Aerie wrote:One of the reasons I was critical of the Eagles big men, and I think the turning point in the game, was the ball up just forward of centre during play in the 2nd quarter. The Eagles has just kicked 5 behinds in a row and a North tackle had forced a ball up on North’s side of the centre square. I don’t know who was in ruck at the time, but the Eagles had no one go up, they were disorganised and North cleared and kicked an easy goal against the run of play.
This is an example of why the Eagles have failed in finals time after time. Is it laziness? Lack of concentration? It shouldn’t happen and can’t happen. There were numerous examples of sluggish play. Seymour walking to the back pocket at each kick in another example. Von Bertouch hasn’t got out of 2nd gear for 2 months. The Hayes brothers try hard, but try harder and keep your feet at all times. It is extraordinary effort that wins premierships. It’s bloody hard because the team you come up against is just as hungry and just as good. So unless the Eagles can collectively find another gear and individually do everything they can for their team mates, it will be another wasted gear.
I think they can turn it around, as they have in previous premierships in 2006 and 2011. It will take extraordinary effort though, against a proven North Adelaide and foremost, a hungry, talented and in form South Adelaide.
I agree Aerie. I recall an example near the arc of the forward 50 where Toumpas could have made a bold play and left his man and spoiled as the ball was coming in. He didn't and played it safe sticking to his own man and allowing North and easy mark and forward entry. It only takes a couple of players to show a lack of intensity and it spreads quickly around the team.
I too think they will turn it around. But history over the past 20 years has been that when their backs are to the wall they come out and surprise with a huge effort.........and get themselves into a GF. They then bring a pitiful effort and we become another laughing stock.
Part of the reason is that we have had so much success getting to the finals over the past 20 years that players just expect that will happen year after year - they therefore don't fight like crazy due the attitude 'that's ok - we will be in the finals next year and have another go'. Well ask the Panther's players if its guaranteed they will be in the finals next year. No, they will be fighting like crazy. If we don't come out breathing fire we will get wiped.