I though it was emphatic response, we displayed a bit of football character and our leaders stood up – Luke (McPharlin), David Mundy, Matt de Boer and Chris Mayne.
I thought there were some real strong tough challenges that both teams met. We took some opportunities early.
In the last quarter we dominated early, we had nine entries. It was a strong positive finish.
What was the message at quarter time?
The clearances were an issue, so the midfield (coaches) addressed that - Mark Stone along with Brett Kirk - and turned things around to give our forwards more opportunity.
They seemed to be getting their goals out the back in the first quarter. How did you rectify that?
We have some basic principles and sometimes in these conditions it’s a bit of that slingshot footy.
The guys just adjusted their positioning a little bit, the pressure was good and that allowed us to defend quite well.
Did you change your traditional structure given the conditions?
We were still too tall, so we rolled the dice and subbed Hannath out well before half-time and put Sutcliffe on as the extra runner.
They only had Lynch and Jenkins up there and they ended up being pretty small. So Luke had Jenkins and we just allowed Dawson to be the second ruckman and play forward, so we were a little unbalanced.
It was a tough day - the players are exhausted on both teams I’d imagine.
We’re you surprised they didn’t lock down on Johnson as the spare man in defence?
There is always the trade off with plus one footy. I think both teams just back-in the way they play.
They have been really successful against us, and they were in front in the game, I don’t think it was dramatic.
Did you think the shot from Dangerfield hit the post?
I had no idea to be honest. I planned it as a goal,
I don’t look at reviews that much in the coaches box.
Clearly they did a review, but (in the end) it was a seven point play because they kicked a goal straight after it, so really it was a bonus for them.
What are your views on the cameras not giving a conclusive view?
You have asserted they don’t have conclusive views. I’m unaware of that.
I thought when it is conclusive they make a judgment, when it’s not conclusive those in power can make judgments on that. I think its trial and error.
Everything is pioneering, we’d still be at the VFL playing on suburban grounds if we didn’t try things so we’re all for innovation and trying to get better.
We all like improvement and I think that’s where it sits.
Is it farcical that the AFL won’t implement a camera on the goal-line to help get a definitive result?
In all honesty I don’t have a strong opinion on it. I’ll leave it to the AFL commission executive and club CEO’s. I’m busy enough trying to prepare an AFL team, to be honest.
I’ve been on the end of it in a grand final. I think the beauty of the game is human error. We all make mistakes, but over 100 minutes, I don’t think it comes down to one moment, there are lots of moments stacked up.
Can you tell us about Alex Silvagni?
It was a really tough decision. He trained fully and we gave him a fitness test, which he passed.
He woke up and, in the end, lacked some confidence.
He’s got an issue (with his ankle) that we want to see if he can manage. So now we have a decision to see if he can manage it or does he need longer off.
We were pretty keen to reward Alex because of the role he has been playing - he’s been really important. These conditions suit him and we were pretty keen for him to play, but on balance he didn’t come up.
Will he require surgery, or just rest?
Something invasive, but we are trying to work through that.
What was the best way to deal with Jacobs?
I thought Zac Clarke was okay. What’s the best way? Compete.
If a ball falls in a certain area, it’s pretty difficult for Jacobs to wack it long distances because of the conditions. We just focus on competing.
We just ask our players to try really hard and clearly that’s what they do.
I know our members and our fans and the players families will be really proud with the way they give effort and, as a coach, that’s how we measure ourselves.
Given all the injuries you’ve had this season, are you happy with where the team is at?
The bottom line is we are two and half wins above 12th position, which is Gold Coast, with over half the season to go.
We have nothing to be pleased about, bar the fact we are in a position where we can control our own destiny.
We are far from where we want to be, you have to earn the right to play in finals and until you earn that right it’s about home and away focus. We’ve got a singular focus on our next review, training session and preparation and then we will worry about the games coming.
But we are pleased with the win today, good teams win interstate and we’ve won three out of four. We want to keep priding ourselves at turning up.
Why do you think you have been able to cover your absences so well?
It’s not something I have thought of to be honest. I worry about the ones that are available.
If you want me to drill it down quickly, its about leadership, its about everyone being prepared, exposing the whole list.
We had four first or second year players out there today - Crozier, Hannath, Sutcliffe and Spurr.
They can’t do it without magnificent senior players around them. We have a sprinkling of youth and experience that we like.
Are you surprised with the depth you’ve showed?
We are only as good as our next performance. We will focus on what’s next, I don’t like looking backwards.
We have plenty of improvement in us.
Do you hope to get anyone back for the next game?
We are optimistic that a few might be end-stage rehab (by round 12) which is Pavlich, Neale, Walters and Crichton.
We had Tom Sheridan and Matt Taberner here today as young forwards. We have a bit to come, pressure’s on for spots but we want to reward people for doing their job.
Where’s Walters at with his recovery?
He’s end-stage rehab, he has a couple of boxes to jump. We’ve got the bye and we’ll update you after that.
