JLT Match Thread Saints v Blues 2018

[DJ Higgins]

I don't understand the "it was just a practice game" argument. Our kicking at goal was crap again. So because it wasn't real we weren't trying to kick the ball straight and get goals? I get we weren't risking injuries, body on the line play but lets be real, we were trying to kick goal and missed. A lot. Yes it was windy but you train for that and Carlton managed to kick them in.

At one stage it was 8.4 Carlton 4.8 Saints which really summed up the night for me. Not hitting the scoreboard when you need to. I saw Richo said that we didn't adapt to the conditions or the game play of Carlton. Can't help but think that is your job their big fella.

Plenty of pluses from the game mentioned above which is positive (Savage no longer a plodder, really looked good last night; Hunter looked good for a debut, Coffield also went ok) but I just don't want another "what if" year. i.e. Saints wasteful in front of goals cost them games. Early days yet but next game will be very interesting

[takeaway]

Rance not a patch on Carlisle? Sorry LL, but imo Carlisle whilst good is more limited and not a patch on Rance. Agree with your other comments though.

[barneyboyz]

Free kick count would be extraordinary. I am not sure what the official count would be but on my reckoning at least around 10aainst us to our to 1 or 2 .

Following the pattern of the past few years. We seem to give away a lot more than we get. Same old same old.

I used to think it was the umpires' fault. I am beginning to think it is actually the way we play. If you play dumb reactive footy and the other team are first to the ball they are going to win the free kicks.

Also; we need our ruckman to be competitive. Not just at the throw ins but around the ground. Time to give Hickey another go. Getting smashed in the midfield, and Kreuzer is having a field day.

Don't know about that. A full headlock on a saints player goes unnoticed yet a slight push in the back gets rewarded as long as the player being pushed is not a saint.

How does Pddy not get a free from a full wack on the nose from a swinging arm drapped over his shoulder?

I think the maggots grew up as blues supporters.

I'm with you on this...absolute disgraceful and has been going on for years

[Linton Lodger]

I don't understand the "it was just a practice game" argument. Our kicking at goal was crap again. So because it wasn't real we weren't trying to kick the ball straight and get goals? I get we weren't risking injuries, body on the line play but lets be real, we were trying to kick goal and missed. A lot. Yes it was windy but you train for that and Carlton managed to kick them in.

At one stage it was 8.4 Carlton 4.8 Saints which really summed up the night for me. Not hitting the scoreboard when you need to. I saw Richo said that we didn't adapt to the conditions or the game play of Carlton. Can't help but think that is your job their big fella.

Plenty of pluses from the game mentioned above which is positive (Savage no longer a plodder, really looked good last night; Hunter looked good for a debut, Coffield also went ok) but I just don't want another "what if" year. i.e. Saints wasteful in front of goals cost them games. Early days yet but next game will be very interesting

In regard to our kicking for goal, it was blowing a swirly gale, utterly diabolical for any sort of kicking. Not that I'm making excuses for Gilbo's execution by foot!

[Con Gorozidis]

So when we win it is because we are the better side.
When we lose it is because we weren't trying.
Got it.

[St DAC]

I agree with Richo's summary in his member's message; Carlton were better than us overall and in particular handled the conditions far better tha we did.

We look one-paced (Steven excepted) and basically have a plodding midfield crew. We badly need some pace in there.

Our forward line doesn't look dangerous, and our kicking is frankly abysmal; both field and goal.

It looks like a long year again ...

[CURLY]

Carlton clearly wanted to win and approached it as such. Even in the first quarter when Carlton kicked with a 6 goal breeze we didnt play a man behind the ball. Carlton on the other hand had a regular loose behind the ball.

[kosifantutti]

So when we win it is because we are the better side.
When we lose it is because we weren't trying.
Got it.

When we get smashed in a practice match in 2009 it doesn't matter.
When we lose a practice match in 2018 it does.

[axcellence]

The AFL has not changed rules or interpretations this year.

And the saints just brought back the 2017 game plan with 0 changes and couple of kids replacing Roo and Montagna.

Very much the shades of GT in 2006. In 2004, he was a genius; in 2005, he brought the team back from the brink. In 2006, it was clear that other teams had gone way past.

The team still played like millionaires and I bet if Roo was running around, they'd just kick it to him to mop up all the indecision they served up.

This team needs to realise that Roo and Montagna are gone and each player and the team collectively needs to step up. Didn't feel any changes from last year's attitude in JLT1.

But yes, it was just a pre-season game.

[prwilkinson]

Clark looked great, Armo got through the match, Lonie stuck a few tackles, Gresh looks set for a massive season. Paddy clunked a few great marks and the rest blew the cob webs out on a horrible, windy s**t of a night at a ground with no lights.

Not being able to capitalise when dominating periods of a match ... it's a bloody frustrating hump this team has got to get over. On a nice day St Kilda could/should kick 7-8 goals when they control a quarter like last night's third term.

I'll still be tipping St Kilda by 45 points when Round 1 comes around.

[spert]

So when we win it is because we are the better side.
When we lose it is because we weren't trying.
Got it.

When we get smashed in a practice match in 2009 it doesn't matter.
When we lose a practice match in 2018 it does.

Because we want to get into finals and win our second premiership after the failure to do so in the Lyon years -people want to see success, and last night didn't help the cause.

[degruch]

So when we win it is because we are the better side.
When we lose it is because we weren't trying.
Got it.

When we get smashed in a practice match in 2009 it doesn't matter.
When we lose a practice match in 2018 it does.

Because we want to get into finals and win our second premiership after the failure to do so in the Lyon years -people want to see success, and last night didn't help the cause.

