Smithy's VFL Round 18

I remember it like it was yesterday. Was a destruction in the last quarter.

I was there that day and can say it was the worst conditions I 've seen a game played. I got the impression a few players would have preferred the comfort of the water & wind proof Docklands; their heart was not in the game.

The Preston Footscray scores are indicative of the imbalance of the competition.

On a positive note. . I went to Willy on Friday night to witness Ben's recording breaking game. It was an enjoyable night out. idea conditions, and a good game of footy. I thought more of Williamstown royalty would have been there to recognise the occasion. (they might have been in the function room)

I can recall talking with Willi's Billy Myers after that game and he said that a few of the St Kilda lads playing for Sandy made it clear that they didn't want to be there - there was a rather large gathering in the function room on Friday night for our inaugural wine, beer and gin tasting evening which was a great success 

I love the fact that the Bullants made a resurrection, I wish they could have been strong, but having two stand alone clubs within a few KMs in the northern suburbs has made it almost impossible for both of them.

I agree with A.J. - I'm a huge fan of giving credit where credit is due but some of the pat on the back stuff where Port has definitely underperformed I think is unnecessary and at times can be disingenuous.  Not a fan of seeing comments of "proud of the boys, they tried their hearts out" after 10 goal losses, I feel as Semi professionals (and at a club that certainly expects better) they don't need to be cotton wooled - not directed to anybody here btw.

Whilst bullants are struggling and indeed hard to watch I think Werribee and Williamstown are showing with the right set up success is not impossible for stand alone clubs. Many supporters I feel tend to overlook this and forget that in 2019 Port Melbourne made a preliminary and Southport made a final last year when they state the competition is unfair and unbalanced with huge favouritism and advantage to the AFL  rather than stating that year their club just wasn't good enough. 

I agree with A.J. - I'm a huge fan of giving credit where credit is due but some of the pat on the back stuff where Port has definitely underperformed I think is unnecessary and at times can be disingenuous.  Not a fan of seeing comments of "proud of the boys, they tried their hearts out" after 10 goal losses, I feel as Semi professionals (and at a club that certainly expects better) they don't need to be cotton wooled - not directed to anybody here btw.

Couldnt agree more Mega - same happens at Frankston on their social media pages. I appreciate the need to keep positive after a loss, but some of the comments can sound a bit demeaning too.

Re Point Gellibrand Oval. There was a game there vs Frankston years ago when the wind was so strong the kick ins from the Grandstand end were coming back to the kicker. Never seen anything like it before or after that...

Thanks Bearsman.

Northport yes I believe that the coaching position is up for renewal, Port has always done year by year deals and I'm pretty sure that's a format that they still follow. Ild be surprised if Adam is re appointed and I feel that (not that this should have bearing on any decision) if Adam was to stay that it would cause a level of frustration that crowds would further drop - its hard to put a case for Skrobolak staying when it looks pretty certain we will finish the season with less wins than the prior.

Must have been bad if it could not have been worse than the day they played against the Roosters & the  interchange players & coaches had to sit in the back row of the grandstand & still got drenched. Worse day ever !

Don't remember that game digs - must have been a shocker if Ballarat folk are complaining about the weather lol  

Bearsman, we have a definite problem at Frankston. I too understand the need for positivity, and I also understand that the club has done exceedingly well to identify the best talent available under current circumstances. For the most part these blokes DO do us proud with their efforts and I don't want to put any of them down. However, while we know they are trying, this is one bloody tough competition and trying simply doesn't cut it. When we have seen that these blokes have the potential for much better, they need to be reminded of it. 

It's ok to be mediocre, if you're happy to live there forever. I will support the club and the players if we finish bottom 3 for the next 20 years.....but if we're a serious footy club (like Port) we won't take it lying down and we'll aim to get better. I still harbour dreams of us one day lifting that elusive cup. If we aren't aspiring to that, then why the hell is the club still going around? I guarantee that unless we're pushing for that, we won't grow membership or sponsorship, and before long we'll be looking at oblivion yet again.