I know I haven't been your greatest supporter. But you have a chance to change my perspective in 2018. This is all I ask.
Over the past years of AFL, there is one emerging truth. The competition is as even as it has ever been. There are no power clubs like Hawthorn, Brisbane or Sydney that are going to string together multiple years of grand finals any more. Anyone on their day can win it as evidenced by the Bulldogs and then Richmond. Next year it may as well be us.
So I don't want to hear any more about restumping, rewiring, rebuilding or anything else that starts with re unless it is you resigning because you aren't getting results.
You have the competitions best midfielder coming back into the side. We suffered as he regained his touch after a year out of the game. As much as you try and preach about team efforts, let's be honest, one or two people makes a huge difference. The Eagles won a flag with Cousins, Judd and a team full of numpties.
He is supported by Neale, Hill, Hill & Mundy, all of whom would get a run in most midfields in the comp. They are ably supported by Walters when he decides to leave the forward line and the young upcomers like Blakely. If Bennell gets back to anywhere near his best, well we know what he can produce. And we know midfields win premierships.
Admitedly we don't have the strongest defence or forward line, but there is no excuse for when I watch us get spanked in the middle of the ground and at stoppages. The defenders and forwards aren't there to win the ball at a stoppage, that is the midfielders job and our personel compare favourable on a person by person basis with the best. I've had enough of watching Freo lose the centre clearance more often than not and then have to build every attack from our defence.
Richmond won a premiership with Jack Reiwoldt at FF. So don't tell me you need better forwards.
Roly, you have run out of excuses. You are paid probably about $1m a year to coach the team. If there is one thing I've learnt through my career is that when someone says they can't do something, they are always right. Be Bold Ross - we are not paying you for timidity. Put it out there that we are competing for the finals. I don't want to hear excuses. I want to see us back up there in 2018.
Hugs and Kisses
Your on again, off again supporter
Ricco
