ONE of the most common phrases in our game is “it’s a long week in footy".
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Having watched my Saints knock off Essendon and then lose to Brisbane, and our very own Gold be so competitive against Essendon VFL and then well and truly beaten by Footscray, this rang true to me all weekend.
I love Friday games and the niche the Gold are creating, but it does make for a long weekend after a poor performance.
There will be a time when the players are responsible for performances, but Friday was not one.
As a coach, I tried to find an edge for our group to close what we felt was a narrowing gap, only for the risks I took to backfire.
Our players have worked hard all pre-season to follow our plans and in our pre-match I did not make these a focus.
I know we are all aware what we are trying to implement week in, week out, but I now know they need to be re-inforced every week.
Friday before the game, I wanted our playing group to believe they were all good enough at the level, but it took away from the game style basics.
Certainly, a lesson learned.
It was great to see a good crowd turnout to support us on Friday night.
The way we played on Friday night certainly wasn't a true reflection of where this group is at.
You will see a much more competitive performance from the Gold this Saturday against Port Melbourne.
This week it will be a pretty simple message as we start a lengthy run away from the QEO – win the footy and work hard.
Although it hasn’t supplied us with a win to date, it has made us competitive.
The one positive for the day was when we attended the ANZAC service during the day as a club which is part of our overall life education for our young men.
It was an emotional event with a great turnout from the Bendigo community.
It was a fitting tribute to those who put their lives on the line for our country.