I don't think Schoenberg has been handled badly. I think he's realising like all young players that he's in a performace business. Perform and you stay in. He also seems to have something going on outside of footy. I think all young payers need to learn to not get ahead of themself and If he's got the talent he will work through it. If you want to make it at footy it needs your full focus. Any distractions need to be resolved so it doesn't affect your game.To the first point. Nowhere is it written that all growth is exponential and to a timetable. I am just saying I haven't seen the growth I was expecting this year.
We are a pretty identical clone to 2021. Don't forget in the first 10 rounds we were 4-6 and had beaten the previous years grand finalist and also the eventual premiers. All of the positives you listed above occurred (almost identically) in 2021 as they have in 2022.
What have you seen as an improvement in 2022 compared to 2021?
As to how Schoenberg could be handled better, the answer is continuity. His last month has seen him go SANFL, Sub, AFL, No footy. IMO he is one of our 3 most important young pieces, and the focus froand m the club above all else should be getting him right. Whether thats leaving him in the SANFL to get fit or beating up on SANFL players for confidence. Or we make him figure it out at AFL level.