Well, that was a heart-breaking game—and one that will have a real impact on our Top 4 and Top 8 aspirations. But despite the result, I thought it was a heck of a performance from a side so low on troops due to injuries. The effort was absolutely there across the board, and you’ve got to give them credit where it’s due. It’s just a shame that the “W” didn’t fall our way this time.
As someone else pointed out, sometimes those last-gasp wins go your way, and sometimes they don’t. Tonight was one of those nights that just didn’t, sadly.
There were still positives:
Defensively, I thought we held up reasonably well but that last play was terrible.
One moment that stood out—when Dal tried to kick through and regather, only for the ball to go into touch instead of diving on it. I noticed Erin giving him an absolute spray. Hard to know if that’s deeper frustration or just in-the-moment passion, which we’ve seen from Erin before.
As for Ashley Klein—he wasn’t the reason we lost, but he definitely wasn’t great. In the final 10 minutes, there were some moments where the Dolphins could’ve easily been pinged—especially for slowing the ruck and repeatedly pushing the offside line. They seemed to be consistently getting a jump on us.
Whether to take the 2 or not. Hindsight is a beautiful thing. If they had slotted it and gone 4 up only knock the ball on the next set and the Dolphins score there would be cries about it being a stupid decision. I was glad they backed themselves but their execution let them down.
Lastly, for those out there thinking the sky is falling or that we played too much dumb footy to deserve the win—I’d encourage a bit of perspective. That was a team missing not just regulars, but stars, and they went toe-to-toe with a side capable of putting 40 or 50 on anyone. They showed heart, grit, and fight.
Yes, it hurts. But we move forward knowing there’s still a lot to like about the direction we’re heading in.
As someone else pointed out, sometimes those last-gasp wins go your way, and sometimes they don’t. Tonight was one of those nights that just didn’t, sadly.
There were still positives:
- Great to see another debut with Eddie. He didn’t look out of place at all—some big, strong carries, and another young forward who hopefully grows through the system to bolster that promising pack.
- Capewell was outstanding again—defensively excellent, with some great cover tackles. He seemed to miss fewer than usual tonight too, which stood out.
- Erin Clarke was strong up the middle, as always. But you could feel how much we missed big names like Fisher-Harris and Demi out there.
- I thought Charnze was very quiet at centre, and it should probably put the “Charnze to centre, Taine to fullback” discussion to rest. As much as I like Taine, Charnze brings physicality and size that really matters on yardage carries and contesting kicks—he just looked wasted out wide but possibly carrying a niggle?
- Sam Healey had a good stint and I would’ve liked to see more of him, though I get that he’s still young and needed a breather. Freddy also added some solid impact when he came on.
- RTS = Weapon. In some great form.
Defensively, I thought we held up reasonably well but that last play was terrible.
One moment that stood out—when Dal tried to kick through and regather, only for the ball to go into touch instead of diving on it. I noticed Erin giving him an absolute spray. Hard to know if that’s deeper frustration or just in-the-moment passion, which we’ve seen from Erin before.
As for Ashley Klein—he wasn’t the reason we lost, but he definitely wasn’t great. In the final 10 minutes, there were some moments where the Dolphins could’ve easily been pinged—especially for slowing the ruck and repeatedly pushing the offside line. They seemed to be consistently getting a jump on us.
Whether to take the 2 or not. Hindsight is a beautiful thing. If they had slotted it and gone 4 up only knock the ball on the next set and the Dolphins score there would be cries about it being a stupid decision. I was glad they backed themselves but their execution let them down.
Lastly, for those out there thinking the sky is falling or that we played too much dumb footy to deserve the win—I’d encourage a bit of perspective. That was a team missing not just regulars, but stars, and they went toe-to-toe with a side capable of putting 40 or 50 on anyone. They showed heart, grit, and fight.
Yes, it hurts. But we move forward knowing there’s still a lot to like about the direction we’re heading in.
