I have followed the Dragons for almost 50 years now. I have seen the best and the worst. I support a club steeped in history and tradition.
Sadly, that was absent last night.
What stood out for me was the absolute lack of confidence in attack. The simple errors in ball-handling caused you to shoot yourselves in the foot too often.
Some of you are AWOL, note, AWOL, not MIA. What are you telling yourselves before you go out there? That you need to stick to structures?
I seem to be talking in military terms here, but I feel justified on two grounds – I’m ex-ADF and the game you play is all about taking ground from the enemy and staking your claim – i.e. score points.
If you were in the trenches on the Western Front, and performed as you did against the Cowboys, you’d have all been taken out and shot for cowardice.
St George Illawarra, you are part of a club with history and many proud players have come from this team.
As Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson once famously said, “England expects every man to do his duty.” Well, substitute ‘England’ for ‘Your supporters’ and you have the message.
Let’s see a little more devil-may-care, enterprising attack in your games. You never know, you may gain that much-needed confidence boost and make the eight.
I’ll leave you with the words of wisdom from my dad, who taught me to support this proud club: “‘Ave a bit of a bloody go!”
Tricky Ricky
Guest
Doust and his cronies must go. Simple.
Gus Paella
Guest
I think it is just emotive language and nothing more. Yelling out with passion doesn't instill a magical transformative quality upon a situation. Where is the evidence that it has ever worked?
Joseph Doueihi
Guest
The only way the Dragons are going to move forward is by getting rid of Mr.Doust and his ego, he has made some really bad decisions in the past that unfortunately we are feeling the repocussions of now, In this current climate where it's not that easy to attract good major sponsors it won't be long before St. George bank dump the Dragons as advertising on a sinking ship is not wise business, the question I ask is why is he still there I have been a Dragons supporter for fifty years and it breaks my heart to see this once famous club brought to it's knee's.
Rhea
Roar Rookie
Gus, in my Dad's day the phrase did mean a lot. It was a very passionate Australian-ism that meant much much more than "lift"or "we need to rip in". Dad would yell that one at the cricket, the horses, the footy and us kids. I find myself still slipping into using it.
Rhea
Roar Rookie
Agree, Julian. Definitely need a Major-General Pompey Elliot style leader!
Gus Paella
Guest
I've got to wonder if the 'have a bloody go' stuff actually means anything. It's like saying 'lift' or they 'need to rip in' its just noise. I'm sure when the Dragons turn it around and start winning the reason for it won't be "we just needed to have a crack. It was simple, who knew?"
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
The " Oust Doust " brigade were pretty quiet last year as McGregor got the Dragons into the 8. I think I can hear them sharpening their knives already after 5 rounds.
Julian King
Roar Guru
"If you were in the trenches on the Western Front, and performed as you did against the Cowboys, you’d have all been taken out and shot for cowardice." Tell us what you really think Rhea! They need a good General.
max ellis
Guest
Good on you Rhea, 50 years is a long time, well I have been supporting st George dragons since I was 7 years old so that makes me supporting for 61 years and I totally agree with everything you say. Now for my 2 bobs worth , starting with the Ceo time to go buddy you have been there too long 1 premiership then you stuffed up with Bennett then sign Price sacked him and now Mary. Look at most of support staff all from the boys club of dragons. THE TEAM our forwards do not run onto the ball from deep you take a couple of steps jogging and if you catch the ball then you try and run , most likely get smashed from a fast up in your face defence. Backs and halfs run from side line to side line like a crab, ( well done Benji) you ran across field and they just helped you into touch . Our game like Rhea said needs a injection of beliefs and a bit of imagination, the structures you are using leave them on the bus or in locker room. Go out and enjoy your footy you are afraid to do something because its not in the structure, well neither was Price and he's gone, hint hint . come on fella's pick it up play with pride in your selfs ,for your fans and your club and team mates . If not Bronco's will put 50 on you real quick.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
They didn't play well against the Panthers at all though.
Rhea
Roar Rookie
I think we are out of maybes where Benji is concerned.
Heich
Guest
Sorry DRAGONS. A BIG ZERO ON YOUR SCORE BOARD AGAINST COWBOYS. Really insteresting
up in the north
Roar Rookie
But the dragons played really well the week before. Maybe Benji will pick his game up this week.
jimmmy
Guest
Yeah but supporting the Tigers does give your heart a really good work out. It has been known to cause hair loss though.
Bwhaaa
Guest
Rhea, try supporting the Tigers, then you would have the right to gripe. I do believe over the past 10yrs the Dragons have finished in front of the Tigers every year, most by some considerable margin and actually won a minor premiership and grand final. Not to mention the final 8 last year.