Changes v West Coast

[stevoswan]

First 4 weeks when we were the AFL darlings I noted that we got some very soft decisions go out way

We were exciting for the comp and that is all....we were not and never have been the AFL 'darlings'.....not since we recruited Buddy anyway.

[joeykanga]

I agree, but the stat of 4 disposals a game I quoted was only so low cause it was his 2021 stats, where he has been medical sub multiple times.

Tbh I had Bell's last chance as last week, but here he is again...

I read an article on Big Footy from a poster called BruceFromBalnarring
I could have never have expressed it so well but I think it’s very insightful and I must say I totally concur with it
This is basically the post quoted below

“My thing with players like Bell (and Wicks) is that they’re absolutely disciplined about their role. And that role is often about closing off outlets rather than getting the ball.

Having that commitment to your role is what makes a successful side.

Most AFL players come from a background of dominance where the discipline has to be taught. See Ling, Stephens and Dawson. Oh and Mitchell.

Players like Bell and Wicks have graduated through the Academy system and rookie list not through junior dominance but through commitment to following instructions to the letter and sheer hard work.

Their improvement is gradual. They slowly get more of the ball offensively. Then suddenly you realise they’ve been fixtures for a few years and you recognise their value. Cunningham is an example of that”