That sucks big H but stay the course and she'll be right. I wonder if the boys are just trying too hard and need to dial down from 11 say to a 9 on the amps.
Edit - R of the V you have it almost right, I think player combinations are as important as individual player attributes, with Johnno back I think Spur and Duffield play off one another much better. And dare I say with the old firm (that is Spur, Johnson, Duffield, MacPharlap, Dawson and Muzungu, although Sutcliffe or A Pearce would do) all playing together the synergy and predictability of knowing what your team mate is going to do would increase confidence? Just saying they were a great back half once maybe that's what's missing.
