Can someone that doesn't support Essendon offer an opinion on this? Maybe I'm just too hard on him, but I thought he was lucky to hold his spot for large chunks of last year. :
I can't think of anything that James Hird has done that hasn't been a class act. We'll see, but if his other experiences in life are anything to go by he'll be the goods.Does anyone know if he can actually coach?
James is surrounding himself with a very capable team. Richmond's coaching history is a million miles away from the Bombers.
Bombers supporters thought 2006 was bad!!! Look out 2010!!!
With the slim chance of finals now fully evaporated, the Bombers can start making some serious changes.
With reckless abandon I'd make the following moves:
1. For the rest of the year play Houli and give him a decent chance to find his feet.
2. Start preparing Ricky Dyson for life after football. He has minimal ability and impact on a game after being around the AFL for over 6 years. Needs to go. While we are at it, may as well pack up Winderlich's locker as well. Same story. These two guys are just stopping the development of players like Howlett, Jetta etc. They are never going to be the players that make the club successful.
3. Play Neagle - Knights sure as hell didn't do much to encourage Lloyd to continue, so he better start developing a full forward quickly. If Neagle doesn't do anything get rid of him at the end of the season - but you have to play him.
4. Our midfield is one dimensional. We are obviously missing Lovatt more than I thought we would. We cannot continue to play Welsh and McVeigh in the centre (some would say the same side). McVeigh has become just another back pocket player - his 2008 form has gone, possibly never to be seen again. As for Welsh - I never agreed with the decision to make him VC. We need some freshness and spark in the midfield. I'd play Zaharakis and Reimers in midfield roles. Watson, Prismall, Stanton, and Hocking all have a similar "feel" about them.
5. I'd give Dempsey a licence to follow the footy and play more on the ball.
6. Drop Ryder. The only reason Hille isn't being dropped is benefit of the doubt after his injury last year. Can someone explain how Hille can get outmarked by Luke Ball?
7. Do something about the game plan. PLEASE!! Is anyone else sick of watching 2 foot handpasses going backwards to a person in a worse position?
8. Keep playing Melksham, Colyer etc and bring in Long and others ASAP. Give them game time NOW.
9. Play Myers until the end of the season. For a high choice draft pick he's been a disappointment to date. Lets see what happens if he's a regular in the side.
10. Change tackling coaches. Some of the half-assed efforts today were straight out embarrassing. Our desire to put the body on the line was sadly missing.
11. Don't get too attached to Hurley. With performances like that he's a certain starter for the Gold Coast.
More concerning is our attitude. We are playing like a team that doesn't believe in themselves or each other. Morale seems very low. They are not putting in the 1%er's. At least against Geelong and Freo in R1 & 2 they showed some spirit.
Once again I can't help but think that we are no closer to finals success than we were 5 years ago. Where are our Sidebottom's , Pendlebury's, Beams' and Wellingham's?
Duckman
One that suits the players we've got.
Yeah, was solid.
I'll be the first to admit that in the past I have questioned his ability to handle the AFL stage, but by the looks of things he now "GETS IT".
Yes, still best to be conservative at this early stage.Their defensive efforts have been fantastic.
How good has Jetta looked this pre-season???
Bellchambers played well last night.
Hibberd looks a good pickup for the backline.
Not getting carried away - but considering the past 3 years results it is very, very encouraging.
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