Autopsy Rd 13 Blues double comeback just falls short in a thriller

[Bordertoon]

It’s like you conveniently just paid attention to Murphy’s first half and ignored his 2nd half.

Murph was coming back from over a month off, when he got going he was really good in the 2nd half.

No way JSOS offers more than murph, if JSOS had a game like murph last night you’d be raving about him being instrumental in our comeback.

Imo, it’s not so much a question of whether JSOS offers more or less than Murph, it’s about the fact that he offers something different, and that “something” is exactly what we’re lacking as a team - consistent heart and effort, which sets an excellent example for his teammates, and which increases our ability to make our opposition accountable. As I saw last week’s game, JSOS’s influence far outstripped his stats, and personally I don’t think that he deserved to be dropped for that performance, especially for Murph, whose input over the course of this season has been patchy at best.

 

[Ald Gardiner]

McGovern needs to learn he won't be gifted games. Needs to drop down to the VFL and get fit and find some form.

Jack would have been much more valuable today, maybe even enough to win the game.

I think McGovern will be an asset to us, but doesn't deserve games at the moment.

Yep Jack for Gov should be a no brainer for Freo.

What also annoys me about Gov is his low % habit of trying to take a speccy with virtually every marking attempt. DT needs to coach that out of him.

 

[outabounds]

I don't want to hear any more crap about Setterfield this year. This guy is going to be really good for us with another pre season behind him. Given his limited run at it in the past few years he is showing plenty.

 

[TheKing101]

If we had of pulled off that win, it would have been a 60 point comeback. Quite amazing


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Blue__Balls]

These sorts of efforts will go a long way to convincing one or two quality players that we're worthy of their consideration come season's end. The four points would have been lovely, getting us up to 15th on the ladder, and I hope the players realise that this was a game we should have won by 40 points, not lost by 3, but hopefully SOS and Co are able to leverage the positive signs.

 

[AndyWalkersGirl]

So can Ed just go back to being our tagged for the rest of this year? Why does it take a quarter or two to realise it’s hos most powerful position??

 

[Omega Blue]

Felt like suckling was the difference. Great player with a lethal left boot

 

[The Bighouse]

Hope Libba hasn't seriously injured his knee again.

Radio said hamstring..?

 

[NewDarkNavyBlues]

I think a chunk of time in our reserves is likely to traumatize a player for life.

Hahahahaha brilliant

 

[haveago]

We won the free kick count for those thinking we were hard done by all game...

Its when and where they are paid. Weiters v Naughton one out in square. THAT WAS HORRENDOUS and yes you could say it cost us the game.
Hurt so bad.

 

[David Sylvian]

What a crazy contest last night, with momentum swings that were no doubt mirrored by the mood swings of Bluebaggers everywhere. In the two (exhilarating) phases of the game where we found our mojo, it was like Ratts was back at the helm. However, for the remainder, it worryingly felt like nobody was at the helm.

More specifically, for better and for worse, imo this game encapsulated perfectly where we’re at right now - an abundance of talent and potential (Charlie and Cunners, for example), which is marred by a maddening inconsistency, as well as a level of conditionality on the part of too many players (Harry, for instance) that needs to change markedly if we’re to move up the table and eventually into finals contention. Obviously, without too much being different, we could have snatched a last gasp win last night, and of course it’s always possible to construct any game that you lose by less than a kick as “bad luck”. However, on the balance of the game overall, I definitely feel that we got precisely what we deserved, and I hope that this is the message that is driven home in the review. Put simply, imo our two hot streaks over the course of the game proved that the 4 points were there for the taking, had we seen anything like a four quarter performance from all of our players and coaches.

I said towards the start of the preview thread that the only way I wanted Murph to come into the side was if LOB missed through injury, and nothing I saw last night altered that view. In particular, I was extremely disappointed to see Murph come in at the expense of JSOS, in part because I felt that it would make us weaker (in more ways than one ...), but mostly because I believed that it would send the exact wrong message to our players, in terms of what we value and expect as a group. Although it’s impossible to know whether it would have changed the result, I felt that we missed JSOS badly last night. As far as I’m concerned, he brings to the table a number of key attitudinal attributes that we are sorely lacking - namely, consistent passion, commitment, and effort - while the very last thing that we needed was an extra silky outsider whose reputation for slick skills outstrips their recent output (yes, I’m looking at you Murph).

