Yeah, we sucked on Sunday. It happens, although incredibly rarely under Roly. After repeatedly finishing in the top 4, after one game into 2016 people are saying we should do something differently. We should have done something differently.
But what, and when?
We all know how big a deal top 2 is, then top 4. Finish 5th onwards and you might as well look to the following year.
So, when should we have been dropping experience players for kids? When should we have been hurting our chances at top 4? 2013? 2014? Last year?
Last year Fyfe was having a year for the ages. We were destroying teams, and playing breathtaking footy. We had the best clearance team in the league, the best defence, and a forward line that was seeking out enough goals that we could put the cue in the rack in the last quarter. Then Mitchell corked Fyfe, our forwards forgot how to kick goals, and it all got a bit bogged down. I was hoping that we'd turn it around. I'm sure Roly was too. But can you, hand on heart, say you would drop Ballas for Weller because Ballas was down on form? Or anyone for Mayne? Or Brady Grey or Blakely for Barlow? Is Tabs really worth a game?
Personally, I would have backed the seasoned blokes to turn their seasons around. I still would. In fact, I still do.
So, sure, 'something' should have been done. But it's not the status quo versus 'change'. Because everyone has a different view as to who can play, and who can't. So just because you think our current team isn't out best team, doesn't mean there's consensus for what a better team looks like. Or that any blokes outside the 22 can actually play. There are no guarantees when you are constantly picking outside the top 15 in the draft.
But when push comes to shove, I'd back Roly to have a better idea about that than Brad Hardie. I'm surprised so few of you agree.