The effect of "Sledgegate"

[White Winmar]

I know I'm putting on the psych. hat, but stay with me. I believe it's no coincidence that our form has been poor the last two weeks. I feared as much. The appalling and unjustified opprobrium the players were subjected to after "Sledgegate" has to have had an effect. The aggravating issue was the extent of the hysteria and vitriol involved, which was completely out of proportion with the alleged transgression, which, by the way, we still don't know the exact facts of.

This is typical if what the media does to the so-called lesser clubs. I'm certain if the transgressors had been GWS, Hawthorn, the Swines or Eddiewood, the response would have been nowhere near as extreme or prolonged. Even after the club and captain offered apologies and explanations the hysteria continued well into the latter part of the week. Think back to the way the club was treated over Kim Duthie. Colonwood's involvement was hardly mentioned, while the shrieking harridan, Caroline Wilson kept hammering us for years. It is still occasionally referred to as the St.Kilda Schoolgirl incident.

Think of the Andrew Lovett saga. He was and still is referred to as a St.Kilda player, even though he didn't play a game, barely squeaking through a handful of training sessions. Despite the club acting swiftly and decisively, as Lovett had turned up in terrible condition to preseason and was arrested for drunkenness prior to the rape allegations, all the talk was about the saints' supposedly terrible culture, which had once again provided a scandal. This was in spite of the club coming off a GF, a 22-3 season and having a strong player led culture thanks to GT, RL and an outstanding leadership group.

There is history of this going back to 1978. Remember Essendon labelled us "Animals" after we touched them up at Moorabbin in round 7? The media jumped on the bandwagon with glee, headlines in the Sunday and daily papers carrying the term to describe us. The effect was stunning. Being 5-1-1 at that point and one of the premiership favourites, we slumped winning only one of our next nine. We stormed home, being the last team to beat eventual premiers, Hawthorn by 57 points and thrashing Carlton by 40 in the last round at Moorabbin, to miss the finals by half a game. I'm still convinced we could've gone all the way that year.

I have no doubt this latest episode has had an effect on the players. It has to. Even if that effect is subconscious, it still disrupts preparation, creates unecessary stress and therefore fatigue. I remember being called in by Timmy after the Hawthorn debacle in 1999. It was a couple of weeks later, but the players and coaching team were shattered, not just by the subsequent losses, but by all the speculation and criticism they were subjected to. The talk does hurt. The endless criticism of the club's culture and player's alleged conduct is a familiar dead horse that Wilson, Barret et al love flogging.

I don't have an answer, except to stop, regroup, rally and prove them all wrong. Again. I just hope it doesn't ruin seasons the way it did in 1978 and 1999. That's not even including the beat up around the infamous dwarf prank. It seems players from Collingwood, Hawthorn and Sydney can seriously assault people, have drink driving episodes, can lie to their clubs and police and even get caught with illicit drugs and the usual suspects stay relatively mute. Hypocrisy of the highest order.

[SydneySainter]

Be that as it may, the best way to overcome such scrutiny is to let our football do the talking on the field.

Easier said than done, I know. If anything, probably an understatement given the recent hammering in the media, but becoming easy beats on the field only just proves the media right, in that we're rabble and don't warrant their respect. If we let this season slip away, then that's one more year before we become a so-called "destination" club.

The only way we'll earn the respect of the football community is winning games of football.

[Waltzing St Kilda]

The club should have come out on the front foot and combatted allegations that St Kilda was scandal prone by
pointing out what WW has listed above. St Kilda schoolgirl? Fake news. Andrew Lovett? Not guilty. Stephen
Milne? Botched investigation, complex circumstances. Sledgegate? No one would have know about the rumours
if Murphy and the media hadn't feasted on the story.

There are times for copping it on the chin and there are times to come out firing. I think Sledgegate was the latter.

[George27]

Excellent post, WW.

