Our first loss for the year and it certainly left a bitter taste. We were playing ugly footy and still at 3 quarter time we found ourselves 3 goals up.
In the last quarter we got run off our feet as Mildura wanted the win more than what we did. Some may think it was fitness, but I think it is more mental. We gave (the game) up and we had too many of our senior players down on the day. There are some positives that come from this.
There is more to be learnt from a loss, a loss keeps us on edge and makes us think about what we have done wrong or what we didn't do right.
Maybe we could have won by a small margin and accepted things as they are, but because of the loss we can't accept things the way they are, we need to identify the weaknesses and work on them.
Losing a game is not the concern or focus it's how we as a group respond to that loss. It's amazing to listen to people after a loss, players supporters etc. Some are straight down the line, others look for excuses and look to place blame. Everyone needs to take stock of where they are at and what they could be doing better for the team.
The coaching staff needs to be working harder, players in the senior side need to be working harder to stay there, and the reserves and 18s need to continue putting pressure on spots.
The senior side is far from settled, there are many individuals who we as a coaching staff are trying to gauge where they are at. We are still working players into different positions and trying things. We are putting players back to the reserves and 18s to work on deficiencies. People outside of the coaching and selection committee are not privy to the discussions that take place. We take our job very seriously and in the end pick the best 21 players available to do the job.
If any player believes they are going to get a free ride for the year in the seniors they are wrong. We will continually choose the best team each week. The team in which we think can defeat the opposition. If you are unsure on where you fit into things, seek clarification. Not through talking sideways and whinging about it. Build some resilience, look at your own game and contact the coach or a player rep to sort it out.
Currently, we have the personal in our club to be successful and we have some great juniors coming through as well. We need to continue to bond together in our respective teams and all push toward that same goal.
The timing of Anzac Day couldn't be better as we all unite together Saturday morning to show our respects for those who have given the ultimate for our country. Following that we will have breakfast together as we look to prepare for the upcoming game. Then on Sunday we can look to redeem ourselves with a spirited effort against South Mildura.
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