It is a very flat feeling today, especially after the build up through the week.
I think most of us can see it in it's proper perspective already and whilst it's not the Manly way to make excuses, there were mitigating factors. And we've already out-pointed two other heavyweights this year in the Rorters and Rabbids - which is better than the H and A rounds last season.
I will say I'm a little concerned about our injuries too. Even Snake and Cherry were clearly wounded last night, and it's only injuries to our top ten guys that I can see potentially stopping us from winning the whole damn thing again.
We need at least Foz or Killer in that game last night and we win. Killer may have been the difference with goalkicking for a start.
But, it does give other guys, like Ferris, a chance for more game time; and man didn't Jamie shine!
Other guys like JLJ and TRed to name just a couple would've learnt tough lessons and can hopefully be wiser next time.
There will be ample opportunity for our guys to get square and redeem themselves down the line...
It's only injuries, or the lack of them, that may be the only thing to stop us!
( And, as always, the refs!)