I flew out of Australia the night of the Blues game, and returned last night . I was only aware of Sledgegate through reading this forum. I was shocked to wake up overseas last weekend and saw the Swans result. I was hopeful going to the ground today, but what I witnessed was like seeing an elderly relative whom you only meet at Christmas - they had visibly weakened since the last time I saw them.

I recall 1978 vividly. We had such a tough , strong, skilled team, but after the vitriol from that win over the Baby Bombers , we fell away completely. Once the season was virtually over, we slipped back into super form, as you have recounted. I agree with you. We could have won the whole thing. That season really did show the huge impact that the group frame of mind has on the result.

[Sainternist]

Yes, I was also a little worried the media beat up and hyperbolic malarkey would rattle our psychological cages. The bye really couldn't come soon enough. Definitely a good for some soul-searching and to get back on the horse. I think the team is far better than what they have showed in the last two games.

[mr six o'clock]

I don't believe its had any effect
In the last two weeks we've had plenty of the ball and plenty of inside 50s .
The problem is no one can hit a forward on the chest .
And when the forwards do get first hands on to the ball , more often than not the spill the mark.

[Enrico_Misso]

I don't believe its had any effect
In the last two weeks we've had plenty of the ball and plenty of inside 50s .
The problem is no one can hit a forward on the chest .
And when the forwards do get first hands on to the ball , more often than not the spill the mark.

Exactly.
It hasn't affected our getting the ball.
So don't see why it would be responsible for our INSIPID disposal!

[SemperFidelis]

I don't believe its had any effect
In the last two weeks we've had plenty of the ball and plenty of inside 50s .
The problem is no one can hit a forward on the chest .
And when the forwards do get first hands on to the ball , more often than not the spill the mark.

Exactly.
It hasn't affected our getting the ball.
So don't see why it would be responsible for our INSIPID disposal!

Maybe it's a long bow, but this is a game in which confidence is king.

So I think WW has something of a point. It doesn't explain everything, but I'm convinced it has contributed. Have a look at the skipper.

The break has come at a good time. We will be much better for it.

[Enrico_Misso]

I do agree with WhiteWinmar that the so called "Day of the Animals" was a massive injustice to our club and was a turning point when we were flying.

[HardSaint]

Excellent post, WW.

I flew out of Australia the night of the Blues game, and returned last night . I was only aware of Sledgegate through reading this forum. I was shocked to wake up overseas last weekend and saw the Swans result. I was hopeful going to the ground today, but what I witnessed was like seeing an elderly relative whom you only meet at Christmas - they had visibly weakened since the last time I saw them.

I recall 1978 vividly. We had such a tough , strong, skilled team, but after the vitriol from that win over the Baby Bombers , we fell away completely. Once the season was virtually over, we slipped back into super form, as you have recounted. I agree with you. We could have won the whole thing. That season really did show the huge impact that the group frame of mind has on the result.

that season gutted our soul i reckon - thinking about it, its cruel injustice cursed us for a decade
the flogging by the dogs as well (which i was arguing with a Dogs supporter not long ago, saying it couldnt have been 1978...we were a good side...!!!) - damn that instantaneous phone google

remembering clearly that season, the brilliance and media crucifying of Robbie Muir
all part of the villifying package and in part something to do with us.....

[chook23]

Cop out....

[bigcarl]

I discount Sledgegate as a factor.

The players are smart enough to see that for the complete storm in a D Cup that it was.

We've been touched up in consecutive weeks by last year's premier and last year's runner up. It shows that we've still got a way to go in our development.

I also think we erred by dropping Bruce. As I've said several times over the past fortnight, he's important to structure.

I hope the selectors haven't decided that he and Paddy are mutually exclusive ... that you can have either or but not both.

I always like two key forwards. It's harder to shut both of them down.

