Yeti, no-one wants Tabs to "come off" more than I, but I'm afraid I'm getting frustrated by seeing the same pattern play out again and again. This time round hes had several weeks at Peel "improving his game and consistency'.
And he needed this - and probably more time - so that he could re-enter AFL footy supremely confident in his game. Most importantly, he needed to rectify his 'flatspots' - or ability to impose himself on a game when things werent going his way.
All Throughout his extended Peel stay, we heard about how he should be playing 1's, and how he's the best contested mark, and how he's been a bit hard done by by being in, out, in out....etc etc.
What I've seen today, ive seen before. No physical presence, dropping sitters at crucial times (ie the first 5 minutes of last quarter, and a general lack of contest/awareness. It was like the boy was half asleep at times!!
Now, by no means was he responsible for todays loss. Everyone seemed to be on a bit of a 'downer' today....I personally think the bye can't come soon enough. There are some tired young - and old - bodies out there.
But I'm frustrated with Tabs. He had a shocker today, and effort was seriously lacking. We've been here before. He'll get dropped back to Peel, he'll probably put in a notable performance or two in the below par WAFL comp, and the Tab supporters will want him back in again. And we'll be told how good his contested marking is....again.
But the simple facts remain for me at this point. When he goes missing - he goes missing! He may take some marks, but he drops some absolute sitters - generally at match crucial times. (Unfortunately those stats arent recorded...) And he just doesn't seem to be able to 'get himself into the game' when things are flat, nor does he seem to be able to put back to back games together.
I expected more from him this time round, and I'm disappointed. In my mind, he is an extremely pivotable player for us. If he can be fabricated into a 197 cm lead up, strong marking, straight kicking forward, he is obviously bloody valuable.
But, at the moment the Ox is far too slow and this Earth is losing patience......