It is fair to say I have been leaning towards the retain BA side of this debate. I am still not anti BA, and in the crises that was 2016 he was wonderful. However, sometimes it’s a passing comment, a side detail from the ongoing pitch that changes your perspective.
That happened for me last night. I think it was Alan ( who I have routinely taken shots at) along with others, and apologies if I have the wrong person, who made the observation that we indeed had every motivation and ability to make the top 8 in 2014/15? I seem to recall we played Canberra in the final game and we did not turn up. We were flat, Sound familiar? We had no salary cap dramas, we had Semi, it was quite straight forward but we were terrible and I recall thinking wtf, every reason to fire,but came out shooting pop guns. I also recall thinking at the time why were we so ill-prepared? Jack Gibson, Warren Ryan and modern coaches like Bennett, Bellamy etc would not have let that happen.
Plenty has been said on here, much either reactionary or ill informed IMO. The problems run much deeper than BA. Bernie and Max have some explaining to do. But these problems were not there that Sunday afternoon against Canberra
Sometimes through the mire of garbage a kernel of information pops up. That was it for me. I do hope BA stays in some capacity however whichever way you look at it I think as coach long term he is compromised.
Finally, I think what also works against BA is his tenure as coach. I think Green is having the same issues at North Qld and look at the cattle they have!! Bellamy and Bennett being the exceptions ( but also gifted with champion players over a long period of time) there was a reason why the Jack Gibson’s, Warren Ryan’s and the like moved clubs, often during the height of that club’s success.
I thnk BA will see out next year. I also think, as far as possible, he should not be involved in recruitment or retention. This way the club can start preparing post BA, including procuring new coach, but allow BA to see through his contract, save a million odd dollars, and allow him the chance to exit with the dignity and appreciation IMO he has earned.
PS: No agenda here. All the above just my thoughts and nothing more!!
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It was me who made the comment mate, but it a Saturday night we played Canberra but your point still stands.
We were also dreadful the week before against a very poor Newcastle team that had given up the ghost under Bennett. And we were destroyed in a second half after a tight first half.
Thanks for confirming and the day too. I was sure we played them on. Sunday arvo but likely got my year crossed.
A fairer assessment than many others on here.
In 2014 we only had to win 1 from our last 2 games to make the play offs, both games were against teams at or around the bottom of the table, Newcastle and Canberra, we were very un-inspiring in both games even with a Dally M winning Hayne in the team.
We have gone backwards alarmingly in one season with pretty much the same squad, BA is finished here it is plain to see.
People on here rave on about making the 8 like it's some sort of miracle - the fact is 8th or 9th position is still mediocrity. Teams have actually made 8th by losing more than winning.
Arthur had 5 attempts and still hasn't had 1 finals win
Good blog mate.
My problem with holding onto BA for another year is my firm belief that he has lost the locker room.
I'm basing this on the way they are performing week in, week out.
It looks to me like the team isn't playing for him.
Why are people happy to accept losing, doesn't anyone want to win here?
Brad Arthur has made the finals once in 5 years, that's 20%.
Yes to Brad's defence their was a season with points deduction but even with the inclusion of that he only sits at 25%.
Every course I have ever done has a pass mark of 50% with some even 70%, with that in mind Brad has failed miserably and has taken this club back 5 years.
Understandably you never expect a coach to be able to turn a club around in a season but he walked into the club that just had a clean out...……… It was the best possible scenario a coach could walk in to!
The signings he's made in the 5yrs are nothing short of a debacle and a clear lack of vision which is something you don't want from a person in his position.
He's had his chance and its time for him to move on!
agree
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