I suspect you need a clear assessment of each player (especially the keys) on an ongoing basis. My experience with the Brumbies is players dont deliver 110% consistently.
Could be perhaps the EXPECT to lose going into games. Turn the expectation around and if the performance doesn't improve, and the play remains weak, get some new blood with the abikity to aspire and deliver and bring others with them (a real leader)
Totally agree in your assessment that player's don't deliver 110% consistently (I never did) and I think achieving that is the holy grail of man/woman management, no matter what profession.
However, I don't agree that more "new blood" is what the Tah's need, instead, I think some people who are proud to call themselves a Waratah (like a Nathan Grey) is needed to help restore pride and self belief. Either way, it's a long road ahead for the organisation.
Thanks Ben - great blog post. I was and remain a supporter of Raelene Castle and believe it is her legacy that has brought us to Stan. Hamish McLennan etc has carried on the good work begun by her. "The tweed jacket brigade from up the Hume" - really?? Don't mind peddling the stereotype do you? The Brums have great structures and ethos - and away from the distractions and temptations of Sydney. I wish the Tahs could develop the same culture. I believe with Doorn at the helm there is cause for hope and that he is serious about changing the culture. McLennan is clearly fed up too (and the backlash from Tah supporters re Rob Penney has been quite incredible). It's a massive task to turn things around with the self interest and power struggles that go on. I'll be driving to the game - not on the Hume in my tweed jacket but from my home in MacMasters Beach to support the Tahs - knowing the Brums will get them. Hope its a cracker! Thanks again Ben - keep up the good work.
Thanks Matt. Couldn't help myself with that jab hahahaha
Absolutely one of the Brumbies biggest weapons is the city of Canberra itself, and how it's conducive for work with no traffic and less distractions of a big city like Sydney.
I truly believe the biggest challenge the Tahs face is navigating the political minefield that is NSW Rugby. How you mend the bridge between the amateur and professional games in that state, and get them signing from the same song sheet is beyond me.
They just need time. Seems to be more of a home grown young side. I am not convinced the coach needed to be sacked and could have used the season to get some consistency regardless of the score.
I'm not convinced either, but something had to give and the quickest fix is to get a new coach. Much easier to replace one person, then try and recruit 10-15 new players. Not saying it's the right decision, but it's certainly the most energy efficient.
Great article Ben. I think the Tahs need to take the time with the young players they are bringing through like Will Harris, Will Harrison, Max Douglas etc and not be too quick to write them off if they have a poor game. It has worked for Brad Thorn & the Reds and they like the Brumbies are firing. I like the way Rugby is shaping up again & no pain no gain!
Hi Ben
I suspect you need a clear assessment of each player (especially the keys) on an ongoing basis. My experience with the Brumbies is players dont deliver 110% consistently.
Could be perhaps the EXPECT to lose going into games. Turn the expectation around and if the performance doesn't improve, and the play remains weak, get some new blood with the abikity to aspire and deliver and bring others with them (a real leader)
Cheers. John. (Micks dad)
G'day John.
Totally agree in your assessment that player's don't deliver 110% consistently (I never did) and I think achieving that is the holy grail of man/woman management, no matter what profession.
However, I don't agree that more "new blood" is what the Tah's need, instead, I think some people who are proud to call themselves a Waratah (like a Nathan Grey) is needed to help restore pride and self belief. Either way, it's a long road ahead for the organisation.
Thanks Ben - great blog post. I was and remain a supporter of Raelene Castle and believe it is her legacy that has brought us to Stan. Hamish McLennan etc has carried on the good work begun by her. "The tweed jacket brigade from up the Hume" - really?? Don't mind peddling the stereotype do you? The Brums have great structures and ethos - and away from the distractions and temptations of Sydney. I wish the Tahs could develop the same culture. I believe with Doorn at the helm there is cause for hope and that he is serious about changing the culture. McLennan is clearly fed up too (and the backlash from Tah supporters re Rob Penney has been quite incredible). It's a massive task to turn things around with the self interest and power struggles that go on. I'll be driving to the game - not on the Hume in my tweed jacket but from my home in MacMasters Beach to support the Tahs - knowing the Brums will get them. Hope its a cracker! Thanks again Ben - keep up the good work.
Thanks Matt. Couldn't help myself with that jab hahahaha
Absolutely one of the Brumbies biggest weapons is the city of Canberra itself, and how it's conducive for work with no traffic and less distractions of a big city like Sydney.
I truly believe the biggest challenge the Tahs face is navigating the political minefield that is NSW Rugby. How you mend the bridge between the amateur and professional games in that state, and get them signing from the same song sheet is beyond me.
They just need time. Seems to be more of a home grown young side. I am not convinced the coach needed to be sacked and could have used the season to get some consistency regardless of the score.
I'm not convinced either, but something had to give and the quickest fix is to get a new coach. Much easier to replace one person, then try and recruit 10-15 new players. Not saying it's the right decision, but it's certainly the most energy efficient.
Great article Ben. I think the Tahs need to take the time with the young players they are bringing through like Will Harris, Will Harrison, Max Douglas etc and not be too quick to write them off if they have a poor game. It has worked for Brad Thorn & the Reds and they like the Brumbies are firing. I like the way Rugby is shaping up again & no pain no gain!
Brad Thorn and Dan McKellar both doing a terrific job. Can't wait for this weekend's grand final preview!
How good is the new broadcast deal mate, all the Shute Shield & all the Hospital Cup games on top of everything else. Sensational
Top shelf! Long may it continue.