For a variety of reasons I haven’t been able to get to Optus for a game. My daughter arrived with partner from the UK and wanted to see the Dockers play so the mission began. First the tickets. Bought a three game special, seats up behind the goals on the third level. Not knowing any different we went for these and didn’t bother changing.
The big day arrived, scarves complete with Daniel Bandy autograph were found and off we went to catch the stadium bus. Hmmm. Bus station eerily quiet. Found some other scarved people and we worked out that the bus didn’t run on Friday nights. No problem, rang friend who agreed to drop us off at the stadium.
Fifty minutes of Canning Hwy later we arrived, barcodes worked, found the seats, ejected the interlopers and settled in, ten minutes into the first quarter.
Enjoyed the first quarter. What a magnificent stadium and the view of the game was terrific. Cold though. UK visitors were enthralled. Then the quarter time bedlam erupted and were assaulted by incredible noise, shouting and some unfortunate band. All you have said on other postings about the shouty guy is true. Is there something wrong with silence and a quiet chat? My daughter, who is aware of my affliction, informed that there is a quiet room somewhere in the stadium for people like me. I reckon it would be crowded. There is something wrong if you have to warn the people about loud noises and flashing lights.
So to the game. Actually we aren’t far off the pace. My impression was that we were ok in the contest but Melbourne set up much better around the contest – one in front, one in back, sides covered so that even if we got the ball there was no chance it could get out. If they got the ball there were free players everywhere and they spread brilliantly. Simple to fix, just cover loose men at contests and don’t get dragged in the contest. Or better still, don’t kick to the contest. Easy to coach.
Same thing applied at bounces where even if Serong got the ball he could not get it out before being set upon. He needs a little more protection from the umpire but what a courageous and skilful player.
The other thing that was obvious was the lack of confidence to take the game on and this actually decreased markedly in the first half. I think some of the inexplicable umpiring decisions attributed to this as players became very cautious. Players need to be told to show their flair, to express themselves.
I enjoyed watching Henry’s game, getting better and better and if everyone on the team had his stats we would have won. Our midfield is taken for granted but really it is very good. So is our forward line if only they could get some delivery and some ball trapped in the fifty. Why bomb the long one in to a contest (to some of the best backs playing) rather than a fast, flat kick which allow the small forwards a chance to show their stuff?
Funniest episode? When Picket ran into Logue (?) standing the mark, bounced off, fell in a heap and then got reprimanded by the umpire!
So all in all Melbourne were better at everything all night including being coached but the gap is not that big.
Gee we have some talent. Some simple plan changes and a little coaching and we are back.
