Dragons Vs Dogs Rnd 21 discussion.

[Mr Red]

I can't believe Des Hasler.

We get hammered at home and he chooses to rub it in after the game by telling everyone at the presser that 'St George have been playing well all year.....and they have a very smart young coach."

Hasler is not an idiot, and I'm sure his tongue was planted firmly in his cheek when he said that rubbish.

Hasler being polite and gracious in victory, rather than stating anything accurate...

 

[twinkletoes]

I have come to the conclusion that our players are too comfortable....hence the lack of desperation when they play. They play knowing that no matter the result or their own individual performance they will still be picked the following week and their coach will not criticise them. I think the only player dropped this season for reason other than injury was Jamie Soward.

The lipsink from players every week after losses is the same...we'll stick tight, we'll turn it around...we're relaxed and looking forward to next week.

Until someone screams at them, abuses them and says you guys played like crap and 6 of you are going to the Cutters for the next few weeks they won't take responsibility for their performances.

Just what I think..

 

[Changaman]

Fitness
Defence
Motivation
Confidence and composure.
4 really obvious points, but so obvious they weren't there last night.

Regarding Motivation, Ben Creagh must answer for this on the field. I'm not talking about his play, but his leadership. He is not a captain. He may well be a respected leader amongst the team, but he doesn't have the character needed on the field to marshal his players, talk to the ref or inspire his team. I don't know who would be best as captain, but the only one who has the passion, experience and is good at talking to the ref is Nightingale. But they don't pick wingers for captain, do they.

As to the other points, that's all Price and his coaching team, and they must be held responsible for this debacle.

 

[Father Ted]

Indeed there is, lanky step, swerve etc.
In a badly beaten effort, one shining star!

Yep the good news is our back three are the best in the comp..

 

[giboz71]

Fitness
Defence
Motivation
Confidence and composure.
4 really obvious points, but so obvious they weren't there last night.

Regarding Motivation, Ben Creagh must answer for this on the field. I'm not talking about his play, but his leadership. He is not a captain. He may well be a respected leader amongst the team, but he doesn't have the character needed on the field to marshal his players, talk to the ref or inspire his team. I don't know who would be best as captain, but the only one who has the passion, experience and is good at talking to the ref is Nightingale. But they don't pick wingers for captain, do they.

As to the other points, that's all Price and his coaching team, and they must be held responsible for this debacle.

Yep...about sums it up. Good post.

The obvious holes in our roster (halves, centres etc) have been debated to death on this forum. Don't think anyone disputes we are a couple of players short of being competitive, which has been addressed somewhat by the recruitment next year.

What I have been looking for in the last few rounds is evidence we are at least utilising what we have effectively through good coaching, teamwork, motivation, just basically having a dig and putting in some good performances. We have enough quality players to ensure we don't put forward the rabble we saw last night. Sadly, I have yet to see this.

This is squarely on the coaching...so far I haven't seen anything from the coaching staff to give me any confidence next year, regardless of who we have recruited.

 

[Mr Red]

Yep...about sums it up. Good post.

The obvious holes in our roster (halves, centres etc) have been debated to death on this forum. Don't think anyone disputes we are a couple of players short of being competitive, which has been addressed somewhat by the recruitment next year.

What I have been looking for in the last few rounds is evidence we are at least utilising what we have effectively through good coaching, teamwork, motivation, just basically having a dig and putting in some good performances. We have enough quality players to ensure we don't put forward the rabble we saw last night. Sadly, I have yet to see this.

This is squarely on the coaching...so far I haven't seen anything from the coaching staff to give me any confidence next year, regardless of who we have recruited.

+1

 

[Black Forest Dragon]

Hasler being polite and gracious in victory, rather than stating anything accurate...

Maybe he was trying to be polite - but it was condescending.

Some sectors of Dragons respond to media personality's suggestions of how to micro-manage. e.g. Andrew John's recommendation that Chase Stanley is our best Option at 5/8. Knowing that, maybe it's a plot by our competitors to keep us down. In telling us things are fine when clearly they are not, is a reverse psychology thing.

