Before the season started I posted a blog entitled the unknown factor. I pondered about what it was that made a successful team, outside of the obvious skill sets of the players themselves and the ability of the coach.
So as we enter the middle of the competition, and the Eels sit 2 points behind the leading team,I think its an opportune time to revisit this topic.
Hayne's form is a given - just as it was in 2009. But he's been there in the years between and I think he has always been our standout player.
In 2009 I truly believe that the unknown factor was confidence and self belief. All of the players played out of their skins and the roll on at season's end was almost unstoppable. This allowed Hayne to reach incredible heights.
So what of this year? At this point I'm of the opinion that we are yet to see the unknown factor truly revealed. I suspect that it is a combination of a genuine desire to play for the coach, an enjoyment of being team mates and an increasing sense of self belief.
Is the coach responsible for this? He is a major contributor. I just sense that the group of players and the coach are combining in a special way. The personalities, the belief in each other, the belief in themselves.
I sense it building - they are building an identity as a team. There is the sense of a culture being created.
It's not quite there, as those losses have highlighted. However, we may get a sense of what is at play as we roll into another game without Hayne.
Whatever the case may be, I have no intention of saying this player should be dropped or that player is useless. When players have had their run in first grade this year, it's because they have deserved it.
Enjoy the ride people. It's been so much better this year and I suspect it's going to get even better.
Replies
Success breeds success doesn't it. Look at Manly - as much as I hate them, you always know that they will put in on the field. Even a change of coach made no difference. Change of players, no difference.
Imagine if Brad Arthur went to the Cowboys. They'd be undefeated premiers with their roster!
True wiz but i'd rather have that reputation then the one we've had for the last few years. As long as they improve from here i don't mind if we have that rep for now.
I believe 60's if we get over the Dogs & the Scum, we are perfectly positioned to make a run for the Gold!! - & we play both of those away games when they will be much more seriously depleted than us. Jarryd is God, but this year, we have talent all over the park. Can't wait to see Manu, Junior, Pauli tear the Bulldogs a new hole that the falafel sucking arsewipes can use. & then our backs just carve them up. We win my 36 & we jump ém. & I fully expect this BA coached team to win & win well!! - We get that ANZ monkey off our back, & we will definitely win down in Melbourne. We have a good record down there, they have a shit record there this year & they will probably have Slater, Cronk & Smith out. - Don't want Hayne to back up either, & I'm sure BA won't want him to either. We need to manage the best player in the game at the moment, through origin to maximise his impact on the back-end of our season. Don't want him overdoing it.