Comments on: AFL’s P plate coaches still have a lot to learn http://www.crikey.com.au/2008/05/08/afls-p-plate-coaches-still-have-a-lot-to-learn/ now with extra source Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:51:37 +1100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: James Richards http://www.crikey.com.au/2008/05/08/afls-p-plate-coaches-still-have-a-lot-to-learn/#comment-14798 James Richards Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-14798 Knights has not implemented a recipe for long term success? Sure, Essendon have let in far too many goals this season. But teaching a team to attack, rather than putting two men behind the ball and achieving honourable losses is far more important for the long term development of a young team, 9 players of which have played 11 games or less (Bachar Houli being the most experienced). The large amount of goals being scored against Essendon is not entirely a reflection on its backline; defensive actions need to be maintained all over the ground. Defence starts in the midfield and with the amount of inexperienced players Essendon has in this area, it is little wonder that huge scores are being kicked against them. Essendon get ripped apart when the ball is turned over, but teaching young players the ability to move the ball quickly and with precision can only come in time - and is something that cannot be achieved by extra men in defence collecting cheap possessions. Knights has not implemented a recipe for long term success? Sure, Essendon have let in far too many goals this season. But teaching a team to attack, rather than putting two men behind the ball and achieving honourable losses is far more important for the long term development of a young team, 9 players of which have played 11 games or less (Bachar Houli being the most experienced).

The large amount of goals being scored against Essendon is not entirely a reflection on its backline; defensive actions need to be maintained all over the ground. Defence starts in the midfield and with the amount of inexperienced players Essendon has in this area, it is little wonder that huge scores are being kicked against them.

Essendon get ripped apart when the ball is turned over, but teaching young players the ability to move the ball quickly and with precision can only come in time - and is something that cannot be achieved by extra men in defence collecting cheap possessions.

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