Gotta admit, even though I fall in the 'it was only a practice game' came, if the club believes most punters are confident we'll roll into the finals this year they'll get a nasty surprise...if anyone needs a couple quick wins to whip up supporter confidence and memberships it's us, even if it is pre-season. I reckon Melbourne supporters would be (as per last season) strutting around like peacocks after their teams recent efforts, and memberships would be rolling in like ski passes.

[Linton Lodger]

So when we win it is because we are the better side.
When we lose it is because we weren't trying.
Got it.

Once again, I didn't say that and I thought I clearly clarified that in a subsequent comment! If you cannot sustain an argument with reason, don't bother trying to argue, you come across as childish.

[The Fireman]

the cheats will be going around today pretty happy about their side and their improvement...we aren't..simple as that..practice match or not.

[BackFromUSA]

Getting sick of this every night at this time (what about getting this done overnight our time)?

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We can’t pick the time.

And we are trying to get it solved

[Zed]

If you believe like I do, that Rounds 1 & 2 are absolute must win games if we are to play finals this year, then you have to be feeling disappointed and nervous based on what you say last night.

[Drake Huggins]

Players recovered pretty well. A few bruises and aches but can be expected after the first hit out. Coaches were pretty annoyed and disappointed but it’s important to stress they weren’t worried. They were really difficult conditions and obviously we butchered the ball going inside 50. Also it’s worth noting that we tried to play our game the whole time whilst Carlton put players back when we had control. They played to win, we played as in a practice match and to try different things. In the real season the tactics would have been different. You’ll see a different match on Thursday as I’m sure No one will try to close the game down.
Have faith Sainters.

Why would the coaches be worried? They've been there for years, failed to deliver and keep getting appointed. Our player development is amongst the worst in the league. They are like public servants. When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter whether they fail, succeed or whatever. The same beat goes on. We looked better in the 2016 preseason. We may not have gone backwards, but others have passed us, especially the dopers, Dee's and possibly Carlscum. Love your input and understand your staunch defence of the players and staff, but last night was disappointing because it was the same garbage we served up in the last seven rounds last year.

Hornsby needs to be sacked as well. What has he ever achieved at an AFL club in fifteen years? Going with the theme of mediocrity being mistaken for stability, the MBK was given a contract extension on the back of his worst season last year. Far from convinced he deserved it. Far from proven that he is the answer as head coach. It's almost a contrary action to the history of haste in sacking coaches in the past. We may have "stabilised " ourselves into a new era of mediocrity.

[Jacks Back]

With this being our first practice match I'd thought we could also get some practice in on a match thread.

Go Saints!

Well, us Saintsationalist posters sure did get a lot of negative practice in this practice match thread! Hopefully next week our practice match thread will be a bit more positive.

[spert]

Players recovered pretty well. A few bruises and aches but can be expected after the first hit out. Coaches were pretty annoyed and disappointed but it’s important to stress they weren’t worried. They were really difficult conditions and obviously we butchered the ball going inside 50. Also it’s worth noting that we tried to play our game the whole time whilst Carlton put players back when we had control. They played to win, we played as in a practice match and to try different things. In the real season the tactics would have been different. You’ll see a different match on Thursday as I’m sure No one will try to close the game down.
Have faith Sainters.

Why would the coaches be worried? They've been there for years, failed to deliver and keep getting appointed. Our player development is amongst the worst in the league. They are like public servants. When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter whether they fail, succeed or whatever. The same beat goes on. We looked better in the 2016 preseason. We may not have gone backwards, but others have passed us, especially the dopers, Dee's and possibly Carlscum. Love your input and understand your staunch defence of the players and staff, but last night was disappointing because it was the same garbage we served up in the last seven rounds last year.

Hornsby needs to be sacked as well. What has he ever achieved at an AFL club in fifteen years? Going with the theme of mediocrity being mistaken for stability, the MBK was given a contract extension on the back of his worst season last year. Far from convinced he deserved it. Far from proven that he is the answer as head coach. It's almost a contrary action to the history of haste in sacking coaches in the past. We may have "stabilised " ourselves into a new era of mediocrity.

No excuse for presenting such a tired looking, unswitched-on team to start our campaign, even though it was early in the season. No obvious method of play or ball movement. Bolton made Richo look silly by presenting a fresh confident team who played good disciplined football and took risks. I don't see much changing this season and I reckon if Richo hasn't got this team up and firing by mid season, then his days are numbered.

[congorozides]

So when we win it is because we are the better side.
When we lose it is because we weren't trying.
Got it.

When we get smashed in a practice match in 2009 it doesn't matter.
When we lose a practice match in 2018 it does.

Trouble is the way we lost last night was identical to the way we have lost in the last 5 years of home and away games.
So the one game doesnt matter. But it is indicative of what this list is capable of.
We finished 4th in 2008 and won a final. Everyone knew we had a gun list.

Are you genuinely suggesting 18 could be another 09? Do you believe that?

Or you just nitpicking an argument you cant possibly win?

Th problems are plain obvious. We are slow and our kicking isnt good enough. Until those two things improve we wont make top 6. It is obvious.

[Beno88]

This thread is amazing. We lost a practice match in February by 22 points.

[The Fireman]

This thread is amazing. We lost a practice match in February by 22 points.

against an undermanned young side..a real confidence booster for the season ahead.

[axcellence]

Players recovered pretty well. A few bruises and aches but can be expected after the first hit out. Coaches were pretty annoyed and disappointed but it’s important to stress they weren’t worried. They were really difficult conditions and obviously we butchered the ball going inside 50. Also it’s worth noting that we tried to play our game the whole time whilst Carlton put players back when we had control. They played to win, we played as in a practice match and to try different things. In the real season the tactics would have been different. You’ll see a different match on Thursday as I’m sure No one will try to close the game down.
Have faith Sainters.

I am not worried about Carlton. It's the same old boundary game plan and 0 corridor use that concerns me more.