Unfortunately I raced along to get to the game tonight only to experience the blackest defeat in the club's proud history. I was at the 140+ defeat by North Melbourne in 1990 but tonight's loss even surpased that, especially given the apparent lack of endevour displayed by much of the team. This is the first time I've left a game since the Save our Skins days where I've been so genuinely worried about the club's on-field future.
Luckily I'm old enough to remember the good times of the 70's and early 80's, but my kids aren't. While no amount of debate can reverse past recruiting blunders, coaching appointments, disastrous injuries and the many other calamities, as members we have a right to expect that every football related aspect within the club's control can be improved from this point on.
It is vital that the club again address the recruiting and player development/coaching structures. We must further look at ways to increase both the number and quality of people to undertake recruiting at the club, and seriously review our coaching/fitness conditioning structure to ensure our junior players are receiving the right training/coaching to fulfill their potential as soon as possible. I know the football budget is not as large as the interstate clubs and our big local rivals, but we must channel every available cent into these areas.
I want this club to be strong again and be something that my kids can love and enjoy, just as I (and many of you) did all those years ago. In many ways, I wish tonight's game never happened. It was just that horrific to watch what was happening. I never want to see something as insipid as that again. However we should use it to remind ourselves just what work now needs to be done.
Luckily I'm old enough to remember the good times of the 70's and early 80's, but my kids aren't. While no amount of debate can reverse past recruiting blunders, coaching appointments, disastrous injuries and the many other calamities, as members we have a right to expect that every football related aspect within the club's control can be improved from this point on.
It is vital that the club again address the recruiting and player development/coaching structures. We must further look at ways to increase both the number and quality of people to undertake recruiting at the club, and seriously review our coaching/fitness conditioning structure to ensure our junior players are receiving the right training/coaching to fulfill their potential as soon as possible. I know the football budget is not as large as the interstate clubs and our big local rivals, but we must channel every available cent into these areas.
I want this club to be strong again and be something that my kids can love and enjoy, just as I (and many of you) did all those years ago. In many ways, I wish tonight's game never happened. It was just that horrific to watch what was happening. I never want to see something as insipid as that again. However we should use it to remind ourselves just what work now needs to be done.
