Western Sharkie
Jaws
Fitz is a professional and any temper tantrum’s will most likely be done behind closed doors with only an air of unity in the public domain (Ie don’t air your dirty laundry in public).Haven't had a chance to write my thoughts just yet on the game.
Obviously first half was brilliant, haven't seen a half of football like that for some time and also haven't seen a performance from an individual player like that for some time as well.
Second half was totally abysmal. I don't care about 5 day turnarounds (Manly had one too) or the refereeing issues (I actually think there wasn't any), or the wind against us, a good team overcomes these things.
Poor ends to sets, poor defence, ill discipline and probably a subconscious thought that the game was over led to that second half performance. I was surprised to hear Fitz being overly positive about it all in the presser, thought he may have been a bit more cranky. Hopefully he'll address it this week.
that aside I think he also acknowledges that after a 5 day turn around, a trip from Melbourne and to a wet and soggy second half probably took a lot of gas out of the boys so they started to wane a bit.
Granted, Manly to had a 5 day turn around which wouldn’t have helped against a stubborn opponent, but didn’t have the travel commitments so may have had a little extra in the tank in that 2nd half.
happy to take the 2 and a 7 day break to next round.