Hasler was using us and getting some practise in for the mind-games come finals time ! : )

 

[Cherrybrookdragon84]

I travelled to the game last night and have to say I agree with the sentiment that ben creagh isn't an infield leader. Merrin is the bloke who leads our forwards, I'm convinced that he is turning himself into a Paul gallen type of player and leader. Fien was largely the issue for us in the dogs 20 last night, his indecisiveness and inept play is intollerable, at one stage he kicked out on the full and not one player patted him on the back as seems to be mandatory - signalling that they all know he won't be there much longer and don't care to encourage him to perform better. Quinlan showed spark but doesn't get the ball in attacking positions enough - the pass to Vidot for the try was great. Outside of Dugan we really struggled mostly

 

[Black Forest Dragon]

Fitness
Defence
Motivation
Confidence and composure.
4 really obvious points, but so obvious they weren't there last night.

Regarding Motivation, Ben Creagh must answer for this on the field. I'm not talking about his play, but his leadership. He is not a captain. He may well be a respected leader amongst the team, but he doesn't have the character needed on the field to marshal his players, talk to the ref or inspire his team. I don't know who would be best as captain, but the only one who has the passion, experience and is good at talking to the ref is Nightingale. But they don't pick wingers for captain, do they.

As to the other points, that's all Price and his coaching team, and they must be held responsible for this debacle.

I do not blame Ben Creagh at all.

He has been towing the line, using all the right language, sticking together, supporting his Coach, believing in the plan, work harder etc etc ....but deep down, is the realization that what they are doing hasn't worked and won't work.

So really, as a new captain, what has Ben Creagh been given to work with ?

He is supposed to motivate others, but who or what is motivating him? ....Steve Price ??

 

[TruSaint]

I travelled to the game last night and have to say I agree with the sentiment that ben creagh isn't an infield leader. Merrin is the bloke who leads our forwards, I'm convinced that he is turning himself into a Paul gallen type of player and leader. Fien was largely the issue for us in the dogs 20 last night, his indecisiveness and inept play is intollerable, at one stage he kicked out on the full and not one player patted him on the back as seems to be mandatory - signalling that they all know he won't be there much longer and don't care to encourage him to perform better. Quinlan showed spark but doesn't get the ball in attacking positions enough - the pass to Vidot for the try was great. Outside of Dugan we really struggled mostly

Cherrybrook, Creah is not our problem, nor is Fein.
The coach has chosen an aged halfback, week in week out. I repeat Fien doesnt chose himself. As for Creagh, he has a different leadership style. Not one that hits headlines, but the players do respect him. Again, not his choice. U r right Duges was awesome, but we dearly miss potent centres and 1-2 mongrel forwards. The tries by Kasiano and Willaims were embarrasing.

 

[Black Forest Dragon]

Yep...about sums it up. Good post.

The obvious holes in our roster (halves, centres etc) have been debated to death on this forum. Don't think anyone disputes we are a couple of players short of being competitive, which has been addressed somewhat by the recruitment next year.

What I have been looking for in the last few rounds is evidence we are at least utilising what we have effectively through good coaching, teamwork, motivation, just basically having a dig and putting in some good performances. We have enough quality players to ensure we don't put forward the rabble we saw last night. Sadly, I have yet to see this.

This is squarely on the coaching...so far I haven't seen anything from the coaching staff to give me any confidence next year, regardless of who we have recruited.

I think what the players need is another break away from footy ...clear the head.

Weekend in the Blue Mountains with wives and girlfriends perhaps? ...Apple picking in Bilpin? ...is it still too early for the tulip festival in Bowral?

That way they will really harden up for the next game. You know, come back motivated.

 

[Black Forest Dragon]

I have come to the conclusion that our players are too comfortable....hence the lack of desperation when they play. They play knowing that no matter the result or their own individual performance they will still be picked the following week and their coach will not criticise them. I think the only player dropped this season for reason other than injury was Jamie Soward.

The lipsink from players every week after losses is the same...we'll stick tight, we'll turn it around...we're relaxed and looking forward to next week.

Until someone screams at them, abuses them and says you guys played like crap and 6 of you are going to the Cutters for the next few weeks they won't take responsibility for their performances.

