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Jargs you're a smart guy. I like to think I am smart too.
The Western Force is based in Perth, arguably one of the country's best producers of AFL talent. So, why hasn't the Force invited or recruited an AFL or even a WAFL Coach to help with the kicking game of our 9,10,11,14, and 15's?
Yes, Aussies Rules Football bad. I get that. But we have the opportunity to take advantage of a situation.
Why didn't it happen 17 years ago? Why hasn't happened now?
I can't figure it out.
You?
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
The biggest thing with kicking is practice. Practice under pressure in training drills from your team players who apply that pressure in matches. Practice doing extras after everyone else goes home. Practice on your day off....
Coaches are good but their main message would be to practice and then practice some more.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
I remember seeing a sporting piece on Johnny Wilkenson I think it was before the 2003 RWC.
Anyway, he treated his place-kicking like a Golf Swing. He practiced his technique, so that it was exactly the same, over and over and over again. So when he was under pressure he did the same thing.
My point
If we get a coach in - teach good technique. We are on our way to having good kickers.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
IIRC it was Darryl Halligan.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Don't ask me. I just work here.
I think the Melbourne Storm currently have a partnership with the Melbourne Demons? I've seen on the socials that the Sydney Swans do training sessions with the Sydney Roosters as well. Can't be that hard to organise.
One of the exits after scoring today (3rd try I think) we kicked it straight down the middle of the pitch, right down the Hurricanes fullbacks throat. If I don't have a sleeping 1 year old on my chest I would have lost my mind.
May the FORCE be with you!
Two weeks in a row we have been on the cusp of total blowouts, however while never in with a real chance of winning we showed grit, determination and guts to play to the end, something that we have not seen in the past. Our depth and serious lack of it has put us at a substantial disadvantage but those taking their chances are stepping up in spades. As I said last week we need patience with this team, there are green shoots and they are growing.
For man of the match I cannot split Williams and Kuenzle their stats are exceptional:
I have just put a few down here in no particular to show how hard the team worked:
Allround:
Kuenzle Tackles 18 Missed 1 Turnovers won 1 Metres 42 carries 8 defenders beaten 3 clean breaks 1 passes 14 Offloads 0
Williams Tackles 17 Missed 2 Turnovers won 2 Metres 25 carries 11 defenders beaten 0 clean breaks 0 passes 5 Offloads 0 Lineouts won 6
Anstee Tackles 20 Missed 1 Turnovers won 0 Metres 44 carries 9 defenders beaten 1 clean breaks 1 passes 7 Offloads 2
Defense:
Horton Tackles 17 Misssed 1
Callan Tackles 16 Missed 2
Spink Tackles 13 Missed 2
Attack:
Tiatia Metres 50 carries 7 defenders beaten 1 clean breaks 2 passes 4 Offloads 1
Kiribridge Metres 80 carries 8 defenders beaten 3 clean breaks 2 passes 4 Offloads 1
Mataele Metres 109 carries 10 defenders beaten 3 clean breaks 1 passes 5 Offloads 2
Honourable Mentions:
Pearce 11 minutes on the field 20 metres 3 carries 1 defender beaten and 1 pass
Fines 11 minutes on the field 29 metres 3 carries 19 passes
Strachan 63 minutes 18 metres 3 carries 2 defenders beaten 1 clean break and 26 passes.
I think the bye has come at the right time, get some of those niggles sorted and start building on the positives
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
There are some impressive stats there Tazz.
I'd like to see Kuenzle stay as 12 and form a good partnership with Spink. 9 & 10 are still up for grabs. I think Simpson has been a revelation and Fines is fantastic as a finisher against a tiring opposition. Bring him on with 25-30 mins to go rather than 15mins. I think Strachan surprised a lot of us coming on at 10. Why not give him a chance to start at 10 and see what he has to offer? Hegarty/Stewart on the bench.
Absolutely. Pick players on form who are keen to impress. Strachan has been incredibly patient. I'm sure other players would have left with the lack of opportunity he has had. He very much deserves a crack.
I've not seen anything, but does anyone else get the impression that Stewart was promised the back up 10 position to get him over here?
Great game, Fucken battled right through to the 80!