DSM5 link said:
Zep, what I'm saying is that the win in 08 was a complete team effort. I've not seen such a dominant performance from everybody until that game. Everybody played to their maximum ability in that game, unlike this year unfortunately. Hopefully that effort will return. Last weekend was a good omen, and we'll have to play well to get over the top of the faders. Go Manly. Â
Agree DSM the 2008 GF was nearly the perfect storm pun intended and one which will be hard for
any team to ever equal. Everyone played out of their skin, had a burining goal to achieve and it was the culmination of everything learnt during 06 07 08. The team only began the peaking process in the home semi against St George when Lyon was back from injury at 5/8. The textbook example of a team peaking at the right time and learning from previous mistakes - and their opponents blotting their own copybook and being under prepared and out of top condition.
Would have been interesting to see this Manly 08 GF team play the Storm of 07/08 at their very best....
Monaghan- remember in the final series of 07 against the Cowboys at SFS when Monaghan was leading our main attacking options and drive forward from hooker dummy half runs and kicking game. When Monas got concussed so did our attack and it was looking ropey at half time until BK slapped him around a bit in the sheds haha.
Remember how in first 5-6 games of 07 how Monas deputised for the injured Orford and calmly led the team to a handful of good victories. Not as much attacking flair as Matt at his best, but dependable and quality - does it matter so much if people think you're boring as long as you win games? (Des' coaching has brought out the best in many people - and many don't achieve the same standard when they leave)
CW has complained often about the "concentric circles" theory about Monaghan and admittedly may know much more than I do about this area - I never saw it but I don't attend every game and am just a punter not a player. Could you please explain what you mean by this CW?
Anyway - great guy great leader Monaghan I'd welcome him back
if that is what Dessie thinks is best - and Beaver too for an extra year!
But at the risk of the best young guys leaving - NO WAY because they are the future of the Sea Eagles!