August specialists

[Farmy]

It is that time of the season again, August. When under performing players on crap teams suddenly find that extra bit of effort, resulting in good performances and even upsets (Freo and West Coast good examples this weekend) caused by teams that are out of finals contention. This phenomenon is a counter to tanking, where players pick up the pace near the end of their season in order to secure contracts or their place in the first 22 in the following pre season/season.

The improved performance of the players nearing the end of the season causes bad teams to win games in August which in turn gives hope to supporters/the media that the team is on the improve and in for a better season next year, the prime example of this is Richmond, who for a few years now (bar 1 season) have been THE August specialists, last year in fact they convinced many a punter that they were on the improve, that 2009 was their year, they would finally take that next step and finish 8th. But alas, it has not eventuated.

The same will happen this year, false hope will be dispensed and in a few months, hearts will be broken.

Beware the August specialists.

[overloaded]

well said farmy. fremantle and port are both a joke

[saintal]

Looking at 2006 to 2008, rounds 19 through 22, Richmond won 8, lost 4

[Farmy]

What did I say, it has happened again this year, as it does every year. Teams out of the finals race causing upsets in August.

[whufc]

agree with what you have said but to be honest i don't really buy into the whole players trying harder at the end of the year to secure a contract and a place for next season.

I have never played sport at an extremley high level but anytime i have played if the contest is there you go in your hardest, your not thinking of next season or financial gain.

Just my 2 cents worth

[GWW]

I agree with that. I think its more to do with the step up in training of clubs preparing for finals.