Finals Footy - a new ballgame !

[maxta]

I agree re the 9s.

My take on our attack is that it's fine, providing we manage possession. We have enough talent and speed to score points but like any side, when we are losing the ruck, it'll look like we have little to offer, because we'll be shifting against a set defence. If we can scramble the ruck and fatigue the opposition, there are plenty of points of attack.

I understand you're suggesting the same thing, i.e. something happening in the middle, but I believe that's not so much a tactical concern, rather an application issue. If we bang the door down in the middle, the space will open and the natural instincts and abilities of our talented halves and outside backs will ensure points are plenty.

We scored 10 points in the opening 20 minutes last week and even managed to post another two tries in spite of the fact we were bashed from pillar to post for the better part of an hour. The side can score enough points. Can they stop the opposition from scoring enough?

Not sure we can tbh, Dogs yes.....but top 3-4 will be a struggle
And basically the same opinion in attack....would just like to see a few more trick shots through the line...,like that flat ball to Lawton from Brooks against Dogs....just a few tweaks with maybe an offload now and then, nothing major but more than just 1 outs and then the shift, as I feel if we can engage more opposition defenders in tight the shift plays we make will be Far more successful....anyways just keen for a victory and I'll be happy mate 😅

 

[NYEagle]

The manner in which we lost to Cronulla has taken the wind out of my optimism that we'd go deep into the finals. It has been the only match where we were outclassed, which surprised me because we've competed manfully in all previous matches. Our forwards were outlasted and our backs were outmaneuvered. It showed me how clueless in attack we are without Turbo. His presence absorbs the focus of defenders, even when he's not actually involved in the play, giving space to other backs.
I'm deflated and not expecting a happy outcome from our Sunday clash.
I believe we have the fourth best roster in the NRL so to finish any lower than this, as now seems likely, will mean we've underachieved in 2024.

The only variable that I am hanging my hat on was 2017 when we made the finals in 7th or something. We beat Penrith by a big space at Brookie in the final round, and then just one week later Penrith beat us in the first week of the finals. It shows the last round means nothing, and even though we talk about it being important for a home final I think it actually means nothing. The stadium crowd also bring in more money - heck we sacrificed magic rounds to take games away from Brookie to stadiums.

I think we can beat the bulldogs. My concern in the refs to be honest. We just don’t have the composure to handle tough decisions against us, and that will invariably happen.

NYEagle

 

[Cameron]

History doesn't lie sadly.
Our seaaon has 80mins to go.

When it comes to week one being knocked out or making it passed week one we are bunnies. Only progressing twice out of 12 attempts since 1981 when playing elimination games.


1984 vs souths lost
1986 vs balmain lost
1988 vs balmain lost
1990 vs balmain Won
1993 vs brisbane lost
1994 vs brisbane lost
1998 vs canberra lost
2005 vs parramatta lost
2009 vs Storm Lost (McIntyre system 4 vs 5th so at time of running on it wasn't a knockout game. However after our game on the Friday night two of the top 3 lost eliminating manly.)
2010 vs Dragons lost
2017 vs penrith lost
2019 vs sharks Won

 

[Rosko]

Apparently we needn't worry -

GREIGHTNESS IS IN OUR DNA​

2024 Finals Launch
GREIGHTNESS IS IN OUR DNA

FFS...

 

[globaleagle]

Apparently we needn't worry -

GREIGHTNESS IS IN OUR DNA​

2024 Finals Launch
GREIGHTNESS IS IN OUR DNA

FFS...

It's because we've won "eight" premierships.....

Greightness

 

[sheridanstand78]

Our finals record against the dirty dogs is dreadful to say the least.

There is an opportunity for the team this weekend and it will come down to what we do. Our defence of late is leaking far too many points averaging 30 plus a game over our last 3 games, this has to improve if we are to be any chance.

The world is talking about them and we are not really on the radar of the media, we know we can beat them and it will take a mighty effort!

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Don't usually watch the M Johns podcast but took a look last nite - Cronk was quite scathing about DCE's defence, rushing up and turning in. He and Johns couldn't understand why such an accomplished and experienced half would do this. I don't understand defence myself but would be good to know the answer anyway! Is it a ploy that would work if only his outside men were on the same page?

Anyway I think up front is more Manly's Achilles heel, when we give up possession at least.

One funny thing I noticed was, asked whether Cleary's damaged shoulder could survive an assault from Crichton, Cronk said 'He'll be totally fine, he's got a minder' (Martin). Few minutes later he suggested DCE was not going to be able to handle Kikau's 'physicality' - no mention of any minder. I think Cronk doesn't really like DCE
(or Manly! 40-nil )

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

It's because we've won "eight" premierships.....

Greightness

SEReight

 

[Rosko]

It's because we've won "eight" premierships.....

Greightness

Okay. Wow, that is torturing the concept pretty brutally.

 

[Chunkytuna]

Don't usually watch the M Johns podcast but took a look last nite - Cronk was quite scathing about DCE's defence, rushing up and turning in. He and Johns couldn't understand why such an accomplished and experienced half would do this. I don't understand defence myself but would be good to know the answer anyway! Is it a ploy that would work if only his outside men were on the same page?

