We're all slitting out wrists and understandably given the season is over, but the reason we are in this position is pretty simple, an interim coach who was never going to work.
The side that ran out last night was almost full strength, certainly as strong as the team that made the finals last year. But the competition is very close and the decision to put in a coach who clearly can't motivate the team to play for him is the difference in these tight games. We have plenty of stars in the side, Gallen is playing his best footy but there's no structure and no desperation in defence. The side is virtually the same that almost beat Manly in the semis, but actually has our star half in the team.
Yes we've had injuries, Carney is being criticised rightly for his defence, however he is clearly no where near 100% fit, he is throwing good passes, but his hamstrings are affecting his ability to run and defend, even if it's just a mental effect, if Benji has signed I doubt Carney would be back yet. The likes of Gordon, Gallen, Heino had great games last night. Yes the outside backs are crap, but they were crap last year also. The difference is clearly coaching, as Gallen said earlier in the year, it's like having a relief teacher this year, the kids are mucking up.
The board is responsible for all this. 1 For appointing an interim coach 2 For signing Flanno again so early in the season when he well could be proven to have caused this mess.
The sad thing is this team which looks good on paper was put together for short term success. The ageing roster meant our window of opportunity was only 2 or 3 years, last year was good, this year has been completely wasted because of the board's coaching decision and by next year the likes of Gallen, Lewis, Gordon etc will be another year into their 30s.
And one last thing for my rant. A lot of us are calling for an injection of youth. I watched all three grades yesterday and there is no way Holmes is ready for first grade and certainly not to replace Gordon who played well last night. He would crumble under the pressure of playing in a losing first grade side, just as he struggled in the under 20s origin. If Lichaa was staying at the club he should be in the side, but he's nothing special at the moment so what's the point of grooming him for the dogs? Brown didn't play yesterday, Manumenali didn't play, so there isn't a lot there banging down the door demanding selection. The big centre in the under 20s did look good.
Season over, window to win a comp over, sack the board, rant over.