Posted by Sereda on 08 July, 1998 at 00:59:35:
In Reply to: Mixed Feelings posted by George M on 07 July, 1998 at 23:22:43:
> I was happy to see Collingwood win but perversely I don't think it is all good.
> What I mean is it could be the first step to:
> 1. Shaw saving his job
> 2. Us winning nine or ten games, and
> 3. The pies setting themselves up for a similar, non-productive season, next year.
> We could end up as high as tenth on the ladder with mediocre draft picks. Just as I was prepared for a poor season for the good of the future, the team shows some heart.
> The good news is that some of the young players are getting a genuine go. Maybe Shaw has finally realised that sitting on the bench does not count as gaining experience.
> Maybe I shouldn't worry about next year and simply enjoy the wins when we get them. However I just cannot help but worry the future promises more of the same(ie Tony Shaw and No Finals).
> Bugger it........Go Pies!!
I had exactly the same feeling. In fact, I felt a massive sense of deja vu. The Pies in 1998 have had a good start, an atrocious mid season collapse, and look as though they might finish quite strongly. Just as they did in 1996 and 1997.
The end result will be 9 or 10 wins and about 10th spot on the ladder. This means we don't get the cream of the draft. Further, we miss out on the finals but, on paper, the season does not appear to be a total disaster. Hopefully the club will regard the season as a disaster and make changes accordingly.