!
There will always be room for improvement, but I don't buy the 'played dumb' or 'poor-use-of-bench' comments.
Take into account how many respected judges didn't pick us to make the finals at all. Take into account the number of largely unheralded new faces. Take into account the injuries and suspension we suffered. Take into account the 'rub of the green' (to put it as politely as possible) that went against us so often.
Through it all, our team consistently played with tremendous spirit, toughness and skill. That doesn't happen with a mediocre coach.
End-of-era? Please. With Toovey in charge, I see nothing but further improvement ahead. In fact my early tip is ... Manly for minor premiers in 2014!