Wannabe2 said:
I didn't really expect to win last night, but to be honest with so much at stake I thought we would have run them closer. Giants are a very good team, but we lost all the battles last night including the physical one, Nickerson seemed to run the show that's how poor it was, but losing 7 out of your last 9 really doesn't deserve to win a championship. Think some players need to reflect on there latest performances which in fairness have been very poor. Anyway that's that of my chest, hope we have a good summer.
Well, I for one know how hard that was for you to post, but an honest statement it has to be said.
I said weeks ago when others on here were demeaning Sheffield that they have a way of grafting and getting results that ultimately win championships and we are now in the situation where we are relying on others to do us favours. Never underestimate them. I am not altogether sure whether we have the capability of even getting through to the play off finals tbh. I also have to say that I have been unhappy with a few players this season, namely Hotham, Hudson and the much vaunted Fournier. They all have great ability but first and foremost, they are D men who struggle to defend. Hotham is not half the player he was last year, maybe that title of best D man got to him in the wrong way and overconfidence set in, good going forward, but a liability at the back giving possession away far too easily and not clearing his own D zone by doing the simple thing instead of pratting around with poor passes in a critical area. Hudson skates well, but is another who has been caught out many times by forwards pressing him in our own D zone. Fournier is another who likes to be flamboyant as opposed to doing the simple things. Basically, we have 4 D men ( those 3 mentioned plus Richie) who are too alike, and make no mistake, my first priority signing would be Richie. He does the simple things well, hardly ever gets caught in possession and does well when he goes forward sensibily. For next season give me Batch, Hendrikx, Richie and another big D man who can handle himself and look after team mates ( Hotham, Hudson & Fournier steer well clear of any aggro )
So it's a choice of keeping either Hudson or Hotham or both and get 2 new aggressive D men who opponents won't like to go into corners with knowing they are gong to get hit hard. ( Fournier already signed for nest season I understand ). We will have an increased player budget next season so hopefully we can sort out our problematic D area first and foremost. Finally, win our last 2 games and Steelers lose one, we are champions, but my thoughts will still be the same no matter what.