Tough Schedule

[StPeter]

Three games in eleven days in 3 different states was always going to take it's toll.

Together with a shocking run from the umpires in the first half of tonight's game against the Bulldogs, it really sapped any energy out of the side.

By the end of the Port Adelaide game, we will have travelled six times in just over three weeks (Melbourne to Adelaide, Adelaide to Melbourne, Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne, Melbourne to Adelaide, Adelaide to Melbourne.

[Scollop]

Three games in eleven days in 3 different states was always going to take it's toll.

Together with a shocking run from the umpires in the first half that sapped any energy out of the side.

By the end of the Port Adelaide game, we will have travelled six times in just over three weeks (Melbourne to Adelaide, Adelaide to Melbourne, Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne, Melbourne to Adelaide, Adelaide to Melbourne.

Was that really the reason for getting smashed?

If it wasn't a mauling, it wouldn't have even been raised as an excuse.

RTB mentioned it in the presser. My issue with the coach and match committee, is why didn't they plan better for it? ...f***... it's our injuries... for sure.

I'm answering my own questions. Must be very frustrating for the team.

We know we're in rebuild mode and it's going to take time. Change the team around with guys from the VFL getting opportunities. Bite the bullet.

Garcia has had more of a chance to make an impact. Hastie and Collard didn't get a proper taste.

It was good to see Liam Stocker in the middle at centre bounces. I'd like to see more of the big bodies like him and Owens and even Battle helping out Steele and Sebby

[cwrcyn]

It was pretty obvious watching it live that the players looked fatigued. The scheduling was a factor. These guys are human, not machines.

We don't have anyone to bring in.King, Crouch, Hayes, Webster, Howard, Henry, Clark, Dow, Paton and Wood all on the sidelines with no confidence that any of those guys will be right to go next week. Hayes and Howard have had limited time to regain match fitness, King's availability is a mystery and the rest are 3 to 4 weeks away.

[The_Dud]

Yeah nah.

We were just as bad after a 9 day break in round 3 against Essendon.

And horrible since then.

Bulldogs have played just as many games in that timeframe.

It’s just an excuse that lets players and coaches off the hook.

[CURLY]

Fair call with our injuries and no chance to manage players.

The negative narcissist types will say injuries aren't an excuse only to give more evidence they have no idea.

[chook23]

Yeah nah.

We were just as bad after a 9 day break in round 3 against Essendon.

And horrible since then.

Bulldogs have played just as many games in that timeframe.

It’s just an excuse that lets players and coaches off the hook.

Not true

[Vortex]

Isn't one of Ross's mantras, "anywhere anytime" and "we are flint hard" ...now he is giving excuses over the fixture.

I agree we are in a hard rebuild and as such we are very young and lacking a fair amount of talent at this stage of the rebuild and the short turn around and interstate travel would be a factor, but Ross needs to be consistent with his messaging and avoid excuses.

[CURLY]

Isn't one of Ross's mantras, "anywhere anytime" and "we are flint hard" ...now he is giving excuses over the fixture.

I agree we are in a hard rebuild and as such we are very young and lacking a fair amount of talent at this stage of the rebuild and the short turn around and interstate travel would be a factor, but Ross needs to be consistent with his messaging and avoid excuses.

Only a fool would suggest fixture and injuries don't make a differnce.

[The_Dud]

Fair call with our injuries and no chance to manage players.

The negative narcissist types will say injuries aren't an excuse only to give more evidence they have no idea.

Unlucky for us we’re the only team in the league with injuries…

[CURLY]

Fair call with our injuries and no chance to manage players.

The negative narcissist types will say injuries aren't an excuse only to give more evidence they have no idea.

Unlucky for us we’re the only team in the league with injuries…

Unlucky we have so many.

Ask Richmond how they went with injuries v WC

[The_Dud]

Yeah nah.

We were just as bad after a 9 day break in round 3 against Essendon.

And horrible since then.

Bulldogs have played just as many games in that timeframe.

It’s just an excuse that lets players and coaches off the hook.

Not true

St Kilda:
3 games in 12 days
4 games in 20 days

Bulldogs:
3 games in 13 days
4 games in 19 days

No excuse.

[Otiman]

Going into this week with only 1 change was a mistake, but we really didn't have much choice at the selection table.

With no VFL game it was a chance to play a group of players that hadn't played 3 games in 11 days, and still give them some game time.

The problem is we have no experienced depth, due to injuries.

Howard and Jones are the only two who played VFL last week with more than a handful of games. Jack Hayes you'd probably throw in the mix too. But everyone else would be playing their first or second games.

Hastie
Collard
Shoenmaker
Hotton
Keeler
Mclennan

If we brought in 2 or 3 of these guys, we'd be accused of tanking.