Patience People

By Clown College
Since the NAB cup this year there has been alot of hype around the speed and excitement with which Essendon are now playing. Even early on, I think the most skeptical Essendon supporters could have been forgiven for getting a little carried away. Is this the year we FINALLY inject speed into our midfield the likes of which haven’t been seen since the 1984 grand final winning team?? Young bodies sure, but pace to burn. With young bodies and the rigours of a full AFL season, injuries were always going to take their toll, particularly soft tissue injuries. Speed and excitement, absolutely, accountability and defence though?? It would seem not.

Interesting isnt it, that Damien Hardwick, the premiership winning defender from 2000 was overlooked for the coaching position because of a supposed inclination that we wouldn’t be seeing finals action for a few years, given the list he had to work with. Are we that arrogant at Windy Hill to believe that with this list we could seriously challenge for a premiership?? Or even finals footy?? Surely not, I would have thought this level of arrogance was reserved for Joffa, King Eddie, Malthouse and the rest of the parole-ees at the magpies.

We need to face facts and realise that this team, in perhaps the year 2010 may be hardened enough to challenge for finals footy. It will be the twilight of Lucas and Lloyd Career up front, we probably wont have the Michael and Fletcher combo at the back, canceling out this will be the two or three extra years that our young brigade of talent will have on them. Guys such as Lloyd and Gehrig are being found out as the game is just far too fast for the big slow forward to have an impact.

If we look at the three teams at the top of the ladder this year ( Geelong, Hawthorn, Bulldogs), we will see young lists, small players with big tanks and speed to burn through the middle of the ground. Guys like Cooney and Griffin, Bartel and Ablett, Hodge and Mitchell have had enough pre-seasons to handle the speed which the game is played. We need guys like Davey, Jetta, Dempsey, Houli to have two or three more pre seasons, then deliver the ball into the likes of Daniher, Gumbleton, who by then will be tanked up super men, while Ryder, Slattery and Pears hold down the defence.

2010 people. Patience my young Jedis.

Posted 1 May 08 in News