The Roar » Tara Ravens

Williams ducks question of his coaching future

Tara Ravens — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:51:13 +0000

Power coach Mark Williams has sidestepped questions about his future after Adelaide’s crushing loss to the Western Bulldogs in Darwin.

Williams, who is out of contract at the year’s end, said Port made “fundamental errors” when they lost by a staggering 93 points on Saturday night.

“Our effort wasn’t up to standard,” he said of the 21.11 (137) to 7.2 (44) thumping.

“When the tide turns against you it is difficult to maintain a standard … Generally your best players get you out of big holes and probably we’ve got too many sitting on the sidelines.

“Everyone has to share the load and tonight we didn’t.”

But the coach, who is expected to know his fate by the end of the month, denied his team lacked spirit.

“They prepare well, they try hard,” he said.

“We are six and six now, we are in the middle of a lot of teams and you’ve got to keep grinding away and try to find a way to make the finals by the end of the year.”

Williams ducked a question about whether Port’s woeful result made him feel vulnerable as coach.

“Any time a result like that comes around it’s not good for the club or any individual, players and coaches and staff. But that’s just how footy is,” he replied.

While they have six wins, Port’s average losing margin this season is well over 40 points and Saturday’s match marks yet another lacklustre performance in a decidedly indifferent season.

“They had some fantastic forwards that can go on ball,” he said of the Bulldogs.

“I think they had 12 players who had 20 possessions of the ball and we had two or three. They also had 12 or so kick goals so they have a good mix.

“Even when we turned their ball over we couldn’t get any result from it.”

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said the resounding win showed the Dogs were at the top of their game.

“That was probably our best performance so far,” he said.

“Certainly internally we’ve got confidence with any side but I think the top two have set the bench mark.

“But we certainly think we can compete with any team in the competition.”

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Article link: Williams ducks question of his coaching future. Written by Tara Ravens, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Tara Ravens — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:01:24 +0000

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Article link: Titans down Sharks 40-16 in Darwin. Written by Tara Ravens, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Crows crushed by Indigenous All Stars

Tara Ravens — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:44:37 +0000

It was fast, furious and futile for the Crows but coach Neil Craig says more good than bad came from his team’s overwhelming loss to the Indigenous All Stars. As the sky over Darwin emptied in fits and spurts, the All Stars slammed Adelaide 14.13 (97) to 6.7 (43) in the pre-season match at Marrara [...]

Article link: Crows crushed by Indigenous All Stars. Written by Tara Ravens, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Bracken pays tribute to Bradman

Tara Ravens — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:06:54 +0000

Donald Bradman didn’t need technology, prepared pitches or a support team to make history, says Australian bowler Nathan Bracken. Sixty years since his final Test, Bradman remains the game’s greatest player. As the Australian cricket team touched down in steamy Darwin today – ahead of a one-day series against Bangladesh – Bracken paid tribute to [...]

Article link: Bracken pays tribute to Bradman. Written by Tara Ravens, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Bulldogs set to win with strong Akermanis defence

Tara Ravens — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:51:38 +0000

Western Bulldogs star Daniel Giansiracusa says Jason Akermanis’ defensive pressure, rather than his penchant for the spectacular, will serve as the team’s barometer for tomorrow night’s AFL clash against Port Adelaide. The high-flying Bulldogs will start as short-priced favourites against Port, whose coach Mark Williams officially ruled a line through their finals ambitions after last [...]

Article link: Bulldogs set to win with strong Akermanis defence. Written by Tara Ravens, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Eade says West will be like a prize ‘recruit’

Tara Ravens — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:36:40 +0000

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade is confident veteran midfielder Scott West will prove a valuable “recruit” in the run up to the AFL finals. The 33-year-old seven-time best and fairest winner has not played since round six, with a knee bone stress injury that was initially expected to sideline him for just a fortnight. But, [...]

Article link: Eade says West will be like a prize ‘recruit’. Written by Tara Ravens, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion