It was a nice ride while it lasted.
I had some exhilarating times supporting this club in the past nine or so months, moments I'll remember.
But tonight feels like a declaration, a full-stop or the last remaining shred of evidence gathered to close an investigation - that this group will not be winning anything.
I like to think I'm realistic in my expectations but there were times in the past nine or so months where I dared to dream that this group had a premiership in it. Swept up in the belief, the hullabaloo, you could say. It felt strange.
Games like tonight and last week are the ones that make serious teams and separate the genuine article from the fraud.
Last year was last year and they won some big games, including a couple of finals. But I did say the challenge was to back it up, which they haven't. We can't be living off last year.
The talent in the best 22 drops away after those considered 'top tier', sound decision-making under pressure completely lacks, system seems non-existent, skills lack precision and polish. There are more to list, but compound it all and it simply boils down to the fact that they're just not good enough.
If you want to talk systems, Collingwood's set play from when they had it in D50 after McKay blew the match, was a text-book example. As soon as it landed in the Collingwood player's bread basket, I knew it was 'game over'. They transitioned the ball with such precision - they train for those moments and those plays. Seizing an inch given up by the opposition. They KNEW what they were doing. Educated footy. Compare that to McKay's error or any number of times when smarts, direction and a cool head needed to prevail when the Blues had the pill, and the difference was stark. It's one thing to win the ball, but it's another to know what you're going to do with it - and have everybody on your side on the same page. Collingwood does this and that is why they've built a reputation for winning close ones - including a grand final. They are organised.
It's a tough road ahead, starting with Melbourne in six days before a trip to Sydney. The wave of momentum has come and gone, bearing a sobering reality.
And it is this...
The Blues are an average team which isn't winning a damn thing. Finals this year? Maybe. Finish in the four? Doubt it. And if they do, they'll have fallen in - think Hawthorn 2018. Sure, they might win a final.
And they're just as likely to miss the eight.
I had some exhilarating times supporting this club in the past nine or so months, moments I'll remember.
But tonight feels like a declaration, a full-stop or the last remaining shred of evidence gathered to close an investigation - that this group will not be winning anything.
I like to think I'm realistic in my expectations but there were times in the past nine or so months where I dared to dream that this group had a premiership in it. Swept up in the belief, the hullabaloo, you could say. It felt strange.
Games like tonight and last week are the ones that make serious teams and separate the genuine article from the fraud.
Last year was last year and they won some big games, including a couple of finals. But I did say the challenge was to back it up, which they haven't. We can't be living off last year.
The talent in the best 22 drops away after those considered 'top tier', sound decision-making under pressure completely lacks, system seems non-existent, skills lack precision and polish. There are more to list, but compound it all and it simply boils down to the fact that they're just not good enough.
If you want to talk systems, Collingwood's set play from when they had it in D50 after McKay blew the match, was a text-book example. As soon as it landed in the Collingwood player's bread basket, I knew it was 'game over'. They transitioned the ball with such precision - they train for those moments and those plays. Seizing an inch given up by the opposition. They KNEW what they were doing. Educated footy. Compare that to McKay's error or any number of times when smarts, direction and a cool head needed to prevail when the Blues had the pill, and the difference was stark. It's one thing to win the ball, but it's another to know what you're going to do with it - and have everybody on your side on the same page. Collingwood does this and that is why they've built a reputation for winning close ones - including a grand final. They are organised.
It's a tough road ahead, starting with Melbourne in six days before a trip to Sydney. The wave of momentum has come and gone, bearing a sobering reality.
And it is this...
The Blues are an average team which isn't winning a damn thing. Finals this year? Maybe. Finish in the four? Doubt it. And if they do, they'll have fallen in - think Hawthorn 2018. Sure, they might win a final.
And they're just as likely to miss the eight.
The bloke embarrasses himself every time he exercises the vocal cords. 
