Before leaving university, my mentor gave me a great final word of advice as I left into the big wide world.
He told me that an employer will hire for attitude and train for skill.
In other words, always have a good attitude.
The AFL is a little different.
As long as you have great skill, you will succeed.
Right?
Wrong.
In 2019, too many teams are learning that, in any industry, you cannot have one without the other.
That’s a lesson Carlton are learning pretty quickly in 2019.
Despite sitting a game in last place on the ladder, Carlton’s performances have been more spirited and encouraging than anything we’ve seen from them over the last few years.
But that all came to a halt in Round 7, when they were on the receiving end of a 58-point loss to fellow strugglers North Melbourne.
It’s as if we jumped in a time machine and travelled back ten months.
Ed Curnow’s comments after that embarrassing loss suggests that there’s still a fair bit the baby Blues have to work on.
“We came to the assumption that a lot of us just thought it was going to happen and thought the effort and contest work where we’ve been so good, we were just going to roll into the game and we were going to be able to deliver that kind of consistent effort which has been strong all year,” Curnow said on SEN last Monday.
That seems like an odd attitude to have when your club has won three games from your last 40 matches.
And when asked about where that attitude came from, it took the players a while to admit that it came down to outside influence.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night’s Footy Show, guest panellist Dale Thomas was asked about the North performance.
At first he didn’t have a response, before stating that there is so much media in today’s game and “so many angles” that perhaps the hype got to their heads.
And if that’s the case, it makes total sense.
So after a very encouraging six weeks, the media were back on the ‘Carlton are going nowhere’ train in an instant and the Blues responded with a competitive, classy performance against Collingwood.
While the game was in the balance for much of its duration, the Blues walked away without the win.
For those watching the game, you’d know the final score line flattered the Pies.
Neither side should’ve won the game by more than a goal.
And the fact that Carlton – despite the effort – walked away with nothing again has to raise some eyebrows… and questions.
How many more pats on the back can one club receive? The fans deserve something more to celebrate than the potential for things to turn around.
Brendon Bolton agreed.
As for the media hype, that’s for the inner sanctum of the club to manage.
Believe in yourself but not to the point where you think you can show up and win any game.
Because for all that effort – which has been great – they’ve still only won one game so far in 2019.
For the record, North has won its last five games against the Blues by an average margin of 58 points. Hardly the side Carlton shouldn’t prepare for, if there was one.
But the Blues are not alone.
There are multiple sides that thought it was just going to happen for them in 2019.
North Melbourne, too, sits in that category.
They brought in a few recruits based on what they thought they were missing and then expected to charge right into the top eight.
Except that they changed their game style to one they’re probably not talented enough to execute – and are all of a sudden being exposed in the centre by the 6-6-6 rule, despite being a strong clearance side.
It’s baffling.
Against Carlton, with their backs against the wall, they produced their best performance of the season.
Carlton barely showed up, but they looked like a much better side.
That win was backed up by a strong performance against Geelong, who ultimately outclassed North when it mattered.
But the Roos’ game plan was better, with more running and less backwards kicking and over-possessing.
They made five changes going into the game and the balance looked right.
And the kids are coming through nicely.
Maybe a crash back to reality and a rough start to the season is what the Roos needed.
It is certainly what the Demons needed, who have without a doubt been the most disappointing side of 2019.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
They’ve won just three games in 2019 – two of them by less than a goal, and on the weekend against the Suns, the Dees were 50 seconds away from flying home without the four points.
So far, Melbourne have resembled the side that fell to West Coast in the preliminary final last year rather than the side that got there in the first place.
Coach Simon Goodwin decided not to put his players through the replay of the game and move on to bigger and better things this year.
That hasn’t worked out well for them so far.
Instead of addressing what went wrong and looking to improve on it, it was swept under the carpet as if it didn’t matter.
Clearly, it matters.
Essendon also haven’t lived up to the expectations many had of them ahead of the 2019 season.
They have started this season exactly the same as the last – poorly.
