It’s a good thing I wasn’t writing this blog just hours after the match as in all likelihood it probably wouldn’t have been published!
Last Saturday’s deplorable loss to the then-winless Gold Coast was the most embarrassing defeat the club has suffered since the 157-point thumping at the hands of Geelong five years ago.
With so much at stake and the possibility of a top eight finish distinctly possible, the club let everyone down, from the CEO right down to the loyal supporters in a display of football that reached embarrassing heights late in the final term.
If nothing else, the failure to execute not only late but throughout the entire game was indicative of our list at this stage in development. If we are to become one of the best sides in the competition then we must begin to develop depth on the list so when players go down we have suitable replacements to step up.
The Collingwood’s, Hawthorn’s and to a lesser extent the Essendon’s of the football world have all developed their list so that as many as 30-35 players can roll through the 22 at any given time and provide assistance, which in my view is a major reason as to why they have been successful over the past few seasons.
Unfortunately, at least for the moment, our list does not have this luxury and as such it means we have to either blood youngsters who are not ready, or play players who probably aren’t up to the standard of a top eight team.
In saying all this though, lack of depth is no excuse for the poor effort we saw last week.
Since the St.Kilda game the playing style of the group has noticeably changed. Our entries inside forward 50 resemble that of a country footy reserves side and general lapses in concentration have become more prevalent.
For us to be any chance at all of getting back into finals contention, these areas need to be rectified this week against North Melbourne.
I think the most frustrating thing to come out of the last few weeks is that the teams around us on the ladder have been dropping games, but we just haven’t been able to capitalise.
It will take no less than six wins from our last seven games to reach the promised land and obviously it all starts this Sunday against North Melbourne.
The past two years against this club have been pretty even, with the Kangaroos always being strong opposition no matter where they sit on the ladder. They will be just as hungry as us so the boys will really need to show some character and poise to grind out a win.
The possible inclusions of Dustin Martin, Daniel Jackson, Ivan Maric and Ben Griffiths will help the cause, with all the eyes in the football world squarely pointed at Martin.
Like others I will be interested to see how he attacks this game after his lay-off, hopefully looking to repay the club with a match-winning effort.
It’s hard to stay positive after what the club dished out last week, but if there was ever a week to turn things around, this would be it.
Go Tiges!
Follow me on Twitter @Stuart_Wilson23
