Eels Blogs

This season I decided to reserve my judgment until round 8 but after the last few weeks, I've seen enough.

We have a very capable squad, at times brilliant and beautiful to watch. Then there are the other times and they happen more often than not.

When we stick to our structures we control the game a little better as it gives Sandow and Norman the ability to settle in, work the opposition and take ownership of the game. And then the other times, when every one in an Eels jersey thinks they're Sterlo.

Once a few things go against us, players who shouldn't be are trying to come up with big game plays. This creates a disjointed attack and distrust among the players which then leads to a breakdown of communication. Sandow and Norman's plans get lost in the train wreck as everyone is trying to come up with the miracle play. 

Now if it's on and we're in decent territory on the fourth or fifth tackle, by all means push the pass. When we're in our 10 on the second tackle maybe your first priority should be carrying the ball safely as far and as hard you can.

If you can't trust that the bloke next to you is going to their job, you take it upon yourself to do yours and theirs which causes you to make even more bad decisions.

Bad decisions create pressure on our defense as well as make the player who made the bad decision, a liability. This exacerbates the distrust causing players to feel as though they need to cover in defense. This ladies and gentlemen, is how holes are created, points are conceded and games are lost.

So how do we fix it? With patience and ruthlessness.

Players need to understand that not everything is going to go their way and there will be times when they are buried deep in their 10 for what feels like forever. Defend patiently and ruthlessly. Try not giving away any penalties or going for the miracle hit out of the line leaving your team mate one out, make sure every tackle sticks and your opponent feels it.

When you finally get the ball, build towards the big play patiently. Don't run sideways, don't run flat, don't pass or offload if the player next to you is not in a better position than you are and if you don't have the ball give the the ball carrier some options.

When it's on, execute ruthlessly. Whether it's a passing movement, 40/20, chip and chase, cross field kick or a deep one into touch. Always execute with the intent of getting a result, make sure of your decisions and that your team mates around you know about it.

We have a gifted and well balanced squad who seem to fall apart at the first sign pressure. If they can cast the pressure aside, play within their structures and build towards the big plays, we'll win games. It is possible, it's been done twice this year. BA has the right structures in place and when the team sticks to them patiently and executes them ruthlessly, we're as good as any team in the competition.