Ease up people.
It is bloody round 1!
I agree with Thickos post. A real positive was that we didn't get opened up. That is a solid base to work from. If we can get our ball handling under control then we'll compete a lot better.
We really lacked the leadership from the back, which I actually thought wasn't going to be too much of an issue but it was. Chalky was never in position, although I do agree with whoever said the wingers need to help out the fullback. Even with that in mind, Chalky is now not mobile enough to sweep in behind the line, he's too bulky. Zillman would have been better suited to that in the wash up and clean up the grubbers in behind the line. Hypothetically, if we didn't concede off kicks then we are talking about a 6 point ball game I think.
I was impressed with Logan. He could be a real Adamson type player for us. Overall though, the forwards struggled more than I thought. I was certain they'd take it to the Manly pack but they just struggled. I say go back to fundamentals this week against Melbourne. Anything else will result in us being beaten comprehensively. Lets forget round 1 and start again showing the defence from the Manly game and safety first footy with the ball. No point going crazy with the ball unless we have the foundation set. If we can at least push Melbourne then that is something to get excited about and give the young guys confidence.
This weekend Carney and Dobbo have to really hit the mark with their kicking games. Against Manly it was just straight to Stewart or too long. We have to make teams play, especially considering that we are quite solid in defence for the most part.
I was most disappointed that Henry dropped Zillman for Howell. That was ridiculous if you ask me. Howell didn't even play a trial did he? How anyone in the Raiders coaching ranks thought it was a better idea to play a 50% Howell over a 100% Zillman will be a mystery for eternity. That was a massive mistake. Not saying it would have changed the result, it wouldn't have, but Howell came in underdone and it showed. He only made 5 of 21 attempted tackles I read, which is poor in anyones terms. Also, a Howell - Best combo in defence is like waving a red rag to a bull, never again I say. Neither can defend at all, but we already knew that.
But hey, as has been mentioned, we always knew it was going to be a struggle first up. We'll be right, I know we will. Just need time is all. No point whinging about the standard of footy after 1 away game in the rain, against a settled side, with a team developing. It will come, be patient.
