1-How does the season weigh up with your pre-season expectations?
Slightly better than expected. I thought games against Bulldogs, Saints and Hawks were OK. Disappointed in the last 2, but 3 and half wins at this point, is what I expected at seasons end.
2-How do you rate Terry's game day coaching?
Slightly above average. I would have had it higher, but the last 2 games have knocked my confidence a bit. Gone too much with the tried and failed on matchday, and some poor matchups. Has responded too slow at times when a player looks like he's about to break a game up (Eg Corey Jones against North Melb).
3-How do you rate the performance of the 'next generation'?
Tambling hasn't done as much as he promised.
Lids stepping up well.
Patto a non-factor in the ruck, but otherwise OK. Skills look to be improving by foot.
Would like to see Edwards getting a limited run in the midfield at times.
Cotchin is outstanding after 4 games, hope he can keep it up.
Morton classy, and a far better option than Pettifer. Happy with his trade.
Thursty going great guns. McGuane isn't a long term answer, but does OK for now.
Raines a worry.
Moore a suprise. Can't have McGuane, Moore and Thursty playing all together though.
4-How many wins would you have been satisfied with at this stage?
11. Realistically though, I expected 2.
5-How many wins do you think we'll finish the season with?
6-7
6-How happy have you been with the backline?
Not all that happy with the smalls. Raines needs to go back and either make that position his with the same desire he did 2 seasons ago, or we need to give it to someone else. Moore has been handy, Thursfield is fine. Happy with Schulz down back for now. Polak and McGuane are basically backfill for those three in my opinion.
7-How happy have you been with the forward line?
Happier with Morton in. He seems to do good things everytime he touches the ball. We still lack pressure in our forward line, trying to keep the ball in. Pettifer, Bowden, Brown and Richo don't all work together, not enough defensive pressure from them. Would like to see us transition Richo out of the forwardline permanently now, and start getting Riewoldt and Hughes or Polak in as our key targets. We need to look to the generation beyond Richo.
8-How happy have you been with the midfield?
It's So-So.
Lids, Cotch, foley = Good. Tambling OK, but needs to do more.
Tuck, hyde, Tivendale, Johnson need to be replaced.
9-Biggest thrill this year?
Watching the young guys turn our skill standard and intensity around.
10-Who will get Rising Star nominations before the season is over?
Trent Cotchin
Travis Cassarly (if he gets fit)
Maybe JON,if he aint too old.