The more I see, and reflect on what I see, the more I’m convinced that the length (possibly) and the significance (definitely) of Teaguey’s tenure as senior coach will be shaped by how he manages a small number of “tricky” players, including Murph, JSOS, Gov, and Harry. Imo, with all four Teaguey has an opportunity to make critical decisions and key statements that might not only significantly impact on our win-loss ratio for the remainder of this season, but which will go a long way towards shaping our culture for the journey beyond. Tbh, while acknowledging that it’s no more than one punter’s opinion on a forum, in Teaguey’s pre-Dogs presser I don’t believe that he made the right calls, when he rubber stamped the dropping of JSOS and bringing Murph straight back in, while talking up what I consider to be so-so performances from Gov and Harry in the preceding weeks. Hopefully, where these players are concerned, Teaguey can adjust on the run in the weeks and months ahead, and imo a good place to start would be with him welcoming JSOS back into the first team fold immediately after the bye.

Couldnt agree more BToon. One of the most frustrating games to watch, at this rate I will need a padded cell and some crayons.

 

[HavUEvaSeenTheRain]

Just on Dow, part me thinks the best thing for him would be spend a month in the two’s where he can start racking up mid twenty touches but I’m also nervous after reading the VFL reports yesterday that maybe it’s not the best environment to do so.

Play Cripps and Curnow (as a tagger) in the midfield from the start of the game ffs. We get smashed in the midfield week after week but playing those two in there together we atleast break even.
Their best player tonight was a fourth year midfielder. I’m not expecting Fisher, Setterfield and SPS to be better players than Dunkley but going into next year they should be old enough not to need help when they have Cripps and Curnow beside them. That is an experienced midfield. Someone like Langdon who adds run is what we need plus obviously a small forward. Though you wouldn’t say no to a mature mid I think you only take them if they are quality.

 

[rp84]

No mate, his attack on the contest at critical times during a game; happened last week, and again this week. His clearances at critical times in a game; happened last week, and has happened throughout the year. His grunt goal in this game.

Don't worry about his efficiency. That will come as he builds core strength to be able to compose himself marginally better than he is able to currently.

As for letting players waltz past him, have a good look at him during those times; he is visibly knackered; which is understandable given that he is a kid playing in the guts and has rarely had a break.

His attack is a weapon, for sure BUT AT THE MOMENT 1 or 2 great center breaks does not make up for getting belted for the other 110 minutes in the middle and not being able to consistently run defensively. He was a non factor in the middle in the first half (i.e. the time the game got away from us). We have asked WAY too much of him this year. I wonder how many other 19yos have played as many centre bounces and midfield minutes. We need to lower the pressure we put on him. Absolutely needs a break and when he is back to play about half as much midfield for the rest of this season. Then, a full offseason to add 3kg and build a much bigger tank. He will be a jet, but he is really getting belted in the middle save for a few (excellent) plays.

 

[David Sylvian]

So can Ed just go back to being our tagged for the rest of this year? Why does it take a quarter or two to realise it’s hos most powerful position??

Hi AWG, Ed is a great tagger one of our biggest assets, in my opinion, however they are trying to educate an inexperienced midefield as quickly as possible and Ed seems to be in the way, so to speak. If the midfield fails to fire, as it did in the first quarter and a half our hand is forced and Ed is deployed. Funnily enough I was asking the cat quite forcefully where Ed was as soon as the game started.

 

[TheKing101]

Imo, it’s not so much a question of whether JSOS offers more or less than Murph, it’s about the fact that he offers something different, and that “something” is exactly what we’re lacking as a team - consistent heart and effort, which sets an excellent example for his teammates, and which increases our ability to make our opposition accountable. As I saw last week’s game, JSOS’s influence far outstripped his stats, and personally I don’t think that he deserved to be dropped for that performance, especially for Murph, whose input over the course of this season has been patchy at best.

Yes next game I would be bringing in jack and giving McGovern a run in the 2s


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[happydude]

I don't want to hear any more crap about Setterfield this year. This guy is going to be really good for us with another pre season behind him. Given his limited run at it in the past few years he is showing plenty.