[White Winmar]

I'm not saying it is the main factor for our slump, but that it is a contributing factor. You only have to have a 5% drop off in intensity and effort in this competition,not fall a long way. I've seen things like this have a detrimental effect in the past. It's an unecessary distraction in a game that now demands complete focus and performance.

[Verdun66]

I'm not saying it is the main factor for our slump, but that it is a contributing factor. You only have to have a 5% drop off in intensity and effort in this competition,not fall a long way. I've seen things like this have a detrimental effect in the past. It's an unecessary distraction in a game that now demands complete focus and performance.

I agree. It is not the whole story, but I suspect it has played a part in our loss of confidence.

[spert]

No effect whatsoever, and it hasn't stopped Carlise from being one of our best players. The poor form is just that- poor form. I think a few of our guys are starting to believe their own publicity and have taken the foot off the pedal. The coaching is poor which compounds the whole effect.

[BigMart]

So in the heat of the battle, when after the footy... players are distracted and think about a media blow up?

Truth is, footy is instinctual and events outside of what's required have little effect, unless it's that personal there is a preoccupation.

Do you honestly think most of the players have 2 F***s about it? Recially to the degree that its effected 2 since performances??

Cmon
Man

Outplayed, out coached and overrated

You need to consider the reality of the situation

[Premium89]

Equal amounts sledgegate, bathwater and injury.

[saintbob]

Excuses, excuses!!!

Nothing excuses the s*** performances of the last 2wks.

Everyone needs a rocket up their arses, the coaches and players have been absolutely insipid.

[thejiggingsaint]

Rather than focus on (what may be perceived as) excuses, the club need to seek REASONS for the poor form shown in these past two rounds.

[SydneySainter]

The reality is, the Saints are in s**t form.

The excuse for getting belting by the Swans was that they're a top 4 team who've found their mojo. If they're a top 4 team, why are they now 3-7?

Now the excuse for getting belted by the Dogs is that we've just been taught a lesson by the "premiers" who have now magically run into form. Yes, they're the premiers, but up until now, have also been in medicore form and would have dropped out of the 8 had they lost yesterday. I think we also need to remember is that they won the flag after finishing 7th, had a week off prior to the finals and got given a cake walk by the umps on grand final day. They're good, but often get very overrated because they're the "premiers".

We are just in terrible form, plain and simple.

[magnifisaint]

Sorry but I'm sick of excuses

[White Winmar]

What do people think "confidence" and form are? They are inextricably linked, in some circles they are considered the same thing. Why did we go from winning five games in six weeks to two shocking losses? Stupid things like Sledgegate are a distraction that is unwelcome and does affect players. Remember the form dive the dopers suffered when the drug scandal broke? Did the players suddenly lose all their ability? Of course not. They lost focus and confidence which translated to poor form on the field.

BM, you say people don't think about problems and distractions when they are trying to get the ball. What you need to understand is that the damage is done in the lead up to the game. Surely you've heard of the players were flat because, "They played the game before they even ran out?" Why do some players avoid media completely? Because it affects their psychological and physical state, that's why. Why do off field scandals bring careers to an end, if they have no effect? Why did everyone marvel at Warnie's performance in the 2005 Ashes despite the shitstorm in his personal life? Because it's so rare for it to happen. He was described as a freak at the time because people rarely overcome those situations and perform well.

The effect is magnified in team and club environment. The mood of the place is like a contagion. If off field stuff doesn't impact on field, why do we bother with culture, team bonding, values and a no dickheads policy? It's because the game is played not just on the field when we're talking about mindset.

The simple biological explanation is that when you are aroused, or stressed, the sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive and releases stress hormones, particularly cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones allow you to perform explosively for short periods after which the body needs time to recover. If the arousal levels remain high for too long, the body becomes exhausted and can no longer perform at its optimal level. The presence of stress hormones eventually attacks us at a chromosomal level, even damaging our DNA and causing premature ageing. Ever noticed how people age rapidly when they are under constant pressure and chronically stressed? You can create this situation with your thoughts alone, especially when recalling past trauma or thinking negatively about the future. It's why people in the workplace underperform when there are too many external pressures on them. Think divorce, sick kids, financial pressure, etc.

