bennymacca wrote:valleys07 wrote:Pretty much bang on there, Boon.
I PM'd Failed Creation after the game, basically praying for Port to drop this "daily half marathon" training method we seem to be running during pre-season, and get the effing footballs out. I can't recall ever seeing the skill level of one particular team take such a drastic drop over a season. Maybe I am overlooking it, as our run and gun game plan may have masked our poor skill level last season, coupled with teams still adjusting to being able to counteract our game plan.
Now that has been worked out, our turnovers are an absolute disgrace to watch. Ill highlight one player, in Jarman Impey. Twice against Sydney and Adelaide, he has had the ball in 10 meters of space, at least, and couldn't have laced out an opposition player better if he tried. I couldn't give a stuff how good a sidestep you can produce, or how well you can defend one on one, or how good a contested player you are, or how quick you are on the outside- Port need to take a tough stance on skill level. If you cannot hit a target over 20 meters under no pressure, GTFO. That is the difference between Hawthorn and every other side in the competition at present. We are galaxies away from Richmond in terms of skill level, let alone the Hawks.
I am sick of one other stat. Port have lost 18 games since the beginning of 2014. 11 of these losses have been by 10 points or less. Now the damning number for me would be the number of these “close losses”, where we have ****ed around for 3 quarters, then leave ourselves a near insurmountable task to win the game, only to fall a kick or 2 short. Yesterday, Carlton, 2014 Preliminary Final, Round 23 2014 are all classic examples of this. It’s a “hero” script and its rubbish. Why the **** can we not play 4 consistent quarters and steamroll sides in the last? No, instead we want the fairytale comeback, only to fall a kick short.
Now- on to my next criticism. This is in no way intended to disrespect the legacy of Phil Walsh.
A lot of what has been posted on various forums and social media highlights our supporters frustrations at becoming the competitions Mr. Nice Guy. Their criticisms for the most part, I actually agree with.
Port Adelaide build a foundation in the SANFL based on pure hatred from the opposition, but were universally respected. We were completely ruthless in pursuit of success. The club did not care what was thought of us, and it was reflected at the end of the season where the premiership would be the object when determining the success/failure of our season.
I understand Kochie’s motive, and I can’t bag him because what he has done for this club in terms of sponsorship, direction and presence far outweighs any negatives, but his comment on radio yesterday about Adelaide being his “2nd favourite team” gave me the absolute sh*ts. No way in hell would Eddie profess love for Carlton on game day radio, regardless of circumstance. He would express sympathy in light of tragedy, but 2nd favourite? Give me a break Kochie- they are and should always be, our most hated rival.
I agreed with many peoples sentiments regarding the outcome of the match being decided well before the first bounce. Whilst Boaky was interested in sympathising with the AFC during our pressers, Dangerfield declared war during his. One team wanted to win, the other team wanted to make sure that it was a game to remember, and nobodies feelings were hurt at the end of the day. Sadly- the result reflected this to a tee.
On a day where Port Adelaide had the opportunity to exploit Adelaide’s mental fragility and tear them to shreds, we pandered to the fairytale AFC win. “One for the ages”, “A showdown to remember”. Bollocks- it’s been the story of our year.
Cut the crap with the nice stuff, PAFC- it’s time we rediscovered our ability to be ruthless in pursuit of success. I don’t want the media to dub us “everyone’s 2nd favourite team”, or sit there watching media PAFC fap-sessions. I want wins, and I want premierships.
Good post
Great Post
Skill level and dumb decision making resulting in turnovers have decimated the Powers chances of winning games this season.