But is that Essendon’s fault?
According to the media, no.
In the last three weeks, they’ve been ‘robbed’ of two victories.
It’s not due to slow starts or poor decision-making, it’s because of every other factor outside Essendon’s control.
I don’t buy it.
Essendon and Melbourne have both shown their best is good enough. So put in the hard yards and work hard to play your best.
Look how quickly Adelaide has turned their season around.
You could argue Brisbane are exceeding expectations, too.
Did we expect the improvement? Yes.
Expect them to be sitting equal third on the ladder, eight rounds in?
I certainly didn’t.
The competition is the most even it’s been in years and there was always an expectation that plenty of sides would improve.
But the teams working harder each week are the ones reaping the rewards right now.
Every successful business or career demands hard work behind the scenes.
AFL clubs are no exception.
Time to stop expecting things to happen. They must take fate into their own hands and work hard for success.
And shake the attitude.
Because it doesn’t look good on anybody.
reuster75
Roar Rookie
I do wonder with GWS whether it will take the next generation that comes through for them to have success. The way they were setup with so many top end draft picks does seem to have created a 'too many cooks in the kitchen' scenario/attitude amongst the playing list (from outside anyway). Maybe the next generation coming through is a more balanced set-up that is more a 'proper club' that has lived the age old sporting arc of boom, bust and then boom again.
Marnie Cohen
Expert
Yeah, it's a tough one AM. I think they're good enough to make a big impact in finals this year but we say that pretty much every year, don't we. If they are good enough, which I think they are, the penny will drop for them at the right time but I guess it's just a waiting game really. Biggest worry for me re: Giants is they rock up to the MCG playing in front of 75k-80k opposition fans. That'd really stump them
Andrew Miller
Editor
On GWS, thoughts on whether their abysmal 2-14 record at the MCG affects their finals chances?
The Milkman
Roar Rookie
Umpires aren't perfect, they're only human. But it's a farce to suggest frees for and against should be even for every single match. And have you ever considered a one-sided free kick count can indicate a lack of discipline and poise in crucial moments?
DTM
Guest
The block on Maynard should have been a free kick (GF or not) - no argument there. However, Collingwood still got the better deal from the umps on the day. The stats say 17 to 13 in the Pies favour but from memory it was 8 to 1 at quarter time - that almost killed the game. Had West Coast got a fairer share in the first quarter it may have been a different story and the Eagles may have been 5 goals in front with 5 minutes to go. Maybe the issue is the umpires not having the conviction to award a free kick in the last seconds of a game that will affect the outcome - it happened on Friday night in Syd vs Essendon. As a former umpire, I know it is very hard to separate your mind from the situation and pay a free kick that can change a result. However, I don't subscribe to the theory that any umpires are out to deliberately advantage or disadvantage any particular team. As a supporter, I can understand how it sometimes feels that way but then the same things happen with traffic lights!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
You can be unlucky Elf. Tell Pies supporters about it. The Maynard block not paid most likely cost us our 16th flag. The preordained or directed by headquarters stuff is unadulterated rubbish. You’re better off arguing a sub-conscious fear of Eddie and the Pies fan base as influencing umpires and hence the 24-8. That at least, can be considered. If the umpires were ever secretly directed to favour any side, it would get out eventually and the competition would have to grind to a halt until the entire AFL administration was replaced it would be so severe. It’s like the Doggies in the 2016 GF. Lucky? Yes. Directed by headquarters to orchestrate a flag? Ridiculous.
Marnie Cohen
Expert
Thanks so much for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the article. I agree with Collingwood, Geelong (even though you have discounted them hehe) and GWS are the standouts for me at this point. Every team is going to have a blunder here and there (as GWS, for example, displayed on the weekend) but they have been the most consistent performers. West Coast, too is flying under the radar. They are 5-3 without really playing their best, strongest football. They played 5 and a half good quarters our of eight in the last fortnight and neither St Kilda or Gold Coast looked a chance. You don’t want to peak too early; keep your eyes on them post bye.
