Let's be clear, this is the worst performing Berries or Doggies team I think I have seen in 50 years. I only say that because I didn't see any more than 50 years ago. Given that last weekend was pretty much a full strength side with the return of players from State of Origin, to lose by that margin shows how bad the performance was. A lot of focus has been on the coaching staff for obvious reasons. But I think it goes beyond that. I recently did one of those surveys from the NRL on behalf of the Bulldogs. It asked me to rate half time entertainment, the cheer girls, how great I thought the T-shirt gun was, the ground announcers, the quality of the facilities, food prices ... in short anything except the actual football. And there was nowhere for other comments, just a text box at the end in 25 words or less to say how great the NRL is. No interest in when fans or players might want the games played. No interest in the quality of refereeing. No interest in whether the video referee should be axed (they won't because of the advertising dollars). No interest in rule changes, or enforcing the existing rules. In short, the football is secondary. I think the players must feel that. I think the coaching staff probably feel that. I know as a long term follower of the sport that I feel that. So long as the focus within the club and league is on the periphery and not on the main game, i.e. the game, then we will continue to see sub-par performances. (end soapbox)
