Is Horse impressing anyone?

[Triple B]

0/2 Cheer Squad.

He's improving...

[ernie koala]

Its really not us that matter. Its whether he is impressing ,in all senses of that word, the players. If the players respect and follow his instructions and play to his plan who cares if he impresses us or not.

I agree with this sort of. But I could also suggest that none of the footy discussions we have on here matter, because clearly, they don't. We're looking in from the outside and can only comment from that perspective...If we choose not to do that because it doesn't matter, then there's not much to talk about really.

[SydAFLFan]

If Roos was still coach would we be feeling the same way? I think following Roos was always going to be a hard task for any coach and perhaps we put Longmire's decisions under the microscope more than we would Roos. I too have concerns, especially on our forward half, but I agree that its way too early to judge Longmire's coaching ability just yet.

But if we don't play finals footy at the end of the season I reserve the right to retract all of the above and argue the complete opposite although I still feel confident we will be in the top eight come September.

Having said that I know we haven't taken a massive backward step as seen north of the border when Voss took over at the Lions and the future does look bright with the next generation of players all pushing for a spot in the first team.

[ugg]

If Roos was still coach would we be feeling the same way? I think following Roos was always going to be a hard task for any coach and perhaps we put Longmire's decisions under the microscope more than we would Roos. I too have concerns, especially on our forward half, but I agree that its way too early to judge Longmire's coaching ability just yet.

If you go searching for posts around Round 15 last year (we also played the Kangas) - we had that mid-season slump after being 6-1 to start the year, we had unexpectedly capitulated to Richmond the previous weekend. The posts there were as uncomplimentary as they are now and Roos copped a fair bit of heat at the time too (too defensive, prefers experience over youth, should leave now not at the end of the season etc.). So while the coach may have changed, posters around here are as unforgiving in their scathing criticism and vitriol directed at the team and staff. The funny thing is, to me at least, is that if we win this weekend those same people will be the first to lavish undying praise and paint what a bright outlook there is for the coming week. There really is no middle ground for them.

[ernie koala]

My view is that the 2nd /third and fourth year players have not come on yet as expected which therefore has made us more reliant on newer players like Reid , Johnstone , Johnson. If White, Bird, Hannebery, TDL etc had gone to another level many of our problems would be solved. They havent so we struggle at clearances and in the forward line where those guys play.

There is an interesting question to come out of your observations. Is Horse suffering from Roos' not blooding and persevering with enough youngsters over the last 3 to 4 years?

[ernie koala]

If you go searching for posts around Round 15 last year (we also played the Kangas) - we had that mid-season slump after being 6-1 to start the year, we had unexpectedly capitulated to Richmond the previous weekend. The posts there were as uncomplimentary as they are now and Roos copped a fair bit of heat at the time too (too defensive, prefers experience over youth, should leave now not at the end of the season etc.). So while the coach may have changed, posters around here are as unforgiving in their scathing criticism and vitriol directed at the team and staff. The funny thing is, to me at least, is that if we win this weekend those same people will be the first to lavish undying praise and paint what a bright outlook there is for the coming week. There really is no middle ground for them.

Ugg, it's easy to be scathing and belittling about "them", ( which I assume in your mind I'm one). The fact is, the point of this thread is to discuss peoples observations on Horse ,as head coach, so far. Personally I haven't seen much that has impressed me.
Which is why I particularly asked for positive feedback. I'm actually interested in others views, whether I agree with them or not.
If it doesn't interest you, don't read it.
A win this week would be great, and if they have a good win, then of course I'll praise them. But it will take more than that to change my overall opinion.

[caj23]

Having said that I know we haven't taken a massive backward step as seen north of the border when Voss took over at the Lions and the future does look bright with the next generation of players all pushing for a spot in the first team.

Voss took them to the finals for the first time in 5 seasons in his first year as coach, the backward step occurred 12 months later when he traded in Fevola

[Big Al]

You are unbelievable!!!
You continually malign the team, the club, the coach, in fact anybody with anything to do with the Swans. Have you EVER written or even thought a positive thought about the team?
If you are what makes up the Sydney based cheer squad than no wonder the Melbourne based one is so far superior.

Oh dear Cheer Squad...constantly disagreeing with me is one thing but when you piss off the lovely Jewels you know you may have over stepped a bit.

[caj23]

If you go searching for posts around Round 15 last year (we also played the Kangas) - we had that mid-season slump after being 6-1 to start the year, we had unexpectedly capitulated to Richmond the previous weekend. The posts there were as uncomplimentary as they are now and Roos copped a fair bit of heat at the time too (too defensive, prefers experience over youth, should leave now not at the end of the season etc.). So while the coach may have changed, posters around here are as unforgiving in their scathing criticism and vitriol directed at the team and staff. The funny thing is, to me at least, is that if we win this weekend those same people will be the first to lavish undying praise and paint what a bright outlook there is for the coming week. There really is no middle ground for them.

Roos isn't really the issue here, but the fact is that he'd already announced his decision to quit by then meant that some of his shortcomings were more easily forgiven or ignored. Had he been in charge this season with the same results I don't doubt he would have been in for some criticism.

Unless we win by 100+ points I doubt anybody will be lavishing undying praise as the quality of the opposition is poor and a good team should defeat them comfortably. It will be an interesting week here if lose though!

[Triple B]

If you go searching for posts around Round 15 last year......

...and every year before that at some stage. I'd imagine after the StKilda game in 2005 it would have been a similar story...

If it doesn't interest you, don't read it.

The problem is, you have to read it before you know it's bollocks.

[johnno]

What I dont get is how on earth Jetta is still getting a game??
I dont like to pay out on our players, but in all honesty, he's been next to useless for the last 3-4 weeks now.
What must players like Moore and Bevan be thinking?

[Jewels]

Oh dear Cheer Squad...constantly disagreeing with me is one thing but when you piss off the lovely Jewels you know you may have over stepped a bit.

Love ya Al!

[Triple B]

.....What must players like Moore and Bevan be thinking?

They may be thinking 'Gee, and here I was thinking that they'd destroyed all the negatives...'

[Big Al]

What I dont get is how on earth Jetta is still getting a game??
I dont like to pay out on our players, but in all honesty, he's been next to useless for the last 3-4 weeks now.
What must players like Moore and Bevan be thinking?

Sorry Johnno but you lost me when comparing a winger with 2 snails that are best as small forwards only. If you want to name a player that can replace Jetta on the wing then I'm all ears. (Jetta was good against Port but along with a thousand other players was poor against the Hawks)

[aardvark]

What must players like Moore and Bevan be thinking?

Probably "We mustn't forget to send Sheeds a birthday card" or" I wonder what the accommodation is like at Rooty Hill ?"