Marnie Cohen
Expert
I really like what Carlton is building and what they've shown so far this year but I think they're getting slightly ahead of themselves. They've put in 7/8 very good, solid performances but all for one win. Rewarding 'almost victories' allowed them to get ahead of themselves against North and it totally backfired. The wins will come if the effort is consistent but the inner sanctum must do a better job and managing expectations
Wise Old Elf
Guest
How do you explain away 24 free kicks to Collingwood v ONLY 8 to Carlton when Carlton was ahead most of the match. The umps missed a lot of frees that WERE BEING PAID to Collingwood that were not paid to the Blues. Thinking of joining parliament? Maybe they will buy that BS in Canberra. Like I said, Carlton were stiched up by the league/Collingwood cabal. It is great for the AFL having the Magpies up on top, its sells more tickets, eyeballs and newspapers. A very convenient arrangement.
The Langtonian
Roar Rookie
Upfront confession - relatively new convert to Aussie rules footie after visiting Oz two years running (Melbourne and Perth) Even through bleary eyes watching at 4 a.m. in UK it isn't hard to see skills failures in key areas of the game over the last few weeks. 1. Too many risky backward or lateral passes in the 'home' 50 which are being picked off. silly goals to give up. 2.too many balls kicked along the floor into a melee making it impossible for the supposed target player to gather the bouncing ball. 3. too many hand passes sent up into the air in hopefulness or sent short towards a target player. 4. Amazed at the number of 'inside 50 kicks' being missed. Seems to be a comment amongst commentators 'well he's a defender and not known for kicking'. Inside 50 and dead in front?? 5. Some very random decisions by umpires (and I am still getting to know the rules.) No naming and shaming players here but an elbow to the throat' not sanctioned? Please. He wasn't alone. Last year while I was in Perth a West Coast Eagles player was sanctioned for a terrible punch. Discipline is key to winning matches in any sport. 6. Coaches - in the eagles nest or in the dugout? An interesting one but given the positions some teams are in isn't it more inspiring to be down amongst the troops? 7. Space - seems to me pitches have enough space but the players aren't using it wisely. I have been more impressed by the teams using running speed and an expansive and effective running game with lots of interplay between the whole team. Not just the hopeful 50 metre kick hoping for the miracle mark (which are great to watch - Ben Brown, what a revelation most of the time.) still love the game. So open this year and still so different.
Simoc
Guest
I agree with this article. Pretty much all the teams have the ability to beat each other now (except for my team Fremantle). If the attitude and skill levels are high the team is winning. The only strong team I have seen this season is Collingwood (I discount Geelong because I don't like them). But the top two teams are the teams that are wanting to win most on the day. With GWS I see great skill and various levels of commitment. To me they should be the top team. Sydney aren't up to it so far and Melbourne are all talk. Strange that they can turn it on against a previously bottom side, only when the game seems lost. All in all this is great for the competition and hopefully plenty of close finishes. I think Carlton can play as well as any team out there and eventually, they will.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I truly wonder Wise Old Elf how in this day and age people can allude to some kind pf predisposed bias or favouritsm as directed by the governing body. Even more absurd is the thought that in the midst of a game, the umpires would notice a coach storming to the back of the box (It was actually anger at Tom Phillips 100 metre penalty) and alter their decison making as a result. It defies any common sense to think that could ever, ever happen. Were the umps bad? Yes. Did the Pies get the rub of the green? Yes. pre-ordained or directed by the AFL in fear of Eddie McGuire? Come off it.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I think they need to go to that DTM. 16 a side and 4 interchange and revealuate end 2020.
Wise Old Elf
Guest
Anyone who watched the match at the MCG against Collingwood could see the Blues were crucified by the umpires. At the time when Carlton skipped ahead in the last quarter and Buckley stormed out of the coaches box you could just about see the umpires preparing their whistles to get their beloved Magpies back into the contest. Why isn't this being mentioned in the media the blatant biased umpires? They did mention Blues' supporters getting angry and a few scuffles breaking out, well why the surprise in that as they were furious at being torched by the crooked AFL(Collingwood) appointed officials.
