JMSTEP123

Not wrong but our rebuild seems to be every window and the ramifications are always excused as we drop points. I have seen this circus go round and round long enough.

1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 0, 3, 0, 3, 0, 0, 3, 1, 3, 1, 0. D, W, W, W, W, L, W, L, W, L, L, W, D, W, D, L 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 13, 16, 16, 19, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 27. Half our score in first third of the season giving us 13 from 18 points averaging just over 2 points a game. 11 points from our last 9 games so 11 from 33 possible points averaging 1 point a game. However you look at it, we were the 2nd best side when other teams were yet to hit their strides. Once again, our downward trajectory after a strong start is in full force. I wont shit heap on Noone too much as these past few weeks have been better. I wont shit heap on Maclaren - blokes given scraps. Frenchy has been a wasted spot in a crucial position which we are dying for someone to fill. I will shit heap on the collective. The "team" was dismal tonight. I dont know what happened to that early season form. I dont think it is other teams outplaying us or preventing us from playing well... it is like we are a completely different team unable to play as we once could. At this rate it will be another bow out in finals. I doubt we even deserve it anyway unless something fundamentally changes every time we hit that pitch both individually and collectively.

Probably lose to CCM again at this rate.

Griffo 2.0

We lose when he is playing too. We just lose.

So where are we at lads? Pretenders, not contenders. Hard to secure 2nd when we are this shite and others are on the up. Something has to change 2nd half. That was rotten.

Fuck we're shit.

Draw is now the most likely outcome. After 2 very defensive outings - tonight is to make a statement. Keep a clean sheet and win the game away. Does not have to be convincing or beautiful, but those will best embody what we have been 'working towards'. A platform for future success. I feel this game is best watched as seeing how much the players want this. Can they all put in another 20% and get over the line. Should be an interesting game!

Seems he is being used as an impact sub. But I agree. Guessing we will play a back 3 and Galloway was chosen above Atkinson on the left.

The surprise would be the draw

Predicting a loss then?

Trying to avoid another Budzinski. Honestly I have seen him play a role well. Its not something others dont offer. It is something he can only reach on occasion (generally V lesser opponenents). Often, he looks devoid of confidence. From where I was sitting on Sat, I watched him as he was largely unaware of his surroundings and opponents pressing in. He is clumsy and prone to turn over the ball in such situations. He was also rarely proactive in asking for the ball in the final 3rd of the pitch, not seeking the ball but rather playing it if it fell to him. Granted, this may be his role - but it also takes someone with drive and creativity to make things happen that are beyond the role assigned. I have seen his potential, but he only achieves this every 3 or 4 games.

So he does not fuck it up.

Well done lad

Off to the tennis

Bloke looks scared of the ball. He literally avoids it.

Goal post for a terrific save

This is it. We know Perth will come and play well. Not sure which City will turn up, but history shows its not in our favor. I remain realistically optimistic.

Good on the bloke. Dominating.

💯

First Derby. Could be a nil all if we defend well. Says a lot. I agree 👍

Something we should be proud of for sure.

The more I reflect on last week the more I feel it was an exercise in defensive mentality and keeping a clean sheet - addressing our culture and mindset. It was probably an exercise to prepare us for Perth, who will go for the jugular. We are going to have to be at our best. Noone, Jmac and Luna need to continue their form. My guess it we will play 2 DMs with Griffo and Brilliante to try and break down Perths attack. Goals will be hard to come by, so a loss or draw is more likely. At our best, though, we just might scrape in. This is the biggest game of the season to date. COYCB

Incoming underwhelming performance when it is most needed. This is a 6 point game, clear and simple. A must win.

How did you go?