What's our problem?

[Bloody Hell]

I think it's a combination of shambolic forward line that we were covering well with Rohan, Goodes and the influence of Mummy and the subsequent injuries to those guys.

[ShockOfHair]

Clarify. Is the poll 'What's the problem at the MCG' or 'What's the problem atm'?

I know, I know. Every time I tried to frame just one of those questions it felt like it was missing out on something important, so I tried to blend the two and let the wisdom of RWOers decide.

U forgot speed

I originally included it but had to cut back because the poll options are capped at a mere ten. Whenever anyone raises this Horse points out we win at Subiaco and we just won at Aurora, both bigger grounds. So ideally would have liked to include it to see what everyone thinks, but just lack of space.

[GongSwan]

Interesting that after the Saints win, Ray said in interview that the Saints now have some pace outside which he obviously thought made a huge difference, I still think we need to find the fastest kids in the 2's and get them in for a few of the so called easier games, get them up to AFL fitness etc, just in case. We have the depth in midfield grunt, and endurance in Hanners, we just need that extra quick outside man or two to spread quick and cover space

[GongSwan]

There is a word for that, but I can't spell it. We used to call them skitzo.

Well, get yourself a DSM IV and look it up, these days there are so many schizo disorders (labels), a genius would be hard pressed to label our performance on the weekend

[ShockOfHair]

Having just gone through our record at the MCG over the past five years, it isn't as bad as it seems. OK, it's not good - but most of the 16 games have been against top sides. Seven of the 12 losses have been against the Pies and the Hawks - both premiers in the period and both having the wood over us for much of that time.

Four matches - both of the Bulldogs' losses, one against the Pies and the one last year against the Hawks - were elimination finals against teams who'd finished higher than us.

Three were by less than a goal (all in 2010), plus the draw last year with Melbourne. Then there was the freak game in Rd 1 2010 where the Dees pumped us by 53 points - the biggest loss in the Roos era.

That leaves the Tigers. We won by 16 points in Round 2, 2007 and 55 points in Round 19 2009 - our last MCG win. Last Saturday's was their third in a row against us at the G. They won by 4 points in 2010 and 43 last year.

Swans at the MCG, 2007-2011
Played 16. W-3 D-1 L-12

Opponents
Hawks 5 (1-4)
Cwd 3 (0-3)
Rich 4 (2-2)
WB 2 (0-2)
Melb 2 (0-1 1 draw)

2011: Played 3 Lost 2 (Richmond, Hawthorn), Drew 1 (Melbourne)
2010: Played 4 Lost 4 (Hawks, Richmond, Melbourne, Bulldogs)
2009: Played 3 Won 1 (Richmond) Lost 2 (Hawks, Collingwood)
2008: Played 2 Lost 2 (Hawks, Bulldogs)
2007: Played 4 Won 2 (Richmond, Hawks) Lost 2 (both to Collingwood)

Conclusion: Most losses were games we would have lost elsewhere, but the Tigers do like to play us at the G, and we oblige them by not turning up.

[Big Al]

There is a word for that, but I can't spell it. We used to call them skitzo.

We are both offended by this and deny it strenuously.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Interesting that after the Saints win, Ray said in interview that the Saints now have some pace outside which he obviously thought made a huge difference, I still think we need to find the fastest kids in the 2's and get them in for a few of the so called easier games, get them up to AFL fitness etc, just in case. We have the depth in midfield grunt, and endurance in Hanners, we just need that extra quick outside man or two to spread quick and cover space

This would be a good idea, if there was any speed in the 2's. Ressie watchers will tell you that young Harry and Eugene are the only genuine quicks in the 2's (and the latter is extremely unlikely to make it in the AFL).

[GongSwan]

This would be a good idea, if there was any speed in the 2's. Ressie watchers will tell you that young Harry and Eugene are the only genuine quicks in the 2's (and the latter is extremely unlikely to make it in the AFL).

I'm pushing the Harry bandwagon. He's a better option than Everitt, who will never amount to anything at AFL level

[WeHaveTheGoodes]

He's a better option than Everitt, who will never amount to anything at AFL level

That harsh and uncalled for.

So sick and tired at some on this site getting away with vicious attacks like the above on players.

[Dosser]

That harsh and uncalled for.

So sick and tired at some on this site getting away with vicious attacks like the above on players.

lol

[Jeffers1984]

Not enough speed in the midfield to use the spread or handle it defensively. More exposed on the bigger field ie MCG
Forward line lacking a proper crumber ala Alwyn Davey to at least provide a chance at cherry picking the goals off a marking contest

[Melbourne_Blood]

Aurora is bigger than the G, we didn't look to slow there when we beat the Hawks. When we win the ball from the middle we are capable of exceptionally quick ball movement. Leg speed does not automatically equate to fast ball movement. Our midfield switching off and our forward line are our biggest issues. Speed is not IMO, and even if it is, it's not something we are able to fix at this point in time ( who have we got besides Cunningham who has any speed In the reserves ?) . If we can considerably improve the forward line with the right personal ( as well as the delivery into) and address the midfield lapses, we won't be taking about speed I don't believe.

[Rod_]

IMO our problem is that it is only round 7 completed. If we were still undefeated we would be the tall poppy to take out.

Unfortunately, we "the fans" have an an expectation that we will win every week, when we don't we get upset. I feel that most of the best teams can only win about 80 % of games per year. It would be very hard to stay on top of your game all year! Yes I want to beat the Tigers and the Crows, but lets do it in September. We don't need to be on top this early in the year.

We need to string wins of 4 games or more to get through September. (assuming we can win enough throughout the year..) At our best, we can defeat most teams and I am generally happy with that.

Tackle pressure, is where I feel we were out played in the past 2 weeks. When we got near the ball we were tackled, we were cut off with the 3-6 handballs before kicking into the forwards. To much fluffing around. The opposition intercepted and cut off of the ball being transferred to our kicker. = Turnover and quick transition into their forward line. No time to set the defence and therefore they scored. Yes we need to wake up before 1/4 time, being 5 or more goals behind will meanwe use a lot of energy catching up and never really get into the game. Tempo footy works, but not if your 5 goals behind in the first 10 minutes..

I will hope the plans are to win in September and October and get enough wins to be top 4 this year. Then we can go for the big prize!

Rod_

[giant]

"Intensity". Or at least that's what all the coaches say when their team has a bad one.

Did anyone catch the episode of the Simpsons tonight where Homer says his rubber duck ("Cheaty") is going to win the duck race coz he's drawn intense eyebrows on it? Personally, I think it's worth a shot.

[TheAgent]

Inaccuracy problem solved https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...12022311_n.jpg