A game plan will only ever get you so far. A strong game plan, implemented well, against decent teams will often be enough to win. But when you come up against a great team, you need great players. We have too many mediocre players, who the Pies exposed.
It's evident that Collingwood are too talented for us. What is also clear is the need for a proper crumbing forward. The ball popped out of our 50 too often and easy for my liking. If JJK didn't mark, we had no shot. Nicoski and Lecras are good medium sized forwards, but they lack pace and tackling ability. And no, Ashton Hams does not fulfil that role. Sure, he's short, but he's lacking in ability. Wheedon? Meh, we probably need to see more of him to be sure. How about Sampi? Phil Matera?Andrew Krakeour?
Back to reality. We weren't embarassed though. It would be incredulous for critics to argue this game showed the Eagles have not improved. We were the wooden spooners last year. If this game was last year, we would have lost by 20 goals.
I also thought we missed players like Waters and Brown today. Ash Smith isn't really up to it at this stage. Schofield too made a few mistakes.
On the positive, I thought Lynch presented well...except he presented at centre half back. Kerr was also very solid. Priddis showed immaculate poised throughout the afternoon.
But all in all, it revealed that we are no where near elite status. Some of it is talent, some experience.
But we weren't embarassed.
Which we will be if we lose to the Suns next week. So, let's not do that.
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