DTM
Guest
Logic suggests that the grounds are smaller than they used to be (although I have no facts to back this up). The boundary used to be about 2 metres from the fence, now its 4 or 5 (I'm guessing). Whatever, this shrinks the playing arena and when this is added to the modern day tactics and the elite running ability of the players, the ground becomes more crowded than it has ever been. More crowding makes it more difficult to umpire and that is exacerbated by rule changes and tactics employed by (all) players to gain advantage. It makes sense to reduce the numbers on the ground but I cant see it happening anytime soon. I remember the days of 18 players plus 2 on the bench, no reason it couldn't be 16 and 4 on the bench.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The Pies have had lucky wins against Bulldogs, Bombers and Blues. We could be sitting 3-5 and the attitude of players, coaches and the media about the Pies would be completely different for just a couple of minutes here and there, dropped mark, bad umpiring call, etc. In the congested slogs it has become a game of inches. Then, we all get used to the way they umpire all season and of course they throw the rule book away and umpire differently in the Grand Final. If the AFL want close games then they need to get umpiring right. Does the umpire pay the 2018 Grand Final Maynard block in season? Most likely. If they paid it on the Grand Final does the result change? Most likely. Close games have brought umpiring under the microscope and right now the petri dish is crawling with bacteria. We can't enter another Grand Final with umpires genuinely influencing results but that's what the season is showing us so far.
reuster75
Roar Rookie
What we're seeing now is a result of the obsession the media and most coaches have with pressure and effort instead of skill. Listen to any call of the game (radio or TV) read any article and the first thing nearly all the commentators or writers mention is pressure. When a side is losing if their tackle count isn't through the roof that's used as a stick to beat them with for not trying. Case in point is Carlton against North. I'm sure the Carlton players did try but their skills weren't good enough, this week against Pies their skills were better but all the talk is how their pressure was better so that's why they almost won. In a competition whereby the winner is decided by a one off game and the fixture is driven purely by commercial interests it doesn't allow for proper analysis of why a team won or lost (there are some exceptions to this but I am talking generalities here). The home and away season is purely looked at through the prism of wins and losses related to where you finish (i.e. the goal is to win enough to be in the top 4 and then the old cliche of anything can happen in finals is trotted out). I am a Geelong supporter and the reason we won yesterday is our skills were better than North's. In general play they outplayed us and should've won but their skills let them down. Gerard Healy did make this point towards the end of the game but it's not something in general that gets talked about a great deal. West Coast showed last year that if you place an emphasis on skill and have the courage to keep trying to execute your skills then you can beat a team whose only goal is to apply pressure. Time to get back to celebrating skill over pressure.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Games are being kept close by defensive structures, tactics and a crowding of space. The crowding can only be eased by less bodies on the field. It is making the competition look closer than it is and as such some sides are flattered by results, some have clearly lost games due to the poor umpiring this season. When it's close, umpires unfortunately are probably around the 30th most important bodies on the field. Take roughly the fifteen most important players for each side and the umps can sit in a spot after that along with a sides worst 7 players in very close games. They are a factor. With the lowest score averages in some time, the attitude of players and coaches can be more easily affected. I am a huge Nathan Buckley fan, but was surprised to see Bucks so ecstatic after coming from two goals down in the last 7 minutes to beat the 18th placed side. His attitude in the presser was not one of relief but elation that his side overcame the bottom placed Blues to pinch a game with the help of some dodgy umpiring. An attitude act? I believe so. It must have been a calculated performance because there was nothing in that game that spoke of finals success in 2019 for the Pies.
true blue
Guest
Near enough is not good enough. We have let games slip that we should have won. The attitude against North was pathetic, especially given North have the wood over us, and the amount of injuries we had going into that game. I am annoyed that we let the games against Gold Coast and Hawthorn slip.