Anyway I think up front is more Manly's Achilles heel, when we give up possession at least.

One funny thing I noticed was, asked whether Cleary's damaged shoulder could survive an assault from Crichton, Cronk said 'He'll be totally fine, he's got a minder' (Martin). Few minutes later he suggested DCE was not going to be able to handle Kikau's 'physicality' - no mention of any minder. I think Cronk doesn't really like DCE
(or Manly! 40-nil )

I think you’re right, i don’t think he likes him. That goes back to the origin situation where none of the ‘old’ QLD crew wanted him in the side. But in this instance I 100% agree with his criticsim of DCEs defence. I’ve been banging on about it forever!!

 

[BOZO]

Finals footy , The final assault , The final do or die encounter
For one team it will be the end of the road
For the other the Path to Glory

Destiny is in our own capable Wings
Let us soar like Great Eagles and Live up to our Greatness
And PREVAIL !

 

[BOZO]

Finals footy is a new ball game
The winning players are the ones that will transform in to Soldiers of War
Where the game for them is more than just a game
It is the game changer that defies their character and courage and they become for ever Immortalized

Glory is only celebrated by the Victors
How are we going to be Remembered in 2024 ?

Our 1987 Glorious Premiership Winning Sea eagles
We will Remember them
Lest We Forget

 

[mickqld]

Don't usually watch the M Johns podcast but took a look last nite - Cronk was quite scathing about DCE's defence, rushing up and turning in. He and Johns couldn't understand why such an accomplished and experienced half would do this. I don't understand defence myself but would be good to know the answer anyway! Is it a ploy that would work if only his outside men were on the same page?

Anyway I think up front is more Manly's Achilles heel, when we give up possession at least.

One funny thing I noticed was, asked whether Cleary's damaged shoulder could survive an assault from Crichton, Cronk said 'He'll be totally fine, he's got a minder' (Martin). Few minutes later he suggested DCE was not going to be able to handle Kikau's 'physicality' - no mention of any minder. I think Cronk doesn't really like DCE
(or Manly! 40-nil )

I'm hoping that Cronk's home truths have been listened to and duly acted on. However I fear our leaders stubborn we know better attitude may well dismiss what should be listened to.

 

[Eagle 1]

Don't usually watch the M Johns podcast but took a look last nite - Cronk was quite scathing about DCE's defence, rushing up and turning in. He and Johns couldn't understand why such an accomplished and experienced half would do this. I don't understand defence myself but would be good to know the answer anyway! Is it a ploy that would work if only his outside men were on the same page?

Anyway I think up front is more Manly's Achilles heel, when we give up possession at least.

One funny thing I noticed was, asked whether Cleary's damaged shoulder could survive an assault from Crichton, Cronk said 'He'll be totally fine, he's got a minder' (Martin). Few minutes later he suggested DCE was not going to be able to handle Kikau's 'physicality' - no mention of any minder. I think Cronk doesn't really like DCE
(or Manly! 40-nil )

 

[Forster eagle]

Manly has had much success, playing to the edges and scoring the pretty tries....maybe more than any other team.
This was attempted against Cronulla also, who defended great....but no better than the Storm or Penrith will.
All season in Club games the style was flashy, entertaining and could rack up big scorelines, but the game vs Sharks was a glimpse of what finals footy looks like, with Massive slide defence shutting off those outside spaces and creating errors and a frustrated looking attack after not kicking down the door behind the ruck first.
The Manly attacking power on the shift is still a "go to" and will reap the rewards, but there will need to be willing to cop some bumps and bruises playing direct tough footy for period also, to earn the right for that pretty shifted play.....in fact will have to adapt to the tougher style of footy that finals bring and Cronulla rightly played a week out.
No 1 need more thrust in that ruck and not gunna bother with Croker stuff as he WILL be there....so hopefully can start travelling in numbers in attack with quicks like Tom, Levi, Koula hunting around the ball for the odd offload or tip on and try to win momentum through that middle sector....otherwise out wide is null and void, as the defence will be well structured out wide if unable to dent that ruck area first.....just like the Sharks game.
Anyways keen to see some finals footy and happy Manly are there, so let's bring it !

Against the sharks there was no Tom. He attracts so much attention that everybody else's job is easy. There was a time in the game where Cronulla defended 12 tackles on their line when the game was still up for grabs. That's just not going to happen when Tom's in the form he is atm.
That ...in my mind...turned the game.

 

[maxta]

Against the sharks there was no Tom. He attracts so much attention that everybody else's job is easy. There was a time in the game where Cronulla defended 12 tackles on their line when the game was still up for grabs. That's just not going to happen when Tom's in the form he is atm.
That ...in my mind...turned the game.

Regardless of Tom or not....you still need to play far more direct and really win that middle in finals games.....that's why a few seasons ago - in fact Tom's best ever season, Manly got shut down vs South's by simply shifting sideways to Tom which worked in club games and Manly looked lost.....but extra space created first through the guts is a 100% must, then the Tom factor becomes that unstoppable force again