Finally, it's not an excuse, nor a complete answer. It's part of the reason we've been rubbish for a fortnight. Hopefully we take stock in the bye week and have a second half of the year like we did last year. I notice Joey on tv this morning said our pressure has been down from its normal high levels. That suggests something is wrong with mindset and focus. Would an unwelcome distraction be part of the problem?

[loris]

What do people think "confidence" and form are? They are inextricably linked, in some circles they are considered the same thing. Why did we go from winning five games in six weeks to two shocking losses? Stupid things like Sledgegate are a distraction that is unwelcome and does affect players. Remember the form dive the dopers suffered when the drug scandal broke? Did the players suddenly lose all their ability? Of course not. They lost focus and confidence which translated to poor form on the field.

BM, you say people don't think about problems and distractions when they are trying to get the ball. What you need to understand is that the damage is done in the lead up to the game. Surely you've heard of the players were flat because, "They played the game before they even ran out?" Why do some players avoid media completely? Because it affects their psychological and physical state, that's why. Why do off field scandals bring careers to an end, if they have no effect? Why did everyone marvel at Warnie's performance in the 2005 Ashes despite the shitstorm in his personal life? Because it's so rare for it to happen. He was described as a freak at the time because people rarely overcome those situations and perform well.

The effect is magnified in team and club environment. The mood of the place is like a contagion. If off field stuff doesn't impact on field, why do we bother with culture, team bonding, values and a no dickheads policy? It's because the game is played not just on the field when we're talking about mindset.

The simple biological explanation is that when you are aroused, or stressed, the sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive and releases stress hormones, particularly cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones allow you to perform explosively for short periods after which the body needs time to recover. If the arousal levels remain high for too long, the body becomes exhausted and can no longer perform at its optimal level. The presence of stress hormones eventually attacks us at a chromosomal level, even damaging our DNA and causing premature ageing. Ever noticed how people age rapidly when they are under constant pressure and chronically stressed? You can create this situation with your thoughts alone, especially when recalling past trauma or thinking negatively about the future. It's why people in the workplace underperform when there are too many external pressures on them. Think divorce, sick kids, financial pressure, etc.

Finally, it's not an excuse, nor a complete answer. It's part of the reason we've been rubbish for a fortnight. Hopefully we take stock in the bye week and have a second half of the year like we did last year. I notice Joey on tv this morning said our pressure has been down from its normal high levels. That suggests something is wrong with mindset and focus. Would an unwelcome distraction be part of the problem?

V.good WW. Don't worry ole bean, some individuals are simply 'wired' to black & white analysis ( if one can term it analysis).

Nevertheless others may ponder and take your thoughtful (and professional I may add) response/explanations onboard. Sift through them, and keep what is worth keeping for them. That hopefully, instigates a deeper thinking about mindset & focus in team environments.

[BigMart]

That is a serious cop out

If our club mentions it, and we are that fragile... we are more f***ed than I thought!

[White Winmar]

It's not a cop out, but a factor. I'm sure there have been times in your lengthy sporting career you've not performed at your best because of mood, or other issues affecting you. It's why we sledge in the first place, for goodness sake. To put our opponent off psychologically. You admitted to sledging. Why did you do it, BM? Think about it. It's why coaches, psychs, players and pundits tell us it's played 90% above the neck.

This was a case of being sledged in the media, which is widespread, constant and public. I said to my son the moment it came out, "What's the bet we struggle this week. They love doing this s***, especially to us." It doesn't mean we're weak. It's happened to every other club at some time. It means we're human. It's not the sole reason we've been crap for a fortnight. Injuries, poor selection and game style all contributed. We're not screwed, but we need to shake off whatever is ailing us. A long way to go yet.