I was very privileged to be a part of the Eels during the mid to late 90s under the leadership of Brian Smith.
There were an embarrassment of riches in the juniors. Vella, the Hindmarshes and the Cayless' were taking on all comers in the Jersey Flegg side, while Luke Burt was a superstar and although he wouldn't go on to play grade for us Paul Gallen was also building a reputation.
Now for the familiar bits, there were times we would have all team training sessions, first graders like Dymock, Smith and Ritson would spend time with the juniors.
Brian Smith set a standard across all teams and level and there was a lot of success barring a first grade premiership.
I look at this office season and the start to the year. First grade is 2 from 2, Wenty went in as massive underdogs yesterday in the Canterbury Cup and had a great win over the defending premiers.
What I am saying is that the club is turning a corner culturally. The players look engaged and spirited, there is no bad news coming out of the front office.
Yes it's early and yes it's only a few games and winning cures all, but in a year when it's been well documented that there is a lot to play for I am glad to see that what is happening.
I. Think this approach can only bring long term success when we see the Eels as a constant in finals footy and hopefully even one better an NRL grand final win.
The effort shown so far this season helps restore the faith that people value this organisation and what is expected.
Let's hope it continues
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Well said , i feel like parra putting a spring in my step this week ,want a good fight against the chooks .
Crook chooks
Will see how we are going after the chooks. They haven't even got any where near there full potential yet so we might get lucky.
Great observations there Webby.Obviously sticking your head into the middle of scrums did not dull your perceptions or memory too much mate.
My observations during the mid to late 1990's were not dissimilar to your own, although mine were from Edgeys box where copious amounts of alcohol may well have dulled my recollections a little?
Those mid to late 1990's were a very successful period for the club and although we didn't enjoy the great high of becoming premiers the joy of knowing we were a chance every week was an incredibly enjoyable experience. I have a feeling we are on a similar track under BA and stability this administration has brought in spite of the opposition from the same sadsacks that troll this site.
I'll be confident in this team when they can finish top four two years in a row. We haven't done that since '98-'99. Incidentally, both years we started the year 2-0.