WELL, that was quite frustrating.
I watched this game quite closely.
West were in this game but they continued to do the inexcusable.
North used their smarts and utilised the thin side of the ground, always kicking to the outside and to their teammates’ advantage, then they had the ability to use speed.
North didn’t once come corridor until they were in there F50; West on the other hand continued time and time again to try and hit the corridor and North intercepted nearly every time and made them pay with quick precise transition.
Both teams had as much as the ball then each other.
West did look organised down back, but when they exited their back half, they would go corridor every time.
It obviously was a clear tactic but a ridiculous one. I thought if West played percentage football, they would have remained in this game but honestly it was horrible to see them do all the work then turn it over at the wrong time every time.
It was just stupid football, which was obviously clearly instructed.
I have been a fan of the Westies this year and their coach Chris Jones, but if they couldn’t see what was going on they’re either too set in their ways or unable to adjust.
It was quite frustrating, annoying.
However when North were up their end and they simply walked out of their back half with no forward pressure from West, I’m unsure how many goals would have been kicked transitioning from their back half.
Some adjustments by West would have seen them remain in the game and that’s what so frustrating. They allowed North to win the game, in my opinion.
C’mon West, you’re better than that. Twice, I saw Kel’s handballs received from a standing start and he was gone before West even knew what was going on.
Please be smart, always switched on, I felt like going out to West’s huddle and telling them they’re giving the game away by stupid and silly acts.
The positives for West, they did look organised but gave it up far too easily. In fairness I thought both teams broke down at half forward but North were just more efficient.
Westies should take some learnings out of this game if they want to make an impact on the finals. I hate to be negative but it was just out there plain and simple to see.
I apologise if any Westies are offended by my statements but just utilise your smarts and feel the game.
It was also disappointing not to see Talan Pitt out there in Bevo’s 200th.
Anyway, the Dogs got the job done by 30 points.
