maxta
First Grader
All guilty after ONLY 1 game.
A major point after watching sober without expectation, was the effort....tried all night even when pumped on the scoreboard but lacked serious energy, as though the massive buildup & expectation hurt them as individuals & a team - big time.
The Dogs who are genuine top 4 contenders, played almost perfect footy & had a glut of possession in key position.
They made minimal line breaks for a team who play so direct, only scoring off messy kicks & could only get outside with sweep plays on rare occasions.
The scrambling defence from inside out worked well, especially on inside runners close to the line, which Tigers will test again with the likes of Tedesco/Simona.
Turnovers hurt badly & it was painfully obvious timing was a fraction off & also, often a pushed pass due to finding it tougher to roll upfield...with attackers 1 out, worked over close to the marker, opposed to the Dogs tipping on to a 2nd man hitting our edges - bending the line & winning the quick play.
This is simply about combinations & time- overused excuse but true - watch haw much easier Manly roll upfield in 5-6 weeks....this takes off so much pressure leading to far better ball retention & last tackle option.
Defensive line contact was reasonable but line speed was 3 out of 10...again a sign of serious lack of energy, not effort...& not as some claim - fitness.
In the Dogs red zone, looked surprisingly flat, putting more pressure on the attack than Dogs defence.
Seemed a few occasions numbers were there out wide, but closed down with not enough time to hit the deeper outside runner in 3 on 2 situations - again will come good & soon imo.
Overall can see a brighter next month of footy & could be a different feel around here by Tuesday...as energy levels for starters will be up.
Not being positive, simply an observation, so give me at least till after round 2 before swinging...actually, I'm fair game so let's hear it....
A major point after watching sober without expectation, was the effort....tried all night even when pumped on the scoreboard but lacked serious energy, as though the massive buildup & expectation hurt them as individuals & a team - big time.
The Dogs who are genuine top 4 contenders, played almost perfect footy & had a glut of possession in key position.
They made minimal line breaks for a team who play so direct, only scoring off messy kicks & could only get outside with sweep plays on rare occasions.
The scrambling defence from inside out worked well, especially on inside runners close to the line, which Tigers will test again with the likes of Tedesco/Simona.
Turnovers hurt badly & it was painfully obvious timing was a fraction off & also, often a pushed pass due to finding it tougher to roll upfield...with attackers 1 out, worked over close to the marker, opposed to the Dogs tipping on to a 2nd man hitting our edges - bending the line & winning the quick play.
This is simply about combinations & time- overused excuse but true - watch haw much easier Manly roll upfield in 5-6 weeks....this takes off so much pressure leading to far better ball retention & last tackle option.
Defensive line contact was reasonable but line speed was 3 out of 10...again a sign of serious lack of energy, not effort...& not as some claim - fitness.
In the Dogs red zone, looked surprisingly flat, putting more pressure on the attack than Dogs defence.
Seemed a few occasions numbers were there out wide, but closed down with not enough time to hit the deeper outside runner in 3 on 2 situations - again will come good & soon imo.
Overall can see a brighter next month of footy & could be a different feel around here by Tuesday...as energy levels for starters will be up.
Not being positive, simply an observation, so give me at least till after round 2 before swinging...actually, I'm fair game so let's hear it....
