What's the payoff in losing?

I've blogged a bit about the Dockers lately. Their losing streak continues. The question I pose here is "What payoff do the Dockers enjoy by losing winnable games?".

Over the past few weeks the Dockers have made a habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They've been in front in the final quarter - and lost - in each of the past four weeks (happy to be corrected here). At times the margin has been substantial. Still they manage to lose.

As an example they had a significant (nearly 40 points?) lead over Geelong at home. They choked. They were going to hand out a hiding in Melbourne leading by nearly 60 points. Again they choked. To do this once is forgivable, but to do it time and again raises questions. What is the payoff in being perpetual losers? Do they perceive themselves as being unworthy of winning? Perhaps. Do their working class roots dictate they have to struggle for the rest of their existence against more affluent, successful clubs? Maybe. Are they afraid of success? Possibly. I'm not sure what the payoff is for them losing. But I believe there is one.

It's about time they figured out the reasons why they give up winnable leads. At the moment they're an embarrassment to the state.

Roger Hayden out for 3-5 weeks

Too bad for Roger Hayden. He's going to be out of the Dockers' line up for 3-5 weeks after receiving a punctured lung in the game against the Dogs last weekend. It's a loss the Dockers don't need. Hayden is a reliable defender who sets about his work in a polished, disciplined manner, unlike some of his team mates who are uncommitted wannabes.

Here's wishing Hayden a speedy recovery.

Time for Rick Hart to go

What's wrong with the Dockers? Admittedly the Dogs are second on the ladder and are a tough ask to beat, but I'm saying that's where the Dockers should be - second on the ladder. Have a look at their list. They've got some of the best mid-fielders in the league, their forwards are the dream team - they don't come much better than Tarrant and Pav for some fire power in front of goal - and yet still they can't deliver and choke on win-able leads.

The Eagles on the other hand are in rebuilding mode. I can't remember a club that's done well despite a big injury list. Have a look at some of the players they had out of the team on the weekend. Lecras, Hunter, Kerr, Hanson, Hurn, and Waters are all champions capable of turning a game around. All are having a rough trot with injuries. Worsfold is doing the right thing and building the club for next year.

Given an injury-free run, the Eagles are going to be hard to beat next year. The Dockers on the other hand will continue to be perpetual under-performers. Perhaps it's time there was a change at the top. I'm talking here Rick Hart and some of the directors. Obviously they take comfort from snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Dockers go down to Geelong

Reports that the Dockers were desperately unlucky to lose to the Cats are off target and miss the point. Put simply the Dockers weren't good enough and deserved to lose.

They lack the fitness to go a full game at full tilt. It's notable that the Cats overran them at the end of both the second and fourth quarters. I don't know why anyone would want to be a Dockers supporter. They have the talent. Let's face it, you don't get up by 38 points over Geelong through not playing a good brand of footy. But they don't seem to be able to deliver when it all counts - and that's frustrating for their supporters.

They've got some young guns that have huge potential but need another season or two under their belts to harden up. By then some of their better players will be past their prime so I can't see things changing in a hurry. I sure hope they don't take any encouragement from tonights efforts.

The only thing they showed tonight is they know how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

The Dockers can play football

Last weekend the Dockers showed what they can do by beating the Eagles by 27 points. But the real question is - why did they leave it until this late in the season to finally play with a bit of heart and passion. Despite Matthew Pavlich being well held for most of the game the Dockers played a brand of footy that wins matches.

Can they maintain the rage for the rest of the season. If I was a betting man I'd say no. They've got the Bombers this weekend who've got a chance of making the 8 whereas the Dockers have almost no chance.

If they had some heart they'd let Troy Cook play the last three games of the season to give him life membership.

Fremantle Dockers look for new coach

Well here's some news that's about 12 months too late. Chris Connolly has resigned as the coach of the Fremantle Dockers - and not before time. I'm sure Chris is a great guy but his performance at the helm of what should be, one of the best football clubs in the AFL has been poor. With the list he's had at his disposal including Black, Pavlich, Hedland, and Tarrant, Connolly should have been crushing all before him. Instead, he's allowed the Dockers to slip out of contention of finals football this year. As much as it's a poor reflection on his skills as a coach, it's also a poor reflection on the executive of the club, who persistently tolerate honorable losses and excuse poor performance.

The Dockers are high on passion, but poor on performance. It's time they stopped their pretense at being an AFL club and gave their loyal supports a finals dividend.