Paul Williams - same level?

[Cheer Cheer]

Point taken but whats going to happen when the team doesnt gel in a game and it is left to a few players to win the game for us ? I still dont think we are at that stage yet like brissy or port, thats all, but we have come a hell of a long way from the previous couple of years, and really I am being a bit picky but thats what comes with success

[Nico]

Originally posted by Sid
Williams has been a bit down lately, Ive noticed that he has fumbled the ball plenty of time. Obviously with other players picking up, its not gonna make it easier for him. However, we still hold our confidence in him when he does get the ball.

I think he rediscovered "it" last week.

[j s]

Originally posted by Charlie
But what has struck me this year is how little recognition our guys are getting. They're not getting the rave reviews of various Eagles, Dockers, 'Roos and Tigers for good performances... and the only reason I can think of is that the contribution has been so even all year.

Except by Robert Walls - he reckons we will WIN a few finals this year.

[Charlie]

Originally posted by j s
Except by Robert Walls - he reckons we will WIN a few finals this year.

Not particular players though... the TEAM.

Which is, by the way, just the way I like it.

[liz]

Originally posted by Cheer Cheer
Point taken but whats going to happen when the team doesnt gel in a game and it is left to a few players to win the game for us ? I still dont think we are at that stage yet like brissy or port, thats all, but we have come a hell of a long way from the previous couple of years, and really I am being a bit picky but thats what comes with success

Isn't there a bit of flawed logic there. Most pundits seem to agree that a champion team will usually beat a team of champions. If a team is reliant on a few superstars to win the game for them, isn't it more likely that they will fall down when those few players fail to fire. On the otherhand, if a team is winning because almost all of its players are doing their bit, the risk should be lower.

Of course, if winning requires ALL 22 players to play their part to win a team is in trouble. But realistically, even with the Swans currently, it probably only has to be 15-16 players on any given evening / afternoon.

IMO this was part of the problem with the Swans from 1997-2002. They needed the likes of Kelly, Lockett, Roos, O'Loughlin, later on Williams, Hall to fire. If they had an off game there was no-one to pick up the slack. The rest of the team was fine as support players for the starts but was ordinary without these players at their best.

Brisbane now, and Essendon in 2000, are/were so close to being unbeatable (but clearly not totally unbeatable) because they have/had both - ie a highly disciplined and motivated team as well as a couple of players who could, if necessary, win the game of their own boot. An irresistable combination, but not an easy one to create.

[Cheer Cheer]

Originally posted by lizz
Brisbane now, and Essendon in 2000, are/were so close to being unbeatable (but clearly not totally unbeatable) because they have/had both - ie a highly disciplined and motivated team as well as a couple of players who could, if necessary, win the game of their own boot. An irresistable combination, but not an easy one to create.

This is my point and this is where I want our team to be as we are not there yet. But I dont think it it is too far away, if another couple of stars are unearthed I reckon we can get to this level.

[liz]

Originally posted by Cheer Cheer
This is my point and this is where I want our team to be as we are not there yet. But I dont think it it is too far away, if another couple of stars are unearthed I reckon we can get to this level.

I agree it would be perfect and its what every supporter dreams of their club achieving - but my point was it is very hard to achieve and I don't think its necessary to win a premiership. Given the choice between a great team and a good team with a few superstars, I think we're heading towards the better of the two options.