Did alright.
Can get his hands on the ball and find space but his confidence is what was lacking last night. If he went with his first thought rather than second guess himself his game would've improved 10 fold

 

[David Sylvian]

If we had of pulled off that win, it would have been a 60 point comeback. Quite amazing


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

It still is when you take the loss out of it

 

[happydude]

His attack is a weapon, for sure BUT AT THE MOMENT 1 or 2 great center breaks does not make up for getting belted for the other 110 minutes in the middle and not being able to consistently run defensively. He was a non factor in the middle in the first half (i.e. the time the game got away from us). We have asked WAY too much of him this year. I wonder how many other 19yos have played as many centre bounces and midfield minutes. We need to lower the pressure we put on him. Absolutely needs a break and when he is back to play about half as much midfield for the rest of this season. Then, a full offseason to add 3kg and build a much bigger tank. He will be a jet, but he is really getting belted in the middle save for a few (excellent) plays.

The bye has come at a good time I think

 

[David Sylvian]

Feel (or at least appreciate) your pain with McGovern. Not dedicated enough to get himself in shape which leads to injuries and spasmodic effort. Seems entitled too. If he was gonna bust a gut for anyone you think it'd be Teague. Such talent but not being paid like a fringe contributor now. Maybe flourishes when rest of team improves next season and so much attention on Curnow.

Hasnt had any consistency in his season due to injury and an interrupted pre season, his game today involved being in the right place at the right time just looked like Corey McKernan

 

[rampar]

Is it me or is Mckay playing behind?
Needs to attack and be more aggressive with his leading

 

[happydude]

Is it me or is Mckay playing behind?
Needs to attack and be more aggressive with his leading

Tonight it looked like the dogs were worried about him and I don't blame them, he'd looked more dangerous last time than Curnow.

So they were blocking his run and had a player ready to peel off and nullify him in the air.

Their plan worked.
Unfortunately for them it gave Charlie the space he needed and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

 

[BigFrizz36]

Imo, it’s not so much a question of whether JSOS offers more or less than Murph, it’s about the fact that he offers something different, and that “something” is exactly what we’re lacking as a team - consistent heart and effort, which sets an excellent example for his teammates, and which increases our ability to make our opposition accountable. As I saw last week’s game, JSOS’s influence far outstripped his stats, and personally I don’t think that he deserved to be dropped for that performance, especially for Murph, whose input over the course of this season has been patchy at best.

Pretty sure that the murph in for jsos decision had no influence on whether the game was won or lost. In fact murph appeared to have more impact on the game last night than jsos did last week.

 

[Monty Burns]

Had a blues mate over and that was one helluva roller coaster, only missed that final buster douglas on tyson.
Bummer

There are no sides below us on the ladder. That’s different ...
Make no mistake, there are five or six sides, inferior to us.

I totally agree.

Mate it's a game of footy. There'll be another one next week (or after the bye). You have no idea how close we are to being a real force again.

We are close.
The 2 wins don’t reflect it

 

[footyfan1978]

So who do we drop for JSOS

The selection committee.
****wits!
We do not get out of the mess we in v Lions if it was not for Jack lifting our down boys in first quarter but apparently, one win in a zillion years. What do you do? Drop one of the guys that turned the tide for you. If we do not sack two of the assistant coaches that part of our selection committee , then we not reviewing our football department strong enough. Guys kike Sellers and Dom were spot on two weeks back when they could not figure out how Bolts is only one that lost his job in that group. I been so pissed since Thursday night been hard to be positive at all as feared it would bite us on ass. You do not drop players that importantly help you win when you been so down. Incredibly stupid and highlighted not enough sensible voices at selection meetings, It is why we gone too tall 99% of games over last couple of years. Different voices would challenge that shit but nope, we got too many that clearly do not.


As for the players themselves the youngsters drafted since 2015 showing exactly why next decade going to be very exciting. Least it was entertaining, we kicked 100 again and we got lots of stuff to improve but at least offensively now we not scared to have a go. More of that please. It is how to develop winning habits. Hit the ****ing scoreboard!!!!!

Thursday night HBF summed up my feelings and mood ever since.
It was post of the year...

"What a rubbish selection dropping JSOS."

 

[Zatoichi Blue]

Hoping a few players from around the league were watching last night, thinking "Geez, they CAN play an exciting brand of footy. They CAN score quickly. They DO have one of the best list of youngsters int he game. 2020 and beyond....where do I sign?"

That game may have helped set-up our 2020 list inclusions. Papley for starters.....