Just what I think..

...this is pretty accurate

except "desperate" is not quite the right word. "Motivation and desire" is.

More of the same and by the end of the year you can then substitute the word "pride".

It's heading there.

 

[FlameThrower]

I think what the players need is another break away from footy ...clear the head.

Weekend in the Blue Mountains with wives and girlfriends perhaps? ...Apple picking in Bilpin? ...is it still too early for the tulip festival in Bowral?

That way they will really harden up for the next game. You know, come back motivated.

Agreed the Kiama experiential was dumb and poorly timed, everyone knows the Kiama markets were held the week before...!! Our handicrafts and woodworking items would have sold well....Luckily those cedar spoons can be used for cooking....

 

[gorilla]

Cherrybrook, Creah is not our problem, nor is Fein.
The coach has chosen an aged halfback, week in week out. I repeat Fien doesnt chose himself. As for Creagh, he has a different leadership style. Not one that hits headlines, but the players do respect him. Again, not his choice. U r right Duges was awesome, but we dearly miss potent centres and 1-2 mongrel forwards. The tries by Kasiano and Willaims were embarrasing.

Embarrasing ?

I left with 3 minutes to go - couldn't stand it after another fat merkin scored.

 

[Lovemedragons]

Really was a strange game. Watching it reminded me a bit of watching my son play under 9's years ago and there'd be teams made up of 1 superstar kid (Dugan) who the other legless 12 kids would pass it to and he would score the tries. And other teams where they had a big unit kid (Kasiano, Williams) who no one could tackle and scored any time they got the ball near the line. And kids who kick the ball out at kickoff, fail to find touch, pass the ball to the opposition etc etc. We have come a long way...:crazy:

 

[Black Forest Dragon]

Agreed the Kiama experiential was dumb and poorly timed, everyone knows the Kiama markets were held the week before...!! Our handicrafts and woodworking items would have sold well....Luckily those cedar spoons can be used for cooking....

Is it one of those giant wooden salad spoons?

That week away should've happened immediately after the Souths win and before the Raiders game - get into their heads. build on the headspace which motivated them enough to beat the competition leaders.

 

[Twenty10]

I have said it all along... Even before price was hired. He's too familiar with the players and he lacks that killer instinct and lacks the aura that players have no choice but to toe the line.

There is only one option and that is Tim sheens. I know plenty hate him, but you'll see a huge difference.

This year our speed of line in defence has been nothin short of a disgrace. Our discipline, errors... All the things that a poor culture breed. I'm not saying we have a poor culture but I do think the little things price always harps on are non existent. It's all too easy.

His team selections are also comical, laughable and just inexperienced.

 

[Dr Crane]

as a warriors fan who was at the game....it was like watching the warriors.

who threw that stupid offload hot on attack up 20-8...and then the dogs marched downfield and pissed it in.

i don't have a solution to fix it. ivan cleary or matt elliott?

 

[nrlnrl]

I have said it all along... Even before price was hired. He's too familiar with the players and he lacks that killer instinct and lacks the aura that players have no choice but to toe the line.

There is only one option and that is Tim sheens. I know plenty hate him, but you'll see a huge difference.

This year our speed of line in defence has been nothin short of a disgrace. Our discipline, errors... All the things that a poor culture breed. I'm not saying we have a poor culture but I do think the little things price always harps on are non existent. It's all too easy.

His team selections are also comical, laughable and just inexperienced.

I agree & the final straw is when he's referred to as a good bloke !

 

[Godz Illa]

I have said it all along... Even before price was hired. He's too familiar with the players and he lacks that killer instinct and lacks the aura that players have no choice but to toe the line.

There is only one option and that is Tim sheens. I know plenty hate him, but you'll see a huge difference.

This year our speed of line in defence has been nothin short of a disgrace. Our discipline, errors... All the things that a poor culture breed. I'm not saying we have a poor culture but I do think the little things price always harps on are non existent. It's all too easy.

His team selections are also comical, laughable and just inexperienced.

You could use all this to describe Tim Sheens over the last 8 years as well. Would be a disastrous appointment