Posted by Dean on 30 June, 1998 at 12:28:36:
In Reply to: Re: Good Old Collingwood Forever posted by Charlie on 29 June, 1998 at 23:17:00:
> > Great page Nick.
> > I just want to say a few words in defence of Tony Shaw.
> > I feel that Tony has been victim of average recruitment over the past 3 or 4 years. From the games I have been at the team seems too slow(too old?) and relies on too few. There have been some good picks but not enough. In addition letting players like Brett James and Powell (Richmond) go is hard to understand when quality mid fielders and forward/crumbers are needed.
> > This problem has been recognised by the club and in the preseason steps were taken to secure staff from Essendon one of the clubs who seem to be able to pick up good young recruits.
> > However the new staff haven't taken part in a draft as yet and the benefits of when they do will not be felt for a couples of seasons anyway.
> > Tony Shaw will probably not be there next year but I can't help thinking that perhaps he was let go a little too soon.
> >
> I like Tony Shaw, BUT ........
> Regardless of what type of players you have at your disposal, one major criteria is whether the players have improved or not. In my humble opinion (and I have been going to games for 15 yrs.) we have not improved at all. I am sick of blaming personnel, recruiting, other coaching staff etc. We have not progressed in many areas. I know our current crop can play better. Why aren't they ?
>
> Look at how Melbourne played this week, they had lots of excuses to lose, but they didn't. Something is wrong with our coaching.
Charlie I agree with some of what you say. The skill level of many players is below what is expected of them.
I think that any skill improvements that have been made possibly may be counteracted by a lack of confidence/mental conditioning.
A coaches job is becoming less skill orientated and more getting the players head right. There isn't a big difference skill level wise between most clubs. The draft has seen to that. The difference usually will come down to which team is switched on mentally. Either Tony Shaw can't get the players thinking like winners or the recruiting staff haven't looked hard enough at players attitude or mental toughness when selecting the players.
Gone are the days you can buy a premiership. Its just not possible with the draft/salary cap.
The 1990 team was no team of champions but they were determined that this was the year and just made it happen. Tony Shaw played a big part in that.