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March 24, 2008
The Day After The Night Before
I suppose I could have added this as an additional to yesterday's post, but it deserves it's own space to be heard. I've realised exactly what the difference between disappointment and outright panic over yesterday is. The answer is 5 points. The psychological barrier of 100 points is what has caused the internet to melt down overnight. If we'd lost by 99 points I can guarantee that the reaction would have been half as savage. People would still be losing the plot, but I doubt they'd be ranting and raving like complete freaks as they are now. But the barrier was broken and freakdom reigns - I've been responsible for enough it, I should know.
We can slaughter the players until the cows come home, but where's it going to get us? Same with murdering the coaching staff. Yes, it's the first time since 1952 that a coach has debuted in Round 1 and lost by a hundred, and yes it is a massive disaster but what do you want Bailey to do about it? Whether his gameplan works or not is anyone's guess but I sure didn't see him out there yesterday kicking balls to opposition players and personally letting Hawthorn run riot. Give him a few weeks (at least) before you start sticking the knife in. I seem to recall some particuarly spaz Hawthorn fans having kittens over Clarkson about 10 minutes into his coaching career, and now they're probably whopping off over his picture in excitement at the fact that they're seemingly a top 4 side. Who would you have in the booth instead? Yesterday's hero Sheedy? Give me a break, the man hasn't fired a shot for five years.
The next 23 weeks - all star game (any danger we might have a representative?) and mid-season break included - are going to feature a lot of heartbreak. At some point you may actually question why you bother spending money, and investing effort both emotional and physical in watching it. But if you're sick in the head like me you'll be back and secretly somewhere deep down loving it even when we do lose to Carlton by 300.
The world is a horrible place. There are more important things to destroy ourselves over than football. Fire up.
Posted by Supermercado in Match Reviews at March 24, 2008 05:03 PM
Comments
as horrible as things have been since about 2.20pm on sunday, the firestorm of internet debate on our club has, at least, gone some way to convincing me that as supporters we're passionate, albeit w. heavier hearts than most & saddled w. expecting the worst, which usually happens. not to mention how we've set ouselves up as a laughing stock over & over. (think going to the top of the ladder in 2004 -- am I right? -- only to lose every game after that.) just wish the grain-fed types out there would fork out the membership money they can well afford. also hope someone at the junction oval reads the websites because the combined wisdom would have to bring a better result than round 1.
Posted by: Dreamin' Man at March 25, 2008 05:03 AM
I think it was more the manner than the magnitude of the loss that sparked the hysteria. I doubt that one more junk-time goal would have pacified anyone.
In fact, Robbo's two or three JTGs don't seem to have spared him any opprobrium -- in fact they've made people angrier at him. Where was he for the first 110 minutes?
I walked out more dazed than angry.
What made this worse than the 148 similar-sized thrashings I've endured over my lifetime was:
- the fact that I was late to the ground (had to get a train down from Castlemaine) and yet, walking past the Hawthorn membership tent 10 minutes into Q1, overheard a woman gloating that they were already 26 points in front.
- the fact that I had zero expectations for this season and they STILL managed to disappoint me.
- the laziness. One particular kick of Yze's on the members wing, under no pressure but straight into a Hawthorn hand and out of bounds, summed it up.
- the lack of ferocity. Total inability to stick a tackle has been one of our downfalls for several years. Was kinda hopin' Bails might have done something about it over summer.
- the fact that we had Hawthorn supporters feeling sorry for us. Having been one of two Melbourne supporters in my year at Auburn South primary, where 70% of the class barracked for Hawthorn, during a period (1973-79) when I doubt Melbourne beat Hawthorn once, I have a particular loathing for them.
But as you say, it's all been a bit over the top. Bring on Satdy arvo.
Posted by: knoxville at March 28, 2008 12:04 PM
On sunday, I feared the worst & got so much less. just hope they take a lead today from junior, who has always put in. well done on 200 games Jmac, an inspiration.
Posted by: Dreamin' Man at March 29, 2008 03:43 AM