In terms of what is actually happening, and what is going wrong, I think it's pretty clear to see from the outside looking in. of course, we'll never really know, but I'll give my thoughts.
I think that Sam is actually right. Not necessarily about the preferential treatment of Latrell and Cody (I have no idea on that one), but in terms of the standards dropping around the club. The results speak for themselves and that is absolute proof. The first 11 Rounds, we're probably playing the best Footy I've seen us play since 2014. Seriously, it was that good on a consistent basis. Throughout this time, I heard a lot of reports from people that attended trainings saying things along the lines of 'that is one of the most intense and high-quality sessions I've seen.' I remember seeing many comments like that over those weeks. Clearly, the standards were extremely high. Clearly everyone was holding each other accountable, clearly JD was doing his job well.
For whatever reason, that changed around Round 12. That is something I'm really not sure about in terms of why that's happened, that's got me stumped. But it's clear to see the standard has dropped. You don't go from leading the comp to being in this position by still having high standards and keeping everyone accountable. Our attitude and effort is not what is used to be. Our defensive efforts, structures and processes have completely fallen off a cliff, our discipline on both sides of the ball have become very poor and you can even add in our attack and execution now because that's turned to shit too.
So, I think it's clear as day that Sam and Morris are actually correct on this issue. The concerning thing for me, and it is really concerning, is how that has been allowed to just go on like that for 10-12 weeks now. That should never have happened. It should have all been nipped in the butt a long time ago. To be honest, I think that is mostly on JD. Yes, it is on the players too, they are a big part of driving standards, but JD is THE MAIN part of driving the standards. Maybe he hasn't been doing that as well as he was and as well as he should which is very disappointing and not acceptable. Clearly, he hasn't been listening to his support staff for whatever reason, also worrying.
This has turned into something that is going to be very hard to fix. Bad habits have clearly set in and maybe taking shortcuts is part of the culture now? Of course, losing makes this all so much worse as everyone is frustrated.
That's what I think has happened. I think the playing group is still relatively solid. Of course, there may be a few issues there, but hopefully nothing major. I have seen a captain's run with my own eyes this year and it certainly looked like a happy bunch to me. Everyone from players to coaches included.
So, as I have said, Sam is right on the main issue. The reason this has all blown up is the way he's gone about it. Now, I'm not just blaming Sam as others have played their part. It certainly doesn't look like JD has handled this the best. However, I just think the way Sam has gone about this is poor. Personally, I do think he has something to do with leaking to the media and that is a big reason why he went. That is a gut feeling by the way, I don't have any inside info. Anyone who leaks to the media, even if it was someone like a Sam Burgess, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Cam Murray, Jason Demetriou, Nick Pappas; whoever. It doesn't matter who it is, that is not acceptable, and they go.
This is the biggest challenge our club has faced in the last ten years. Certainly, the last five at least. It is going to define us one way or another. It will either destroy the club currently and set us back years, or it will galvanise the group, bring some issues to light and help make us stronger. It could be the best thing that's ever happened to us. Who knows?
One thing I do know is that everyone needs to be working as hard as they can to ensure this does turn out to be a blessing in a massive disguise.
Really gutted, upset and angry at the current position we find ourselves in but I back my club to turn it around, hopefully very soon.
