Redcliffe 6.11.47 def by Logan 7.7.49
Best Players: Rowlands, Pittle, Ely, Crispe, Dawson, O'Hea
.
A trip to Logan and an opportunity to get another 4 points and stay in touch with the better sides and hover around the middle of the ladder and possibly sneak into the top 5.
Once again during the warm up, signs were there that told me yep care factor, not that important and concentration level, nope left that at home as well.
It is so disappointing and frustrating for those players who so desperately want to improve. They do all they can to reach their potential and will lay their body on the line and compete with all they have, understanding that at times it will hurt and they will suffer the consequences. They have accepted the fact that it is a contact sport, bumps and bruises are part of it. We
also know that we have players who can't and don't make that type of commitment because the pain factor and the work required is too much to commit to. This will be a part of junior football that can't be helped.
However we as coaches have a responsibility to teach all players and provide education for those hoping to make a career or lifestyle from football as well as those who are playing for fun, mateship or just fill in a weekend, cause Mum and Dad want them involved in a team environment.
While we have to continue to educate all players and provide as much opportunity to those who earn it, the players have to be taught that all decisions they make both on and off the field can affect the team in some
way. This loss in particular was a result of lack of concentration, preparation and commitment. Their inability to follow instructions on the day was costly and it affected not only teammates but parents and supporters at the end.
With so much left to gain during the remainder of the season I am left to think about who plays and who doesn't each week and on very few occasions we have had to make tough decisions. Players are now giving us reasons not to play them, no attendance, poor excuses or even no excuses, poor body language and attitudes.
It was unbelievable that even with a squad of 28 players we could only get 21 to the game.
The positives were minimal when you know the capabilities are higher than what was shown but we will continue to teach those that want to listen and try and the others we will keep rotating.
Today Sammy played a lone hand in the backline and was constantly under pressure but stood tall. Pittle and Trent continue to get better with each run and their input will be the most important requirement over the next few weeks as we come up against the better teams. Very well done to Crispy, who is a real surprise packet for an under 13 recruit, and to Liam who tirelessly rucked all day.
Next week is another chance to show what we are made of and it will be interesting to see who has actually taken in the criticism I threw at them and will respond and who will use it as an excuse to underperform again if given the opportunity.
Harsh but we also need to make them aware what lay ahead in the actual footy world.
Thanks to all of our volunteers today and thank you once again to Geoff, Storm and Jodie for your help and commitment to the team.
Rob Dickfos
U14's Coach
